This tasty Low-Carb Broccoli Salad is a crunchy delight! With fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, it’s a perfect side dish for any meal.
If you’re like me and love bacon, this salad won’t disappoint. I could snack on it all day! Plus, it’s quick to whip up for potlucks or family dinners.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are the star. If you can’t find fresh, frozen broccoli works too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well for the right texture.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a savory touch. If you need a bacon alternative, try turkey bacon or even a plant-based substitute. You could also skip it for a vegetarian version, though it won’t have that smoky flavor.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. You can switch these with sunflower seeds or leave them out for a nut-free version.
Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayonnaise is rich and creamy. If you prefer lighter options, use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Homemade mayo is also an option for more control over ingredients.
Sweetener: I like erythritol for sweetness without carbs. You can also use monk fruit sweetener or stevia if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
How Do You Make the Dressing Just Right?
The dressing ties everything together, so it’s important to mix it well. Here’s how to make it perfect:
- In a bowl, add mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, sweetener, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until nice and smooth. Taste, and feel free to add more sweetness or salt as you prefer.
- Once your broccoli mix is ready, pour the dressing over it, and gently toss everything to combine. This ensures each piece gets that tasty coating!
Letting the salad chill in the fridge for an hour helps all the flavors blend beautifully. So, don’t skip this step!
How to Make Low-Carb Broccoli Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon erythritol or preferred low-carb sweetener
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Low-Carb Broccoli Salad requires about 15 minutes to prepare and should chill for at least 1 hour before serving. In total, you’ll spend around 1 hour and 15 minutes making this dish, but most of that time is just letting it sit in the fridge to develop flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
Start by preparing your veggies. In a large bowl, add the chopped broccoli florets, crumbled bacon, finely diced red onion, and your choice of chopped nuts. If you’re using pumpkin seeds, toss those in too! Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
2. Whisk Together the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, erythritol (or your chosen sweetener), salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing to see if you’d like to adjust the sweetness or seasoning!
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Using a spatula, gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are nicely coated with the dressing. Take your time to ensure everything is evenly mixed!
4. Chill the Salad:
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place the salad in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and make the salad even tastier!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir to refresh it. You can taste it again to see if you want any additional seasoning. Serve it chilled as a delightful low-carb side dish, and watch it disappear at your table!
This crunchy and creamy Low-Carb Broccoli Salad is sure to be a hit! Enjoy the flavors and textures that make this dish a satisfying addition to any meal, especially for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
Can I Use Cooked Chicken Instead of Bacon?
Absolutely! If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute cooked chicken for the bacon. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and mix it in with the other ingredients. It adds protein without the extra fat from bacon.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Broccoli Salad?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again, as the dressing may thicken a bit over time.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan! Substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or jackfruit for a similar flavor, and use a vegan mayonnaise and plant-based yogurt for the dressing.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Chopped bell peppers, celery, or even shredded carrots work great in this salad for added crunch and color. Just make sure to keep the overall texture similar by keeping them bite-sized!
