The ketogenic (keto) diet emphasizes low-carb, high-fat meals, and keto-friendly salads are a delicious and versatile way to meet these nutritional needs.
This guide offers step-by-step instructions for a range of salads that fit perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
These salad recipes not only keep carb counts low but are also packed with proteins and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
Common Keto Salad Questions
- What Salad Can I Eat on Keto? Any salad with low-carb ingredients like leafy greens, cucumbers, and healthy fats is ideal. Avoid high-carb ingredients like croutons and sugary dressings.
- Can I Eat Cucumber on Keto? Yes, cucumbers are keto-friendly and low in carbs.
- Can I Eat Eggs Every Day on Keto? Eggs are a great daily keto food, providing protein and healthy fats.
- Is Feta Cheese Keto? Yes, feta cheese is low-carb and high in fat, making it a great keto choice.
14 Keto-Friendly Salad Recipes (Low-Carb)
1. Keto Salad Dressing
A versatile, low-carb dressing to pair with any salad.
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until emulsified.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Carbs per Serving: 0g
- Tips: Add fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor.
2. Keto Chicken Salad
Protein-rich and satisfying, this chicken salad is a complete meal.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Combine chicken, mayo, mustard, and celery in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Carbs per Serving: 2g
- Tips: Add hard-boiled eggs or almonds for extra texture.
3. Keto Taco Salad
Packed with zesty flavors and low in carbs.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning (sugar-free)
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- Instructions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, add taco seasoning, and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Assemble salad with lettuce, beef, cheese, sour cream, and avocado.
- Carbs per Serving: 4g
- Tips: Top with jalapeños for a spicy kick.
4. Keto Broccoli Salad
Crunchy and creamy, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 slices bacon, crumbled
- Instructions:
- Mix broccoli, cheese, mayo, sour cream, and bacon in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper and toss.
- Carbs per Serving: 3g
- Tips: Add sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for more crunch.
5. Keto Egg Salad
Simple, creamy, and rich in protein.
- Ingredients:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Combine eggs, mayo, and mustard in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Carbs per Serving: 1g
- Tips: Add chopped chives or dill for extra flavor.
6. Keto Tuna Salad
A quick, nutrient-dense option with healthy fats.
- Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp celery, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Mix tuna, mayo, and celery in a bowl.
- Season and serve over greens.
- Carbs per Serving: 2g
- Tips: Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
7. Keto Cucumber Salad
Refreshing and hydrating, perfect for a light side dish.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Combine cucumber, sour cream, and dill in a bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Carbs per Serving: 3g
- Tips: Add a dash of vinegar for extra tang.
8. Keto Salad Bowl
A flexible base salad for customizing with your favorite toppings.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Arrange greens, tomatoes, and avocado in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Carbs per Serving: 5g
- Tips: Top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
9. Keto Big Mac Salad
A deconstructed burger with all the flavors you crave.
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 2 tbsp keto-friendly Thousand Island dressing
- Instructions:
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet and set aside.
- Layer lettuce, beef, cheese, and pickles in a bowl, then drizzle with dressing.
- Carbs per Serving: 6g
- Tips: Add diced onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds to mimic a burger.
10. Keto Caesar Salad
Classic Caesar flavors with a keto twist.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
- 2 tbsp Caesar dressing (low-carb)
- Instructions:
- Toss romaine with dressing in a large bowl.
- Top with parmesan.
- Carbs per Serving: 3g
- Tips: Add grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
11. Keto Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
The perfect substitute for traditional potato salad.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Instructions:
- Steam cauliflower until tender.
- Mix with mayo, mustard, and celery in a bowl.
- Carbs per Serving: 4g
- Tips: Add chopped pickles or hard-boiled eggs for more flavor.
12. Keto Shrimp Salad
A light and protein-packed salad, perfect for summer.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked shrimp
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Instructions:
- Combine shrimp, avocado, and arugula in a bowl.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Carbs per Serving: 2g
- Tips: Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top for brightness.
13. Keto Kale Salad
A hearty salad with a blend of textures and flavors.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- Instructions:
- Massage kale with olive oil until softened.
- Add feta and walnuts, and toss to combine.
- Carbs per Serving: 5g
- Tips: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for spice.
14. Keto Cobb Salad
A classic Cobb, but keto-friendly with all the rich, filling ingredients.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup diced grilled chicken
- 1 hard-boiled egg, chopped
- 1/4 avocado, sliced
- 2 tbsp blue cheese, crumbled
- 1 slice bacon, crumbled
- 2 tbsp keto-friendly ranch dressing
- Instructions:
- Arrange greens, chicken, egg, avocado, blue cheese, and bacon on a plate.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and enjoy.
- Carbs per Serving: 5g
- Tips: Add cherry tomatoes in moderation for extra color.
Conclusion
With these 14 keto-friendly salad recipes, you can enjoy a range of delicious, satisfying meals that keep you on track with your low-carb lifestyle.
From creamy chicken and egg salads to crunchy broccoli and kale options, these salads are versatile, easy to prepare, and ideal for any occasion.
Whether you’re meal-prepping or just need a quick and nutritious meal, these salads make sticking to a keto diet enjoyable and flavorful. Enjoy the journey to a healthier you with these delightful, nutrient-rich salads!