These Cauliflower Rice Carne Asada Bowls with Mango Salsa are bursting with fresh Mexican flavors and wholesome ingredients. Juicy, citrus-marinated flank steak is grilled to perfection and served over cumin-spiced roasted cauliflower rice, then topped with sweet and spicy mango salsa, avocado, and cheese. It’s a colorful, healthy dinner option that’s low-carb, gluten-free, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for meal prep, summer grilling, or a flavorful weeknight meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada:

1½ lbs flank steak
¼ cup olive oil
⅓ cup orange juice
4 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 chipotle pepper in adobo, chopped (or 2 tsp chili powder)
Zest and juice of 1 lime
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, and cheese (for serving)

For the Cauliflower Rice:

2 cups riced cauliflower (1 large head, processed)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Zest and juice of ½ lime

For the Mango Salsa:

1 ripe mango, chopped
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt, to taste

Directions

Marinate the Steak:
In a zip-top bag, combine flank steak, olive oil, orange juice, garlic, chipotle, lime zest and juice, and cilantro. Seal and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
Prepare the Cauliflower Rice:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread riced cauliflower on a baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, cumin, and a pinch of salt. Roast for 10 minutes, toss, then roast another 10 minutes until tender. Stir in cilantro, lime zest, and juice.
Grill the Steak:
Preheat grill or grill pan to high. Remove steak from marinade, grill for 5–8 minutes per side (or until desired doneness). Rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Make the Mango Salsa:
In a small bowl, combine mango, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and salt. Mix well.
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide cauliflower rice into bowls. Top with sliced steak, shredded lettuce, avocado, mango salsa, and cheese. Serve immediately.

Nutrients

Calories: ~382 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or overnight)
Total Time: ~1 hour

The Inspiration Behind the Bowl

The inspiration for this bowl comes from the fusion of two trends: the rise of low-carb living and the global love for vibrant Mexican cuisine. Carne asada, a traditional dish meaning “grilled meat” in Spanish, has long been a staple in Latin American culture, especially in Mexico and parts of Central America. It’s known for its bold marinade, quick grill time, and its versatility in tacos, burritos, and bowls. This version keeps the soul of carne asada alive while swapping out rice or tortillas for a lighter cauliflower base.

Cauliflower rice, once a niche health food, has now become a kitchen staple. It provides the perfect neutral canvas to absorb the bold spices and marinades that make carne asada so beloved, while also reducing carbs and calories. When roasted, cauliflower develops a rich, nutty flavor that pairs exceptionally well with cumin and citrus, making it a natural fit in this recipe.

The addition of mango salsa not only brightens up the bowl with its tropical notes, but also introduces a sweet heat that plays well with the chipotle and lime flavors in the steak. This trio of components—carne asada, cauliflower rice, and salsa—creates a meal that feels indulgent but is actually packed with nutrition.

What Makes This Dish Healthy and Balanced

This recipe is crafted with both taste and health in mind. First and foremost, it’s low in carbohydrates without feeling restrictive. Instead of traditional white rice or corn tortillas, roasted cauliflower rice provides a fiber-rich base that is low in calories yet highly satisfying. It’s ideal for those following keto, paleo, Whole30, or gluten-free diets.

The steak provides a powerful source of protein and iron, essential for muscle repair and energy levels. Using flank steak keeps the dish lean while still offering enough fat to make it satisfying. The marinade infuses it with flavor without needing heavy sauces or additives, and grilling the steak locks in moisture while giving it a charred, smoky finish.

Then there’s the mango salsa—a standout component both nutritionally and culinarily. Mango is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while jalapeños provide a metabolic boost and add a spicy zing. The salsa’s lime juice helps with digestion and offers brightness to balance the savory notes of the dish.

Fresh avocado provides healthy fats and creaminess, while the optional cheese delivers calcium and flavor. Altogether, these ingredients create a macro-balanced meal that hits all the right notes: protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.

A Versatile Meal for Any Occasion

One of the standout qualities of these bowls is their versatility. They can be served hot or cold, plated for dinner or packed for lunch. They’re perfect for meal prep—each element can be made ahead and assembled when ready to eat. The grilled steak keeps beautifully in the fridge and reheats well, while the cauliflower rice and mango salsa can be stored in separate containers to maintain their texture and freshness.

You can also easily scale this recipe up or down. Hosting a summer BBQ? Grill multiple flank steaks and create a build-your-own bowl bar with toppings like pico de gallo, cotija cheese, sliced radishes, or crema. Need a quick weeknight dinner for one? Make a single bowl and save the rest for leftovers.

And if you’re feeding a crowd with dietary restrictions, this recipe checks many boxes. It’s naturally gluten-free, grain-free, and can be made dairy-free by omitting the cheese. It’s light enough for those counting calories, but flavorful enough for those who aren’t.

Flavor Notes and Ingredient Highlights

The secret to this bowl’s flavor lies in its layers. The steak marinade is citrus-forward with hints of garlic, smoke, and heat. The chipotle or chili powder adds depth without overwhelming the natural flavor of the beef, and the lime zest perks up each bite with a fragrant burst.

Cauliflower rice often gets a bad rap for being bland, but when roasted with olive oil and seasoned with cumin and lime, it transforms into something deeply savory and satisfying. It soaks up juices from the steak and salsa, ensuring that every bite is moist and flavorful.

The mango salsa offers more than just sweetness. Its freshness and acidity cut through the richness of the meat and cheese, while the jalapeños add a touch of heat. The avocado is a creamy, cooling element that makes each bowl feel luxurious.

Every ingredient plays a role, and when layered together, they create harmony on the plate and the palate.

Serving Suggestions

While these bowls are delicious as-is, they also pair well with a variety of accompaniments. You might serve them alongside:

A tangy cabbage slaw for extra crunch
Grilled bell peppers or zucchini for added vegetables
A light cilantro-lime crema for an extra drizzle of richness
Corn tortillas or tortilla chips for guests who want a heartier option

For drinks, a cold Mexican beer, sparkling lime water, or a mango margarita makes the perfect pairing.

If you’re looking to change up the flavors, consider replacing the mango salsa with pineapple salsa, or swapping in grilled chicken or shrimp instead of beef. The framework of this recipe is sturdy enough to support endless variations while still delivering bold, satisfying flavor.

Conclusion

Cauliflower Rice Carne Asada Bowls with Mango Salsa are the kind of meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to mean boring or bland. This dish is bursting with vibrant color, bold flavor, and satisfying texture—everything you want in a meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or part of a festive backyard gathering.

It brings together the best of Mexican-inspired cooking with a modern, wellness-focused twist. The steak is tender and smoky, the cauliflower rice is flavorful and light, and the mango salsa ties it all together with a sweet, spicy, and refreshing kick. With just a bit of prep and some quality ingredients, you’ll have a meal that nourishes your body while exciting your taste buds.

So the next time you’re craving something hearty yet healthy, look no further than this power-packed bowl. It’s proof that clean eating can still be deeply satisfying—and a whole lot of fun.