Gluten-Free Pesto Cauliflower “Rice” with Spiced Roasted Chickpeas
Updated Feb 15, 2021, Published Jan 01, 2019
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This recipe is a triple threat – it’s delicious, healthy, and grain-free! Use my recipe for Arugula Walnut Pesto for this dish.

Pesto Cauliflower “Rice” with Spiced Roasted Chickpeas
Ingredients
For the roasted chickpeas:
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, , rinsed, drained, and patted dry
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the cauliflower:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 medium heads cauliflower, cored and “riced” (see note below)
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ - ½ cup Arugula Walnut Pesto
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, toss together all the ingredients for the chickpeas. Spread out in an even layer on the baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes or until crispy.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the riced cauliflower and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes or until the cauliflower is lightly browned and tender. Stir in the pesto, starting with ⅓ cup and adding more, to taste, as desired. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve the cauliflower “rice” topped with the roasted chickpeas.
Notes
To make cauliflower “rice,” cut the cauliflower heads into florets. Shred the florets using the grating blade of a food processor. You should end up with 6-8 cups of grated cauliflower. (This step can be done in advance, if desired. Keep the grated cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.)
Nutrition facts information does not include the Arugula Walnut Pesto. Click here for the nutrition facts for that recipe.
Nutrition
Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 240mgPotassium: 1189mgFiber: 14gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 141mgCalcium: 118mgIron: 4.3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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