Cauliflower Dill No Potato Salad

Cauliflower Dill “No Potato” Salad is creamy and flavorful, just like traditional potato salad, but without all of the carbs. It’s a perfect side for any summer gathering.

Looking For a Low-Carb Classic Potato Salad?

Ah, the beloved potato salad. It’s a perfect side dish for summertime. No summer cookouts are complete without it, IMO.

So many people I know have their favorite grandmother’s or mom’s potato salad recipe. And, this recipe typically has been passed down to succeeding generations. Full of simple ingredients like potatoes, eggs, mayo, onion, celery, yellow or dijon mustard, and herbs such as fresh chopped dill. Love in a bowl!

But, that love of a regular potato salad comes at a cost in terms of lots of carbs in the potatoes. For those watching their carbs and preparing low carb recipes, that means a traditional potato salad is off limits. However, what if there was a great low-carb alternative that still has all those wonderful summer flavors?

A Great Alternative: Fresh Cauliflower

If you’re a real potato salad lover, but you want fewer carbs, you are sure to love this cauliflower potato salad recipe. It is still rich and flavorful, but low-carb because we’ve got cauliflower in place of potatoes.

Cauliflower is a great substitute for potatoes. Why?

The texture is very similar to potatoes and the flavor is mild, so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. It really is a perfect vegetable for those on low carb diets.

Preparing the Cauliflower 

So, this mock potato salad starts with fresh cauliflower. You can certainly start with a large head of cauliflower and chop it yourself into small florets (i.e., bit-size pieces).

I prefer to buy the pre-chopped cauliflower, if I can find it. It’s easy and typically doesn’t cost that much more. I like convenience!

I like to use steamed cauliflower in this cauliflower salad recipe. An actual potato salad typically uses boiled potatoes and steamed cauliflower will give you the same texture and flavor profile.

If you have a steamer basket, feel free to use that. For me, I think a great way to steam vegetables is to simply put them in the microwave and cook until tender. In this case, around 4-5 minutes.

Once steamed, set aside in the fridge while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Preparing the Dressing

Now, let’s talk about the dressing. It’s creamy, tangy and fresh dill sends the flavor next level.

For me, the fresh dill is important. I’ve had some potato salad that’s just tossed with mayo.

But, I feel like the potato salad ends up tasting very bland. It needs more than that. That’s why I add in the fresh dill, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar and onions.

In a small bowl, combine the mayo, mustard, apple cider vinegar, dill, salt and pepper. Set aside.

Final Preparation of the Cauliflower Dill No Potato Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower, eggs, celery and onion. Pour the dressing over the top and gently stir to coat all the ingredients.

And just like that, you have a faux potato salad that tastes like the real thing!

​Can You Make This Cauliflower Dill No Potato Salad Ahead of Time?

You can make this salad up to a day ahead of time. I don’t like doing it much more than that as it is mayo-based.

Simply make the recipe, put in an airtight container and place in the fridge. Take it out a few minutes before you are ready to serve (you don’t want it to come to room temperature – chilled is best!).

Tips and Tricks

• To keep your egg yolks from turning green, submerge in cold water after boiling.
• If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, you can substitute an equal amount peeled, diced and boiled potatoes.
• I recommend apple cider vinegar, but if you don’t have that on hand, white wine vinegar or regular vinegar can be substituted.
• If you’re going to be serving the salad outside in warm weather, I would recommend putting ice in a large bowl and then putting the bowl of salad into it to keep it chilled.

Ingredients Needed to Make Cauliflower Dip No Potato Salad

Full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

• Cauliflower florets – I like to buy the packaged pre-cut cauliflower for convenience.
• Hard-boiled eggs – I think these are additive to the salad. But, if you’re not a fan you can omit.
• Celery – This adds a nice crunchy texture.
• Red onion – I like red onion for the pop of color as well as the milder flavor.
• Mayonnaise – Gives the salad creaminess.
• Yellow mustard – Adds great tang the the dressing.
• Apple cider vinegar – Adds tang as well as keeps the dressing from being too thick.
• Fresh dill – I highly recommend fresh, but if you don’t have any on hand you can substitute dried dill.
• Salt
• Black pepper

How to Make Cauliflower Dill No Potato Salad

• Steam cauliflower in the microwave for 4-5 minutes, until tender.
• Chill in the refrigerator.
• While cauliflower chills, whisk together mayo, mustard, apple cider vinegar, dill, salt and pepper.
• Set aside.
• Cut cauliflower into bite-sized pieces.
• Combine cauliflower, eggs, celery and onion in a large bowl.
• Pour dressing over mixture.
• Gently stir to coat all ingredients with the dressing.

What Goes Well with Cauliflower Dill No Potato Salad?

• Easy Oven-to-Grill Baby Back Ribs
• Grilled Boneless Turkey Breast
• Grilled Skirt Steak

ENJOY!