Cauliflower rice is our go-to for a low-carb swap. It’s light, fluffy, and works with almost everything. But let’s be honest: eating it plain can get boring fast. We’ve all been there, staring at a bowl of cauliflower bits and wondering what to do next.
We’ve got you covered with 12 amazing sides that’ll jazz up your meal. Think spicy beans, tangy slaws, and hearty stews.
These sides are total game-changers. From our pan to yours, let’s make that cauliflower rice way more exciting!
Top 12 Side Dishes for Cauliflower Rice
Here are some of our favourite ways to make that cauliflower rice the star of the meal.
Whether you’re looking for something quick and easy or a dish to impress, these sides have got you covered.
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Grilled Lemon Chicken Skewers | Chicken, lemon, garlic, herbs | Tangy, savory | Easy | 30 min |
| Sauteed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon | Shrimp, garlic, lemon, butter | Garlicky, citrusy | Easy | 20 min |
| Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce | Salmon, dill, yogurt, lemon | Creamy, herbal | Moderate | 40 min |
| Roasted Turkey Breast | Turkey breast, herbs, garlic | Savory, aromatic | Moderate | 1 hour |
| Grilled Pork Chops with Herbs | Pork chops, herbs, garlic, olive oil | Herbal, garlicky | Easy | 30 min |
| Baked Tofu Stir-Fry | Tofu, vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil | Savory, umami | Moderate | 45 min |
| Grilled Portobello Mushroom Caps | Portobello mushrooms, balsamic vinegar, herbs | Earthy, tangy | Easy | 25 min |
| Roasted Vegetable Medley | Mixed vegetables, olive oil, herbs | Roasted, herbal | Easy | 40 min |
| Quinoa and Black Bean Salad | Quinoa, black beans, bell peppers, cilantro, lime | Nutty, fresh | Easy | 30 min |
| Avocado and Grapefruit Salad | Avocado, grapefruit, greens, balsamic vinaigrette | Creamy, tangy, refreshing | Easy | 20 min |
| Roasted Garlic Hummus with Pita Chips | Chickpeas, tahini, garlic, olive oil | Creamy, garlicky | Easy | 15 min |
| Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce | Chickpeas, herbs, spices, tahini sauce | Crispy, herbal, creamy | Moderate | 45 min |
1 – Grilled Lemon Chicken Skewers
Ah, grilled lemon chicken skewers—our zestful go-to side. Perfectly grilled chicken with a zesty zing of lemon that makes our taste buds do a happy dance.
Chicken is juicy, and the lemon adds a refreshing tang. It’s a simple mix of chicken breasts, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill them to perfection for that lovely char.
They pair amazingly with cauliflower rice, making our dinners feel fancy without the extra fuss.
2 – Sauteed Shrimp with Garlic and Lemon
Alright, who loves shrimp? We sure do! These sauteed shrimp with garlic and lemon are simply incredible. We’re talking juicy shrimp cooked perfectly in a garlicky butter sauce with a fresh burst of lemon.
You’ll need shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon juice, salt, and a smidge of red pepper flakes. Trust us, the flavor combo is top-notch. The garlic and lemon work together to create pure magic.
3 – Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce
We’re huge fans of baked salmon. This dish is all about fresh flavors and effortless cooking. Salmon is baked to tender perfection, then drizzled with a creamy dill sauce.
It’s a simple but yummy dish that’s a hit every time. The rich, buttery salmon pairs beautifully with the tangy, herby dill sauce. Ingredients we use: fresh salmon fillets, Greek yogurt, dill, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Here’s a tip: make sure the salmon is baked just right for maximum flakiness. The dill sauce brings a refreshing kick to the meal. It’s a no-fuss dish that looks and tastes fancy.
4 – Roasted Turkey Breast
Roasted turkey breast—a classic. We slather it with a simple mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
The outside turns crispy, while the inside stays juicy. We love how it pairs with cauliflower rice.
The flavor combo is rich and comforting. It’s like a hug on a plate. Our secret? Letting it rest before slicing.
Simple ingredients: turkey breast, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5 – Grilled Pork Chops with Herbs
Oh, grilled pork chops, how we adore thee. They’re juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor.
We marinate them with olive oil, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Toss them on the grill until they’ve got those beautiful grill marks.
Tip: let them rest before slicing for maximum juiciness. The herbs give a fragrant flavor, making each bite delectable.
It’s a simple yet tasty companion to cauliflower rice.
6 – Tofu Stir-Fry
You know tofu gets a bad rap, right? We’re here to change that with this tofu stir-fry. Crispy outside, tender inside. Tossed with colorful veggies for a pop of flavor.
We use firm tofu, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and your favorite veggies. The tofu soaks up the flavors, making each bite savoury and satisfying. Pro tip: Press the tofu to get that perfect texture.
7 – Grilled Portobello Mushroom Caps
We love these grilled portobello mushroom caps for their meaty texture and earthy flavor. We marinate them in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme. Grill them until tender. They’re juicy and savory, with a hint of tang from the vinegar.
These mushrooms are big and satisfying, perfect with a side of cauliflower rice. Our tip: don’t over-marinate—you want to keep that earthy goodness intact.
8 – Roasted Vegetable Medley
Roasted veggies are routine in our house. We throw together a mix of bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini. They’re seasoned with olive oil, garlic, salt, and rosemary.
This blend roasts to perfection, crispy on the edges, tender inside. Their natural sweetness comes out and pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice. Our secret tip: cut veggies uniformly for even cooking.
Each bite bursts with flavor! Simple and satisfying.
9 – Quinoa and Black Bean Salad
Ready to shake things up? Our quinoa and black bean salad is a flavor-packed side. It’s like a fiesta in a bowl, with quinoa, black beans, corn, red bell pepper, and cilantro.
We love the zesty mix of lime juice, cumin, and garlic. It’s bright, tangy, and super fresh. Perfect for our cauliflower rice.
Simple tip: rinse quinoa to remove bitterness.
10 – Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
Avocado and grapefruit salad—trust us, it’s a wild combo. Creamy avocado balanced with tangy grapefruit is something we can’t resist. This colourful mix includes red onion, cilantro, and baby spinach. Toss in a zest of lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
The flavors pop and the textures blend well. The citrus cuts through the richness of the avocado. Give those grapefruits a good peel to avoid bitterness.
11 – Roasted Garlic Hummus with Pita Chips
Oh, roasted garlic hummus! This is our go-to dip for a reason. Smooth and creamy with a punch of roasted garlic. We use chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and loads of roasted garlic.
The flavor is deep and savory. Perfect for pita chips, veggies, or even on its own. Roasting the garlic mellows it out and adds a subtle sweetness.
Our tip: blend until silky smooth. Enjoy every bite as we do!
12 – Baked Falafel with Tahini Sauce
Alright, let’s talk falafel. We’ve got crispy, baked falafel that’s moist inside. Chickpeas, garlic, parsley, cumin, coriander, and a pinch of salt.
Our secret? Bake instead of fry for a healthier twist. The tahini sauce is creamy and tangy, bringing it all together. We suggest adding a squirt of lemon juice for an extra zing.
Falafel with tahini sauce is perfect for those lighter, satisfying meals.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.