If you’re looking for an easy (and delicious) way to add more greens to your meal, look no further than this Keto Broccoli Salad!
If there’s one vegetable I’ve always struggled to get creative with, it’s definitely broccoli. While it’s always a go-to vegetable option to include in a healthy diet, I’ve often found it difficult to add flavor to broccoli dishes without completely over-seasoning it. When I first came across this recipe for a keto broccoli salad, I was intrigued by the ingredients but still wary it might become another dish to add to my list of broccoli failures. Luckily, I was dead wrong about that—this salad offers great flavor and a little bit of crunch, a perfect side for any lunch or dinner.
This recipe is a keto spin on the classic raw broccoli and bacon salad popularized in the 1970s. Many original versions included plenty of sugar, sweetened cranberries or raisins, and lemon juice. And while that’s certainly a delicious combo, it’s also probably not checking any “health goal” boxes for most of us. The keto version of this recipe updated some of the ingredients to make it low-carb while also keeping the dish high in fiber and nutrient-dense (and, most importantly, full of flavor).
This recipe is so easy to throw together, and it stores really well, making it ideal to include in a weekly meal prep, too. The creaminess of the dressing and shredded cheese pairs well with the crunch of the bacon and nuts. It all comes together in a way that really brings this salad to life. Not to mention, the dressing includes the perfect combo of a sweetener mixed with apple cider vinegar. The resulting sweet yet tangy flavor strikes a balance that is so delicious that it just might make a broccoli lover out of me after all.
Lots of Healthy Swap Options
This broccoli salad recipe is considered low-carb and higher in fat, making it a great fit for those following a ketogenic diet. Even if you’re not particularly concerned about following a keto diet but still aim to eat nutritious food, broccoli is still high in fiber and nutrient-dense, making it a super healthy option for anyone. The walnuts and sunflower seeds are great sources of healthy fats as well.
If you have other dietary needs or goals to consider, there are also plenty of swaps to be made. For example, you can choose to use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon or make the salad vegetarian by excluding the meat altogether. And while the recipe eliminates extra sugar by calling for powdered keto sweetener instead, you can still choose the sweetener that works best for your personal needs and preferences. Popular keto sweeteners include stevia, erythritol, allulose, and monk fruit sweeteners, among others. Make sure to choose a powder that dissolves in liquid. Otherwise, the dressing might turn out grainy.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon powdered keto sweetener
How to Make Keto Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and powdered keto sweetener to make the dressing.
Step 3: In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
To store this broccoli salad, you’ll want to keep it covered in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This will keep the salad fresh for about 3 days. If you’re aiming for longer storage time, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving.
Should I Cook The Broccoli Before Using It?
There’s really no need to cook the broccoli. Although it may seem strange to use raw broccoli, cooking it prior to mixing the salad will result in the broccoli becoming mushy and falling apart. It’s also important to note that the vinegar in the dressing will slightly soften the florets after about 10 minutes, so the broccoli is not super crunchy when the salad is served.
Can I Use Regular Sugar If I Don’t Have a Keto Sweetener?
Yes, you can use regular sugar in this recipe. However, keep in mind that making this swap would most likely kick this dish out of the keto category. In addition, if using regular sugar, you might want to taste test the dressing to avoid making it too sweet and adjust the amount added according to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli salad is a really great option for a quick side dish for lunches during the week. You can pair it with a delicious protein, such as Grilled BBQ Chicken, Chicken Meatballs, or Turkey Meatballs. This dish also pairs well with just about anything off the grill, making it a great choice to bring to summer barbecues and get-togethers. This dish might also inspire you to explore other keto recipes that are low-carb but packed with flavor. Be sure to try out a Keto Chicken Buffalo Dip, Keto Taco Soup, or Keto Salmon Patties for your next keto-friendly adventure in the kitchen.
Keto Broccoli Salad
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon powdered keto sweetener
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and powdered keto sweetener to make the dressing.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped broccoli, red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped walnuts, sunflower seeds, and crumbled bacon.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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