Indulge in a crispy, creamy blend of fresh broccoli, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar dressed in a tangy, homemade dressing. This Low-Carb Broccoli and Bacon Salad with Cheddar is the perfect side dish for any keto-friendly meal, offering a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavors without the guilt.
1tablespoonErythritolor another keto-friendly sweetener, 0.5 oz / 14 g
Fresh ground black pepperto taste
Saltto taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnishoptional
Instructions
Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it is crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
While the bacon is cooking, blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately submerge in ice water to stop the cooking process. This will ensure the broccoli remains crisp. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, erythritol, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy to create the dressing.
Add the blanched broccoli, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and finely chopped red onion to the dressing. Toss until all the ingredients are well coated and evenly distributed.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling time can enhance the taste and texture of the salad.
Before serving, give the salad a final stir, and if desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve as a hearty side to your favorite keto main course, or enjoy it on its own for a light yet satisfying meal.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and add avocado or nuts for healthy fats.