Transitioning from winter to spring with this Fruity Cauliflower Rice is perfect to end the season and begin anew. Gluten and grain free, vegan, and paleo, this sweet colorful “rice” is a perfect healthy side dish for any weeknight dinner.
I adore cauliflower and pomegranate and kiwi and coconut….okay, well I adore A LOT of foods 😉 With each season, there are different gems that are at their peak and should be eaten as much as possible. Now that winter is coming to a much needed close, there is still a bit more time to jam in the perfect winter produce while we can! But we can also lighten things up with the coming of spring with sweet pretty flavors and colors!
So to utilize the flavors of this awkward transition between seasons, why not combine winter produce and spring flare? Well, I did just that and might I say this transition just got a lot easier 😉 Good-bye winter, hello spring, this foodie is so ready! One thing I am sad about is that I never got to have a blood orange 🙁 The few times I did see them, they we horrendous. I did however, utilize the pomegranate a lot more this year than I normally do. Love those beautiful little jewels!
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When I made this “rice”, I had a random assortment of produce: a beautiful head of green cauliflower (from Frieda’s!) that needed to be used, a pomegranate, and some random kiwis. I also had some more of my favorite coconut milk in the pantry. I’ve only ever made savory cauli-rices, but since I’m me, I’m all for trying weird new things (and color combos). Combining all these random ingredients for a sweet side dish was the plan!
I didn’t realize it until now, but this is also pretty fitting for St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow. The day all about the green! If you already have some heavier based foods planned like corned beef, soda bread, and potatoes, this was be the perfect sweet and light dish to bring to the table as well!
Speaking of, what’s on the menu for St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow? Does your family celebrate with a feast? I remember one of my first St. Patrick’s Day’s being gluten-free, I made some soda bread. It looked perfect coming out of the oven, but I made the “mound” to round and deep and the middle was gooey and uncooked :/ Major fail. I was going to try my hand at creating one this past week, but time slipped away and that was a fail too. Next year, I promise 😉
This year, I’m back at school so there won’t be any special meals (or soda bread…), but I’ll think of something! If only I had more green cauliflower. I would so make some of this “rice”! Actually, I’d need a pomegranate and come coconut milk too. I have the kiwis and the coconut flakes, but that’s it. I guess I’ll just have to eat a bunch of salad greens, zucchini, and snow peas! I have all those!
Fruity Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients: (serves 4)
+ 1 Large Head of Green Cauliflower
+ 1/3 Cup Lite Culinary Coconut Milk
+ 3/4 Cup Pomegranate Arils
+ 3 Small Kiwis (about 3/4 Cup sliced and halved)
+ 2 TB Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
Directions:
+ In a food processor, “rice” the cauliflower by breaking it into smaller florets and processing as needed in batches until you get a rice consistency.
+ On the stove, heat the riced cauliflower, uncovered, in a pan for 5 minutes with the coconut milk over medium heat. Once heated, remove the pan from heat.
+ Next, add in the pomegranate, kiwis which are skinned, sliced, then halved, and the unsweetened shredded coconut. Stir to combine.
+ Refrigerate overnight (or at least a few hours to chill) to let the flavors meld together. Serve cold with additional shredded coconut….too look pretty 😉
Yummy, yummy, fruity, and lovely! This dish really fits the bill! The perfect transition between seasons, green for St. Patrick’s Day, and light and fresh to give the body some lovin’! But if for some reason you can’t find a green cauliflower, don’t worry! Just use a normal white one! You can still get a pop of green from the kiwis 😉
So tell me:
+ Are you Irish? Yes, my grandma is fully Irish, so I should probably wear green or something tomorrow :/ As I’m typing this, I just got a brilliant idea….IRISH SODA BREAD PANCAKES!!!! (I will be trying that this weekend…stay tuned!)
+ What’s your favorite green foods? I think my top two are Sugar Snap Peas and Zucchini!
*Recipe linking up for the week! Allergy Free Wednesdays, #RecipeFridays, #RecipeOfTheWeek, #StrangeButGood, Gluten-Free Wednesdays, Real Food Friday, Gluten-Free Fridays, Tasty Tuesdays, Savoring Saturdays, Healthy Vegan Fridays, Real Food Recipe Roundup, Tasty Tuesdays, Meatless Mondays, Lena’s Tasty Tuesdays!*
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Oh yes. I can see this is going to be exceptional. Thank you!
Thanks!
I just started making cauliflower rice last month So great! You should check out my recipe for curried cauli-rice
I just love riceing cauli!
I’ve been wanting to try cauliflower rice…now I’m really inspired! 🙂
Do it! You will be so glad when you do!
This dish really looks great! I think I would really like this, and I’m going to try it. Thanks for linking up and sharing with us at Funtastic Friday. Hope you join us again this week.
Thank you!
Sounds delicious, Rebecca! Thanks for sharing it at Savoring Saturdays! 🙂
Thank you!
