Whole30 Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Experience the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Whole30 Dolmas (Stuffed Grape Leaves), a deliciously healthy twist on a classic favorite! Perfectly tender grape leaves are wrapped around a savory, herbaceous filling of cauliflower rice, fresh parsley, dill, lemon juice, and optional pine nuts for a satisfying grain-free alternative. Sautéed onion and garlic infuse the filling with rich flavor, while a gentle simmer ensures the dolmas are perfectly tender and brimming with zest. This Whole30-compliant recipe is ideal as a light appetizer, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or a flavorful addition to your next mezze platter. Not only are they gluten-free and dairy-free, but these stuffed grape leaves are also meal-prep friendly—make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them as a nourishing snack or healthy lunch option all week long!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 30 pieces Grape leaves
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 cups Cauliflower rice
• 1 large Lemon, juiced
• 1 cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 cup Fresh dill, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup Pine nuts (optional for Whole30)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the grape leaves under cold water to remove excess brine, and set them aside to drain.

Step 2

In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the cauliflower rice to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Remove skillet from the heat, and mix in the lemon juice, chopped parsley, dill, pine nuts (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 5

To assemble the dolmas, place a grape leaf shiny side down on a clean surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the cauliflower rice mixture in the center near the stem end.

Step 6

Fold the stem end over the filling, then fold both sides snugly to the center, and roll up tightly toward the top point of the leaf, forming a neatly wrapped roll.

Step 7

Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.

Step 8

In a large saucepan, arrange the dolmas seam side down in a snug single layer. If necessary, make additional layers.

Step 9

Pour 2 cups of water over the dolmas, ensuring they are just covered. Place a heatproof plate on top to keep them submerged during cooking.

Step 10

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes until the grape leaves are tender and the flavors meld.

Step 11

Remove from heat and let the dolmas cool to room temperature in the cooking liquid before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1521.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1086.0

Total Fat 82.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2838.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 86.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 45.3g	0%
Total Sugars 18.5g
Protein 41.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2025.6mg	0%
Iron 47.8mg	0%
Potassium 5322.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.1%

Protein: 13.2%

Carbs: 27.7%