The tangy dressing in this keto broccoli salad makes it a winning dish. It's the perfect low carb salad to take along to share with family and friends at your next potluck or summer picnic.
I’ve always enjoyed salad made with broccoli so I came up with a version that has fewer grams of carbs than my original recipe! It’s a little different than my sweet broccoli salad recipe which adds sugar-free dried cranberries.
Why you'll love it
This low carb broccoli salad recipe has been a family favorite at summer parties and picnics. It's the perfect keto side dish to bring to all my family gatherings because it's something my whole family enjoys.
The crisp-tender broccoli, crumbled bacon, soft bits of cheese, and crunchy sunflower seeds along with a keto-friendly sweet dressing gives it loads of flavor. But what I like best about this broccoli bacon cheese salad recipe is that it's super easy to prepare.
Some broccoli salad recipes include chopped red onion, but I left that out to minimize the carbs on a keto diet. I’ve also seen the salad made with ham instead of bacon. I like to add cheese, but you can leave that out.
You can also use raw broccoli in the salad, but I find it easier to eat if the florets are steamed to crisp-tender first.
Ingredients
There are two parts to this low carb recipe - the actual salad and the dressing. Trust me, save the recipe for the salad dressing. You will want to use it on so many other chopped salads that you create. It is so tangy!
Broccoli Florets
The main ingredient in this salad is fresh, raw, crispy broccoli florets. They should be chopped up into bite-sized pieces. Broccoli is a great low carb vegetable that most of those on a keto diet are already very familiar with.
Bacon Bits And Cheese
Adding in crispy bits of bacon and shredded cheddar cheese really ups the flavor in a keto broccoli salad. And if you’re dairy-free, feel free to omit the cheese or use a non-dairy substitute.
I added shredded cheddar cheese on top. You can use your favorite cheese but, I think cheddar tastes the best with the dressing. You can also swap it with goat cheese, feta cheese, or even shredded parmesan.
Don't forget the bacon! Not only does it give this salad more protein, but it adds a savory flavor that the dish really needs to round itself out. Remember to always use bacon that does not have added sugars like those made with maple syrup.
Homemade Broccoli Salad Dressing
The dressing in this simple low-carb broccoli salad is sweet and tangy. It's a blend of:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Avocado mayonnaise
- Stevia sweetener
You can change up the ingredients to suit your own preferences.
Mayo
It's best to use a homemade mayonnaise that uses healthy oil. If you do use a prepared mayonnaise, I like to buy one made with avocado oil. I use this mayo when I don't have the time to make mayonnaise.
However, it really doesn't take much time at all to make your own mayonnaise to use in this keto broccoli salad. You don't even have to cook the egg yolks first!
To make your own mayo, you can just whip it up in a container with a stick blender. It's super quick to prepare.
Stevia
I like to use a stevia sweetener and the SweetLeaf brand packets are the ones I typically use. However, the pure powder extract or liquid extracts work well too. Just use my handy sweetener conversion chart to substitute any sweetener in the recipe.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Although I use apple cider vinegar in the recipe, red wine vinegar is another option. And, for the mayo, I prefer using avocado mayonnaise because avocado oil is healthier than seed oils.
Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.
Quick tips
- Add more veggies. This is a really simple recipe. Add some chopped cauliflower and cucumber to give it a variety of textures and crunch.
- Serve the dressing on the side. If you won't be eating this right away, I suggest storing the dressing on the side. Only add it right before you plan to serve it.
- Make it spicy. Add a bit of heat to this tangy salad with some chopped jalapenos.
Equipment
You may want to have the following items on hand for this easy broccoli salad. The following were used:
I also recommend doubling or even tripling the recipe if taking it to share at a summer potluck gathering. That way, there will be plenty of servings for a crowd.
Instructions
Scroll down to the recipe card for the exact instructions for making this keto broccoli salad. Here is a quick overview, along with some more tips.
Prep The Ingredients
The most time-consuming step is prepping all the ingredients.
It does take a little time to chop up the broccoli but you can buy it already chopped if you want to save time.
You'll want to cook the bacon strips in the oven for about 20-25 minutes at 400 degrees F until they are nice and crisp. I don't even bother to preheat the oven first either.
To see more, you can check out my post on baking bacon in the oven. It's a lot cleaner to bake bacon rather than fry, especially if you line your pans with foil.
