Missing Mexican food because you can’t eat rice? You can enjoy it food again with this quick and easy Chipotle-style cilantro lime cauliflower rice! It’s perfect for burrito bowls!
Ever since college Chipotle has been my favorite fast food. When my husband and I get a chance to go on a date, he doesn’t even have to ask where I want to go. Not that there are really that many options when you can’t eat gluten and you want your food to be as non-GMO as possible…
Sadly, ever since going back on the GAPS Diet last month, Chipotle has been out of the question. Not only are black beans not on the menu, but that delicious cilantro-lime rice isn’t either. Now, I’m not one to sit around pining over things I can’t have. I’d much rather spend my time and energy figuring out a delicious alternative that can fit into my current diet.
For all of you missing Chipotle, there’s still hope! This cauli-rice is an easy and healthy side. With only a few ingredients, you can add it to your grain-free burrito bowls and enjoy guilt-free! And bonus: it only takes a few minutes to make! Double win.

Chipotle-Style Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower. This recipe uses a whole head of cauliflower. Though you can double it or cut it in half, if you want. Organic is always the best option, and frozen will not work, sorry.
Garlic. If you don’t want to put raw garlic in your cauliflower rice, you can just use garlic powder. You can just leave it out, if you want, but it will change the flavor. And if it’s a savory thing, garlic is the best flavor to add!
Cilantro. It wouldn’t be cilantro lime cauliflower rice without cilantro… Fresh is pretty much the only kind you should use. I have tried tried and it really just doesn’t have the right flavor. If you’re really into cilantro, you can add more than the 1/4 cup that the recipe calls for! Feel free!
Lime. As with the cilantro, you can add more than 1 tablespoon of lime juice, if you want. And again, fresh is best! But you can use pre-juiced lime juice if you want. It will still be good. Use a regular lime, too, not key limes.
More delicious grain-free side dishes.
If you’re looking for more delicious grain-free side dishes to share, here are a few of my favorites. They’re all nourishing and fairly simple. Which is what I love best!
- spicy Italian roasted brussels sprouts
- easy sweet potato oven fries
- quick & simple coleslaw
- cheesy mashed potatoes in the Instant Pot
- easy paleo creamed greens

In the recipe card I’ve linked to some of the products from my affiliate partners that I like to use. Purchasing through these links won’t cost you anything extra, but I will earn a small percentage that will go to help support and maintain this site and its free content. Thanks!
Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice
Free from grain, gluten, eggs, dairy, and sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1-1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil, olive oil, or ghee
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
Instructions
Wash cauliflower and remove leaves, core, and stems. Cut off the florets and roughly chop.
Pulse about 2 handfuls at a time in a blender (I used my Blendtec) or food processor until riced. Pour into a bowl and repeat until all cauliflower is riced.
Heat a skillet over medium. Add coconut oil, garlic, and riced cauliflower. Stir fry until fork-tender.
Stir in cilantro and lime juice.
Eat ASAP cause cauliflower rice isn’t the best cold.
If you’re looking for more delicious “Mexican” and healthy food, here are a few more recipes you should check out…





I’ve heard of cauliflower mash, but never rice! This looks and sounds so good; a healthy alternative to a classic favorite!
xo, Kristina
Thanks so much, Kristina! It’s a wonderful alternative, and a super easy one, too. ;)
This looks so good! Pinned & Yummed :-)
Thanks, Angela! :)
My husband and I tried cauliflower rice a few weeks ago and it was amazing! Can’t wait to try your cilantro lime version. Thank you for sharing at Merry Monday!
Glad to share it, Amanda! I hope you like it! :)
This recipe looks amazing. Thanks for sharing with us all.
Glad to share, Charlene! Thank you for stopping by! :)
Great idea! I can’t eat rice because I’m allergic, so that cuts out so many GF options for me. I have made cauli-rice before but I always seem to forget about it when it’s time to cook. I have to save this recipe, I used to love Chipotle’s rice! Thanks for sharing at Let’s Get Real Friday!
Glad to share, Stefani! I hope you remember to give it a try. ;)
Brilliant! I have been trying to work out what I can have instead of rice – and I have a cauliflower in my fridge! I am definitely making this tomorrow. Thank you! Have pinned. #freefromfriday
You are so welcome! ;) I hope you enjoy it, Victoria! Thanks so much for stopping by. :)
HI Raia,
Sounds simple and healthy. Thanks so much for sharing on Real Fridays. Pinned & tweeted!
Glad to share, Marla! Thank you for pinning and tweeting. :)
Looks delicious, love taste it, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning and tweeting.
Glad to share, Swathi! Thank you so much for pinning and tweeting. :)
This recipe sounds great, Raia! We eat a lot of rice and this would be such a nice alternative. And maybe a sneaky way to get some cauli into my son without him knowing. ha! Thanks for stopping by Inspiration Thursday! So fun to have you visit.
Haha! Yes, a sneaky-mom win for sure. ;) I hope you enjoy it, Lela! Thank you for stopping by!
This is genius. I’ve seen cauliflower used in place of many grains, but not rice and the chipotle-lime flavors sounds amazing. I’m pinning! Thanks so much for linking up at You Link It, We Make It. Hope to see you back tomorrow!
Thanks. ;) And thank you so much for stopping by and pinning, April! I’m glad to share. ;)
I am such a huge Chipotle fan, this recipe sounds delicious! I cannot wait to try it. Thanks for sharing at Simply Natural Saturdays!
Glad to share, Britney! Thanks so much for stopping by! :)
had this for dinner tonight, it was great!! Thanks Raia!
Thanks so much, Tessa! :)