A low-carb, keto-friendly salad that combines the flavors of deviled eggs with tender cauliflower. This recipe is naturally nut-free if prepared as written.
Yield
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 700–800 g), cut into bite-sized florets
- 6 large eggs
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika, plus extra for garnish
For the Deviled Egg Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle relish (optional)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk or spoon
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Eggs
- Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, cover, remove from heat, and let stand for 10–12 minutes.
- Transfer eggs to ice water and cool completely.
- Peel and chop the eggs.
Step 2: Cook the Cauliflower
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add cauliflower florets.
- Cook for 4–5 minutes until just tender.
- Drain immediately and rinse under cold water.
- Pat dry thoroughly to prevent a watery salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Yellow mustard
- Dijon mustard
- Pickle relish
- Apple cider vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble
- In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, chopped eggs, celery, green onions, and parsley.
- Pour dressing over the mixture.
- Gently fold until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with paprika.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve cold.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Per serving (1/6 of recipe):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–220 |
| Protein | 8–10 g |
| Fat | 14–17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6–8 g |
| Fiber | 2–3 g |
| Net Carbs | 4–5 g |
Values vary by ingredient brands used.
Nut Information
Is this recipe nut-free?
Yes. The standard recipe contains:
- No tree nuts
- No peanuts
- No nut flours
- No nut oils
Allergy Considerations
Check labels on:
- Mayonnaise
- Mustard
- Relish
- Seasoning blends
Although uncommon, some packaged products may be manufactured in facilities that also process nuts.
How to Keep It Nut-Free
- Use plain mayonnaise without specialty nut oils.
- Avoid flavored salad dressings that may contain nut ingredients.
- Verify all packaged ingredients if serving someone with a severe allergy.
Other Common Allergens Present
- Eggs
- Possible mustard allergy concerns
- Mayonnaise (contains eggs)
Variations
Bacon Deviled Egg Cauliflower Salad
Add:
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Dill Pickle Version
Add:
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill
Spicy Version
Add:
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
High-Protein Version
Add:
- 1 extra boiled egg
- 100 g diced grilled chicken
Storage
Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer
- Not recommended.
- The dressing may separate and cauliflower texture can become mushy after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling for several hours, allowing the flavors to blend.
Q2: Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes. Steam or boil it briefly, then cool and dry thoroughly before mixing.
Q3: Why is my salad watery?
The cauliflower likely retained excess moisture. Drain and pat it dry completely before combining with the dressing.
Q4: Can I substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise?
Yes. Replace up to half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Q5: Is this keto-friendly?
Yes. Cauliflower is low in carbohydrates, making this salad suitable for most ketogenic diets.
Q6: Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
You can, but it will no longer be nut-free. Chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts are common additions.
Q7: What can I serve with this salad?
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted turkey
- Barbecue meats
- Lettuce wraps
- Sandwiches
- Burgers
Q8: How do I make it dairy-free?
The basic recipe is already dairy-free if your mayonnaise contains no dairy additives.
Q9: Can children eat this recipe?
Yes. The mild flavor and creamy texture make it family-friendly.
Q10: How can I increase the flavor?
Try adding:
- Extra mustard
- Smoked paprika
- Fresh dill
- Chopped pickles
- Crispy bacon
This Deviled Egg Cauliflower Salad is creamy, protein-rich, low in carbs, and naturally nut-free, making it a versatile side dish for picnics, meal prep, and family gatherings.