Cauliflower Potato Salad

Cauliflower Potato Salad

This Cauliflower Potato Salad is everything you love about traditional potato salad, minus the carbs. Easy, creamy, and the perfect side dish for those wanting a lighter option.

A Classic Summer Favorite without The Potatoes

Let’s be real…I love a good potato salad. My Mom’s Famous Potato Salad will forever hold a special place in my heart—creamy, tangy, loaded with pickles and love. But if you’re watching your carbs (or just want a lighter option), cauliflower is the perfect stand-in.

This Cauliflower Potato Salad has all the texture and flavor of the classic version, but it’s not as heavy. It’s a healthier potato salad recipe that’s keto-friendly, and still feels like comfort food. Bonus! it’s super easy to make and keeps well in the fridge, which makes it perfect for a make-ahead summer party.

Why Cauliflower Woks So Well.

Cauliflower is super versatile and has that same soft-but-firm texture as boiled potatoes when cooked just right (I beg you, don’t overcook the cauliflower.) The flavor is very mild and it soaks up all the creamy, tangy goodness from the dressing so you don’t feel like you’re “missing out” on anything.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Cauliflower– Make sure to use raw cauliflower not frozen.
  • Eggs- You’ll only need 2 hard boiled eggs, unless you want it more eggy.
  • Sauce– Mayo, mustard, pickle juice.
  • Crunchy elements– Celery, dill pickles, red onion.
  • Dill– Fresh or dried
  • Salt and pepper

Easy To Make Cauliflower Potato Salad

  • Steam the Cauliflower: Steam the cauliflower florets until fork-tender but not mushy (about 5–7 minutes) then drain and allow to cool completely.
  • Mix the Dressing: In a medium bowl whisk together mayo, mustard, pickle juice, and dried dill.
  • Toss Everything Together: Add the cauliflower, chopped eggs, celery, red onion, and pickles to a serving bowl. Pour in all the dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill Time: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-hour to let the flavors come together. Also, this tastes even better the next day! Just like classic potato salad.
  • Serve & Enjoy: Top with fresh or dried herbs (we use dried dill) and dig in!
Cauliflower potato salad ready in a bowl with a large spoon.

Tips and Variations

Don’t overcook the cauliflower: I can’t stress enough to not overcook the cauliflower. You don’t want the salad to be mushy.

Add protein: Crumbled bacon is a fun addition, or add grilled chicken for a complete meal.

Spice it up: A dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños goes a long way.

Cauliflower Potato Salad

This Cauliflower Potato Salad is everything you love about traditional potato salad, minus the carbs. Easy, creamy, and the perfect side dish for those wanting a lighter option.
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 196kcal

Equipment

  • serving bowl
  • small mixing bowl
  • medium saucepan

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, about 4 cups, cut in small florets
  • 3 hard boiled eggs, roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup dill pickles, chopped
  • 1/3 cup celery, diced
  • 3 tbsp red onion, chopped fine
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh or dried dill, chives, or parsley for garnish optional

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill or use 2 tsp fresh

Instructions

  • Add 4 cups cauliflower florets to a medium saucepan. Add 3/4 cup water and place the lid on half way. Bring to a boil and steam for 5-7 minutes. Drain in a colander, then lay cauliflower out on a thick layer of paper towels in a single layer and cool completely.
  • Meanwhile, prepare the remaining salad ingredients and make the sauce by combining 1/2 cup mayo, 1 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp pickle juice, and 1/2 tsp dried dill until creamy.
  • Once cauliflower is cooled, place in a serving bowl with chopped hard boiled eggs, 1/3 cup dill pickles, 1/3 cup celery, and 3 tbsp red onion. Pour in all the dressing and use a large spoon to gently toss to combine until everything is well coated. Taste for salt and pepper and garnish with fresh or dried herbs if desired.

Notes

Storing Tips:
  • Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. 
  • I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, since cauliflower and mayo-based dressings don’t hold up well in the freezer (they tend to get watery and separate).

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 312mg | Potassium: 359mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 184IU | Vitamin C: 47mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

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