One day a couple of weeks ago, I didn't have much time to make dinner. I like to keep my freezer stocked with cauliflower rice, so instead of following A Saucy Kitchen's full recipe, I microwaved a bag of cauliflower rice and added cilantro, avocado oil, bottled lime juice and a tiny bit of garlic. I was so impressed and so was my husband. I've been making this super easy Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice ever since!

I decided to share the recipe to help out those of you who may not have much time (or desire) to cook. This is a great go-to side dish. Not only can it be on the table in 10 minutes, it's gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, low-carb, Paleo, keto- and Whole30-friendly! It's also a delicious way to eat your veggies!

Health Benefits & Nutrition Info

Cauliflower rice has become a popular substitute for regular rice and for good reason! Cauliflower is low in calories and carbohydrates as well as high in fiber, and it's a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, B6, folate and choline. It also contains the antioxidants sulforaphane, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates that research shows may help to fight cancer, balance hormones and keep the heart healthy (source). Check out this article by Well-Being Secrets if you want to learn more about the health benefits of cauliflower!

Cauliflower may be the star ingredient, but cilantro also provides important nutrients. It contains vitamin C, potassium, and an impressive amount of vitamin A and vitamin K. Interestingly, research shows that it may help rid the body of heavy metals! (source)

These ingredients come together to form a delicious, versatile and nutritious side dish that is easy to prepare as well as gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, low-carb, Paleo, keto and Whole30 compliant!

Tips, Substitutions & Supplies

I've included Amazon links to products below for your convenience. Some of them are affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you purchase a product through one of my links. Thank you for supporting Taste Abounds!

I do NOT like to rice my own cauliflower, especially when I can buy riced cauliflower fresh or frozen for around the same price as I can buy a head of organic cauliflower. Less mess and less work, yet the result is the same and the cost is comparable. Buying riced cauliflower is a win-win!

Riced cauliflower has also become pretty easy to find. Natural Grocers usually carries fresh cauliflower rice in their produce section, and Costco sells it both fresh and frozen. I've also seen it available at Walmart and King Soopers.

If you must rice your own cauliflower, be sure to make it as easy as possible for yourself by using a good blender. I own and recommend the Ninja Master Prep blender/food processor combo. This $35 workhorse handles everything from grinding nuts and seeds to making salad dressings and smoothies. I love it!



A good quality garlic press also makes this recipe (and your life in the kitchen) easier. I own the Oxo Good Grips Garlic Press, but there are a number of good ones available on Amazon.



One last suggestion: use an oil without a lot of flavor to make this recipe so the cilantro and lime can be the stars of the show. Almond or macadamia nut oil would work well and provide healthy monounsaturated fats, but I prefer avocado oil, specifically Chosen Foods brand Avocado Oil from Costco. This avocado cooking oil by Tropical Plantation is the next best deal that I've been able to find:



This Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice is so easy to make, yet flavorful and healthy. It's the perfect go-to side dish for anyone struggling to find the time to cook healthy meals! If you have the time, however, head over to A Saucy Kitchen and give Sarah's recipe a try. It's quite impressive, as is her entire site!

Check out the video below to see how easy it is to make this Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice, and then keep scrolling to get the full recipe.

Easy 10 Minute Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Gluten-free | Grain-free | Dairy-free | Egg-free | Rice-free | Vegan | Low-carb | Keto | Paleo | Whole30

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: about 7 minutes
Total Time: about 10 minutes

 

Ingredients:

-   2 lbs riced cauliflower
-   1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
-   1/4 cup avocado oil (or other mild or flavorless oil)
-   2 Tbsp lime juice
-   1/2 tsp minced garlic
-   1/2 tsp salt

Directions:

Microwave the riced cauliflower in a covered, microwave safe dish according to the directions on the package. Remove, pour into a strainer and set aside to strain.

Meanwhile, chop the cilantro and mince or press the garlic.

Pour the strained cauliflower rice to a large bowl. Add the cilantro, garlic, oil, lime juice and salt. Mix until well combined and serve.

This is delicious served with my Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken!

Enjoy!


Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for convenience. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.