• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Recommendations
  • Work Together
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Recommendations
  • Work Together
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Recommendations
    • Work Together
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Recipes > Salads

    BLT Cauliflower Salad

    April 8, 2020 by bobbiskozykitchen 24 Comments

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    Jump to Recipe
    Jump to Recipe
    Pinterest graphic with the image of blt cauliflower salad on it.

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Doing so allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you.

    This BLT Cauliflower Salad recipe is the perfect low-carb and keto-friendly replacement for traditional potato salad. It is the perfect side dish for SO many low-carb mains and a favorite of my keto and non-keto friends and family!

    Overhead view of BLT Cauliflower Salad in a white serving bowl on a wooden table.

    Join my newsletter and never miss a recipe!

    I can't get enough of this BLT Cauliflower Salad!

    We finally had a window of NO RAIN this past weekend in Western Washington and you know what that means in my household right?

    Yup, hubby hits the deck with the grill and pretty much lives there ALL weekend!

    Since he likes to take control and do his man thing (man/meat/fire) my contribution to that process is usually to provide low-carb rubs and sauces like this Low Carb Barbeque Dry Rub, Low Carb Roasted Strawberry BBQ Sauce, and Low Carb Blueberry BBQ Sauce.

    All of them are keto-friendly versions of some of my family's favorite grilling and barbeque flavor faves.

    So my main job falls to coming up with tasty sides that are low carb for me but enjoyable for all my carb lovers.

    I know this BLT cauliflower salad would be a safe bet because not only the hubs, but even Mini Me has told me that she can't tell the difference between potato and cauliflower in my salads.

    Some of their past favorites are my Deviled Egg Cauliflower Salad, Cauliflower and Bacon Salad with Mustard Herb Vinaigrette, and Mediterranean Cauliflower Salad, which can be enjoyed raw or cooked!

    Other tasty keto side dishes your family might enjoy are this Buffalo Coleslaw, or this Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Jalapeno if you are looking for a little spice. If you would like something from the grill how about giving these Cheesy Grilled Cauliflower Steaks a try?

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Other Low-Carb Substitutions for Potatoes
    • Storage
    • Top Tip
    • Tips on Cooking with Leeks
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Pairing with BLT Cauliflower Salad
    • BLT Cauliflower Salad
    • Food safety

    Ingredients

    Detailed measurements can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

    • Chopped cauliflower
    • Bacon
    • Grape tomatoes
    • Olive oil
    • Leeks
    • Dill Pickle Relish
    • Keto mayonnaise
    • Mustard
    • Green onions
    • Pink salt
    • Cracked black pepper

    Instructions

    This is a quick breakdown of a few steps involved in making BLT Cauliflower Salad. You will find the full directions in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    Grape tomato halves on a sheet pan.

    Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and toss them. Lay them out in an even layer. Sprinkle with salt. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to slump.

    Chopped cauliflower on a wooden cutting board.

    Place the chopped cauliflower in a pot and cover it with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and boil until tender, about 7 minutes. 

    Leeks cooking in a skillet.

    Heat the bacon fat over medium heat and cook the leeks until they are translucent and tender. Set aside to cool

    All of the ingredients to make BLT cauliflower salad in a bowl.

    Mix the cauliflower with the green onions, crumbled bacon, leeks, and roasted tomatoes. Add to the sauce.

    Hint: Make this BLT Cauliflower Salad at least an hour before you are going to serve it to allow it to chill and for the flavors to meld.

    Other Low-Carb Substitutions for Potatoes

    Celery root (7 g carbs/42 calories per 1/2 cup)

    To make chips out of celery root, peel and slice into chip-sized pieces. Boil in salted water for a couple of minutes then drain. Toss in oil, salt, and pepper and spread the pieces into a single layer on a baking sheet or two. Roast for 30–35 minutes at 450 degrees F.

    Daikon (2 g carbs/18 calories per 1/2 cup)

    The daikon is in the radish family and is a staple in some Asian cuisines. It’s great raw and pickled, but when it’s cooked it takes on very potato-like qualities. Try it boiled or fried. Works great as a sub for potatoes in soups and stews.

    Kohlrabi (2 g carbs/27 calories per 1/2 cup)

    This strange-looking bulb has a delicate flavor that really comes to life when you boil, steam, or fry it.

    Rutabaga (5 g carbs/35 calories per 1/2 cup)

    When a cabbage and a turnip fall in love, the result is this funny-looking thing called rutabaga. It’s a great low-carb replacement for potatoes. They’re great in soups and stews and fantastic boiled, baked and roasted. They make awesome keto french fries!

    Turnips (4 g carbs/28 calories per 1/2 cup)

    Try turnips mashed. They are a game-changer!

    Zucchini (2 g carbs/20 calories per 1/2 cup)

    Last, but not least, is the humble zucchini. We all know it is fabulous in soups, as "zoodles", baked, steamed, and even baked as chips

    Storage

    Store the BLT Cauliflower Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Top Tip

    When using cauliflower to sub for potatoes make sure to use the stalk as well as the florets. They cook up tender just like the florets.

