Cauliflower 'Rice' Recipe with Pesto

5 from 15 votes

Healthy and low in calories, this Cauliflower 'Rice' recipe with Pesto is a vibrant side dish bursting with basil, spinach, garlic, lemon and Parmesan flavors.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Servings (change as needed):

Author: Cheryl Avrich

Ingredients

1 large head cauliflower (this will make about 4 cups or 14 ounces riced cauliflower)
2 teaspoon olive oil

Pesto

1/2 cup fresh baby spinach
3/4 cup basil leaves
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or up to 1/3 if preferred)
1 clove garlic (1 tsp)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest (or more)
1/3 cup olive oil (or up to 1/2 cup if you're using more Parmesan)
1/4 cup lightly toasted pine nuts or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

PREPARE AND 'RICE' CAULIFLOWER: Rinse cauliflower and shake off excess water. Cut into quarters and then into florets. Remove all stems. Place half of florets into a food processor and pulse until cauliflower resembles rice. Empty into a skillet. You may still have a couple of florets that didn't chop. Just add them to the next batch. Pulse next batch until all cauliflower is rice-size. Add to skillet. You will have about 4 cups 'rice'.
MAKE PESTO: In the same processor bowl, add spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, nuts (if using), garlic, salt, pepper, lemon zest and a bit of the oil (about 2-3 tablespoons). Process until blended. While processor is still on, slowly add remaining oil through feeder tube until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
COOK CAULIFLOWER RICE: Add 1 tablespoon oil to cauliflower in skillet and heat to medium. Stir to combine. Cover and cook for 5-10 minutes. This will depend on the size and depth of the pan. Cauliflower should be tender (not mushy) and still have a slight bite to it.
ADD PESTO AND SERVE: Add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup pesto until you're happy with the taste (reserve any leftovers for pesto ricotta crostini appetizers or other uses). Stir until well combined and heated through - one to two minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with or pass extra Parmesan, chopped nuts and/or shredded basil leaves.

Notes

Make Ahead:

The pesto can be made a day or two ahead. And you can 'rice' the cauliflower ahead of time as well and store it in a sealed bag or container for a few days or even in the freezer (I just learned) for up to 6 months.
If you make the recipe an hour or two ahead, I suggest under cooking the cauliflower rice a bit, then rewarming the completed dish on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition Value estimates include more pesto that you will need for this recipe and therefore will be a bit lower. They also do not include the optional pine nuts.