The Ultimate Keto Potluck Salad Your Friends Will Beg You For!
Are you tired of sadly skipping the giant bowl of macaroni salad at every summer cookout? I know I was! That creamy, tangy, loaded salad is a potluck staple, but it’s a carb-heavy nightmare. Well, say goodbye to food FOMO! This Keto BBQ Chicken Cauliflower Salad is your new secret weapon. It has all the classic flavors you crave—smoky bacon, savory chicken, and a creamy BBQ dressing—all wrapped around tender roasted cauliflower instead of pasta. It’s the perfect dish to bring to a party, guaranteeing there’s a delicious, guilt-free option you can dive into.
Ingredients
• 1 large head cauliflower, about 2 lbs / 900g, cut into bite-sized florets
• Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces / 225g boneless, skinless chicken, cooked and chopped
• 6 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and chopped
• 2 tablespoons / 30g dill pickle relish
• 2 ribs celery, about 1 cup / 100g, sliced
• ½ cup / 75g diced red bell pepper
• ½ small red onion, about ¼ cup / 40g, finely diced
• ¼ cup / 60g full-fat sour cream
• ¼ cup / 60g mayonnaise
• ¼ cup / 60ml your favorite keto-friendly Barbecue Sauce
• 1 tablespoon / 15g prepared yellow mustard
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Spread the cauliflower florets in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and black pepper. Roast for 20 minutes, or until the cauliflower is fork-tender and slightly golden at the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
4. While the cauliflower roasts and cools, prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped bacon, dill relish, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, sour cream, mayonnaise, keto barbecue sauce, and yellow mustard. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
5. Once the roasted cauliflower has cooled to room temperature, gently fold it into the chicken and dressing mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Serve immediately, or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutritional Information
• (per serving)
• CALORIES: 161
• FAT: 10 g
• PROTEIN: 12 g
• TOTAL CARBS: 8 g
• DIETARY FIBER: 3 g
• NET CARBS: 5 g
• ERYTHRITOL: 1 g
Pro Tips
• Roasting the cauliflower until tender but not mushy is key. This step dries it out slightly, preventing the final salad from becoming watery.
• This salad is delicious served warm right after mixing, or chilled like a traditional macaroni salad. For best results, let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• For a spicy kick, swap the red bell pepper for finely diced jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
• Save time by using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon crumbles. Just be sure to check the for any added sugars.
• Add a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor and cheesy goodness.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this keto potluck salad ahead of time
A: Yes, this salad is perfect for making ahead. For the best flavor, prepare it and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: How do I stop my cauliflower salad from getting watery
A: The key is to roast the cauliflower before adding it to the salad. Roasting helps to dry out the florets, which prevents them from releasing excess moisture. Be sure to let the cauliflower cool completely before mixing it with the dressing.
Q: What makes this BBQ chicken salad keto
A: This salad is keto-friendly because it uses roasted cauliflower instead of high-carb pasta. It also calls for full-fat mayonnaise, sour cream, and a specific keto-friendly BBQ sauce to keep the sugar and net carb count low, with only 5g of net carbs per serving.
Q: Are there any time-saving shortcuts for this recipe
A: Absolutely! To save time, you can use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked bacon crumbles. Just make sure to check the labels for any hidden sugars to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
