Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad Low Carb Keto
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Craving a Salad with a Twist?
Fancy a Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low Carb that actually excites your taste buds? Honestly, sometimes I crave something fresh but without the carb overload.
This is where this recipe comes in! It’s packed with flavour and it's super satisfying.
A Classic Salad Reimagined
This is not your average boring salad. It takes cues from the American Broccoli Salad I love, but gives it a keto makeover.
It's super easy to whip up, only takes about 55 minutes including chilling time and makes about 6 servings. Perfect for a quick lunch or a side dish that everyone will actually want to eat.
Why You'll Love This Salad
One of the best things about this salad is its nutritional value. It's high in fiber, which is great for keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
It's also packed with vitamins and minerals from the cauliflower and broccoli. I made this salad for a picnic last summer, and my friends were raving about it.
Seriously, keto salads don’t get much better than this. It’s special because it manages to be both healthy and incredibly tasty! You know?
Right, let's crack on and get this sorted, shall we? First up, the ingredients you'll need to make this beauty.
Let's Talk Ingredients
To make this Low Carb Salad , you will need the following: 1 medium head cauliflower, 1 medium head broccoli, 225g of cooked ham, 1/2 cup of red onion, and 1 stalk of celery.
For the dressing, you'll need 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 1-2 tablespoons of erythritol, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Equipment Required
You'll need a large mixing bowl, a medium saucepan (optional, for blanching), a colander, a cutting board, a chef's knife, a whisk, and measuring cups and spoons.
Oh my gosh! Don't let the list scare you; the actual process is a doddle.
step-by-step Instructions (Outline)
- (Optional Blanching): Blanch cauliflower and broccoli florets for 2- 3 minutes until slightly tender crisp.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower, broccoli, diced ham, red onion, and celery.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sour cream, sweetener, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Add Sunflower Seeds (Optional): Stir in the sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right, let's crack on and get this sorted, shall we? We are diving into a proper Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low Carb} feast.
Honestly, the ingredients are super simple, and you probably have half of them already.
Main Ingredients for Our Keto Salad!
- Cauliflower: 1 medium head (about 600g / 1.3 lbs) , cut into florets. Look for firm, white cauliflower. Avoid any with brown spots!.
- Broccoli: 1 medium head (about 500g / 1.1 lbs) , cut into florets. Bright green is best.
- Cooked Ham: 225g / 8 oz , diced. You want a good quality ham.
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup (50g) , finely diced.
- Celery: 1 stalk , finely diced.
- Sunflower Seeds: 1/4 cup (30g) optional. For a bit of crunch!.
Dressing Dreams: Seasoning Notes
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup (240ml) . Full fat mayo is the way to go for that classic creaminess, especially for Salad Keto .
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Adds the tang.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . For extra creaminess. You can increase the amount of greek yoghurt to substitute Sour Cream.
- Erythritol: 1-2 tablespoons . Sweetener to taste for Keto Salads .
- Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon . Essential!
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Essential spice combinations? Think Dijon mustard and garlic powder. It’s a classic for a reason! Need a quick substitution? Use white wine vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. It's works a charm.
Essential Equipment for Your Cauliflower Broccoli Salad
- Large Mixing Bowl: For chucking everything in.
- Medium Saucepan: Optional, for blanching the veggies. Honestly, it is very optional!.
- Colander: If you blanch, you'll need this.
- Cutting Board and Knife: Obvious, innit?.
- Whisk: For the dressing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons.
Equipment Needed : Just the basics really. You don't need any fancy gadgets for this Low Carb Salad .
It’s dead easy. My nan could make this and she’s not exactly a chef! This Broccoli Cauliflower Salad is going to be your new favourite.
Cooking Method: Blanching for the Best Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low Carb / Keto}
Right, let's talk about blanching, especially when we're whipping up this cracking Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low Carb friendly, of course! Honestly, blanching veggies can make all the difference, and it's not as scary as it sounds.
Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Key
Before we even think about the boiling water, let's get our ducks in a row, shall we? I learned the hard way that a little prep goes a long way.
Chop your cauliflower and broccoli into bite sized florets. Have a bowl of ice water ready and waiting. This is your veggie's spa day.
Get your colander ready, you'll want it.
Safety Reminder: Hot water is, well, hot! Use caution when handling pots and pans. No one wants a trip to A&E for a cooking mishap.
step-by-step: Quick Dip for Success
Here's how to blanch like a pro.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Like, a proper rolling boil.
- Toss in your cauliflower and broccoli. Give them 2- 3 minutes .
- Fish them out immediately and plunge them into the ice water.
- Let them chill there for a few minutes to stop the cooking process.
- Drain well and pat dry. Excess moisture is the enemy.
Remember, we're not trying to cook the veggies, just give them a head start and preserve that lovely colour. If you are trying to find delicious Low Carb Salad recipes, this is a must try.
