This easy Keto Ranch Broccoli Salad with Bacon will become your go-to summer side dish. It is creamy and refreshing with the bold flavors of cheddar and bacon and one of my all-time favorite keto recipes. A delicious low carb salad that is full of vibrant and crisp flavors. This easy side dish recipe is also low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and Trim Healthy Mama friendly.
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Summer is in the air, and this low carb keto bacon ranch broccoli salad is always in rotation in our home. I use it as sides to pair with dinner, dishes to bring to potluck cookouts, and any other entertaining we might have. Crisp broccoli, creamy sauce, crumbled bacon, and of course shredded cheddar for a tangy cheese factor.
This easy broccoli bacon salad has been one of summer favorite low carb recipes the last few years. I buy the big bags of cleaned, washed broccoli from Costco, so all I have to do is cut them a little smaller and mix the ingredients. I love it as a side dish when we have chicken salad, grilled chicken, or smoked ribs.
Ingredients Needed
Broccoli florets - fresh work best, you can include the stems too if you chopped them small
Mayo - any mayo without added sugar
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt - we use both in interchangeably
Dill - dried is fine but if you have fresh go ahead and use that!
Onion powder - or dried minced onion
Garlic powder - or dried minced garlic
Parsley - again, dried is fine but fresh can work too
Salt - I like the pink Himalaya salt
Crumbled bacon - the real bacon crumbles sold in a package work just as well as fresh bacon in this
Shredded cheddar - or another cheese of your choice
How to Make Keto Broccoli Salad
Step One: Start by mixing your mayo, sour cream, and seasonings in a large bowl. Chop the broccoli in small bite-sized pieces. Fold in your broccoli. Then right before you are ready to serve fold in your crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese.
Expert Tip: If you don't wait to add in the bacon and cheese right before serving you will find the bacon becomes mushy and the cheese kind of melts into the sauce. If you serve the next day, add in extra cheese and even fresh crumbled bacon.
Simplified Version
Sometimes to change it up a bit instead of the seasonings listed I use Goya Adobo seasoning to taste. If you try that it cuts the ingredient count down to only 6. I try to keep the ingredients under 10 in most of my recipes. The Goya seasoning is salty so start with a little and add slowly. I’ve over-salted dishes a few times with that one blend.
Variations
- Sunflower Seeds - a classic option and great for crunch! Pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts are great as well.
- Roasted Salted Sliced Almonds - these also add a nice contrast to the other textures especially if you want to make this without bacon.
- Chopped Red Onion - if you love onion feel free to add some fresh chopped raw onion.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - I prefer mayonnaise-based salads without vinegar but if you enjoy it go ahead and add a splash.
- Cheese - I know some people like a little spice and might enjoy a pepper jack or jalapeno cheese, or maybe you want more bite, then reach for sharp cheddar cheese. Add in whatever cheese you and your family enjoy the most.
- Sweet Broccoli Salad - if you are looking for a sweeter broccoli salad leave out the dill, onion, garlic, and cheddar and add a little sweetener to taste along with some seeds or nuts and my sugar-free dried cranberries.
Common Questions
Is Broccoli Salad Keto?
Regular broccoli salad dressing often has added sugar. Because I created a lighter broccoli salad, it offers a healthier version than one that has sugar and other higher-calorie ingredients. Broccoli is full of fiber, folate, and is excellent for anti-inflammatory benefits. It is great for any low carb diet or anyone that just loves a great salad!
Do I Need Ranch Dressing?
Nope! The combination of dill, garlic, onion, and parsley is where the ranch flavor comes from. You don't need bottled dressing or a ranch seasoning packet.
Do You Have to Cook the Broccoli
No, I always use raw broccoli, but if you prefer cooked then blanch your broccoli in the microwave, stovetop, or in your instant pot. Generally, you will see broccoli salad recipes that use fresh broccoli. The dressings can break down the florets softening it up a bit.
If you want to cook your florets bring a pot of water to a boil, and drop your florets in for a minute. Transfer into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let your broccoli fully cool then complete making your salad.
Can You Use Frozen Broccoli in Broccoli Salad
If you don't mind a softer broccoli texture, you can allow your broccoli to thaw and use it for making broccoli salad. This will give you a similar texture to blanching your broccoli beforehand. It won't have as much crunch, but will still taste great.
Anytime I make casseroles I find myself snacking on the cooked broccoli in the mayo/sour cream/spice blend. Delicious!
