Sautéed Garlic and Herb Cauliflower Rice with Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and fluffy cauliflower rice sautéed with garlic and fresh herbs, combined with tender spinach for a flavorful low-carb side. This whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh parsley for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 90 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 1 medium cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice grains, about 1-2 seconds per pulse.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add riced cauliflower to the skillet along with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until cauliflower softens but retains slight bite.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups fresh baby spinach, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until spinach wilts and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Adjust seasoning as needed and serve warm as a light, herbaceous side dish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic and Herb Cauliflower Rice with Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic and Herb Cauliflower Rice with Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic and Herb Cauliflower Rice with Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Garlic and Herb Cauliflower Rice with Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sautéed Garlic and Herb Cauliflower Rice with Spinach whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, low carb, gluten free, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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