Add The Dressing
After you mix all the ingredients in the bowl, add the salad dressing. I like to make the salad dressing ahead of time. I store it in the refrigerator in a mason jar with a lid and it stays fresh for up to 5 days.
Mix-In Your Favorite Toppings
I usually don't mix the sunflower seeds into the low-carb broccoli salad if I add them. Instead, I like to sprinkle them on each individual serving so they are nice and crunchy.
Sliced almonds are another option if you don’t care for sunflower seeds. Other nuts like pecans or walnuts would work as well.
What To Serve With Keto Broccoli Salad
If you are going to serve this as a side salad, add your favorite chicken recipe as the main course. The tanginess of the salad dressing tastes so good with chicken cordon bleu casserole or a basic keto chicken salad.
The bacon in this salad makes it taste perfect with pork chops too. Try it with my air fryer pork chops recipe!
FAQs
Before we get to the recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about low-carb broccoli salad with bacon.
The best way to store this salad is without the dressing. The dressing will eventually soften the broccoli, making it not as appetizing. If you store it with the dressing, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat it within 3 days.
Yes, broccoli is a very keto-friendly veggie. It is really high in fiber! In fact, 1 cup of chopped broccoli only has 2g net carbs.
Other vegetables taste great in the salad too. Some of my favorites to add are arugula, avocados, cauliflower, cucumbers, kale, and spinach.
When you need something really simple, make this keto broccoli salad! It has so many flavors and textures that all mesh well together. This became one of my favorite ways to eat broccoli.
Related Recipes
When you need to feed a crowd, browse my list of keto casseroles. Here are some more salads and meals that you can take to potlucks too.
- Cauliflower Potato Salad tastes just like potato salad, but it doesn't have any potatoes in it.
- Basic Cabbage Slaw has a really tangy dressing and is the perfect topping for burgers or to eat on the side by itself.
- Greek Salad With Zoodles has Kalamata olives and feta cheese, for a Mediterranean salad that everyone will love.
- Cucumber Broccoli Salad is another way to serve these two low-carb veggies.
- Easy Thai Chicken Salad has a tangy peanut butter dressing and uses canned chicken. It's a super-easy recipe you can throw together last minute.
Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!
Recipe
Keto Broccoli Salad with Cheese and Bacon
Video
Ingredients
- 1 bunch fresh broccoli cut in small pieces
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 stevia packets about 6 teaspoons granular sweetener
- 6 slices no sugar bacon cooked crisp then chopped
- ½ cup cheddar cheese grated
- ¼ cup onion chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly steam broccoli for a minute or two. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, vinegar and stevia with a whisk.
- Toss the broccoli and cheddar cheese into the dressing.
Notes
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First published on August 4, 2010. Updated on March 18, 2021, with new images and additional recipe information.
Marry
Hi Lisa, I just loved your recipe! Thank you so much for sharing it. I'm planning to cook this for my family. However, I have a question: Can I use the pepper in this recipe as recommended in this recipe [https://iketomom.com/keto-broccoli-salad/]?
Please let me know. Thank you, and I'm looking forward to your response!
Connie
I just tried this recipe & have to say it is absolutely delicious!! Will definitely make again. Thank you
Nikki
I made this for a Memorial Day cookout and it was a huge hit. I received numerous comments about how flavorful it was. I thought I'd made plenty but it disappeared with people asking for more. This is a keeper!
Mel
This recipe looks delicious!
You mention you make your own mayo. I would like to have the recipe for your mayo if possible.
Thank You!
Lisa MarcAurele
It's very basic and just whips egg (uncooked) into oil with some vinegar and seasoning. If you prefer to cook the egg a little, you can follow the instructions in the coconut oil mayonnaise recipe.
Chris
This is really good!
Corina
Sounds great
Am always looking for new things try. However what is ten serving size, cup, 12oz .. I don't quite understand what it means under serving..
Thank you
Lisa MarcAurele
It's like a cup and half more or less.
LynnZ
I'm on a keto diet and I just made and doubled this recipe to take to a salad potluck at work tomorrow. I couldn't figure out the sweetner conversion on the table though... I used Lankato Monkfruit sweeter classic and just went by taste, I used 4 Tablespoons (for a doubled recipe) and it tasted not too sweet and still tangy. I looks and tastes beautiful and delicious, and was so easy to make because I bought pre-cut broccoli florets at Costco. I will be very surprised if any is left over tomorrow. Thanks for the recipe!
