This Keto Broccoli Salad takes your favorite classic side dish and amps it up with a sweet and spicy twist. With jalapeño heat and a hint of sweetness from natural sweetener, it’s the perfect way to elevate your next meal.
Inspired by the flavors of spicy Thai peanut noodles, this dish brings that same bold kick to a low-carb side. A hint of inspiration also comes from classic Amish broccoli cauliflower salad, making it a unique fusion.
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Why you'll Keto Broccoli Salad
Low-carb and keto-friendly – Perfect for those watching their carb intake without sacrificing flavor.
Sweet and spicy balance – The jalapeño and natural sweetener combo create a unique and irresistible taste.
Crunchy and fresh – Crisp broccoli and flavorful mix-ins make every bite satisfying.
Ingredients
- Natural sweetener: I like to use (affilate link) truvia (Stevia and Erythitol blend), but you can also use monkfruit (affiliate link).
- Fresh Broccoli
- Macadamia Nuts: These are high in healthy fats and low in carbs and give a great crunch in the salad.
- Thick cut bacon
- Green onions
- Jalapeno Peppers
- Mayonnaise
- Cheddar Cheese
- Red bell pepper added for color contrast and takes the place of raisins or cranberries in the original recipe.
Instructions
- Pre cook and crumble bacon for the salad. Set aside in an airtight storage container until ready to use.
- Dice and chop the broccoli florets, red bell and jalapeno pepper, peppers, and scallions. Toss together in a large bowl with the cheddar cheese
- To make the salad dressing, In a medium bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sweetener (if using).
- Stir the salad dressing into broccoli salad mixture until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with crumbled bacon and stir to combine.
Substitution Ideas
Natural sweetener: Replace with honey or maple syrup (if not strictly keto) for a slightly different sweetness profile.
Broccoli: Swap out raw broccoli for cauliflower florets for a similar crunch and taste.
Jalapeño: Use crushed red pepper flakes or diced mild green chiles for a different level of heat.
Variations
- Turkey bacon can be substituted for pork bacon.
- Use roasted chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds in place of the macadamias.
- Make it dairy-free and omit the cheese. To make it visually appealing, add ½ cup shredded carrot to the salad in place of the cheese. Be sure to adjust the carb count accordingly.
- If you really miss the cranberries, you can use no sugar added dried cranberries. They will not increase the carb count by much.
Equipment
- Kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Storage
Store this delicious broccoli salad recipe in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4 days.
Tips
- To keep the bacon crispy, don't mix it into the salad until just before serving.
- If you prefer cooked broccoli, you can cook until crisp-tender and shock it in cold water to keep the bright green color. Be sure to cool completely and pat broccoli dry before assembling the salad.
Related Recipes
Serve with...
Serve as a side to Grilled Pork Chops, grilled chicken, steak, or salmon bites for a complete meal.
Also makes an excellent side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or picnics.
The last word
I ate traditional Broccoli Salad at many family reunions in my childhood. It was always a favorite of mine. I loved the sweet tang of cranberry with the savory and salty flavor combination. I wanted to replicate the flavor and make a low carb salad that would not lose that sweet, salty, savory flavor combination.
This Broccoli Salad is not your typical picnic salad. To make this keto-friendly, I omitted the dried cranberries to remove the sugars. And, I substituted chopped macadamia nuts in place of sunflower seeds to add more healthy fat.
When you make this Keto Broccoli Salad recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Keto Broccoli Salad
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Ingredients
- 7 cups broccoli florets
- ½ medium red bell pepper , diced
- 1 small jalapeno pepper , diced (optional)
- 3 scallions , diced
- 8 slices bacon , cooked and chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese , shredded
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 teaspoons Powdered monkfruit Sweetener , optional
- ¼ cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pre cook and crumble bacon for the salad. Set aside in an airtight storage container until ready to use.
- Dice and chop the broccoli florets, red bell and jalapeno pepper, peppers, and scallions. Toss together in a large bowl with the cheddar cheese.
- To make the salad dressing, In a medium bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and sweetener (if using).
- Stir the salad dressing into broccoli salad mixture until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to eat.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with crumbled bacon and stir to combine.
Linda says
Tried the recipe! It was very good. I exempted the hot peppers and scallions, because of the kids, but still very good. I also used Stevie as my sweetener.