How to Store Keto Broccoli Salad
If you have leftovers store your broccoli salad with bacon in the fridge in an airtight container. This salad will last up to three days in the refrigerator. Just note, that it is best when served fresh. The bacon softens as it sits in the refrigerator. You can always add in more bacon to give it that fresh taste for day two or three.
Can I Double This Recipe
This easy gluten free recipe doubles beautifully. If we are going to a big barbecue, I’ll double or triple this to make the entire 2.5 lb bag in a large mixing bowl. This easy raw broccoli salad is always one of the first salads to disappear.
This cold broccoli salad is soon to become a staple in my home. With spring here and summer on the horizon, it is the perfect vegetable dish to make to use up your fresh produce from your garden or farmer's market! Nothing tastes better than fresh produce picked out of your garden.
If you are on the hunt for a quick and easy salad, give this low carb broccoli salad a go. Bursting with fresh flavors in a creamy sauce, it will win over your family or a crowd in no time. I have been making this same recipe for years, and it never gets old.
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Ingredients
- 6 cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup mayo
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Mix mayo, sour cream, and the seasonings. Fold in broccoli.
- If serving right away fold in the bacon and cheddar. If preparing ahead add these right before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for more low carb side dishes?
- Cucumber Avocado Salad | Crisp, fresh and full of earthy flavors. This salad takes minutes to make and offers a tangy and creamy texture.
- Southwest Cauliflower Potato Salad | Go south of the border on flavor factor with this Southwest Cauliflower salad. An excellent lighter version of potato salad with extra flavors.
- Hashbrown Casserole | Looking for a comfort food dish. Low carb hashbrown casserole gives you that refreshing flavor without all the empty carbs.
Originally Published Revised and Republished on July 6, 2020.
Christine says
My family absolutely loves this recipe, I've been asked to make it the last 2 Christmases for my bring-along dish
Rachel Ward says
Crunchy and really delicious!
BarbaraH says
Absolutely loved this salad!
Bridget says
This stuff is so good! I decided to make this as a last minute side for your Five Minute Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders and some baked jalapeño poppers. Since I used all of my bacon for the jalapeño poppers, I substituted about 1 cup of smoked sausage for the bacon in this recipe and it was still perfect! Will definitely be making again soon!
Andrea says
Whipped this up quickly tonight to have with a rotisserie chicken - delicious! Thank you for a quick, yummy recipe.
Gina Matsoukas says
This was delicious! Pretty sure I will making it for every BBQ!
Jessica says
I didn't even mention that this dish was "keto" to my family. They all loved it and several asked for the recipe. Thanks ~
LynnM says
Holy moly, girlfriend! You’ve done it again! I have another new favorite! So quick, easy and delicious! The ingredients for this salad will be on hand as often as possible! Thank you!
LynnM says
Wow! This was so yummy! Thanks so much for a quick and tasty dish! A new favorite!
Mollie says
I add apple cider vinegar for a little more zing
Gia says
Do u boil broccoli? Or use it as is?
Taryn says
I use it raw in this dish.
April says
Broccoli salad is one of my favorite things, but there's usually a ton of sugar in it. I love that this recipe is sugar free and STILL tastes absolutely fantastic! I don't have to feel guilty enjoying it!
Madi says
This looks like the perfect broccoli salad recipe! I can't wait to make it for my next cookout!
Christina says
Is it fresh or dried dill?
Taryn says
I use dried but fresh works too.
Susan says
What brand of mayo do you use?
Taryn says
I normally use the Just Mayo brand.
Norma says
Any suggestions as to how I could cut down further on the carbs. There's a little too many compared to what I'm allowed daily. Thank you for any input or suggestions. Your recipe looks delicious by the way!!!
Taryn says
Most of the carbs come from the broccoli in this recipe. Cauliflower has a tiny bit less than broccoli so you could use half broccoli and half cauliflower. Mayo has less than sour cream so you could use more mayo and less sour cream as well.
Shell says
Where is the ranch.
Taryn says
The combinations of seasonings gives it the ranch flavor. It is basically a thick homemade ranch dressing.
txgrandma says
This is one of our favorites and so will make this version very soon. I love the ease of prewashed broccoli! We like sunflower seeds in ours but other than that, it will be made with this recipe. Thanks!
Brenda says
Do you use frozen broccoli or fresh, or could you use either you choose?
Taryn says
Fresh broccoli.