Cauliflower rice is a fantastic, healthy alternative to traditional rice, loved for its versatility and low-carb appeal. It's a blank canvas that pairs well with a variety of dishes, offering a light base for bold flavors.

Here you can find 15 tasty side dishes that perfectly complement cauliflower rice, enhancing your meal with an array of textures and tastes to satisfy any palate.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with cauliflower rice are beef stroganoff, chicken soup, stuffed peppers, chicken burrito bowl, pulled pork, cauliflower pizza bowl, chicken tortilla soup, baked salmon, chimichurri steak, crispy tofu, Impossible Burger, chicken kebab, corn salad, arugula salad, and beef short ribs.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Beef Stroganoff
2. Chicken Soup
3. Stuffed Peppers
4. Chicken Burrito Bowl
5. Pulled Pork
6. Cauliflower Pizza Bowl
7. Chicken Tortilla Soup
8. Baked Salmon
9. Chimichurri Steak
10. Crispy Tofu
11. Impossible Burger
12. Chicken Kebab
13. Corn Salad
14. Arugula Salad
15. Beef Short Ribs
What To Serve With Cauliflower Rice

1. Beef Stroganoff

Beef stroganoff over cauliflower rice is a match made in heaven. The rich, creamy sauce and tender beef strips bring a luxurious depth of flavor to the light and fluffy cauliflower rice. This combination creates a comforting, satisfying dish that's both hearty and healthy, offering a low-carb alternative to this classic comfort food without sacrificing taste.

2. Chicken Soup

A warm bowl of chicken soup alongside cauliflower rice makes for a nourishing and comforting meal. The soup, with its tender chicken pieces, vegetables, and savory broth, pairs beautifully with the neutral taste of the cauliflower rice, which absorbs the flavors of the soup. This pairing is perfect for a cozy night in, providing a light yet fulfilling option.

3. Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers filled with a mixture of meats, vegetables, and spices are a colorful and tasty side that complements cauliflower rice wonderfully. The peppers add a sweet and slightly charred flavor to the meal, while the filling brings depth and richness. Serving these alongside cauliflower rice offers a balanced and nutritious dish that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

4. Chicken Burrito Bowl

A chicken burrito bowl is a vibrant, flavorful option that goes great with cauliflower rice. Layered with seasoned chicken, beans, corn, salsa, and avocado, it provides a mix of textures and flavors that spice up the mild cauliflower rice. This side dish is a hearty, customizable option that turns a simple cauliflower rice into a festive and filling meal.

5. Pulled Pork

Pulled pork, with its smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, is a fantastic companion for cauliflower rice. The tender, shredded meat contrasts nicely with the light, grainy texture of the rice, making for a satisfying low-carb meal. This pairing is ideal for those looking for a hearty dish that's both flavorful and health-conscious.

6. Cauliflower Pizza Bowl

A cauliflower pizza bowl deconstructs the classic pizza into a low-carb delight that pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice. Topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, it offers a fun and tasty way to enjoy the flavors of pizza without the crust. This side dish is a creative, delicious option for cauliflower rice enthusiasts looking to mix things up.

7. Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken tortilla soup, with its rich, spicy broth, tender chicken, and crisp tortilla strips, makes a warming and flavorful side for cauliflower rice. The soup's bold flavors complement the subtle taste of the cauliflower rice, creating a harmonious balance. This combination is perfect for those seeking a comforting and slightly spicy meal that's both satisfying and light.

8. Baked Salmon

Baked salmon, with its tender, flaky texture and rich omega-3 fatty acids, pairs beautifully with the lightness of cauliflower rice. Seasoned simply with lemon, dill, and a touch of olive oil, it provides a healthy, flavorful side that enhances the meal with its natural, subtle sweetness. This combination offers a satisfying, nutritious option perfect for those looking for a balanced and delicious meal.

9. Chimichurri Steak

Chimichurri steak brings a burst of fresh, herby flavor to the table, making it an excellent companion for cauliflower rice. The vibrant chimichurri sauce, made from parsley, garlic, vinegar, and oil, drizzled over grilled steak, adds a zesty and aromatic dimension to the mild cauliflower rice, creating a dish that's both bold and refreshing.

10. Crispy Tofu

Crispy tofu, with its golden exterior and soft interior, offers a delightful contrast in textures when served with cauliflower rice. Marinated and then baked or fried to achieve that perfect crunch, it introduces a protein-rich, vegetarian option that's flavorful and satisfying. This side dish is ideal for those seeking a lighter, plant-based meal that doesn't skimp on taste or texture.

11. Impossible Burger

The Impossible Burger, known for its meat-like taste and texture, provides an innovative and sustainable side dish option. Served alongside cauliflower rice, it creates a modern, health-conscious meal that's both filling and flavorful. This plant-based burger, especially when topped with your favorite condiments and fixings, offers a satisfying alternative for those looking to reduce meat consumption without sacrificing flavor.

12. Chicken Kebab

Chicken kebab, marinated in spices and grilled to perfection, adds a smoky, savory element to cauliflower rice. The charred, juicy pieces of chicken on skewers not only bring a festive feel to the meal but also pack it with lean protein. This combination is great for a light yet fulfilling meal, offering a mix of flavors that perfectly complements the cauliflower rice.

13. Corn Salad

Corn salad, bursting with fresh, sweet kernels, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lime or vinegar dressing, offers a refreshing side dish that pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice. Its bright flavors and crisp textures bring a summery freshness to the meal, balancing the simplicity of the cauliflower rice with vibrant, tangy notes.

14. Arugula Salad

Arugula salad, with its peppery leaves and simple lemon and olive oil dressing, adds a fresh, spicy kick to cauliflower rice. Topped with shaved Parmesan and perhaps some toasted nuts for crunch, it provides a quick and easy side that elevates the meal with its bold flavors and contrasting textures, making for a light, nutritious option.

15. Beef Short Ribs

Beef short ribs, slow-cooked until they're fall-off-the-bone tender, offer a rich and decadent side that complements the lightness of cauliflower rice. The ribs, braised in a savory sauce of wine, herbs, and vegetables, bring depth and complexity to the dish, creating a luxurious meal that's both comforting and satisfying.