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Keto German Cauliflower Salad

Cast Iron Keto
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4.60 from 20 votes

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Our savory Keto German Cauliflower Salad is an eye-pleasing side dish that is loaded with the goodness of herbs, bacon, and tangy mustard vinaigrette, all nourishing your body when on a keto diet.

After the massive success of our German potato salad recipe, we wanted to give a keto-twist to it, and this is how the idea of a low-carb cauliflower mock potato salad recipe was born. This keto-friendly and delicious German cauliflower salad breaks the stereotype of German food being pretty heavy in the stomach. To prepare this, you just have to assemble your cooking tools and ingredients, and your yummy side dish will be ready in no time. Want the recipe? Let's dive in right away!

Keto German Cauliflower Salad
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Preparation and cooking overview

Preparing the Keto German Cauliflower Salad is simple and enjoyable. In just 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful dish by combining crispy bacon and cauliflower florets seasoned to your liking.

Chef's note

Our keto German cauliflower salad is perfect for sharing with friends and family. In fact, you can take this side dish to social gatherings!

Keto German Cauliflower Salad
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Salad recipe.

Ingredients for this keto German cauliflower salad recipe

  • 1 large head of raw cauliflower cut into small bite-sized florets
  • 6 slices bacon reserve fat
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon wholegrain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 green onions chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredient substitutions

  • Cauliflower: If you don't have cauliflower, you can use broccoli instead.
  • Bacon: If you're vegetarian or vegan or don't consume pork, you can substitute bacon with turkey bacon, tofu, or smoked tempeh for a smoky and savory flavor. Instead of bacon fat, you can add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet in place of bacon grease.
  • Red onion: If the red onion is too strong for you, you could use shallots.
  • White vinegar: You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter and milder acidity.
  • Wholegrain mustard: Dijon mustard could work as a substitute. It has a smooth texture and a slightly less spicy flavor.
  • Olive Oil: You can use avocado oil if you don't have olive oil.
  • Green Onions: Chives could be used as an alternative to green onions.
  • Parsley: If you don't have fresh parsley, use dried one. You can use also use cilantro.

Additional ingredients

  • Cheese: You can sprinkle some grated cheddar or crumbled feta for an extra layer of flavor and texture to the salad.
  • Avocado: Add chopped avocado to add creaminess to your salad.
  • Nuts and seeds: Add a handful of toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds to give crunch to this cauliflower salad with bacon.
  • Fresh herbs: Besides parsley, you could add other fresh herbs like dill, basil, or mint for a unique twist on flavor.
  • Spices: A sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder can add an interesting depth of flavor to the salad.
  • Hard-boiled eggs: You can boil eggs and incorporate them into the salad to add a good source of protein. Also, you can use egg slices to garnish this dish as well.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Add a few cherry tomatoes to add a burst of color and juicy sweetness to the salad.
  • Olives: Chopped green or black olives can bring a tangy, briny flavor to the salad that complements the other ingredients.
  • Pickles: For extra flavor, you can add pickles to the salad. Also, adding dill pickle juice can levitate the salad. But be cautious, as this juice is salty in nature.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto German Cauliflower Salad recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • 10" or larger cast-iron skillet
  • Slotted spoon
  • Plates

Tools substitute options

  • Cast-iron skillet substitute: Any large frying pan or sauté pan could work if you don't have a cast-iron skillet. A non-stick pan could also be used.
  • Slotted spoon substitute: If you don't have a slotted spoon, you can use a regular spoon and a fork to drain off the bacon grease when transferring the bacon.

How to make Keto German Cauliflower Salad: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Gather ingredients: Assemble the required ingredients.
  2. Measure and prepare: Measure the ingredients according to the needed quantity.
  3. Set up your cooking area: Make your kitchen clean. Keep the large skillet, cutting board, and knife within easy reach.

Cooking instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet until crispy or golden brown.
  2. Remove the crispy bacon with a slotted spoon. Transfer them to a plate that has paper towels placed on it.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets to the hot bacon grease.
  4. Add onion and cook over medium heat until soft, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. Add in the vinegar, mustard, oil, and green onion, and cook another 2-3 minutes.
  6. Add salt and pepper as per taste.
  7. Toss with parsley and serve.

