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13 Low-Carb Cauliflower Recipes Under 250 Calories

Published December 6, 2016
5 minute read
A collage of low-carb cauliflower recipes under 250 calories. The top left showcases a vibrant cauliflower salad, the top right features a savory cauliflower pie, and the bottom image presents crispy cauliflower breadsticks with marinara sauce. Proudly displayed is the myfitnesspal logo. MyFitnessPal Blog
Published December 6, 2016
5 minute read
In This Article

A low-calorie, low-carb alternative, this pale cruciferous vegetable is high in fiber and vitamins C, K and B6. Cauliflower is easy to cook and incorporate into a variety of dishes, from cheesy breadsticks to nachos. Give these 13 tasty recipes a try, and sneak in the veggies without sacrificing flavor!

1. CHEESY HERB CAULIFLOWER BREADSTICKS | iFOODreal

Talk about easy cheesy bites of joy! These cauliflower breadsticks are packed with flavor — minus the carbs. Make extras to freeze, then defrost when you’re craving a savory, low-carb appetizer or snack. Recipe makes 12 servings at 1 breadstick each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 53; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 7mg; Sodium: 108mg; Carbohydrate: 4g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 5g

2. “EVERYTHING” CAULIFLOWER BAGEL | LEXI’S CLEAN KITCHEN

Poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic and onion — these loaded bagels are everything you could ever want in a bagel, sans the carbs. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 bagel each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 124; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 106mg; Sodium: 480mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 7g

3. BACON CHEDDAR CAULIFLOWER CHOWDER | IOWA GIRL EATS

Enjoy the thick and creamy equivalent of loaded baked potato soup, made with less fat and salt. Perfect for fall and winter, a hot bowl of this chowder marries cauliflower with smoky bacon and sharp cheddar for a hearty and flavor-packed stew. Recipe makes 8 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 244; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 55mg; Sodium: 495mg; Carbohydrate: 9g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 16g

4. 5-INGREDIENT BACKED CAULIFLOWER TOTS | JUST A TASTE

These kid-friendly tots are made with minimal ingredients. They’re also lower in carbs and baked instead of fried, for a cleaner alternative you can serve your family any night of the week. Recipe makes 5 servings at 7 tots each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 97; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 39mg; Sodium: 136mg; Carbohydrate: 15g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 7g

5. CAULIFLOWER RICE TABBOULEH SALAD | HELLO GLOW

This remake of a classic Middle Eastern dish chooses cauliflower “rice” over bulgur for a low-carb, gluten-free makeover. Fast and fresh, this hydrating salad stays true to its roots with an abundance of cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs and a refreshing lemon and olive oil vinaigrette. Recipe makes 6 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 109; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 81mg; Carbohydrate: 13g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 3g

6. CAULIFLOWER NACHOS | BEACHBODY BLOG

Topped with all the best things on the planet — like zesty salsa, melted cheese and creamy guac — nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Easy to make and adaptable, this dish will satisfy everyone — and no one will miss the chips. Recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 161; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 15mg; Sodium: 294mg; Carbohydrate: 12g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 7g

7. GARLIC MASHED “POTATOES” | FOOD NETWORK

This garlicky pot of gold makes the perfect low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. Light and fluffy, these “fauxtatoes” get their creamy flavors from a touch of cream cheese, butter and Parmesan. Recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 149; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 7g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 31mg; Sodium: 170mg; Carbohydrate: 8g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 5g

8. 2-INGREDIENT CAULIFLOWER TORTILLAS | SLIM PALATE

If you need a low-carb taco shell or burrito wrap, this quick recipe will be a godsend. Let your imagination run wild, and customize your cauliflower tortilla with your favorite spices. Try cumin for your Indian-inspired dishes or Italian seasoning for a pizza-flavored wrap. Recipe makes 3 servings at 2 tortillas each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 84; Total Fat: 3g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 124mg; Sodium: 188mg; Carbohydrate: 4g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 7g

9. CRISP CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS | COOKING LIGHT

These light, golden brown fritters are a delightful vegetarian entree — and they’re ready in just 20 minutes. Serve with a side salad to complete this vegetarian meal. Recipe makes 4 servings at 2 fritters and 1 tablespoon sauce each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 212; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 109mg; Sodium: 521mg; Carbohydrate: 17g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: g; Protein: 11g

10. CAULIFLOWER HUMMUS | OH MY VEGGIES

Move over, chickpeas. It’s cauliflower’s turn in the hummus spotlight! Roasted cauliflower is blended together with garlic, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil for a creamy dip that goes hand in hand with pita bread and veggie sticks. Short on time? Boil cauliflower until soft instead of roasting, and proceed with the recipe as directed — this will cut the cook time in half. Recipe makes 6 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 142; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 41mg; Carbohydrate: 8g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 5g

11. JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR CALIFLOWER MUFFINS | I BREATHE I’M HUNGRY

At just 110 calories each, these three-cheese muffins are a great way to satisfy your next snack attack. They may appear small, but they’re bursting with jalapeño-cheddar flavors. Recipe makes 12 servings at 1 muffin each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 110; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 51mg; Sodium: 266mg; Carbohydrate: 2g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 8g

12. CHEESY CAULIFLOWER BISCUITS | COOKING LIGHT

Need a healthy appetizer to serve at your next dinner party? Or, maybe you’re tired of the same old snacks? This recipe transforms traditional biscuits with… cauliflower! They’re entirely gluten-free, only 26 calories per biscuit and bursting with garlicky-cheddar flavor. Recipe makes 12 servings at 2 biscuits each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 52; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 33mg; Sodium: 165mg; Carbohydrate: 4g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 2g; Protein: 5g

13. CAULIFLOWER “BREAD” BUN | THE IRON YOU

Goodbye bread, hello cauliflower buns! Sneak veggies into your next lunch meal with this ingenious five-ingredient burger bun. Recipe makes 2 servings at 2 cauliflower “bread” buns each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 158; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 101mg; Sodium: 583mg; Carbohydrate: 9g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 12g

The information in this article is provided solely for informational purposes. This information is not medical advice and should not be relied upon when making medical decisions, or to diagnose or treat a health condition or illness. You should seek the advice of a physician or a medical professional before beginning any dietary programs or plans, exercise regimen or any other fitness or wellness activities.

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