    Also, make sure to chop your stalk and florets the same size as you would the potato for potato salad. You want your cauliflower to be all the same size so it cooks evenly as well.

    Tips on Cooking with Leeks

    Cut the root ends and dull dark greens off.
    Cut them in half lengthwise and then cut them into half-moons.
    Submerge the chopped leeks into a bowl of cold water and swish them a bit to allow the dirt and grit that is between the leaves to release.
    Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and place them on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze the excess water off of them.
    Saute "sweat" the chopped leeks until they begin to soften but are not brown.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I microwave the cauliflower to make this BLT Cauliflower Salad?

    If you know how to steam cauliflower in your microwave that would be a great way to cook the cauliflower. Otherwise, I prefer boiling or even oven-roasting the cauliflower for this salad.

    Do I have to saute the leeks for this BLT Cauliflower Salad?

    I prefer my leeks sauteed as they get softer and sweeter but, if you prefer them a bit on the crunchy side and with more of a bite, like an onion, you can use them raw in this salad. I would cut the amount in half as they shrink up when you cook them and make sure to wash them well.

    Can I freeze this BLT Cauliflower Salad?

    I do love to freeze just about everything but this salad does not freeze well. The mayo and cauliflower will be affected by the freezing and thawing process and will not have a good texture when they thaw.

    Closeup of BLT Cauliflower Salad in a white serving bowl.

    Pairing with BLT Cauliflower Salad

    If you are looking for dishes that pair well with this BLT Cauliflower Salad here are a few of my favorites

    This Keto Homestyle Meatloaf is easy to make and the cauliflower salad is a nice light side for a spring or summer dinner. If you are looking for something from the grill to pair with this BLT Cauliflower Salad give this Grilled Ribeye Steaks with Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce). The sauce is amazing and I could drink it with a straw!

    If you are looking for something simple and kid-friendly to pair with this BLT Cauliflower Salad how about giving these Deluxe Cheeseburger Kabobs a try? They can be made outside on a grill or inside on a grill pan.

    Overhead view of BLT Cauliflower Salad in a white serving bowl.

    BLT Cauliflower Salad

    This BLT Cauliflower Salad recipe is the perfect low carb and keto-friendly replacement for traditional potato salad. It is the perfect side dish for SO many low carb mains and a favorite of my keto and non-keto friends and family!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Add to Collection Go to Collections Add to Shopping List Go to Collections
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 219 kcal

    Equipment

    • Large pot
    • colander
    • Baking sheet
    • large skillet
    • Large Mixing Bowl
    • large serving bowl

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb chopped cauliflower (1 large head)
    • 8 slices bacon chopped
    • 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
    • olive oil for drizzling
    • 2 leeks sliced in half and sliced into half-moons
    • 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
    • 1/2 cup keto mayonnaise
    • 2 tbsp mustard
    • 4 green onions whites and greens sliced
    • pink salt
    • cracked black pepper

    Instructions
     

    • Place the chopped cauliflower in a pot and cover it with salted water. Bring the water to a boil and boil until tender, about 7 minutes.
    • Drain the cauliflower and spread out on a baking sheet to cool.
    • Meanwhile, heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
    • Place the halved tomatoes on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and toss them. Lay them out in an even layer. Sprinkle with salt. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes begin to slump.
    • Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
    • Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel to drain, and reserve 2 tablespoons of the fat to cook the leeks in.
    • Place your sliced leeks into a large bowl filled with cold water, stirring them with your hand to separate the leaves and get the grit out. Use a slotted spoon, remove the leeks, shaking off the excess water.
    • Heat the bacon fat over medium heat and cook the leeks until they are translucent and tender. Set aside to cool.
    • In a large bowl, mix the pickle relish, mustard, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
    • Mix the cauliflower with the green onions, crumbled bacon, leeks, and roasted tomatoes. Add to the sauce.
    • Combine well and salt and pepper to taste.

    Notes

    Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them.
    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 325mgPotassium: 252mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword 10 ingredients or less, bacon, cauliflower, gluten-free, Keto, keto recipes, Low Carb, make ahead, salad, side dish
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food safety

    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    If you like this recipe please leave a comment!

    If you make this recipe, take a photo and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #BobbisKozyKtchn I love to see what you make. You might even make it into our newsletter!!

    Thank you for reading and supporting the companies I partner with. Doing so allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. 

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Anonymous

      October 19, 2020 at 10:06 am

      Do you serve the dish cold like traditional potato salad?

      Reply
    2. Bobbi

      October 19, 2020 at 10:08 am

      Yes you do.

      Reply
    3. Unknown

      February 04, 2021 at 7:15 am

      What is the serving size?

      Reply
    4. Bobbi

      February 04, 2021 at 9:42 am

      I didn't measure it in cups, I just divide it into 8ths.

