Mexican Cauliflower Rice Recipe {Paleo + Whole30 Compliant} (2024)

FAQs

Is Chipotle cauliflower rice Whole30 compliant? ›

Described as “freshly grilled riced cauliflower,” the item is seasoned with cilantro, lime and salt, much like the restaurant's classic white rice recipe. Chipotle says cauliflower rice is compliant with Whole30, keto, Paleo, vegan and vegetarian diets.

Cauliflower rice is a dish that is used to simulate rice for people who miss real rice on a low carb diet. Cauliflower is a healthy and low calorie vegetable that can be used to provide apparent bulk in place of more nutrient and calorie dense rice. They are not related plants.

Frozen or Fresh Riced Cauliflower

We can't emphasize this enough — a bag of cauliflower rice should be a staple in your freezer or fridge, especially during the Whole30. Mix it with veggies and top with a protein, and you've got a hearty meal.

Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable, the same family as broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, and cabbage. Cruciferous vegetables are extremely healthy and since cauliflower rice is almost entirely made of cauliflower, it is definitely a great dish to add to your diet.

Exclusively at Chipotle, you can get a Wholesome Bowl, the perfectly compatible, on-the-go or travel meal for your Whole30.

In January 2021, Chipotle tested a cilantro lime cauliflower rice as a lower carb replacement for their standard rice, but it was discontinued later that year.

Cauliflower Rice

You can also try cabbage rice, broccoli rice, and zucchini rice to similar effect. Look for these veggies already “riced” in the produce section or easily dice them into rice-sized bits yourself with a food processor.

Brown rice actually has more selenium (good for heart health) and vitamin B3 (needed for the production of sex and stress hormones) than quinoa, but quinoa is still the healthier choice. Cauliflower rice is a grain-free, gluten-free and nutrient-dense way to replace the white rice on your plate.

However, rice can be high in calories and carbohydrates, meaning it will fill you up without providing you with many additional nutrients. Substituting cauliflower rice for white rice is a great way to get more antioxidants while reducing calories and carbohydrates in order to save room for other nutrient dense foods.

Although they don't have a rice-like texture, paleo-friendly starches like potatoes, plantains, and yams are all nutritious carb sources that can be used in place of rice. Rice substitutes made from vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli are among the most popular paleo-friendly rice swaps.

What rice is Paleo-friendly? ›

Some paleo folks say white rice is okay because it provides straight glucose for your body, (which your body needs for fuel provided you aren't keto); however, you should stay away from brown rice because the whole grain contains phytates, lectins, and arsenic which can cause digestive unrest.

A Whole30-compatible substitute is Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos, Big Tree Farms Coconut Aminos, or Thrive Market Coconut Aminos. It tastes just like soy sauce!

While everyone's tolerance is different, too much cauliflower can create G.I. distress, like excess gas and bloating. “Make sure to drink enough water to move it through your system,” suggests Lincoln. Cooking it can also dial back digestion woes.

Cauliflower and other cruciferous veggies contain a complex sugar called raffinose. It is hard to break down and is instead fermented by the bacteria in the large intestine. As a result, you may experience bloating and flatulence among other gastric issues.

While they are both very nutritious vegetables, broccoli has a higher vitamin content, specifically in vitamin K and C, than cauliflower and is specifically known to be great for eye health. Broccoli florets also provide more minerals and fiber as well as contains vitamin A that isn't in cauliflower.

If you've been craving Mexican food on your keto diet, then you're going to love this Chipotle cauliflower rice. It's so incredibly simple and yet bursting with fresh flavor. And unlike dishes made with real rice, it doesn't weigh you down or spike your blood sugar.

So, is the new cauliflower rice at Chipotle healthy? Well, it's significantly lower in calories and carbs compared to the standard white rice option. Nutritionists are also fans of riced cauliflower in general. "If you're looking to cut down on carbs or avoid gluten, it's a great option," St.

Chipotle is now offering cauliflower rice as a grain replacement. I tried the chain's Whole30 bowl with cauliflower rice and thought the new base lacked the ability to support toppings.

The Wholesome Bowl is Paleo, Whole30^®, Grain Free, Gluten Free, and Keto. Light Rice, Black Beans, Fajita Veggies, Fresh Tomato Salsa, Guac, and Extra Romaine Lettuce. A balanced bowl for a balanced life.