This copycat Whole30 Cilantro Lime Cauliflower RIce gives Cafe Rio and Chipotle cilantro lime rice a twist by making it with riced cauliflower. I know, you might not be a big cauliflower fan. But check the reviews below – this one is flavorful and just might win you over!
Why We Love This Whole30 Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
First, it’s allergen-friendly and meets a wide variety of dietary needs. It’s Whole30, Paleo, Keto, gluten-free, dairy-free. Plus, it’s naturally egg-free and nut-free, as well as plant-based and vegan.
Seocnd, it’s easy and fast with only 4 steps and 15 minutes to make. Gotta love a side dish that doesn’t take a lot of work and comes together quickly!
Finally, it freezes great. That means you can make a double batch and have some ready to go in the freezer for a meal on the run.
What We Pair It With
This Whole30 Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice pairs well with any Mexican dish. Here are some we love that are Whole30, Paleo, gluten-free+ dairy-free:
- Cilantro Lime Chicken with Avocado Salsa (pictured)
- Whole30 Sheet Pan Fajitas
- Whole30 Tacos
- Whole30 Sweet Salsa Pork
- Whole30 Plantain Taco Hash
Ingredients
- Ghee or coconut oil – Use coconut oil for plant-based or vegan. Either tastes delicious! Ghee is clarified butter, meaning the milkfat solids are taken out which makes it less inflammatory for many people. Yes, it’s allowed on Whole30 – you can read more about that here (see the “fine print” section). But, if you have a dairy-allergy, use coconut oil instead.
- Fresh or frozen cauliflower rice – I usually use frozen, just because that’s easy to buy and keep on hand and not go bad. No need to thaw it first! Notice the change in cooking time in the recipe notes to accommodate for the extra moisture if you use frozen. Or, if you have a head of fresh cauliflower, you can rice your own in a food processor with basic instructions like these HERE.
- Chopped garlic – I always prefer to buy jars of minced garlic, like this one at Walmart, to save myself a few steps a dinnertime. Or, use whole garlic cloves, minced.
- Fresh lime and cilantro
- Chopped dried onion flakes – This dried spice gets in the onion flavor in without any extra chopping or fresh ingredients needed. You can also simmer 1/4 of a chopped fresh onion in the oil until translucent before adding the cauliflower rice.
- Salt – Just regular old table salt!
Instructions
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Put the 2 tablespoons ghee or oil in the pan on medium. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
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Add riced caulflower and all the seasonings except the cilantro. For the lime, zest (finely grate) half of the peel into the cauliflower, then juice and add in all of the lime juice.
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Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Rice is done when all the cauliflower is translucent. While cooking, finely chop cilantro (I use a mini food processor).
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Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Perfect as a side to your lettuce tacos, fajitas, or base for a burrito bowl!
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee
- 1 12-ounce bag fresh or frozen riced cauliflower or 3 cups
- 1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
- 1 large lime
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 bunch cilantro
Instructions
- Put the 2 tablespoons ghee or oil in the pan on medium. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add riced caulflower and all the seasonings except the cilantro. For the lime, zest (finely grate) half of the peel into the cauliflower, then juice and add in all of the lime juice.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Rice is done when all the cauliflower is translucent. While cooking, finely chop cilantro (I use a mini food processor).
- Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. Perfect as a side to your lettuce tacos, fajitas, or base for a burrito bowl!
Notes
Nutrition
Yes please! The only way I’ll eat riced cauliflower now.
WOOT that this is THE way to eat cauliflower for you now. I’m so glad you love it! Thank you for the review!
Made this to go in taco bowls tonight- and it was amazing and delicious!!!! But- the best part was when my 14 year old set a portion aside for her lunch tomorrow!!! Delish “rice” (veggies) for the WIN!!!
I love a kid/teen win – those are the best! YAY! Thank you for the review and comment!
This is my new favorite side dish! Delicious, versatile, quick and easy, and the leftovers are just as good the next day. Thanks for another fantastic recipe.
Yes! I love how quick and easy this one – great way to boost the veggies for taco night. Thank you!
So easy, so yummy…the lime takes cauliflower.to a whole new level.
Agreed, so simple, yet so good! Thank you!
Love, love, love!!! I often add some diced poblano pepper about 1/2 way through the cooking.
Ooo, I love the idea of the poblano pepper in this – great add-in. And thank you, so glad you love this easy one!
Wow. My family were not fans when I’ve tried making cauliflower rice before, but everyone loved this. Including a very picky, veggie-hating 7-year-old. Definitely one I’ll make even after Whole30.
YESSSS that this was a cauliflower recipe that won your family over, especially the veggie-hating kiddo!! Love that you want to make it again. Thank you for the review!
This recipe is QUICK and EASY. I am not a fan of cauliflower, but my nutritionist put it on my meal plan for the month. Paired really well with grilled chicken and salsa.
Happy this easy option works for you, even as a non-cauliflower lover!
This cilantro lime cauliflower rice tasted like cilantro lime rice you get at the restaurant 😋 i love that it’s a dairy free healthier option. My husband and I only eat cauliflower rice now instead of white rice and this recipe is my favorite way to eat it!
I typically am not a fan of cauliflower rice- but this recipe has so many yummy flavors with the lime and cilantro that I really enjoyed it. Zesting the lime really added a lot more flavor and made a big difference. I used it in burrito bowls and as a side for tacos.
I’m so happy this easy cauliflower rice won you over! Thank you!