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This CAULIFLOWER POTATO SALAD is a great low carb alternative to a classic potato salad. The texture of the cauliflower is just a bit different from potatoes, but the flavor is spot on!
It’s not often you’ll see me over here swapping potatoes for caulilfower.
I mean, I do it…I just don’t usually share those recipes with you here, because I figure that if you want low carb recipes, you’ll follow me over at That Low Carb Life.
But sometimes there is a recipe that is just so good, I can’t help but share it with you here.
I know…you’re looking at my cauliflower pretending to be potatoes and you’re thinking…really? This is so good you had to share it?
Yes, my friends. This is so good I had to share it.
Don’t believe me? Keep on reading and I’ll give you all the deets and then you can try it for yourself!
Does this really taste like potato salad?
I’m not going to do the thing where I tell you that cauliflower tastes just like potatoes (we all know that’s a lie) but I am going to be honest here…this cauliflower potato salad DOES taste very much like traditional potato salad. It’s all in the dressing.
The major difference here (and it’s honestly kind of minor) is the texture. Cauliflower just isn’t starchy and fluffy like potatoes and you’ll probably notice the difference.
But it’s not a BAD different. It’s just a different different! We love this recipe, is what I’m trying to say!
What Readers are Saying!
“I made this yesterday afternoon. It was so good I ran out today and purchased two more heads of cauliflower. It’s got the same taste and mouth feel as potato salad.” – Tom L.
Ingredient Notes:
Cauliflower – You’ll want to use fresh cauliflower here. You can buy a whole head or buy a bag of already chopped florets in the produce section. No frozen cauliflower though.
Dressing – We use our classic potato salad dressing with the usual things like mayonnaise, mustard, dill relish, and vinegar. Already have a favorite potato salad dressing? Try that instead!
How to make a keto potato salad:
Chop the Cauliflower – Whether you’re starting with a head of cauliflower or cauliflower florets, you’ll want to chop it into smaller bite-sized pieces, much like you would for a potato salad.
Cook the Cauliflower – Bring a pot of water to a boil and add in your cauliflower florets or place them in a steamer basket. However you want to cook them is just fine, but we want them soft, but still with a bit of bite. No mushy cauliflower here.
Combine – Chop your hard boiled eggs into pieces and add to a large mixing bowl with the cauliflower. Add the cauliflower to the bowl and gently mix.
Make the Dressing – In a small bowl mix together all your remaining ingredients, except the paprika, into a dressing for the salad. Gently fold the dressing into the cauliflower to coat each piece.
Refrigerate – Cover this and pop it in the fridge for an hour or two before serving. We want cold cauliflower potato salad! Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
FAQ’s:
We store this, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cauliflower does start to release a bit of liquid the longer it is stored, but you can drain it off or just stir it back together before serving.
The texture of frozen cauliflower tends to cook a bit different than fresh. We’ve never tried this with frozen cauliflower, but do recommend fresh for the best texture.
At just 4 net carbs per serving, this fits perfectly in a keto diet. If you place a focus on ingredients, make sure to use a keto friendly mayo and relish in your salad.
More Low Carb Recipes:
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Bacon Wrapped Pork Bites
- Sausage Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Air Fryer Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
- Sheet Pan Pork and Veggies
- Roasted Green Beans
- Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Cauliflower Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 2 hard boiled eggs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon dill relish
- 2 teaspoons finely diced onion
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon chopped chives
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cut the cauliflower into bite sized pieces, much like you would a potato for potato salad. Rinse and drain.
- Add just enough water to cover the bottom of a 12 inch skillet and bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add the cauliflower to the skillet and cover to steam. Alternately, cook in a steamer basket on the stove top.
- Let steam for 3-5 minutes, checking for doneness with a fork. When a fork slides in easily, add the cauliflower to a large bowl. Do not overcook the cauliflower or your salad will be mushy. I prefer it tender-crisp.
- Chop the hard boiled eggs into small pieces and add to the bowl with the cauliflower.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients, except for the paprika, and whisk together to form the dressing for the salad.
- Gently fold the dressing into the cauliflower and eggs, stirring to coat each piece. Sprinkle with paprika.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until cold.
Gini says
My family loves this better than actual potato salad. I find putting a little brine from dill pickles over the hot cauliflower is a real taste enhancer. Then the vinegar isn’t as essential. We add more dill as we love that. I chop up dill pickles in place of the relish as I don’t use relish. Since I love radishes, I add a few slices to my serving. It’s sooo good and it’s actually good for you. Sometimes I add canned tuna to make a complete meal.
Karly says
Sounds like some delicious changes! Thanks for sharing!
Walter M says
Hello I made this today for my family and I gave it 4 stars only because it was a mixed review from the family. I loved it but others were more critical they thought it should have some sweetness so maybe with the left overs I will add a little splenda. Just saying it needs something. Thanks Karly!
Kathy says
I use sweet gherkins or sweet relish in my mixture! Just the right blend of sweetness with the vinegar
Darla Barbee says
What is the serving size?
Karly says
Hi Darla! The nutrition info is based on this making 6 servings. I didn’t measure by volume.
Kathy Thompson says
This sounds good, I can’t wait to try it….
Maria Moreno says
Looks delicious! Thank you very much!
Nancy says
Yes this was very good. I just added 1 extra thing and that is bacon crumbled up and it was AWESOME. My guests really enjoyed it both ways but the one I added the bacon to went first. Thanks for the recipe.
Karly says
Bacon makes everything better! 🙂
Judith Schneck says
I made the cauliflower salad instead of potatoes and loved it! This is the only way I’ll make my “potato” salad from now on.
Karly says
Yay! Glad you enjoyed!
Mary Waldroff says
I am going to store and get ingredients!! I love cauliflower!! This dish sounds right up my alley!!
Claudia L says
My Memorial Day treat on my new lifestyle diet change. This is absolutely delicious! I just had some for lunch. I hope my husband doesn’t like it but he may. Thanks for a great recipe.
Karly says
Hahaha – love that you’re wanting to keep it to yourself! Hope you had plenty of leftovers! 🙂
Melinda says
This looks great however if the mayo you are using has soybean oil then it is not keto-friendly.
Jen says
Can you make this with frozen cauliflower? That’s all I usually keep in my house.. TIA! Looks yummy!
Karly says
I don’t think that would taste super great – frozen veggies don’t really have the same texture.
Tom Lloyd says
I made this yesterday afternoon. It was so good I ran out today and purchased two more heads of cauliflower. It’s got the same taste and mouth feel as potato salad.
Karly says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Charlene A says
Made this with dinner tonight and it was SO delicious! Keeper recipe! Thank you!
Billie says
I found this recipe some time ago! I love it, it is my go to salad for summer!! Making it today for our 4th grilling bash tomorrow!!
TT says
I am planning on making this and wondering how far ahead I can make it? Can I make it a day ahead or early in the day on the serving day?
Karly says
Sorry for the delay – I’ve been travelling. This should be fine made a day in advance. 🙂