Perfect Pairings: 8 BEST Side Dishes for Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower rice sounds like a very strange dish.

After all, most people are used to cooking real rice – but is it possible that your favorite side could be better than the main course?

Cauliflower rice is a dish that can be used as a substitute for real rice.

It has a few advantages over the classic grain.

First of all, it’s much healthier – with fewer carbs and calories per serving than regular rice, cauliflower is a great option for those trying to eat a little healthier but still crave delicious side dishes.

The flavor of cauliflower rice is also a great option for those who don’t enjoy real rice’s flavor or texture.

It has a much more neutral taste, allowing you to spice it up with other flavors without worrying about altering the main dish’s flavor profile.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the most popular cauliflower rice recipes and discuss some great side dishes that pair up perfectly with this dish.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Cauliflower Rice?

Cauliflower rice is a great way to lighten up your favorite carbs.

However, it can be rather boring on its own and sometimes you need a little more of something to go with it.

A meat patty for meatless Monday or some broccoli and cheese sauce covered in cheddar and bacon cauliflower rice isn’t the same without their corresponding sides.

This is why serving side dishes for cauliflower rice might be a great idea.

Giving your meal an extra flavor boost or adding more vegetables to your plate is never a bad thing.

Another reason to consider serving side dishes for cauliflower rice is that it can be a great way to add variety.

When you have something already prepared in the fridge or on hand, serving up a plate of cauliflower rice with two or three different side dishes will give your dinner guests some options and prevent them from getting bored with their food.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Rice? 8 BEST Side Dishes

Here are eight great side dishes to go with cauliflower rice.

1 – Creamed Spinach

Yes, you can have creamed spinach alongside creamy cauliflower rice.

This leafy green dish is healthy and will add a lot of flavor to your meal.

The creamed spinach must be served hot.

Otherwise, it could end up tasting rather cold, which wouldn’t be pleasant for anyone.

This side dish is a great way to add a little more nutrition to your meal.

You can serve it up with some steak or chicken, and you’ll have a balanced, healthy dish that everyone will enjoy.

The best-creamed spinach will be served hot and creamy, with the perfect amount of seasoning.

2 – Garlic Roasted Broccoli

For a healthier option, you can try garlic roasted broccoli with your side of cauliflower rice.

This dish is another great carrier for the flavor and works perfectly alongside meat or chicken dishes.

There are many ways to prepare garlic roasted broccoli, so the method you choose must taste great.

Some people swear by adding a little bit of brown sugar or honey to their broccoli, but you can also opt for adding a little bit of lemon juice and pepper.

The garlic and olive oil used for roasting must be sufficient, though, as these ingredients will contribute to the majority of this dish’s flavor.

3 – Lemon Roasted Asparagus

A tasty alternative to broccoli is lemon roasted asparagus.

This dish has a zesty flavor that will be delicious with your side of cauliflower rice.

There are many ways to prepare lemon roasted asparagus, so the method you choose must taste great.

Some enjoy serving this side dish with a little salt and pepper, while some add a pinch of sugar for sweetness.

It’s also possible to add another flavor element by adding either herbs or spices, such as basil or rosemary.

Whatever method you choose to make lemon roasted asparagus, make sure it tastes great.

4 – Glazed Carrots

For a slightly sweeter side dish, consider serving glazed carrots with your cauliflower rice.

This healthy and delicious dish is perfect for summer or winter meals and can be prepared in various ways.

Each method requires its preparation process, so you should find a way that works well for you.

Some people enjoy adding brown sugar to their carrots, while others prefer honey or maple syrup.

You may also opt to include some orange juice or zest into the mix, which will give your side dish a nice citrus kick.

Perfect on its own or alongside some chicken; glazed carrots are always a great choice.

5 – Mushrooms Au Gratin

One side dish that goes particularly well with cauliflower rice mushrooms au gratin.

This cheesy and delicious treat can be made in many different ways, so it’s important to find something you enjoy.

Some people like adding a little bit of garlic to their mushrooms au gratin, while others enjoy a heartier taste with some bacon or ham mixed in.

Regardless of how you make them, these delightful treats will go great alongside your side of cauliflower rice.

They’re even delicious on their own.

They can be served up warm and fresh from the oven, making them an excellent way to prepare side dishes.

Just make sure that these do not get overcooked, as the ‘gratin’ element requires them to be soft but with a golden-brown crust on top.

6 – Roasted Beef

For something meaty, you can’t go wrong with roasted beef.

This dish tastes great served hot and is perfect for all seasons.

Whenever someone goes to make roasted beef, they have many options available to them.

You could prepare your side dish with some thyme or rosemary, which will provide a nice flavor to roast alongside any beef you serve.

You could also try it with a little bit of onion or garlic, which will give you an extra element of flavor to enjoy.

Just make sure that the beef is cooked thoroughly before serving it alongside your cauliflower rice.

7 – Chicken Black Bean Chili

Another delicious way to serve up your side of cauliflower rice is by making chicken black bean chili.

This is a hearty dish that tastes great on its own or alongside some tortillas or cornbread.

You can find many ways to prepare this tasty chili, so you need to find the one that works for you.

Some enjoy adding a bit of brown sugar, while others prefer to include tomatoes.

You could even try creating your unique concoction with your favorite flavors.

This dish is perfect for the colder seasons since it won’t take long to make and keep you nice and warm.

As a bonus, it’s also healthy.

8 – Shrimp with Warm German-Style Coleslaw

Feeling seafood? You can’t go wrong with shrimp paired with German-style coleslaw.

This dish goes particularly well alongside cauliflower rice, especially if you decide to prepare one of the tasty ways listed above.

Some people enjoy this side dish served warm, while others prefer to have it chilled or at room temperature.

All of these methods will taste great alongside your side of cauliflower rice.

Regardless of how you choose to serve it, this dish is always tasty and easy to prepare.

It can also be made at room temperature or chilled, making it perfect for the summer months when you don’t want to deal with hot food.

It tastes delicious served cold on a hot summer day, but it is still just as tasty warm from the oven.

Conclusion

Cauliflower rice is a nice alternative to a traditional side dish, and it goes great with many different types of food.

You can serve it alongside pretty much anything you make, although some dishes taste better when paired with certain sides.

This article discusses eight different options for side dishes that go well with cauliflower rice.

It also gives helpful hints on how to prepare each dish to keep your meals healthy and tasty.

Lastly, this article provides information on how to serve these dishes for the best result.

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