I haven’t been a fan of the cauliflower rice I’ve tried so far, but having it as a sweet instead of savoury and cooking it in coconut milk sounds super delicious. And a sneaky way to get veggies in at breakfast ;p
Thanks for sharing this over at Healthy Vegan Fridays! I’ve pinned it to the Pinterest page =)
Never though to have this for breakfast..but whatever floats you boat!
You have the coolest recipes! Thanks so much for linking up, I look forward to what you post next time!
-Cindy
Haha, thank you!
I love cauliflower rice, but never thought to add coconut milk! What a fun idea. I bet it would be good as a breakfast bowl too!
Ah, veggies for breakfast 😉
Interesting combination of flavors and so pretty too! I’m glad you shared this with us at Merry Monday. Pinning right now because I am looking for new ideas with cauliflower.
Thank you Shirley!
Hi Rebecca,
I love the surprising inclusion of sweet flavors. This is such a creative dish! Thank you for sharing this healthy and delicious Dairy Free Coffee Creamer recipe with us at the Healthy, Happy, Green and Natural Party Blog Hop! I’m pinning and sharing!
Thank you!
I’m loving this recipe. I too eat healthy and love low fat and low on carbs as well.
Thank you for sharing.
Have a nice week.
FABBY
Thank you! I hope you get to enjoy it!
We will just love your Fruity Cauliflower Rice,it looks fabulous! Your post is awesome and thank you so much for sharing it with Full Plate Thursday.
Happy Spring!
Miz Helen
O, thank you so much my friend!
Just stunning, love the pomegranate and that these are low carb. Thanks for linking up to #tastytuesdays x
Totally! Thank you!
Hi Rebecca,
I agree – Goodbye Winter – Ohello and Welcome Spring. Love this recipe and I love cabbage and pomegranates. It looks so tasty. I am saving this one to try. Thanks for sharing on Real Food Fridays. Pinned & Twitted.
Thank you so much dear!
Your cauli-rice looks great. I think it’d make a nice dish around Christmas too! I hope you can stop on by and share this or any other recipe with us on Five Friday Finds!
CJ
morselsoflife.com
Thank you CJ!
Wow! I’ve tried a cilantro lime cauliflower rice and loved it. Your fruity cauliflower rice looks amazing. Thanks for the recipe over at Inspire Me Mondays!
Thanks! Hope you give this one a go!
Love this! pinning it!
Woo! Thank you!
I’ve been experimenting with cauliflower a lot lately, but I’ve never thought of making a “rice” out of it. (We are huge fans of buffalo cauliflower “wings” over here!) I’ll have to give it a try!
I’m shocked you’ve never made cauli-rice! It’s all over the blog world! Do it! It’s so yummy!
Such a nice twist on cauliflower rice!
Thank you Sylvie! 🙂
Hi Rebecca . What an interesting combination and it looks so pretty. I gotta try it so I pinned. Best wishes, Darlene
Thank you!
Totally yummy sounding! Gorgeous photos!
Thank you!
What fun and refreshing dish! I’ve never tried the green cauliflower but think I need too! Happy St. Patrick’s Day dear!!!
I LOVE all the colored cauliflower! Haha! Like purple 😉 Just makes the veggie even more fun!
You too! XOXO
Whoops. looks like the rest of my comment got cut off… Let’s try again 🙂
I was saying that blood oranges are awesome and you must find some quick before the season ends! They’re so good. If you think you’re a sweet potato snob, just wait till you try these — you’ll be so sad to go back to regular ‘ol oranges again.
And the salad looks lovely — love the colorful specs in there –> looks like happy food 🙂
O no, I’ve had tons of blood oranges in my life, haha! Just not this season (I blame it on the fact that I’m stuck here in college with no access!)
It is happy food!
This is so creative! Love that you mixed fruit with cauliflower!
Thank you!
This recipe is intriguing. It is pretty to look at and I bet the flavors are refreshing!
Haha, yes! Thanks Sandra 🙂
I love all of these new cauliflower recipes that are coming out. I never even thought about using vegetables for other uses like this when I was younger. I love the idea of using zucchini for lasagna styled noodles!
You can make so many ENDLESS great healthy meals with veggies!
This looks fantastic! I would have never thought of fruity cauli rice! Pinning for later 🙂
Thank you! You’ve gotta give it a try!
Cauliflower rice!? Love the idea!
Also pomegranates are my favorite fruit, so I have no problem throwing those in anything!
You’ve never seen cauli-rice?!
You’ve got to make some stat!
This looks weird but wonderful…I love cauli-rice and occasionally add some sultanas along with other veg. I may be adventurous enough to try out your recipe with pom and kiwi too 🙂
Not to adventurous! It’s so good! You’ve got to try it!
This looks too pretty to eat!…but I think I could manage to 😉
And yes I am Irish and my green foods are my favorite foods…green vegetables!! The best!
xo,
Tatum
Haha, I managed too 😉
We should just live on green veggies 😉
This is a great recipe!
Thanks!
