Craving the ultimate comfort food but sticking to your keto lifestyle? Say hello to your new favorite weeknight meal! This Creamy Keto Salmon Macaroni swaps traditional pasta for tender cauliflower florets, all bathed in a luxuriously rich and cheesy sauce. Flakes of perfectly cooked salmon are folded in, creating a dish that’s both elegant and incredibly satisfying. Best of all, the Instant Pot does most of the work, bringing this decadent meal to your table in just 20 minutes. It’s the cozy, low-carb ‘mac and cheese’ you’ve been dreaming of.
Ingredients
• 8 oz / 227g salmon steak, skin removed and thinly sliced
• 2 cups / 200g cauliflower, chopped into small florets
• 1 cup / 240ml heavy cream
• 1 cup / 225g cottage cheese
• 3 cups / 720ml chicken stock
• 1 cup / 100g fresh celery, finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp / 24g almond flour
• 3 tbsp / 42g butter
• Spices
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Gently rinse the salmon steaks and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. On a clean cutting board, slice the salmon into uniform, bite-sized pieces.2. Pour the chicken stock into the Instant Pot liner. Add the chopped cauliflower and season with salt and pepper. Arrange the salmon pieces in an even layer on top of the cauliflower. Secure the lid, turn the steam release handle to the ‘Sealing’ position, and select ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ mode. Set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.3. Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. When the float valve drops, open the lid and gently remove the cooked salmon and cauliflower with a slotted spoon. Set them aside in a bowl.4. Select the ‘Sauté’ function on the Instant Pot. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Sauté the finely chopped onion until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cottage cheese and heavy cream until combined.5. Whisk in the finely chopped celery and almond flour. Continue to cook on ‘Sauté’ mode for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly.6. Turn off the Instant Pot. Gently fold the cooked salmon and cauliflower back into the creamy sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutritional Information
• Per Serving: Calories 351 | Total Fats 25.7g | Net Carbs: 7.4g | Protein: 21.8g | Fiber: 2.4g
Pro Tips
• For an extra cheesy flavor, stir in ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese at the very end until just melted.
• Ensure your cauliflower florets are chopped into small, even, macaroni-sized pieces for the best texture and consistency.
• Don’t overcook the salmon. Removing it immediately after the pressure cooking cycle is key to keeping it tender and flaky rather than dry.
• Garnish the finished dish with fresh dill or chives for a burst of fresh flavor that perfectly complements the rich salmon and creamy sauce.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot
A: Yes, you can adapt it for the stovetop. Steam or boil the cauliflower until tender and pan-sear the salmon separately. Prepare the sauce in a skillet by melting the butter, sautéing the onion, and then whisking in the cream, cottage cheese, celery, and almond flour until it thickens. Finally, fold in the cooked salmon and cauliflower.
Q: How do I make the sauce extra cheesy
A: For a richer, cheesier flavor, stir in a half cup of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese at the end of step 5. Continue stirring on the ‘Sauté’ setting just until the cheese is melted, then turn off the heat and proceed with the final step.
Q: Is this keto salmon macaroni good for meal prep
A: This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture, as reheating can overcook the salmon and make the sauce separate. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. However, you must ensure it is fully thawed and patted completely dry before slicing and adding it to the Instant Pot to ensure it cooks evenly in the 5-minute pressure cooking cycle.
