Keto Broccoli Salad

Name: Keto Broccoli Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 cups chopped broccoli; ¼ cup green or purple onion, chopped; 2 tbsp sunflower seeds; 3 strips cooked bacon, diced; 1 tbsp diced pimentos; ½ cup grated cheese; Dressing Ingredients:; 2 tbsp mayonnaise; 1 tbsp sour cream; 1 tbsp vinegar; pinch salt; ½ tsp sugar or sugar substitute

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This crunchy and colorful keto broccoli salad makes the perfect picnic side dish or light lunch. Veggies, bacon, sunflower seeds and cheese coated in a creamy dressing-ready in about 15 minutes!

This recipe originally published in May 2018 and updated with all new step by step instructions, photos and expert tips.

Low carb broccoli salad is the perfect side dish- loaded with healthy and delicious ingredients like broccoli, green onions and sunflower seeds. I used leftover bacon-precooked bacon is also an option-to make prep time even quicker. All the ingredients are low carb so it's a dish everyone can enjoy.

This recipe makes a great addition to your summer picnic menu or as a last minute dish to bring to any event. Low carb broccoli salad would be the perfect recipe to take to a friend or relative who follows a diet for diabetes. It keeps well in the refrigerator, so you can prep the day before.

Why this recipe works

My keto broccoli salad contains lots of veggies besides broccoli- I add green onion, chopped celery, peppers and grated carrots for extra color, flavor and nutrients. If you don't have these veggies, just omit them-no worries!
I am using either leftover bacon or precooked bacon to make prep time even faster.
I added some apple cider vinegar to the dressing- apple cider vinegar has been shown to be helpful in controlling blood sugar levels.
One bowl prep and ready in about 15 minutes!

The main ingredients

Broccoli- fresh broccoli from the market or garden, cleaned and packaged broccoli is fine too.
Veggies- these are totally optional but add crunch and flavor-try chopped celery, peppers, green onions and grated carrots.
Sunflower seeds- I used roasted unsalted seeds.
Bacon- you may use freshly cooked bacon, leftover bacon or precooked in this recipe.
Mayonnaise- choose your favorite.
Apple cider vinegar- adds to the flavor profile (and health benefits!)

bowl of broccoli, bacon strips, sunflower seeds, grated yellow cheese and mayonnaise — **Ingredients for Broccoli Salad**

How to make keto broccoli salad:

Start by cleaning then chopping veggies. Add these to a large bowl.
Next, add in the sunflower seeds, chopped bacon.
Mix the dressing, then pour over all and mix well.

chopped broccoli, diced bacon, grated cheese, sunflower seeds in white bowl — Step 1

Expert tips:

Chop the broccoli into small pieces for best results
Add extra veggies if desired- try to include green onions if possible. These add a great flavor to the salad.
If desired, you may use a coleslaw dressing in place of the mayonnaise. Note that the carb count may be higher.

Frequently asked questions

How long does broccoli salad last in the refrigerator?

Broccoli salad will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For best results serve within 24 hours of preparing.

What goes good with broccoli salad?

I find this salad to be perfect with grilled or BBQ meats-which makes it a perfect side dish for a cook out or picnic. I also find it to be good paired with foods that are soft and need a side dish with more texture such as spaghetti, casseroles and fish recipes.

Do you steam broccoli for broccoli salad?

Steaming the broccoli is not necessary but it is perfectly fine to blanch the broccoli for 1-2 minutes to remove the "raw" taste if desired.