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This is the tastiest low-carb cauliflower rice recipe. The cauliflower rice and tangy lime-cilantro sauce (both nutritious!) are easy to whip up too. Ready in 15 minutes using a food processor or blender. I’m all about fast, healthy recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor and this one’s a perfect fit.

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cauliflower rice in a bowl with lime wedges and cilantro.

Cilantro lime cauliflower rice: Versatile and Nutritious!

Are you guys loving all of the Wholesomelicious Cauliflower Rice Recipes? I don’t know about you, but I always keep cauliflower rice on hand for an easy side dish or healthy lunch. It’s honestly become a pantry staple for me, along with a few other cauliflower favorites I keep coming back to.

Another week, another different flavor! So many of you are a fan of my Cauliflower Spanish Rice, but I figured we can change it up and add another variety to pair with Mexican or Asian dishes.

So here we go with Cilantro lime!! As a nutritionist, I am always looking to add more fiber and cruciferous veggies to every meal. Every client I have ever worked with, can always use extra fiber in their diet! It’s also important to add cauliflower rice in a way that makes us excited about eating a dish.

That’s exactly what we get with this cilantro lime version! The dressing on the sautéed cauliflower/onion/garlic is tangy, delicious, and also adds in nutrients with fresh cilantro and lime juice. It also pairs well with just about EVERYTHING!! So simple to make in less than 15 minutes.

cauliflower rice with lime and cilantro in a bowl.

How to make Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice:

Gather up these simple ingredients:

  • Head of cauliflower
  • Avocado oil
  • Garlic cloves
  • Onion
  • Chopped cilantro
  • White vinegar
  • Lime
  • Ground cumin
  • Sea salt

This recipe is also super easy to whip up with less than 15 minutes!

The directions:

  1. Make riced cauliflower by cutting a large head of cauliflower into florets. Toss in a food processor (or blender) and pulse until a rice like texture is formed. Do not over pulse!
  2. Saute some onion and garlic in a large skillet, then add your riced cauliflower. Saute for just a few minutes until hot, crispy, and the perfect texture.
  3. While this is happening, you’ll make your sauce in the blender or food processor: cilantro, vinegar, lime, cumin, and sea salt. Then drizzle all over the rice to serve.

Tips and Adaptations:

  • Pre-riced cauliflower: you can definitely hit the easy button on this recipe and purchase packaged riced cauliflower! This saves a step. Follow the same directions above, unless you are using with frozen rice. If that’s the case, you may need an extra 3-5 minutes to cook.
  • Making ahead/Storing: You can easily store and use this for meal prep all week! I would recommend separating the sauce from the sautéed cauliflower if doing this method. It will keep well in the fridge for up to one week.
  • Making a meal of it: want to make a meal here? Add in some corn, black beans, chopped tomatoes, bell pepper, and avocado or guacamole for a nutritious and satisfying lunch!
skillet with green cauliflower rice and a wooden spoon.

Serving:

This cilantro lime cauliflower rice is one of those sides that goes with just about anything, but I especially love it alongside Mexican or Thai-inspired dinners. It’s perfect with saucy dishes like my Instant Pot Chicken Mole, adds balance to the bold flavors of Coconut Thai Curry Turkey Meatballs and makes a fresh, light pairing for Sheet Pan Shrimp Tacos.

4.78 from 9 votes

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
This is the tastiest low-carb cauliflower rice recipe. The cauliflower rice and tangy lime-cilantro sauce (both nutritious!) are easy to whip up too. Ready in 15 minutes using a food processor or blender.
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Ingredients 

For the Cauliflower rice:

  • 1 large head of cauliflower
  • 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 large onion, chopped

For the cilantro lime sauce:

  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 3 tbsp avocado or olive oil
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions 

  • Rice your cauliflower: chop your head of cauliflower into florets, place inside food processor and pulse until cauliflower has a rice texture.
  • Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Add oil, and saute onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes, or until fragrant. Add cauliflower rice and continue to saute.
  • Meanwhile, make your sauce: Add cilantro, vinegar, garlic, lime, cumin, and salt to your food processor or blender. While motor is running, add remaining oil. Blend until smooth.
  • Pour sauce on top of cauliflower rice, and continue to mix until dressing is completely incorporated. Remove from heat and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 141kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 300mg, Potassium: 100mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 70IU, Vitamin C: 14.9mg, Calcium: 12mg, Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Amy Rains

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4.78 from 9 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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34 Comments

  1. Araceli says:

    Hello, how much is the serving for the calories listed?

    1. Amy says:

      It’s for 4 servings, so not exactly sure the measurement, but probably around 3/4 cup.

  2. The Wei says:

    Can I rice cauliflower in a blender instead of a food processor?

    1. Amy says:

      Yes, just be careful not to pulse too much or it turns to mush.

  3. Leslie says:

    Nutrition information?

    1. Amy says:

      Hi Leslie, just updated the recipe. You can find the nutrition info at the bottom of the recipe. Hope that helps!

      1. Casey McCarty says:

        Is that for the whole preparation or one serving? If so, what is the serving size?

        1. Katie says:

          Following up on this thread. Would love to know if the nutrition facts are based on entire dish or per serving? Thank you!

          1. Amy says:

            Per serving!

  4. Connie Shuffett says:

    This looking amazing! I got an immersion blender/food processor kit for Christmas and haven’t used it yet. Guess what I’ll be making today!

    1. Amy says:

      Enjoy, Connie!!

  5. Clarissa says:

    Holy sh*** this was the bomb.com!

  6. Katharine says:

    5 stars
    This is great. The sauce is amazing!
    Thanks!

    1. Amy says:

      You’re welcome! Thanks for stopping by 🙂

  7. Liz says:

    Absolutely wonderful- added some chopped jalapeños into the blender with the rest of the ingredients. Served with marinated steak kabobs. Delicious!

  8. Adrienne Gonzales says:

    5 stars
    Wow, this is so delish! I’m having it with some leftover carnitas for the perfect lunch. Thanks for a great recipe.

  9. Dawn says:

    I bought packaged cauliflower rice. How much do you think I would need to equal a head of cauliflower?

    1. amy@wholesomelicious.com says:

      About 2.5 cups, between 2.5 – 3 would work great!

  10. Tabitha says:

    Love love love this recipe! Truly delicious sauce.

    1. amy@wholesomelicious.com says:

      Yay!! So glad you love it, thank you ????