This tasty and easy-to-make keto broccoli salad is dressed with a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing.
Bacon and cheddar cheese greatly enhance the salad's flavor. The prep time is just 15 minutes, and then it needs an hour in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.
I usually prefer broccoli when it's cooked. I like roasted broccoli, steamed broccoli, and microwave broccoli.
I do enjoy, on occasion, raw broccoli florets dipped in homemade ranch, tahini sauce, tzatziki sauce, cream cheese dip, or Greek yogurt dip. But for the most part, I like it cooked.
Having said that, this keto broccoli salad is really good. The dressing is super simple - it's mostly mayonnaise and vinegar. The secret is the addition of not just bacon bits, which are a fairly standard addition, but of shredded sharp cheddar.
The combination of the creamy dressing, salty bacon, and savory cheese is wonderful.
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Ingredients
These are the ingredients you'll need to make this tasty salad. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below:
- Mayonnaise. I prefer mayonnaise made with avocado oil.
- White wine vinegar. You can also use champagne vinegar. However, I don't recommend using distilled white vinegar in this recipe. It's too acidic.
- Kosher salt and black pepper. If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use by half, or the salad could end up too salty.
- Fresh broccoli florets. It's easiest to buy bagged pre-washed broccoli - simply chop the florets into smaller ones since they do tend to be quite large.
- Bacon bits. I use store-bought bacon bits, but if you prefer, you can cook some bacon (microwave bacon is fast and easy), chop it, and use that.
- Shredded cheese. I like to use sharp cheddar, and I try to use yellow cheddar simply for aesthetic reasons.
Variations
- Add garlic. Sometimes I add a bit of minced garlic or garlic powder to the dressing. I wouldn't add more than ½ teaspoon of garlic (perhaps ¼ teaspoon of the powder), so as not to make it overwhelming.
- Change up the vinegar. As mentioned above, you can use different types of vinegar, as long as you refrain from using distilled white vinegar which can be quite acidic.
- Try chopped nuts. Instead of bacon, in addition to it, you can add finely chopped nuts. I especially like pecans in this salad. Sunflower seeds are also very good.
- You can vary the cheese you use. I'm a big fan of sharp cheddar, and would not use a very mild cheese such as mozzarella. But other bold-flavored cheeses such as Gruyere or Parmesan are excellent in this salad.
- Not a fan of mayonnaise? You can use sour cream instead. Or use ⅓ cup of olive oil instead of mayonnaise. It's a completely different flavor profile, but it's very good.
Keto Broccoli Salad Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:
- Your first step is to mix the dressing. So you whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, salt, and pepper. You can add a bit of garlic or garlic powder too. (Photo 1).
- Next, place the broccoli florets in a bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat. (Photo 2).
- Now add the bacon bits and the cheese and gently mix to combine. (Photo 3-5).
- Refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours. This will allow the broccoli to slightly soften and the flavors to meld. Toss again and serve. (Photo 6).
Expert Tip
Don't try to serve this salad right after making it. It needs an hour or two in the fridge. The time it spends in the fridge allows the flavors to develop and meld. It also slightly softens the broccoli.
Recipe FAQs
It can be as long as you don't add fruit. So recipes that include dried cranberries, raisins, or grapes are not a good choice, but if you omit them, then you can go ahead and enjoy this salad on a low-carb diet.
There's no need to cook it. Even if you're not a fan of raw broccoli, the vinegar in the dressing ever so lightly softens the florets, so that they're not as crunchy.
That's one of the reasons why it's important to let the salad rest before serving it.
Of course. You can simply omit the bacon, or you can omit it and add chopped nuts instead.
Serving Suggestions
This tasty salad is truly versatile. You can literally serve it with any main dish you like! I often serve it with any of the following:
- Shrimp and sausage
- Pan-fried salmon
- Broiled salmon
- Gluten-free chicken tenders
- Bison burgers
- Pan-seared pork medallions
And the perfect drink to go with this salad? A refreshing glass of cucumber water!
Storing Leftovers
You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to two days. Give them a gentle stir before serving them.
I don't recommend freezing this salad. Its texture and flavor do not withstand the process of freezing and thawing.
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Recipe Card
Keto Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise I prefer avocado oil mayo
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (10 oz)
- ¼ cup bacon bits
- ½ cup sharp cheddar shredded
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Place the broccoli florets in a salad bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat.
- Mix in the bacon bits and the cheddar.
- Cover and refrigerate the salad for 1-2 hours.
- Remove the salad from the fridge 15 minutes before serving. Toss again, then serve.
Video
Notes
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition per Serving
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Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. 
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