Keto Broccoli Salad Easy Low-Carb Side Dish Recipe

This easy Keto Broccoli Salad is fresh, tasty, and so easy to make, not to mention it’s low carb and packed full of nutrients! Unlike your typical broccoli salad, many of which feature sugary dressings or dried fruits, the keto version is filled with delicious keto-friendly ingredients. Fresh broccoli florets are the foundation, providing fiber, vitamins, and a delightful crunch. They’re mixed with savory mix-ins such as crisp bacon, shredded cheese, and sunflower seeds, and often with a bit of red onion for bite.

The dressing is typically a combination of mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit, which results in a tangy, creamy sauce that adds flavor to the salad without a ton of added sugar. The flavors complement each other beautifully, salty from the bacon, creamy from the dressing, and just a touch sweet from the low-carb sweetener.

It’s versatile enough to be served as a side with barbecues, picnics, or family dinners, yet hearty enough to serve as a light lunch. It can also be made ahead and refrigerated; the flavors will blend and build as it chills. Not only is this keto broccoli delicious, but it’s also super high in nutrients with a balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber while you enjoy staying in ketosis.

Keto Broccoli Salad

Keto Broccoli Salad

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 5 cups small broccoli florets (if using fresh) chopped small
• 1/2 red onion, small diced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or pecans, chopped
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp andcrumbled
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 tbsp powdered erythritol (or monk fruit)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl (for dressing)
• Measuring cups/spoons
• Frying pan (for bacon)
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Method

 

1. In a pan over medium heat fry the bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then crumble once they've cooled
2. Wash and break into small florets with a bite. Pat dry
3. Do a fine dice so you don't overwhelm bites
4. In small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, erythritol, salt and pepper until well combined
5. In a large bowl, combine broccoli, onion, cheddar, seeds, and bacon. Pour dressing over
6. Mix until everything is evenly coated
7. For best flavor, refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving

Notes

To amp it up even more, squeeze in a little fresh lemon juice.

Exchange sunflower seeds for sliced almonds or pumpkin seeds.

Will keep 3–4 days in refrigerator (the dressing softens the broccoli as it sits).

Crunchy, creamy, and ideal for BBQ sides or meal prep.

Flavour Profile of Keto Broccoli Salad

• Fresh & Crunchy – Blanched very tender, raw even, broccoli crisp, soft and earthy, a soft dance on the palate.
• Creamy & Tangy – A touch of mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt provides the dressing with some creamy substance and a hint of tang.
• Savory & Smoky – Bacon bits bring a salty, smoky depth to counter that vegetal freshness.
• Nutty & Sweet Notes – Sunflower seeds, almonds, or pecans provide a nutty roast, and keto-friendly sweetener or berries (like cranberries) bring a touch of sweetness.
• Balanced & Satisfying – It’s refreshing but substantial, with a satisfying variety of flavors and textures: crunchy, creamy, savory, tangy.

Easy Keto Broccoli Salad

• I make this all the time mostly because it takes like five minutes and somehow tastes better the next day.
• Broccoli gives it that crunchy, fresh thing going on, so it doesn’t feel like you’re eating boring “keto food.”
• I usually toss in some almonds or pecans—whatever I have—just for that little crunch.
• Mayo dressing keeps it simple, and sometimes I splash in a bit of vinegar so it doesn’t taste flat.
• It’s one of those salads you can leave in the fridge and snack on whenever.
• Bacon bits make it way better, not gonna lie.
• It’s honestly become my go-to lazy side dish, and I don’t even pretend it’s complicated.

Keto Broccoli Salad Nutrition and Calories

Related Post:-

• Keto Chicken Salad
• Keto Taco Salad
• Keto Egg Salad
• Keto Tuna Salad

FAQs

Q1. Is broccoli salad keto-friendly?

A1. Yes, as long as it is prepared with a low-carb filling and sugar-free add-ons, it’s keto!

Q2. How many carbs are in keto broccoli salad?

A2. About 4 net carbs per serving.

Q3. Can I use raw broccoli, or should I cook it?

A3. Both methods work; raw keeps the broccoli crunchy; a brief blanch simply softens it a bit.

Q4. What is a good dressing for broccoli salad keto?

A4. A mixture of sour cream and mayonnaise, along with apple cider vinegar and a touch of keto sweetener, will do the trick.

Q5. Can I make it dairy-free?

A5. Yes: Omit the cheese and make the dressing with dairy-free mayo or coconut yoghurt.

Q6. Can you eat broccoli salad on keto?

A6. Yeah, you definitely can. Just don’t dump a sugary dressing on it and it stays totally keto-friendly.

Q7. Is broccoli allowed on the keto diet?

A7. Yep, broccoli’s one of those veggies everyone on keto eats without thinking. Low carbs, fills you up, no drama.

Q8. What nuts are best in keto broccoli salad?

A8. Honestly, pecans or almonds work the best. They add crunch without turning your carbs into a disaster.

Q9. How many carbs are in broccoli salad with mayonnaise?

A9. Depends what you throw in, but a basic version with mayo is pretty chill—usually just a few net carbs.

Candice Knauer

Hi, I’m Candice Knauer!
I’m passionate about creating delicious, healthy meals that make the keto lifestyle simple and enjoyable. What started as my personal journey into low-carb cooking has grown into a collection of recipes that I love sharing with others who want to feel their best while still enjoying great food.