Your Favorite Sides Without the Starch: 7 Unique Cauliflower Recipes

If you have ever tried eating paleo {or paleo-ish}, you have probably encountered some interesting recipes that substitute cauliflower for traditional starchy carbs or vegetables. It makes sense as cauliflower is very versatile in that it doesn’t have an overpowering flavor of its own, and it can be prepared many different ways to create a desired texture. That being said though … if your tastebuds are like mine, many of these recipes fall short and turn out disappointing to say the least. After much trial and error, lo and behold we were able to come up with quite a few that hit the mark. These are our top 7 tried and true cauliflower sides:

7. Cauliflower “Potato” Salad: Perfect for your next outdoor bar-b-cue, this dish substitutes cauliflower and paleo-friendly ingredients for the traditional potato salad.

6. Cheesy Baked Cauliflower: If you are truly eating “paleo,” then this one is out. But if you are eating Dr. Brown approved and you can tolerate goat and/ or sheep cheese, then this dish is simply ah-ma-zing! The creamy sauce is so yummy … you’ll want to save the recipe to try on other veggies as well.

5. Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice: I love this recipe because it is perfect when needing a rice substitute for your favorite Asian or Latin American dishes. Simple but oh so good.

4. Fried Cauliflower Rice: This recipe is a little more involved, but it definitely worth it. It is probably my favorite cauliflower “rice” I’ve ever had! Flavor is spot on for traditional Japanese fried rice, so I love serving it with Hibachi chicken.

3. Garlic Cauliflower Mashers: We have tried quite a few mashed cauliflower recipes, and this is by far THE BEST! The roasted garlic adds just the right amount of flavor. I’m not kidding when I say you won’t miss the potatoes.

2. Spanish Cauliflower Rice: This recipe is great to go along with all your favorite Mexican dishes!

1. Twice Baked Cauliflower Mashed No-Tatoes: Oh em gee. This is an all time family favorite! It is very reminiscent of “Twice Baked Potatoes,” but honestly it has won our hearts by its own merit. So good.

Have a go-to that’s not mentioned in this list? We’d love to hear about it. Please share your favorite cauliflower recipe in the comments or on FB, and we will be sure to try it out and incorporate it into our future meal plans. Thanks.

Enjoy!