Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
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Craving the creamy goodness of traditional potato salad but following a keto diet? This Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad is the perfect solution! By swapping out potatoes for cauliflower, you can enjoy all the classic flavors without the extra carbs, making it a delicious, healthy alternative for any meal.
Looking for a delicious side that satisfies your potato craving without all the carbs? Look no further than this Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad.
Why You’ll Love Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
- Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: This salad satisfies your cravings for potato salad while keeping it low-carb. Cauliflower replaces the potatoes, making it perfect for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of mayonnaise, mustard, and spices gives this salad the same creamy, tangy flavor you love in traditional potato salad, without all the carbs.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With minimal prep and a quick microwave or steam time, this salad comes together in just minutes. It’s a simple side dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Great for Potlucks and Barbecues: This cauliflower salad is a crowd-pleaser! It’s the perfect dish to bring to summer picnics, potlucks, or barbecues, and no one will even miss the potatoes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It tastes even better after it sits for a few hours, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or sides throughout the week.
Nothing beats the goodness of potato salad. It is one of the first dishes I want to scoop up at picnic or potluck. But if you are following a keto diet, you may find yourself staring at the bowl in tears! No more missing out with this Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad. You can enjoy that delicious potato flavor without all the carbs.
Ingredients For Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
- Cauliflower – The star of this dish, replacing potatoes with a low-carb, keto-friendly option that provides texture and flavor.
- Hard-boiled eggs – Adds protein and richness to the salad.
- Onion – Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch to the salad.
- Celery – Provides a satisfying crunch and a fresh flavor.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base that brings everything together.
- Mustard – Adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to balance the richness of the mayo.
- Salt and pepper – Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Paprika (optional) – Adds a pop of color and a subtle, smoky flavor.
Gluten-free, keto, paleo, and vegetarian, this Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad is so satisfying you won’t even miss the potatoes! In this recipe, cauliflower steps up to take the place of cooked potatoes and it does not disappoint. This dish is sure to satisfy all your potato salad cravings without sacrificing your dietary needs. Creamy and delicious, this stuff is so tasty you are going to want to eat the whole bowl!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
- Knife – For chopping the cauliflower, onion, and celery.
- Cutting board – To safely chop all your ingredients.
- Microwave-safe bowl or Instant Pot – For cooking the cauliflower. Either method works great for steaming or cooking the florets.
- Large mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients once they’re prepped.
- Spoon or spatula – To stir the ingredients together and mix in the dressing.
In just a few easy steps, you can be ready to satisfy your potato salad craving. Cut up your cauliflower florets and put into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave the cauliflower for three minutes on high, or until cooked to the desired doneness. Not into the microwave? No problem, try using your Instant Pot to cook cauliflower or steam the cauliflower instead. Put the cooked cauliflower into a large bowl and add in the chopped eggs, onion, celery, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Add in some more mayo and salt to taste if you feel it is needed. For maximum flavor, refrigerate this yummy Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad for at least one hour before serving. The wait will feel like an eternity because you are going to want to gobble this “potato” salad right up!
Serving Suggestions for Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
- Serve as a side dish for grilled meats like chicken strip, t-bone steak, or bbq pork chops for a complete, keto-friendly meal.
- Pair with air fry burgers or Italian sausages at a barbecue for a low-carb, delicious alternative to traditional potato salad.
- Add some crispy bacon bits on top for extra flavor and crunch.
- For a picnic or potluck, serve chilled alongside other keto-friendly salads, like coleslaw or Korean cucumber salad.
- Enjoy it on its own as a light lunch or snack, especially during the summer months when you want something cool and refreshing.
Tips For Success
- Cook the Cauliflower Just Right: Be careful not to overcook the cauliflower, as it can become mushy. You want it to be tender but still firm enough to hold its shape in the salad. If using the microwave or Instant Pot, keep an eye on the cooking time for the best results.
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: This salad tastes best when it has had time to chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the salad that classic “potato salad” feel.
- Add Seasoning Gradually: After mixing the ingredients, taste the salad before adding extra salt or pepper. Depending on the mayonnaise and mustard you use, you may not need as much seasoning.