Lisa MarcAurele
Did you try the sweetener calculator? It's just below the chart and can do the math for you.
Jill
Do you know what the amount of broccoli in cups? I usually buy it in a bag of florets rather than a bunch. Thanks!
Lisa MarcAurele
It's about 3.5 cups or so. More or less is fine for the salad.
Andrea
This was amazing! I have made it twice already. I use honey as my sweetener. I’m making it again for a summer bbq ! Can’t wait! The whole family enjoyed it!
Pamela K
i've made this three times already since i found the recipe. i think i will use the dressing for keto cole slaw. this is dinner, tonight!
just a side note, recipe first, story telling after, please. use an asterisk in the recipe if notes/story is helpful.
Lisa MarcAurele
There's a "Jump To Recipe" for those that want to get right to the recipe. And there is no story on this one, only info about the recipe.
Melody
I see your comment is 3 years old. But I have to say something. Every recipe here is something Lisa created. It's her blog. And I'm sure a lot of work goes into it. If you don't want to read about the recipes look elsewhere for free content but do not tell her how to run her space!
Nancy Ashley
I am trying to find a salad dressing you posted that can also be used as a marinade and it was suggested you can store it in a mason jar. It had olive oil, dijon mustard and other ingredients. But now I can't find it.
Could you please direct me to it.
Thanks
Lisa MarcAurele
Do a search on olive oil and balsamic vinegar salad dressing and it should come right up.
Gregory Fobare
Made the broccoli salad and it was awesome we enjoy your recipes thank you
Lisa MarcAurele
You're welcome! I'm happy to share my favorite low carb recipes.
Anjel Chapman
This broccoli salad looks delicious and love that it's low carb
Karen
What is the serving size? 1 cup, 1/2 cup?
Lisa MarcAurele
It's about one cup.
Barbara
Made this it was great
Omitted onions and added celery. Family ate it up.
Chantel
Absolutely delicious
TeresaS
I've been making this for awhile and absolutely love it...and so does the hubby...I leave my broccoli in little flowers instead of small pieces...it seems to work fine...this isn't just a summer dish...I serve it normally with salmon...yummy...
Lisa MarcAurele
I agree! It's a great side to serve year round.
bj
Please consider doing the Nutrition information to be MORE print friendly for use on one page with recipe and WITHOUT the pyramid format...Would save a ton of paper and staples....
Lisa
I have used a side by side format to help save paper. I can give feedback to the software guy. My printer does front/back printing so it's only on a double sided one sheet when I print out the recipes. You may want to get a printer that does 2 sided printing. It saves a ton of paper and staples.
Lisa
Really enjoyed this recipe. I only used one packet of Stevie because I am not a fan of sweet dressings and it was perfect. I also threw in some Sriracha sunflower seeds and they gave the salad some nice zip. This will definitely be added to the rotation. Great summer salad
Lisa
Thanks for the feedback Lisa!
Robin LTF
Made this without the optional ingredients & used red wine vinegar. I don't care for raw broccoli, so I steamed it a little (a little too much, unfortunately) but still loved this broccoli salad! Essay to make and delicious! Next time I will pay attention & only steam for 2-3 minutes.
Alex
This is a GREAT salad! Absolutely delish!
Stacy Chamberlain
Hi,
Could you please quantify "1 bunch fresh broccoli". My fitness pal says 1 medium bunch of broccoli is 148g. There isnt any way that 148g of broccoli is going to serve 6 - 1 cup servings of this recipe. Help.
Thanks
Lisa
It's about 16 ounces.
Shari Ann
This is absolutely delicious, I'm taking it to Christmas Eve dinner, that is, if i can stop nibbling on it!
Tammy S
Is this video on your Facebook page? I'm trying to find it to share to a friend
Lisa
Yes it is. You can find it here--> https://www.facebook.com/lowcarbyum/videos/1680890925286567/
Susan Pratt
I make this with half broccoli and half cauliflower. It is a family favorite!
Lisa
Will keep that in mind next time. I've never tried it with cauliflower.
Patty
I made it with both broccoli and cauliflower, too. It is a tasty recipe and adds something different to our keto menu. I just made it, it's chilling now, then I plan to sprinkle a few salted pumpkin seeds on top for crunch. Thanks for this and all your great recipes!
