We love this EASY Whole30, Paleo, Keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, egg-free, and nut-free Mexican-inspired side dish! It comes together in 15 minutes and can use fresh or frozen riced cauliflower.
Last night for Taco Tuesday my husband and I had Whole30 Taco Salad bowls – taco meat (taco seasoning recipe here), guac, salsa, lettuce, my creamy Whole30 cilantro ranch, and THIS delicious Mexican Cauliflower Rice. I think your next Taco Tuesday needs this!

Whole30 Mexican-Inspired Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients
- 3 T oil I use coconut, but olive oil or ghee can work too
- 4 cups riced cauliflower fresh or frozen
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
- 1/2 c chicken broth Whole30 compatible if on a Whole30
- 1 T chili powder
- 1 t salt
- 1 t cumin
- Half bunch cilantro finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add the riced cauliflower
- Cook riced cauliflower in oil for 3-4 minutes.
- Add all other ingredients and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium and cover, simmeringing covered for 10-15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and cooked into the rice. Frozen cauliflower rice will take longer than fresh.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped cilantro.
Notes
Excellent with taco meat seasoned with my taco seasoning, or in a burrito bowl like this one topped with my Cilantro Ranch.
LOVE this!! My go-to side dish when I’m in a pinch for time. I literally keep bags of cauliflower in the freezer so I can make this on the fly. I’ve tried cauli-rice before but couldn’t get into it–but this recipe sold me! Tastes just like real Mexican rice. I make this even when I’m not on Whole30.
Wahoo! I love a good veggie win – so happy this is a go-to for you, thank you!
How many servings is this? Trying to figure out nutritional information.
This recipe will yield 4 servings. Thank you for asking, as some of my older recipes don’t have the servings – I will add that in. Enjoy!
Family of 8 here, and we loved this dish! So good!! Totally hit the “taco craving”!
I doubled everything (cause really when isn’t it needed LOL), so we have a bit left for lunch tomorrow!
Haha, I totally get the “doubling everything” life! Wahoo that this was a family hit, thank you!
Hands down, this is my go to side dish when I have no idea what to serve with a meal. It’s quick and easy (and cheap) and always a big hit!
Happy this is a go-to side dish for you! Thank you!