- Customize Your Add-Ins: Feel free to add other low-carb ingredients to this salad, such as chopped pickles for tanginess, or bacon for a smoky, crispy bite.
- Meal Prep: This cauliflower “potato” salad is great for meal prep! Make a big batch and store it in airtight containers to enjoy throughout the week. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
I love to use my Instant Pot to make cooking the eggs and cauliflower even easier! Check out my recipes for Instant Pot Easy Peel Hardboiled Eggs and Instant Pot Cauliflower to make it happen! This recipe would be great at any potluck, barbeque, or picnic. It makes a great side when you are grilling, too! One scoop won’t be enough, so luckily you have eight serving to go around! Make sure you get to this Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad before your dining companions… otherwise you will risk missing out! Everyone who tries this tasty salad is going to be coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Bacon: For a smoky, savory twist, mix in crispy bacon bits. The bacon adds extra flavor and texture to the salad, making it even more satisfying.
- Dill Pickle Twist: Add chopped dill pickles or pickle relish for a tangy burst of flavor. Pickles are a great low-carb addition that pairs well with the creamy dressing.
- Herb Upgrade: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or chives can be added to brighten up the flavors and give the salad a fresh, vibrant taste.
- Swap the Mayo: If you’re looking for a lighter option, swap out some of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or sour cream. This will still give the salad creaminess but with a tangier, lighter taste.
- Egg-Free Option: If you prefer an egg-free version, simply omit the hard-boiled eggs. You can add more veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocado for extra texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the mayonnaise-based dressing. Freezing can cause the texture to change and become watery once thawed.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. Simply remove it from the fridge about 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad is perfect for making ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors have time to meld together. It’s great for meal prep or preparing in advance for a gathering.
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to steam or microwave it according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain any excess water after cooking to avoid a watery salad. Fresh cauliflower tends to have a firmer texture, so that’s the preferred option.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad will stay fresh for up to 4 days. It’s a great option for meal prep or to have on hand for quick lunches.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! You can customize this salad by adding other keto-friendly vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or radishes for extra crunch and flavor. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the taste.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! This Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad is naturally gluten-free, as it uses cauliflower instead of potatoes, and the other ingredients are also gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your mayo and mustard to confirm they are gluten-free as well.
This amazing Keto cauliflower potato salad is also great for Keto meal prep! Since you can make it ahead, just divide between meal prep containers and refrigerate. Can you imagine this tastiness waiting for you in the fridge?
Also check these out:
Keto Cauliflower "Potato" Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 4 hard-boiled eggs chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks finely chopped
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika optional
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Microwave-safe bowl or Instant Pot
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower florets into 1/2-inch pieces and put in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave the cauliflower for 3 minutes on High, or until cooked to desired tenderness (alternatively you can steam the cauliflower or cook it in the Instant Pot).
- Put cooked cauliflower in a large bowl and add chopped eggs, onion, celery, mayo, mustard, salt, pepper and paprika (if using). Add more mayo and salt to taste if needed.
- Refrigerate this cauliflower "potato" salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
If you like this Keto Cauliflower Potato Salad, you will also love these easy Keto recipes:
- How To Make Cauliflower Rice – making it from scratch is as easy as pulsing cauliflower in a food processor!
- Cauliflower Fried Rice – OMG this one is amazing! I like it as much as the real fried rice! So full of flavor, yummmm!
- Keto Cauliflower Stuffing – you don’t need to miss out on a holiday stuffing! This cauliflower stuffing is mouthwatering!
- Keto Cheese Biscuits – made with almond flour and cheddar cheese, these are so addictive!
- Keto Sangria – complete your picnic with this amazing low-carb sangria! You just have to see it to believe it!
This looks awesome but 1 question is that dry mustard you are using.
Thanks!
No, regular mustard
I just made this and it is delicious . I was surprised how good it is.
Thank you.
Awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Can you use frozen riced cauliflower in this? Cooking it first.
Yes, except the texture won’t be the same (grated cauliflower vs. chopped cauliflower).
I am so glad and excited to have your recipes, and thanks for all your hard work. All the info is very helpful.
Thanks Judy! I’m so happy you like my recipes!