      Reply
    5. Unknown

      July 05, 2021 at 10:42 am

      I've found if I cook the cauliflower in chicken broth it really brings up the potato flavor.

      Reply
    6. Unknown

      December 08, 2021 at 12:08 pm

      I did this and I really loved the dish. I haven't tried it without the broth do don't know the comparison. But this was a great tip, thanks.

      Reply
    7. Unknown

      December 28, 2021 at 2:16 pm

      What do you serve this with?

      Reply
    8. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      December 28, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      We love it as a side dish for just about anything. It is a great side for anything you would normally serve a cold salad, like potato salad, with.

      Reply
    9. Anonymous

      May 27, 2022 at 4:13 pm

      Was looking for new salad recipes. This sounded interesting, we like cauliflower. Cooked cauliflower in chicken broth as suggested from a reviewer. Didn’t use any leeks or roast the tomatoes, but I’ll roast the tomatoes next time. This recipe is a keeper wither you follow the recipe or fix like a traditional potato salad. Enjoyed.

      Reply
    10. Anonymous

      May 28, 2022 at 12:21 pm

      Oh my gosh!!! I was skeptical. But this is absolutely amazing. I didn’t have leeks so I used onions and celery and well forgot to buy the tomatoes but as a potato salad substitute this is so good! I’m making it right now and just tasted a bite … had to stop and write a review. Now the test my picky sun tonight, let’s see if he becomes a cauliflower fan. (He does love bacon)!

      Reply
    11. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      May 28, 2022 at 12:22 pm

      I love it! I turned my son and hubby into cauliflower lovers with this recipe and the Deviled Egg Cauliflower Salad recipe!

      Reply
    12. Anonymous

      July 02, 2022 at 11:22 am

      This was an amazing dish! I loved it even without the dressing. I had never cooked leeks before so was a little shy at what they would taste like. I LOVE them! Thank you for your blog! 🙂

      Reply
    13. Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

      July 02, 2022 at 11:23 am

      That makes me soooo happy!! I love to help people try new things 🙂

      Reply
    14. Anonymous

      July 18, 2022 at 2:34 pm

      This was delicious! Easy to make.

      Reply
    15. Anonymous

      September 07, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      I made this BLT cauliflower salad and it is a new favorite. It was so yummy. I didn’t put the tomatoes in it. Can’t wrap my mind around them cooked and in a cold salad.

      Reply
    16. Elizabeth

      November 21, 2022 at 6:50 am

      This was DELICIOUS!!! Is it compliant with " Eat Like A Bear" Diet??????

      Reply
      • bobbiskozykitchen

        November 21, 2022 at 2:02 pm

        Oh, I have no idea, I have never heard of that diet before. I am so happy you enjoyed the salad though!!

        Reply
    17. Danielle

      December 24, 2022 at 9:59 am

      How far in advance can this be made?

      Reply
      • bobbiskozykitchen

        December 27, 2022 at 9:10 am

        I have made this the day before and it tastes wonderful.

        Reply
    18. Vonda

      January 10, 2023 at 8:44 am

      I kept the cauliflower and tomato’s raw, and added cheese cubes. I left out the leeks. So good!

      Reply
    19. Adrianne

      January 23, 2023 at 3:30 pm

      This is the best “potato” salad ever!! Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
      • bobbiskozykitchen

        January 24, 2023 at 10:37 am

        I am so happy you like it! We can't get enough of it either!

        Reply
    20. Lynette Florance

      January 31, 2023 at 5:46 pm

      Will this salad keep? Like for a camping trip? Thank you

      Reply
      • bobbiskozykitchen

        February 11, 2023 at 10:08 am

        Yes, as long as you have the ability to keep it cold.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome! It is so nice to meet you. My name is Bobbi. I am the Mom of 2 great kids, and Nana to 3 amazing littles. I share my home in the beautiful PNW with my husband Kevin, and 2 furbabies, a Pyrador named Sia, and a Boxer/GSD Mix named Hawk..

    More about me

    Recommended Recipes

    • Cabbage roll soup in a white crock with silver spoon.
      Cabbage Roll Soup
    • 4 photo collage of keto leftover ham recipes.
      Keto Leftover Ham Recipes
    • Jalapeno ham salad on a white ramekin with celery sticks.
      Jalapeno Ham Salad (Deviled Ham)
    • photo collage with 4 photos of keto kid friendly ground beef recipes.
      Kid-Friendly Keto Ground Beef Recipes

    Footer

    Go Back to top

    Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen

    Stay Connected

    • Like us on Facebook
    • Follow me on twitter.
    • Follow me on instagram
    • Follow me on pinterest
    • Subscribe to my youtube channel.

    Contact

    • About Me
    • Lets's Work Together
    • Keto Kitchen Recommendations
    • Privacy Policy

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 bobbiskozykitchen.com

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT