Paleo Lemon-Parsley Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
Bright, lemony, and surprisingly satisfying, this cauliflower rice pilaf is the kind of side dish that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. The trick is squeezing out as much moisture as possible before the cauliflower hits the pan — that one step is what gives you those lightly golden, almost nutty edges instead of a soggy pile. Shallots and garlic build a savory base, and a finishing hit of fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and flat-leaf parsley lifts the whole thing into something that genuinely tastes like it belongs on a restaurant table. Every ingredient here is whole and unprocessed, so there's no need to flip over labels or second-guess what's hiding in a packaged grain blend. Optional toasted pine nuts add a buttery crunch that takes it over the top if you have them on hand. This recipe makes four servings, so it's just as useful for a quiet dinner as it is for meal-prepping a clean, grain-free base for the week ahead.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 medium shallots, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Working in batches, pulse the cauliflower florets in a food processor 8–10 times until broken down into rice-sized pieces, about 3–4 cups total. Alternatively, grate the florets on the large holes of a box grater. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!