Wild Cauliflower Rice Pilaf with Grapes

Easy cauliflower rice pilaf recipe turned low carb with a blend of wild rice and cauliflower rice. We added grapes and herbs for a sophisticated blend that is easy to make.

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Is cauliflower rice so totally over?  I hope not. We eat it in many different forms a few times per week. But this Cauliflower Rice Pilaf with Grapes is by far my favorite. It is still lower in carbs but the small amount of actual wild rice (which is a native grass to the Great Lakes, BTW) gives it an earthy chewiness that takes it to a whole other level.

But I have some VERY strong opinions about cauliflower rice, pilaf or otherwise.

Cauliflower Rice Confessions

• I riced the cauliflower once on my own. Uhg the mess! Never again. We now buy the giant frozen multi-pack from Costco for bigger pieces, Trader Joe’s frozen cauliflower rice is smaller. Both organic. It doesn’t end up on my floor. Happy life.
• I get bored easily. I can’t eat it plain. I just can’t. Cauliflower rice just doesn’t absorb sauce the way regular rice can. We all deserve flavor.
• It needs something with texture or crunch, or color!
• I still miss regular rice. There I said it.  Are the cauliflower police on their way?
• Sometimes I don't see the point of ricing cauliflower when you can just eat these awesome Charred Cauli-Steaks.  Ok the Cauliflower police are really upset now.

Why we love this recipe? It combines a small amount of actual wild rice.

The grapes give a special feel with minimal effort. A juicy burst and extra color on the plate. It is just all around my favorite cauliflower recipe!

Cauliflower Rice Pilaf Ingredients and Substitutions

• Cauliflower- Did I mention no one should ever rice cauliflower on their own?  Use your favorite fresh or frozen riced cauliflower.
• Wild Rice- Use any type of wild rice.  I prefer the long grain to contrast with the small pieces of cauliflower rice. A small amount of wild rice should not be skipped. Otherwise, it isn’t wild rice pilaf.  It is just grapes with cauliflower and that doesn’t sound nearly as good.  Right? But in a pinch, you could substitute slivered almonds.
• Grapes- Fresh red grapes, get seedless for ease of use.
• Herbs- Parsely is our herb of choice but chervil, summer savory, or fresh oregano would all be good choices.

How to Make Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

We are going to cook the wild rice and cauliflower rice separately and combine at the end. To start, prepare the rice according to package instructions. Wild rice typically takes longer to cook, around 45 minutes.

While the wild rice is cooking, sauté the diced onion. Add the cauliflower rice and heat until just cooked through. Add the wild rice and grapes.  You want the grapes to be just cooked through. Toss in the fresh parsley.  Done! Simple and yet beautiful and tasty.

Have leftovers?  I like to heat just slightly (barely more than room temperature) and add to a spinach salad with grilled chicken.  Yum!

Now time to tell the truth…. Do you rice your own cauliflower? Or are you on team Peel, buy frozen or fresh riced cauli? Let us know in the comments!

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Print Recipe

5 from 5 votes

Cauliflower & Wild Rice Pilaf with Grapes

Bright and pretty, this recipe combines low carb cauliflower rice with a wild rice to give the perfect balance between low carb and great texture.

Prep Time5 mins

Cook Time45 mins

Total Time50 mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, British, European, French, Healthy

Keyword: cauliflower rice, Cauliflower RIce Pilaf, Dairy Free, Easy Recipe, Gluten Free, Grapes, Quick Recipe, Wild Rice

Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

• Small sauce pan
• Large skillet

Ingredients

• 1/3 c wild rice
• 1 c stock (vegetable or chicken)
• pinch kosher salt
• 1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
• 1/2 lg onion, diced
• 3 c cauliflower, riced
• 1/2 c fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 c red grapes (seedless), halved

Instructions

• Rinse the wild rice. Bring stock and salt to a boil, stir in wild rice and cover. Turn heat to low and cook per package directions, typically about 45 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
• While the rice is cooking, prep your other vegetables. Melt ghee in large saute pan over medium heat. Add onion, cook 5-7 minutes until soft.
  
• Add cauliflower rice, cook until just tender.  Add wild rice and grapes, heat until the grapes are warmed.
  
• Stir in parsley and salt & pepper to taste.
  

Notes

1. AIP Compliant (no pepper).
2. If you rice your own cauliflower you can also grate the onion rather than chop for an even texture.