I would have never thought to use cauliflower in a sweet dish- love all the fruit in this! So perfect for spring and summer. Bring on the sunshine and fruit!! Fave green foods are way too hard to pick! I love avocados, kale, zucchinis, spinach, Asian veggies… the list goes on 😀
Fruit is just the gem of the warm weather!
I know….there are just to many wonderful green foods!
Any tips for “ricing” cauliflower without a food processer? Is it even possible? I have a blender, but no processor. 🙁
You can use a blender!
love the kiwi addition here. So refreshing and tart! and um, YUM! my kiwi would love it. hehe
Hahaha 😉 You’ve got to make it then!
Looks awesome Rebecca! You know I love cauliflower rice, and I really like how you made it sweet. 🙂
Thank you Linda! This is a must make 😉
This sounds and looks amazing!
I saved it for later use, hopefully!
Thank you!
I’ve been devouring cauliflower fried rice for the last 8 months, it’s my go to recipe when I need a rice fix and not willing to waste those calories. I’ll have to try this fruity cauliflower rice recipe out next.
Yes, please do! XOXO
I’m all about try new food combos too, so this will be added to the list 😀
Woohoo! Totally!
Looks delish, as always!
Thanks 😉
Sounds really good. I still haven’t tried making cauliflower “rice” but this looks like an easy enough place to start. And let’s see… my favorite green vegetable? It’s okra in the summer. But broccoli and cabbage are my year round favorites.
You should totally try it STAT!
I love roasted okra!
OH I love that you made this a sweet salad! I never would have thought to add kiwi – perfection!! I have a pomegranate at home I need to use before it goes bad!
Well we know what you’ll be making then 😉 XOXO
I’ve been wanting to try the whole cauliflower rice thing for a while! This looks great so maybe I’ll start here!
Yes! Start here and NOW!
I would love to add a sprinkle of cardamom to this and see how it tastes together!
O that would work!
This looks so good!! So fresh and I bet full of flavor, I can’t wait to try it!
Yes! Thank you Sarah! XOXO
Saw this when you posted on twitter this morning! I *NEED* to make this! Thanks so much girl!
Yay! Yes you do! Thank you Lora!
I like rice with fruit, I don’t know why I’ve never tried cauli-rice with fruit! Your mix is so Christmas-y, too! You should share it more for a healthy dish around the holidays 🙂
Haha, I actually did make this during that time 😉
This looks so delicious and flavorful, I love the idea of the fruit! I don’t know if I can pick a favorite green food! Spinach is a huge one, I love it so many ways, also kale and collards, avocado, green onions, the list goes on 🙂
I’m pretty sure there isn’t a BAD green food! Haha! They are all so good!
I love this idea! I bet it would be awesome with dried cranberries too 🙂
Nah, pomegranate only 😉
I love cauliflower rice too but never had thought of making it fruity. Creative! Thanks for linking up with us again for MM
Thank you!
There is a really unique combo of flavors going on on that plate! I love starting off Monday with a fruity recipe bang!! Everytime I’ve made cauliflower rice I’ve eaten it raw, but cooking it for a little bit in the coconut milk sounds much better. Then it’s not quite as crunchy and cruciferous, more like rice pudding 😀
Yea! I always heat my cauli-rice a bit! I like it a bit softer and it helps with the flavors for sure!
Yum! I’ve never thought to add fruit to cauliflower rice. Pinned!
Thank you!!
Yum! I’m going to definitely try this. My mom made some cauliflower rice over break and I liked it. Plus anything with coconut milk is good.
Yes I’m 25% Irish 🙂
Your mom knows where it’s at 😉
Yay! Me too! 25%!
Such a pretty and inviting dish! I really need to make cauliflower rice. I’ve only made it once. No, I don’t celebrate St. Patrick’s. Being Korean, I had visions of my family celebrating all things green – haha it’s a funny picture 😉 My favorite green foods? gosh there are sooo many! sugar snap peas are def on my list. Spinach, avocado, asparagus…
Thank you! I still don’t make cauli-rice enough either! Haha! But I LOVE it when I do!
O! I forgot avocado! Ah! So good!
Interesting combo Rebecca, but those are often the best meals, when you just try throwing things together….and it works! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂 And for joining us for meatless monday!
Haha, yes, you’ve got that right Tina! Thanks! XOXO
This looks delicious, Rebecca. I will definitely be pinning this to try. Thanks so much for sharing!
Thank you Kelly!
That’s an unexpected mix! Sounds lovely and healthy. Looking forward to see more of your recipes!
I hope you will share your post with our Link Up – Idea box:
http://milaslittlethings.com/2015/03/idea-box-thursday-link-party.html
xx
Mila
Thank you Mila!
I love everything about this recipe! 😀 I’d never have thought to throw in fruit with cauliflower! :O
They are a perfect match 😉
OH!!!
fruit and my BELOVED CAULIFLOWER?!
Ive never ever even thought about this.
BRILLIANT.
Must make it Carla 😉