Low Carb Cauliflower Salad is a flavorful, low-carbohydrate side dish that pairs well with picnics, weeknight dinners, or packed lunches. Roasted cauliflower combines with crisp radishes and celery, shredded sharp cheddar, green onions and crumbled bacon, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. This easy salad is satisfying on its own or served alongside grilled meats or steak bites.
Ingredients You Will Need
(Full amounts are given in the recipe card below.)
These simple ingredients come together quickly and keep the salad low in carbs while delivering great texture and flavor.
- 1 head cauliflower
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup radishes, sliced
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons pickle relish (dill or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Making Low Carb Cauliflower Salad
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare the salad. Roasting the cauliflower adds depth of flavor and a pleasant texture that balances the creamy dressing and crisp vegetables.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the core from the cauliflower and cut the head into bite-size florets.
- Spread the florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss so the florets are evenly coated.
- Roast for about 15 minutes, until tender-crisp and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cauliflower to cool completely to room temperature before assembling the salad.
- While the cauliflower cools, whisk together the dressing: combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, relish, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill the dressing until ready to use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled roasted cauliflower, sliced radishes, chopped celery, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon.
- Add the dressing and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving so the flavors can meld.
- When serving, top with a little extra crumbled bacon or an additional sprinkle of cheddar if desired. Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve.
Prep time: approximately 2 hrs 30 mins (includes chilling) | Active cook time: about 15 minutes | Total time: around 45 minutes.
Tips and Variations
- To save time, roast the cauliflower ahead of time and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- If you prefer a milder crunch, lightly steam the cauliflower for a few minutes before cooling and combining with the other ingredients.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheddar and swap the sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- For a lower sodium option, rinse jarred relish or use a reduced-sodium mayonnaise.
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak bites, or as a filling, low-carb lunch.
Can I Use Salad Dressing Instead of Mayonnaise?
Some whipped salad dressings can be used as a substitute, but many contain added sugar, which increases the carb content. If you are aiming to keep carbs low, stick with real mayonnaise. If taste is your main concern and you prefer the flavor of a particular salad dressing, you can substitute it for mayonnaise—just be aware it may change the nutritional profile and sweetness of the finished salad.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 219 kcal | Carbohydrates: 10 g | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Sodium: 447 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 3 g
Serving and Storage
Keep the salad refrigerated until serving. This dish is best enjoyed chilled, after the dressing has had time to meld with the vegetables. If you make it ahead, assemble later in the day for maximum crunch. Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Did You Make This?
If you try this Low Carb Cauliflower Salad, please share your experience and any modifications you made. Feedback helps improve recipes and inspires new variations.
