Keto Broccoli Salad is a delightful low-carb dish that bursts with flavor. Packed with Turkey Bacon, jalapeno, and cheese, this salad offers a refreshing twist on the classic broccoli salad. It’s perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and family reunions, making it a versatile side dish that everyone will love. With its crunchy texture and savory taste, this Keto Broccoli Salad stands out at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This salad requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of Turkey Bacon, jalapeno, and cheddar cheese creates a rich taste experience.
- Low Carb Delight: Ideal for those following a keto diet, this salad keeps your carb intake in check while satisfying your cravings.
- Versatile Side Dish: Great for various occasions like BBQs and family gatherings, it pairs well with many main dishes.
- Make Ahead Option: You can prepare this salad in advance and chill it until you’re ready to serve.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all your fresh ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Ideal for blending the dressing smoothly, ensuring every ingredient is well incorporated.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to make your Keto Broccoli Salad:
For the Salad
- 7 cups broccoli florets
- ½ medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small jalapeno pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 scallions, diced
- 8 slices Turkey Bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 3 teaspoons powdered monkfruit sweetener, optional
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- ¼ cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
How to Make Keto Broccoli Salad
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon
Pre-cook 8 slices of Turkey Bacon until crispy. Allow it to cool slightly before chopping into bite-sized pieces. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the broccoli florets, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper (if using), and scallions. In a large mixing bowl, combine these fresh vegetables with the shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 3 teaspoons of powdered monkfruit sweetener (if desired). Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with chopped Turkey Bacon and stir gently to combine. Enjoy your delicious Keto Broccoli Salad!
How to Serve Keto Broccoli Salad
Keto Broccoli Salad is versatile and can complement various meals. Here are some creative serving suggestions that enhance its flavors and textures.
As a Side Dish
- Perfect for barbecues: This salad pairs well with grilled meats, adding a crunchy texture to your plate.
- Accompanying sandwiches: Serve it alongside your favorite low-carb sandwich for a refreshing crunch.
As a Snack
- Quick keto snack: Enjoy a small bowl of this salad as a mid-day snack to keep you energized.
- Meal prep option: Pack individual servings in containers for an easy grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
At Potlucks and Gatherings
- Crowd-pleaser: Bring this salad to potlucks; it’s sure to be a hit among friends and family.
- Beautiful presentation: Serve in a large bowl for a colorful display that attracts guests.
How to Perfect Keto Broccoli Salad
Creating the perfect Keto Broccoli Salad requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and peppers provide better flavor and texture than frozen options.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust spice levels: If you prefer less heat, omit the jalapeno or reduce the amount used.
- Add variety: Feel free to include other ingredients such as sunflower seeds or different cheeses for added flavor.
- Taste and season: Before serving, always taste your salad and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for Keto Broccoli Salad
Keto Broccoli Salad pairs wonderfully with various dishes. Here are some excellent side options that complement this tasty salad.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken breast seasoned with herbs makes for a satisfying meal alongside the salad.
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice adds bulk without extra carbs.
- Zucchini Noodles: These noodles provide a fresh twist and can be served hot or cold with a light dressing.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses offers variety; pair it with nuts for added flavor and texture.
- Stuffed Peppers: Low-carb stuffed peppers filled with meat or veggies make an excellent main course option.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy deviled eggs add protein while keeping within keto guidelines, making them a perfect bite-sized treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Keto Broccoli Salad even more delightful. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the broccoli: Cooking broccoli too long can make it mushy. Blanch briefly, then cool quickly to keep it crisp.
- Skipping the bacon: Turkey bacon adds flavor and texture. Don’t omit it; instead, choose a quality brand for the best taste.
- Neglecting seasoning: Salt and pepper enhance flavors. Taste as you mix and adjust to your preference for the perfect balance.
- Using low-quality mayonnaise: The dressing is key in this salad. Opt for a good quality mayonnaise to elevate the overall flavor.
- Not chilling the salad: Refrigerating enhances flavors and texture. Allow at least 30 minutes in the fridge before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep separate from any additional toppings (like turkey bacon) until serving.
Freezing Keto Broccoli Salad
- Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of vegetables.
- If necessary, freeze for up to 1 month, but be aware that thawing may result in sogginess.
Reheating Keto Broccoli Salad
- Oven: Spread on a baking sheet at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Keto Broccoli Salad unique?
This Keto Broccoli Salad combines fresh veggies with turkey bacon and cheese, making it both nutritious and flavorful. The addition of jalapeno gives it an extra kick!
Can I customize this Keto Broccoli Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute ingredients like using different cheeses or nuts. Add other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for variety.
How should I serve Keto Broccoli Salad?
This salad is perfect as a side dish for BBQs or potlucks. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best experience.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well in the refrigerator and can be made ahead of time, making it great for weekly meal prep.
Final Thoughts
Keto Broccoli Salad is a versatile dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Its combination of crunchy vegetables, savory turkey bacon, and creamy dressing makes it a hit at any gathering. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings. Try making it today; you won’t be disappointed!

Keto Broccoli Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Keto Broccoli Salad, a flavorful and low-carb dish that elevates your salad game to new heights. This recipe combines fresh broccoli florets, crispy turkey bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese for a crunchy and satisfying meal. Enhanced with diced jalapenos for a hint of spice, this salad is perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or as a refreshing snack. Not only is it easy to prepare with simple ingredients, but it also serves as a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses. Enjoy the rich flavors while keeping your carb intake in check, making it an ideal choice for anyone following a keto lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 7 cups broccoli florets
- ½ medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small jalapeno pepper, diced (optional)
- 3 scallions, diced
- 8 slices Turkey Bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the turkey bacon until crispy; let cool and chop into pieces.
- Dice broccoli, red bell pepper, jalapeno (if using), and scallions. Combine in a large mixing bowl with cheddar cheese.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and optional monkfruit sweetener until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Just before serving, mix in chopped turkey bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Keto
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For added flavor variations, try incorporating sunflower seeds or different cheeses. Ensure to chill the salad well for optimal taste before serving.