Cauliflower Rice Recipes That Won't Leave You Craving Carbs

Like those build-your-own-burrito restaurants? Then you'll love this diet-friendly DIY version that swaps cauliflower rice for the base. Top with grilled chicken or pork, a corn and black bean salsa, guac, pico de gallo, and lettuce (whew!) for a massive meal that's remarkably low in calories and fat.

Heat cauliflower rice for three minutes, allow to cool, then wrap in a towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to start the crispiest-ever lower-carb crust. Combine with an egg, some Parm, and panko bread crumbs and bake partially before topping, and you'll be amazed by the doughlike results.

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Sweet dried fruit and salty toasted nuts make this vegetarian side dish as flavorful and balanced as it is beautiful. While it's delicious at room temp, we prefer serving this cauliflower rice dish warm.

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File this under "shocking but true." A scoop of this panko-topped creamy chicken Alfredo has just 255 calories. Two smart ingredient swaps make it possible: cauliflower instead of rice and light Alfredo in place of full fat.

Related: Smart Ways to Use Up Leftovers

The beauty of cauliflower rice is the fact it can turn one of your favorite comforting foods into a hearty dish that's still just as satisfying as regular rice. In this case, combine broccoli and/or cauliflower rice with lean ground turkey for a Paleo-friendly dinner the whole family will devour. Pine nuts add a nice crunchy finish to the baked veggie dish.

A cup of sliced cauliflower on top gives a nod to the secret cauliflower rice crust component. Thin rounds of Yukon gold potatoes and rosemary are lightweight enough to keep these slices a handheld (rather than a fork and knife) affair.

Enjoy a hearty scoop of this healthier takeout favorite for just 181 calories. Once you dress up the cauliflower fried rice with garlic, ginger, crushed red pepper, and green onions, you'll be convinced this shrimp cauliflower fried "rice" came via delivery.

Test Kitchen Tip: For a fresh finish, garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Caramelized cauliflower rice (feel free to pick any color from purple to orange to white) makes for a fluffy, flavorful cloud for the sesame-, soy-, and orange-seasoned chicken to float on. With just 9 grams of carbs per serving and zero gluten, this is a crowd-pleasing, globally-inspired meal to share at dinner parties.

Related: Must-Make Asian-Inspired Chicken Recipes with Flavors from Korea, China, Thailand, and More

Brightly-hued and sweet-tasting dried apricots contrast the more subdued beans, greens, and cauliflower. A little sautéed onion and garlic mixed in with the cauliflower rice recipe doesn't hurt the flavor factor of this pistachio-topped side dish, either.

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Cauliflower is a blank slate to soak up plenty of warm, spicy goodness in this speedy skillet supper. Chicken and chickpeas make it satisfying enough for supper, while the ample amount of veggies keep the calorie count low enough for lunch.

Related: 22 High-Protein Vegetarian Entrées

Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern salad that usually contains bulgar wheat. Choose a handful of herbs (dill, parsley, and/or mint) and mix with cauliflower rice, veggies, and sunflower seeds. The result is a refreshing cauliflower rice recipe that is dairy-free, vegan, and the perfect side to accompany Mediterranean dishes.

Use cauliflower rice rather than florets to speed up the smoothie process. It gets boiled then blended anyway; simply strain the veggie rice in a fine-mesh sieve so you don't lose any down the drain. Watermelon, strawberries, and berry Greek yogurt completely disguise the cauliflower, so even picky eaters will be convinced this veggie smoothie is made with solely fruit.

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Yes, Mexican meals can be light, healthy, and loaded with nutrition. Take these tostadas that are spread with a mash of cauliflower, Mexican crema, and a hint of spice from a canned chipotle in adobo. Pile on crisp-tender asparagus, corn, and tomatoes for a colorful vegetarian entrée you'll feel good about eating.

Toast cauliflower rice in a skillet rather than roasting florets in the oven to trim down energy use and the time it takes to get this creamy, butter-free side dish on the table. To crank up the decadence factor of this cauli-tato mash-up, stir in a scoop of sour cream or a handful of shredded cheddar.

Chicken scarpariello is an Italian-American dish that's tangy, rich, and filled with spice. Here those flavors still shine, only bundled into a cauliflower rice recipe to keep the carb count lower while staying true to the original. Use a pizza stone to get the cauliflower flatbreads nice and crisp.

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