Thank you!
Darlene says
Hi Shelby, Nice to see a blogger from my state that eats the way I do; we live in western NY. I make this salad often w/Swerve orZ Sweet, but have never added bacon or shredded cheese, so I'll give it a try next time. I usually add just a few raisins, tho I know they are really a no-no. I think this is one of those recipes that you can add whatever you like and it's still good! I usually add some walnuts and/or sunflower seeds also. Thanks for your recipe!
Shelby says
Hi Darlene! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment! I use Swerve for the most part and have even started using it in my coffee rather than the sugar free flavored sweeteners. I really think it's a great product. Definitely add the bacon and cheese, its delicious!
Jessica says
You me mentioned using a package of already chopped veggies... what exactly do you get?
Thanks.. can’t wait to try this.
Shelby says
Hi Jessica, I purchased pre-cut broccoli at Trader Joe's. You can probably find something similar in any grocery store. I hope you love the recipe!
Pam S says
I’ve made something similar for years and always get good reviews for it. If you’re in a time crunch, I’ve used broccoli slaw mix from the produce section as well as precooked bacon pieces and preshredded cheese to throw this together in about 5 minutes or less, lol. Of course, it’s more delicious without the shortcuts, but sometimes I just don’t have time to do it all from unprocessed ingredients.
Anne Lawton says
This is such a great idea for a summer pot luck!
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck says
This sounds crazy delicious...love the addition of jalapeno!!!
Caroline says
Sounds like a tasty combination of flavors in there, and great to pack up and take with you to work or a potluck.
Karen says
I've been searching for a broccoli salad for potlucks. Brings back memories. Can't wait to try this.
Alexa says
Planning to make this for the Fourth of July! Unfortunately I’m going to take out the scallions because people in my family don’t like them. Do you think this will ruin the flavor? Also, with the Erythritol, so you used powdered or granulated?
Shelby says
Hi Alexa, I don't think the missing scallions will hurt the recipe. I used granulated Erythritol (Swerve brand). I hope you enjoy this recipe, thanks for stopping by!
Jackie says
Don’t like onions so I left them out. I added sunflour seeds
Shelby says
Hi Jackie! I hope you enjoyed it!
Demeter says
After bring this to the next potluck, I'm sure that it will be highly requested from here on out! Such a classic summer dish.
Britt | Sweet Tea and Thyme says
You had me at bacon. Say no more!
Claudia Lamascolo says
I really need to make this over the weekend for the 4th of July, I needed a side dish and this will be perfect. I love the flavors!
Lauren Vavala @ DeliciousLittleBites says
I am super excited for this recipe! I'm on keto now and am in need of some new flavors! I have all these ingredients in my fridge and this is so happening today!
danielle wolter says
All you had to say was filled with bacon and cheese and I was already sold LOL! This salad sound delicious!!
Christine Castaneda says
Hi, just wanted to come by and say I made your broccoli salad tonight and it was DELICIOUS! The whole family loved it! I paired it with cauliflower mac & cheese and bbq beef ribs using Guy Fieri's Sugarfree Smokey Bacon BBQ sauce. Everything matched perfectly! Will be making this at least once a month. Thanks again!
Shelby says
Hi Christine! Thank you so much for coming by and letting me know! So happy you loved it!
Susan says
Have you ever made this with broccoli that is lightly steamed? I don’t particularly care for the texture of raw broccoli but I’m afraid if I steam it, it will soak up most the dressing. Looks so yummy!
Shelby says
Hi Susan, I have not, but you could blanch the broccoli by putting it in boiling water and cooking 1-2 minutes, then immediately take it out and put it in ice water to shock it and stop it from cooking, make sure the broccoli is drained really well, then assemble it. It may have more water release because it is cooked slightly so I probably wouldn't make a big batch of it because I don't know how it would be with leftovers. If you do try it, let me know how it turned out!
Reg says
I do steam mine in the MV, 3 total
Minutes, stir after each minute then rinse in cold water & drain well.
Shelby says
Thanks Reg for the response!
Danielle says
We always have a broccoli salad at a BBQ. It's nice to add a bit of colour.
Madi says
This has to be the perfect broccoli salad recipe! I need to make it for my next bbq or cookout!
camila says
Love broccoli! This salad must be delicious! Perfect side dishes for barbecue and grilling season