Bambi O
Your salad sounds amazing and I love a tangy-sweet dressing but I can’t do Stevia. Would you recommend Swerve or sucralose as a substitute? I do OK with those 2 but am never sure how much to use when replacing Stevia. Thank you!
Lisa
1 packet of stevia equals about 1 teaspoon of Swerve. Or 1 teaspoon of powdered stevia is about 1 cup Swerve.
RUby
I just made this using xylitol - came out delicious!
Lisa
Good to know xylitol is a good option!
Nancy
I always adjust according to taste with dressings such as this
Connie
I bought a 2 # bag of broccoli florets
Is that the same as 2 bunches Of fresh broccoli
In relation to the recipe
Lisa
Typically it is about equal.
Kathy
Hi, Lisa .. . Can you tell me how many new carbs per serving? I'm a little new to this and not sure how to come up with that.
Lisa
It's about 5g net carbs.
Alma
This broccolin salad ? is delicious ? I love ❤️ it
Lisa
I'm so glad you loved it! 🙂
Rosa
How much is one serving? 1/2 cup, 3/4 cup, 1 cup?
Lisa
It's about 3/4 to 1 cup.
Judy
What makes it that high in carbs.
Lisa
It's mainly from the broccoli.
Hilary
The stevia packets are 2g carbs per packet. Just a thought. It’s not mostly from the broccoli. 3packets=6 carbs right there
Lisa
I've moved away from using packets for that reason. Instead, I sub in 5 drops of stevia liquid for every packet because the liquid stevia has zero carbs.
Megan
Can you use honey instead? If you can how much?
Lisa
I'd try about a tablespoon of honey. I'm not sure how well it will mix into the dressing, though.
Laura
Made this last night and it was delicious! Super easy to put together and the entire family ate it up. Thank you!
Lisa
You're welcome! So glad it was a hit.
Laura
Can you use Stevia drops instead of the granulated version? If so, do you know what would be the proper amount of drops?
Lisa
I'd say about 15 drops. I use about 5 drops to replace a packet.
Lorri S
I just made this to take to my sister's for Easter. I had 2 green onions to use up so finely chopped them in place of onion. Oh my lucky stars!! So tasty!! I'm not a huge fan of raw broccoli but this salad will be made often! Love it!! Thanks for the awesome recipe!!
Lisa
You're welcome! 🙂
JoAnn
This salad is delicious!
Lisa
I agree JoAnn!
Paula sherman
I just put this recipe on my fitness pal and the net carbs came up to 18 carbs with only 5 carbs of fiber, you state 3 carbs per serving , what is wrong here?
Lisa
The serving size is wrong. Will fix.
Brenda
So what is the true serving size, calories, fat, carbs & fiber?
Lisa
The size is about a cup for the data shown.
Stacy Chamberlain
When I put this into my fitness pal using 6 cups of broccoli it says the net carbs per serving are 9.6 and the calories are 351 for a 1 Cup serving? How are you getting 3 carbs? What is the amount of broccoli you are using? Thanks.
Lisa
I use a program called WP Recipe Maker
Kaylyn
Can I leave out the stevia, or will it be too tangy? I don't use sugar substitutes anymore, and I think it would be fine for me without it, but I want to take this to a potluck.
Lisa
I use it to offset the vinegar. You may want to reduce the vinegar a bit if not using a sweetener.
Jessica
Does your carb count include the optional ingredients? This looks amazing!
Lisa
You'd have to add more carbs if you add the optional ingredients.
Angela
This is a fabulous salad! Thank you for this great recipe!
Jessixa
I really can't stand vinegar in any shape or form. Is this fine without the use of vinegar?
Lisa
I often eat salads without dressing. You can skip the vinegar if you'd like and just add the rest.
Sheryl
A friend of mine gave me her mother's recipe for Bacon Cheddar Broccoli Salad several years ago but I lost the recipe. I couldn't for the life of me remember what went in the dressing. I made this one today and it is very similar to the recipe I lost. I think this one is even better. I've never had it with sunflower seeds before. It really does add something to it. Thank you for such a great recipe.
Lisa
You're welcome! It's a bummer to lose a favorite recipe. I've done it so many times. Glad I could help you recover with a new one!
Robin
Love this. Dressing kept well through the week and we used it on a kale, broccoli and sliced brussell sprouts mix from Costco.
Lisa
This one of my favorite dressings. I'll have to look for that mix at Costco.