Pro Tips: Blanching Like a Boss
- Don't overcrowd the pot. Doing this will drop the temperature of the water too much. Do it in batches if you need to.
- Over blanching leads to mushiness. Nobody likes mushy broccoli. The Keto Broccoli Salad with Ham that we are trying to avoid at all costs!
- You can blanch ahead of time! If you chill them in the fridge and then make the salad the next day if you are short on time. This saves time during the week.
Honestly, once you nail this Broccoli Cauliflower Salad , you'll be making it every week. It is the Keto Salads that your body will love you for.
It's perfect for a Keto Picnic Salad Recipe too! My biggest mistake was not keeping an eye on the time.
Now, I set a timer, every single time.
Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Keto Broccoli Salad with Ham
Right, let's crack on and get this sorted, shall we? Here are a few notes to make sure your Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low Carb / Keto} is a right proper success.
It is easier than baking a Victoria Sponge!. It should be Picnic Perfect , Carb Conscious!, and one of the best keto salads .
Serving Suggestions: Bits and Bobs to Make it Shine
Honestly, plating is half the fun! For a pretty presentation, try layering the broccoli cauliflower salad in a glass bowl.
Garnish with extra sunflower seeds and a sprig of parsley. I like to serve mine with grilled chicken or some Keto buns for a light lunch.
A chilled glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon? Spot on. Slices of fresh avocado would also be a wonderful addition to your plate!.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Refrigerate your Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad Keto Friendly in an airtight container. It will last for 3-4 days . Honestly, it's usually gone within 24 hours in my house! Freezing isn't really recommended, as the mayo dressing can separate.
If you really must freeze, be warned, the texture might change. To reheat, just give it a good stir. I think it tastes best cold anyway!
Variations: Fancy a Change?
If you're not a fan of ham, try using shredded chicken or even leftover turkey. This Ham and Vegetable Keto Salad is quite versatile!.
For a salad low carb vegan version, swap the ham for some smoked tofu and use vegan mayo. If you want to mix it up in Winter months , try roasted butternut squash instead of cauliflower.
Salad Keto friendly adaptations are easy as pie. If you want a bit more cheese you can just add to the mix, or even make some crispy cheese to top your low carb salad.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Each serving of this low carb cauliflower salad recipe has about 350 calories, 15g of protein, 30g of fat, and 5g of net carbs.
This recipe is great for healthy keto and low carb diet goals. It's packed with fibre and healthy fats, so you'll feel full and satisfied.
I swear, this Keto Broccoli Salad with Ham makes you feel good and it's incredibly tasty!
So there you have it! A proper Keto Picnic Salad Recipe that's dead easy to make and tastes amazing. Give it a go, and let me know what you think.
You'll be surprised how much you enjoy this low carb salad !
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low Carb / Keto}? Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely! This salad is even better the next day after the flavours have melded. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be aware that the vegetables might release a little moisture, so you might want to give it a quick stir before serving.
Nobody wants a soggy bottom, as they say on Bake Off!
I'm not a fan of mayonnaise, is there anything else I can use in the dressing for this Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low}?
Good shout! While full fat mayo is ideal for keto, you can definitely experiment. Try using avocado mayonnaise for a healthier twist, or even plain Greek yoghurt mixed with a little olive oil and lemon juice for a tangier flavour.
Alternatively, you could go for a vinaigrette style dressing, but keep in mind it will change the overall creamy texture of the salad.
Can I freeze this Keto Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad?
Freezing this salad isn't recommended. The mayonnaise based dressing can separate and become watery upon thawing, and the vegetables can lose their crispness. It's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it. Think of it like a delicate soufflé best consumed right away!
I'm looking for variations. What other ingredients can I add to my Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low Carb / Keto} to jazz it up?
Let's get creative! Crispy bacon bits add a lovely smoky flavour, while shredded cheddar cheese brings a comforting cheesiness. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the dressing.
And of course, substituting shredded chicken or leftover turkey is a perfect alternative to ham.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan alternative to the ham in this Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad {Low Carb} recipe?
You can easily make this vegetarian or vegan! For a vegetarian option, you could add some hard boiled eggs, cubed cheese, or even marinated tofu. For a vegan version, consider using marinated and baked tofu or tempeh to mimic the salty flavour and texture of the ham.
You could also add some roasted chickpeas for a bit of crunch and protein. Consider adding capers for a salty flavour hit.
How can I make sure my cauliflower and broccoli aren't soggy in this Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad?
The key is not to overcook them! If you choose to blanch the cauliflower and broccoli, only do so for 2-3 minutes until they're just tender crisp. Immediately drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat them dry before adding them to the salad to remove excess moisture.
That way, you'll get the perfect texture every time.
Cauliflower Broccoli Ham Salad Low Carb Keto
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |