Copycat Chipotle Cauliflower Cilantro-Lime Rice

If you love the taste, texture, and brightness that rice brings to any recipe, but crave something that’s a little more nutrient-dense, then you are going to love this recipe. This Cauliflower Cilantro-Lime Rice recipe is so simple and easy, and makes for the perfect base for a burrito bowl, an unexpected addition to a salad, or heck, it even makes for a great dish all on its own.

Plus, this isn’t your mama’s Cauliflower Rice – no, this is a veggie-packed “copycat” of the rice to rule all rices: the Chipotle Cilantro-Lime Rice. Make this recipe anytime that your Chipotle cravings strike, and thank me later!

Friends, do you consider Chipotle to be fast food? For me, it tends to sit in that in-between spot of being a fast food joint, and a fast casual restaurant. Unlike most fast food restaurants, Chipotle is a place where you can easily find a healthier option. Whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, paleo, or even keto, you can find something that fits almost every diet at Chipotle. And, not to mention, it’s quick, easy, and convenient.

But with that said, no matter how easy it is to eat healthy at a restaurant, it’s always healthiest to eat at home. Why? Because when you cook your own food, you know EXACTLY what goes into it. There’s no risk of anything funky making its way into your food. And, you can truly tailor it to your own taste, which is the best part, in my opinion.

So, while you can totally go to Chipotle and get some of their Cilantro-Lime Rice (or their Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice for an additional $2… yikes), you can also make it at home with a few inexpensive ingredients, and in just a few minutes. And trust me when I say that the few minutes you take to make it at home are SO worth it. It turns out delicious every time, and you can prep it ahead of time, so you always have some “rice” for when the cravings strike!

What You Need to Make This Vibrant Cauliflower Rice

All you need are six simple and easy ingredients to make this recipe! And if you’re someone who cooks at home on the regular, then you may already have these ingredients ready-to-go. Yay!

• Frozen Cauliflower “Rice”: Contrary to its name, cauliflower rice isn’t rice at all! Rather, it’s cauliflower that has just been grated down to form a rice-like consistency. You can find pre-made, frozen, cauliflower rice at your local grocery or health foods store, but you can also make it yourself! To make the cauliflower rice, simply grate a head of cauliflower or pulse it in a food processor, until it forms a rice-like consistency.
• Olive Oil: I love using olive oil because it’s heart-healthy and full of wonderful healthy fats, but any oil works well here!
• Garlic: You’ll want to use fresh garlic cloves for this recipe (and LARGE ones, at that!) However you can also use jarred minced garlic, if preferred.
• Cilantro: Just like with the garlic, you’ll want to use fresh cilantro here. It adds brightness, vibrancy, and an herbaceous flavor that truly can’t be beat.
• Lime: We’ll use the juice of approximately one full lime, in this recipe!
• Sea Salt: And, of course, would this recipe truly be complete without a dash of salt?!

Fun Fact(s) About Cilantro

Did you know that some people are genetically-predisposed to not liking cilantro?! It’s true! There’s a gene that a small percentage of people (approximately 14% of the population) have that makes cilantro taste like soap. As someone who personally loves cilantro, it’s hard to believe that anyone could dislike it! But it’s also cool to see how we’re all built so different from one another.

If you’re someone who can’t stomach the taste of cilantro – for the above reason or otherwise – you can make this recipe with another herb! I recommend trying out parsley! Parsley is closely related to cilantro, and would make for the perfect substitution.

How to Make This Quick, Easy, and Healthy Recipe

Making this Cauliflower Rice recipe could not be more simple! Simply start by heating your oil in a pan, over medium heat, and add in the garlic. Once the garlic starts to brown, toss in your cauliflower rice. Sauté for about 4 minutes, until it’s warm and cooked all the way through. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it will turn mushy!

Once the rice is done cooking, take it off of the heat and stir in your cilantro, lime, and salt. This recipe makes about 4 servings, so feel free to keep the extra in the fridge, for up to one week!

I hope you guys love this recipe! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! And if you post to Instagram, I repost your remakes on my IG stories! xx