Vibrant Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh Recipe

Refreshing Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh Recipe

Summer’s fresh flavors dance through this vibrant low-carb keto cauliflower tabbouleh recipe that reimagines the classic Mediterranean salad.

Riced cauliflower steps in brilliantly as a light, nutritious alternative to traditional bulgur wheat.

Crisp herbs and vegetables bring incredible zest and color to every bite.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with lemony brightness, this dish offers a refreshing twist on a beloved classic.

Each forkful delivers a satisfying crunch and complex herbal notes that transport you to sunny coastal landscapes.

Whip up this simple yet stunning salad for a delightful meal that keeps you energized and nourished.

Get ready to fall in love with a guilt-free, flavor-packed tabbouleh that breaks all the rules.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 4

Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh Ingredient List

For Base Ingredient:
  • Cauliflower Rice: Grab a fresh, firm cauliflower that's crisp and white, perfect for creating a low-carb alternative to traditional grains.
  • Hemp Hearts: Nutty and protein-packed seeds that add a delightful crunch and nutritional boost to the dish.
For Fresh Produce:
  • Tomatoes, Cucumber: Choose ripe, vibrant vegetables that bring juicy brightness and refreshing texture to the tabbouleh.
  • Mint, Parsley: Select aromatic, deep green herbs with intense, crisp flavors that elevate the entire salad's freshness.
  • Green Onions: Pick slender, perky onions that provide a mild, sharp kick and beautiful green color contrast.
For Dressing Components:
  • Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a rich, smooth base that carries the dressing's complex flavors.
  • Lemon Juice: Select a bright, zesty citrus that adds tangy brightness and helps balance the dish's overall taste.
  • Garlic Powder: Choose a high-quality powder that delivers a concentrated, aromatic garlic essence.
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground varieties to enhance and deepen the salad's natural flavors.

Tools You’ll Need for Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients and tossing the salad.
  • Sharp knife: Essential for finely dicing vegetables and chopping herbs with precision.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping vegetables and herbs.
  • Small whisk: Helps blend the dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Small bowl: Used for mixing the dressing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning for the dressing.

Instructions to Make Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh

Instructions to Make Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh

Veggie Packed Cauliflower Salad

  • Cauliflower Preparation Gently pulse fresh cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles light, fluffy rice-like pieces. Allow the mixture to cool completely to room temperature.
  • Fresh Herb Harmony Finely chop vibrant green herbs like mint and parsley. Dice crisp tomatoes and cucumber into tiny, uniform cubes that will distribute evenly throughout the salad.
  • Flavor Fusion Gently combine the cooled cauliflower base with the chopped vegetables and herbs. Sprinkle in some nutty hemp hearts for an extra protein boost and delightful crunch.
  • Zesty Dressing Creation Whisk together bright lemon juice, smooth olive oil, a hint of garlic, and a pinch of sea salt and black pepper to create a light, tangy dressing that will elevate the entire dish.
  • Final Touch Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together with a light hand. Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.

Flavor Swaps for Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh

  • Chop your herbs and vegetables super fine for an authentic tabbouleh texture that mimics traditional grain-based recipes.
  • Ensure cauliflower rice is completely cool before mixing to prevent wilting fresh herbs and maintain crisp vegetable integrity.
  • Swap hemp hearts with other low-carb protein options like chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, or crumbled feta cheese for added nutrition and crunch.
  • Let the tabbouleh sit in the refrigerator for an hour before serving to allow herbs and dressing to meld, creating deeper, more complex taste profiles.
  • Transform this dish into a complete meal by topping with grilled chicken, salmon, or adding a dollop of tzatziki for extra Mediterranean flair.

Serving Style for Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh

  • Elevate Your Dish: Pair this low-carb cauliflower tabbouleh with grilled proteins like chicken or fish for a complete, satisfying meal.
  • Create Mediterranean Magic: Serve alongside hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush with warm gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps for a vibrant appetizer spread.
  • Garnish with Goodness: Top with crumbled feta cheese, extra fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to add texture and enhance the dish's flavor profile.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack this tabbouleh in mason jars for a quick, nutritious lunch that stays fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator and travels easily.

Storage and Freshness Tips for Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh

  • Maximize Freshness: Store your low carb keto cauliflower tabbouleh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for optimal taste and texture.
  • Refrigerate Wisely: Keep the dish chilled for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the vegetables remain crisp and flavors continue to meld together.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop vegetables and make dressing separately, storing components individually to maintain maximum crunchiness before final mixing.
  • Revive Leftovers: Gently stir the tabbouleh before serving and add a splash of fresh lemon juice to refresh the flavors if the salad seems slightly dry after refrigeration.
Print
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Vibrant Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh Recipe

Vibrant Low Carb Keto Cauliflower Tabbouleh Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean salad incorporating roasted cauliflower provides fresh herb-packed keto-friendly nutrition. Crisp vegetables and zesty lemon dressing create wholesome meal companions can enjoy quickly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tbsps lemon juice
  • 3 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
  • 30g / ¼ cup hemp hearts
  • 1 bunch curly parsley, chopped (about 30g / 1 cup packed)
  • 4 tbsps fresh mint, chopped
  • 225g / 1 ½ cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen, unsalted)
  • 3 medium Roma tomatoes, finely diced (about 225g / 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 medium cucumber, finely diced (about 225g / 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp sea salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cauliflower Base: Pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles fine rice-like granules. Lightly steam or sauté for 2-3 minutes, then spread on a plate to cool completely.
  2. Chop Vegetables and Herbs: Dice tomatoes and cucumber into uniform small cubes. Finely mince mint and parsley leaves. Slice green onions into thin diagonal rings. Combine all chopped ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add Nutritional Boost: Sprinkle hemp hearts over the vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of these nutrient-dense seeds.
  4. Create Dressing: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until thoroughly blended.
  5. Combine and Season: Pour dressing over the cauliflower and vegetable blend. Fold gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance flavors.
  6. Chill and Serve: Cover the tabbouleh and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled as a refreshing, low-carb side dish or light meal.

Notes

  • Pulse with Precision: Use quick, short pulses in the food processor to avoid over-processing cauliflower, which can turn mushy and compromise the rice-like texture.
  • Moisture Management: Pat chopped vegetables dry with paper towels to prevent watery tabbouleh and maintain a crisp, fresh consistency.
  • Temperature Technique: Cool cauliflower completely before mixing to prevent wilting herbs and prevent unwanted condensation in the salad.
  • Marination Magic: Letting the tabbouleh rest in the refrigerator allows flavors to deepen and ingredients to harmonize, significantly enhancing the overall taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Steaming
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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