This keto Caesar salad recipe delivers that classic flavor without the carbs! Using just three ingredients and a creamy homemade dressing, you’ll want to make it on repeat!
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: Garlicky and bright with lemon, this flavor packed dish combines smoky bacon, salty parmesan, and a rich homemade dressing in every bite.
- Skill Level: Beginner friendly and mixed by hand, this recipe delivers classic Caesar flavor with very little effort. The simple homemade dressing does not require emulsifying, so it’s extra easy!
- Time Saver: Use pre washed romaine and fully cooked bacon to cut down on prep time and make this salad even quicker to throw together.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this low carb Caesar salad as a fresh side dish, or top it with chicken, shrimp, salmon, or hard-boiled eggs for a more filling meal that serves 2 for lunch or 4 as a side.
What You’ll Need
- Lettuce: Romaine is your go-to because the color, texture, and flavor pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.
- Bacon: Salty and smoky flavor with a crunch to replace carb laden croutons. Use freshly cooked bacon for best texture or pre cooked for a quick shortcut.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated or shaved adds sharp, salty, and nutty flavor. Pre shredded works, but fresh just tastes better!
- Dressing:
- Mayonnaise is the best substitute for emulsified eggs (which are used in a traditional Caesar dressing), and gives the dressing body and richness.
- Sour cream adds a delicious tang.
- Finely grated, fresh parmesan adds savory flavor and blends best.
- Fresh, zesty, and bright lemon juice cuts through the rich mayo and cheese. Freshly squeezed lemon delivers the most vibrant flavor.
- Worcestershire sauce brings a rich and robust depth that rounds out the dressing, just be sure to check the label for carb count.
- Anchovy paste is easy to use and creates that undeniable Caesar flavor without an overly fishy taste.
- Add freshly ground black pepper for a gentle kick.
- Fresh minced garlic has bold flavor with a subtle bite that perfectly enhances the creamy flavors.
- Mustard powder rounds out the dressing and gives it slight tangy flavor.
- For Extra Crunch: If you miss those crisp croutons, use crumbled keto crackers instead. Almond flour croutons, cheese crisps, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds can also add that classic crunch.
- Variations:
- Add some finely chopped kale or spinach for a sturdier salad.
- Turkey bacon makes a good substitute for pork bacon.
- Use capers in place of anchovies for a more pantry friendly version that has a similar salty punch.
- Dijon can replace mustard powder, but use sparingly.
How to Make Caesar Salad
- Whisk dressing ingredients together. (Full recipe below.)
- Add lettuce, bacon, and Parmesan cheese to a large bowl.
- Toss with dressing and add toppings as desired.
Store It the Smart Way
- Sadly, prepared Caesar salad does not keep well. It will become soggy, even when refrigerated.
- But you can save any extra dressing! Refrigerate ONLY up to 3 days, if stored longer there is a food safety risk. Use it on fresh salads, wraps, or to drizzle over grilled veggies.
Fresh Sides and Salad Pairings
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Keto Caesar Salad
A simple keto Caesar salad with crisp lettuce, salty bacon, and rich homemade dressing that comes together in minutes.
Equipment
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Dressing
- ⅔ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or 2 anchovy fillets, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
Instructions
- Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
- Place salad ingredients in a large bowl. Top with desired amount of dressing and mix well.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Refrigerate this Caesar salad dressing immediately and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days only. If stored longer, there is a risk that the garlic, which has low acidity, may produce botulism, a serious toxin, and this is not a risk worth taking.
- Make your own almond flour “croutons” or crumbs by tossing almond flour with olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs or spices, then toasting them in the oven until golden brown.
- Choose high-quality Parmesan cheese, preferably freshly grated, as it will have a better taste and texture. Avoid pre-grated Parmesan cheese, as it often contains additives and fillers that can add carbs.
- To make your low-carb Caesar salad more filling and nutritious, consider adding a protein source. Grilled chicken breast, cooked shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs can be great options. They will not only boost the protein content but also add more flavor and texture to your salad.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 35g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 567mg | Potassium: 467mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 13846IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 210mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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