This low carb salad made with fresh broccoli and a few simple ingredients is fantastic for BBQs, potlucks and family gatherings because of the easy meal prep to make it ahead. This low-carb broccoli salad is perfect for those on a keto diet or low carb diet with just 6 net carbs per serving.
The Best Broccoli Salad Recipe
Traditional broccoli salad recipes usually include sugar in the dressing which would spike blood sugar and raise insulin and definitely kick you out of ketosis if you are following a ketogenic diet. Our tangy dressing does not include sugar and will not raise your blood glucose levels so you can enjoy a nice serving of this delicious broccoli salad without worry.
This is a perfect keto side dish but feel free to add any protein you like to turn it into a terrific main dish meal the whole family will love.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli florets?
If you want to use frozen broccoli you will need to defrost it and drain excess water before using for this salad.
Do I need to blanch the broccoli?
Classic broccoli salad uses fresh, uncooked broccoli so it is totally fine to not blanch the broccoli. I find blanching to help with digesting better and still provides a nice crunchy tasty salad.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon is a great option to use if you don't like pork bacon.
What proteins can I add to this keto salad?
Cooked chicken thighs or chicken breasts, ground beef or even pork chops are a great addition to this salad.
Can I use already cooked bacon bits?
I would not recommend using store bought bacon bits as the ingredients usually contain yeast extract which is MSG as well as canola oil which is a highly refined and inflammatory oil.
Can I leave out the low carb sweetener in the dressing?
Yes, you can leave out the sweetener in the dressing if you prefer.
Can I replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt?
Yes if you would like to replace the mayo used here with Greek yogurt that would be fine.
Can I prepare this low carb broccoli salad recipe ahead of time?
Yes this recipe for broccoli salad can be made up to 2 days ahead and in fact the flavors will be even better as it has time to mingle in the fridge.
How to Make Healthy Broccoli Salad
To view the exact measurements and print this recipe please scroll to the bottom of the page for the recipe card which also includes nutritional information.
Broccoli Salad Ingredients
Broccoli florets
Red onion
Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds
Cooked, crumbled bacon
Optional ingredients; cheddar cheese, green onions
Creamy Dressing Ingredients
Mayonnaise or use sour cream or Greek yogurt if you prefer
Apple cider vinegar you could also use lemon juice, red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
Sea salt
Black pepper
Directions for Easy Keto Broccoli Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk dressing ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Step 2: If your broccoli florets are large, cut them into small pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling add salt and throw in your broccoli florets. Blanch for 4-5 minutes until you have crisp-tender broccoli then add to a bowl with ice water for an ice bath. This will keep the broccoli bright green.
Drain broccoli in a colander to remove excess water. You can also dry the broccoli with paper towels as well. If the broccoli is wet the dressing won't absorb as well.
Step 3: Place the broccoli, onion, sunflower seeds and bacon into the bowl over the broccoli salad dressing and mix together.
Step 4: Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Best if able to refrigerate longer.
How to Store Easy Low Carb Broccoli Salad
The best way to keep this keto salad fresh is storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
More Easy Keto Recipes for BBQs
Antipasto Cauliflower Rice Salad
Low Carb Keto Broccoli Salad Recipe
Keto Broccoli Salad (Low Carb, Nut Free, Dairy Free, Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Broccoli florets
- ½ cup red onion diced
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- 8 slices bacon cooked crisp, chopped
Keto-Friendly Sweet Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Swerve granular sweetener
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Whisk dressing ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- If your broccoli florets are large, cut them into small pieces. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling add salt and throw in your broccoli florets. Blanch for 4-5 minutes until it is crisp-tender broccoli then add to a bowl with ice water for an ice bath. This will keep the broccoli bright green.
- Drain broccoli in a colander to remove excess water. You can also dry the broccoli with paper towels as well. If the broccoli is wet the dressing won't absorb as well.
- Place the broccoli, onion, sunflower seeds and bacon into the bowl over the broccoli salad dressing and mix together.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Best if able to refrigerate longer.
Notes
Nutrition
About Brenda
Brenda Bennett is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, certified Sugar Detox Coach, certified Keto Coach and certified Life Coach. She has been Sugar Free & Refined carb free for 17 years and has written 2 cookbooks, Sugar-Free Mom, and Naturally Keto and her 3rd book The 30-Day Sugar Elimination Diet, is a four part program to help you detox from sugar, eliminate cravings, balance blood sugar and lose weight all while eating a delicious, nutrient dense whole foods. Meal plan offers two tracks to follow, low carb or keto. She is the founder of the Sugar Free Fresh Start course and Sugar Free Tribe weight loss membership. Learn more.
Judy
Surely you don't mean to add raw bacon to the salad. I would suggest that the ingredients list meantion , "fried crisp and crumbled",
Brenda
Thanks Judy!