Skip to main content

Cauliflower "Rice" Tabbouleh

This vibrant cauliflower rice tabbouleh offers a refreshing, grain-free twist on the classic Levantine salad. By swapping traditional bulgur wheat for light, riced cauliflower, this vegan dish remains incredibly satisfying while feeling much lighter on the palate. The base is packed with an abundance of flat-leaf parsley and fresh mint, providing a burst of herbal flavour that balances perfectly with the zesty lemon dressing and subtle heat from the red pepper flakes.

Ideal as a nutritious lunch or a colourful side dish for a summer barbecue, this salad is as versatile as it is healthy. The combination of crisp cucumber and juicy cherry tomatoes adds a wonderful texture that complements the tender cauliflower. You can even prepare the cauliflower 'rice' up to three days in advance, making this an excellent choice for stress-free meal prepping or entertaining.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Cauliflower "Rice" Tabbouleh

  • 1/2 medium head of cauliflower (about 450g ), coarsely chopped

  • 80ml extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 teaspoon (or more) kosher salt, divided

  • 2 cups (packed) flat-leaf parsley leaves with tender stems

  • 1 cup (packed) mint leaves

  • 2 spring onions, white and pale-green parts only, sliced

  • 1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

  • 1/2 medium cucumber (about 8 1/2" long), cut into 1/4" pieces

  • 170g cherry tomatoes, quartered

Grate cauliflower with the coarse grater disk on a food processor or the largest holes on a box grater until rice-like in texture. Transfer to a large, microwave-safe bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon oil and 1/4 teaspoons salt. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on high 3 minutes. Carefully remove plastic wrap, spread cauliflower "rice" on a rimmed baking sheet, and let cool.

Wipe out food processor, if necessary, and fit with chopping blade. Pulse parsley, mint, spring onions, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, 3/4 teaspoons salt, and remaining 1/4 cup oil until herbs are coarsely chopped. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in red pepper flakes. Add cauliflower, cucumber, and tomatoes and gently toss to coat. Season with additional salt, if necessary.

Cauliflower "rice" can be made 3 days ahead. Chill in a resealable container.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.