Chef's pro tip

One mistake you may make while making this salad is overcooking the cauliflower. Overlooked cauliflower florets are mushy and lack a pleasant bite. So, just sauté florets until tender and slightly golden. Also, we have found improper seasoning as another biggest mistake when making this low-carb cauliflower salad. So, make sure to add seasonings and coat them evenly on the salad.

What to serve with keto German cauliflower salad

  • Keto schnitzel: You can enjoy this salad with our keto schnitzel, as this combo makes a filling meal.
  • Grilled chicken or fish: Chicken and fish are excellent protein sources and can be grilled with various herbs and spices for a flavorful main dish.
  • Keto meatballs: You can enjoy this salad with keto meatballs made with beef, chicken, or turkey.
  • Baked salmon: A well-seasoned baked salmon would complement the flavors of the salad.
  • Keto stuffed bell peppers: Pair this side dish when enjoying stuffed bell peppers.
  • Keto burgers: Swap the traditional bun for lettuce wraps or portobello mushrooms and enjoy a juicy burger with this salad.
  • Keto sausages: German-style sausages like bratwurst or kielbasa would go great with this German cauliflower salad.
  • Grilled tofu or tempeh: You can marinate and grill tofu or tempeh would make a fantastic protein source to pair with the salad.

How to make it healthier

Although bacon is keto-friendly, it is high in calories and saturated fat. To reduce the calories, reduce the amount of bacon used or refer to our ingredient substitution.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-sliced cauliflower pieces or florets.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Cut cauliflower into florets and freeze them. Use them when you decide to make this salad.
  • Chop onions and other herbs and store them in the fridge.

Storage and reheating

Storage tips

  • Refrigerator: Let your salad cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the serving bowl with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer: Freezing this keto German cauliflower salad can change the texture of the cauliflower. However, if you still want to freeze it, place the cooled salad in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can keep the salad in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating tips

  • Refrigerator leftovers: If stored in the refrigerator, the salad can be enjoyed cold, but if you like it on the warmer side, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until it's heated through.
  • Freezer leftovers: Thaw the frozen salad in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Then, follow the exact reheating instructions as above.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

Our Keto German Cauliflower Salad is a sizzling mix of classic German tastes, revamped for a healthier, low-carb way of life. It's a delightful spin on the traditional German potato salad, earning it the playful nicknames 'keto fake potato salad' or 'faketato salad.' So, round up your ingredients and gear, and get ready to whip up this nutrient-rich, bacon-filled wonder. Though it's a star performer as a summer side, it's equally delightful at any time of the year. Ready to jazz up your meal with some German-inspired goodness? Let's get cooking!

Frequently asked questions

This salad has 4 grams of carbohydrates. To know more about the nutrients, please refer to our recipe card.

This low-carb German food or salad is traditionally served chilled. But those who like the warm version can just heat it and enjoy it.

To make the bacon extra crispy for the salad, you can bake it in the oven instead of pan-frying.

f you're following a kosher or halal diet and cannot consume bacon, you can substitute it with turkey bacon or beef bacon.

To make the salad spicier, you can add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or any other preferred spicy seasoning according to your taste.

📖 Recipe

Keto German Cauliflower Salad

Keto German Cauliflower Salad

This Keto German Cauliflower Salad resembles German Potato Salad with bacon, green onions, and a delicious and tangy mustard vinaigrette.
4.60 from 20 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: German
Keyword: keto german potato salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 153kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower cut into small florets
  • 6 slices bacon reserve fat, omit for plant-based*see notes
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 green onions chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Cook the bacon in a 10" or larger cast-iron skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and add in the cauliflower to the bacon grease. Add in onion and cook over medium heat until soft about 7-10 minutes.
  • Add in the vinegar, mustard, oil, and green onion, cook another 2-3 minutes. Season to taste and toss with parsley before serving.

Notes

If not using bacon: add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet in place of bacon grease then proceed with the recipe as written.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto German Cauliflower Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 153 Calories from Fat 126
% Daily Value*
Fat 14g22%
Saturated Fat 4g25%
Cholesterol 15mg5%
Sodium 191mg8%
Potassium 224mg6%
Carbohydrates 4g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 192IU4%
Vitamin C 27mg33%
Calcium 18mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. M says

    5 stars
    Made exactly as written and it was absolutely delicious! Thank you for this recipe.

    Reply
4.60 from 20 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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