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Why not a potato salad made with cauliflower instead of potatoes? It takes absolutely no more time than potatoes, has way less carbs, and just as tasty. A traditional potato salad recipe made healthier, this is the best Cauliflower Potato Salad no-wait- the best potato salad… period.
This Cauliflower potato salad is delicious! I was prepared to not like it. Or, simply tolerate it. But…I think it’s wonderful! Not as wonderful as chocolate cake. But, come on….that’s not even a fair comparison. We can’t eat chocolate cake all the time.
There is nothing like summer time with picnics and barbecues! Healthy recipes, salads, and veggie burgers are great options (even if you aren’t necessarily healthy). I love trading out traditional comfort food for healthier versions and this Cauliflower Potato Salad is one of the best swaps!
I am in love with how easy it is to swap out cauliflower for potatoes in so many recipes. I do it often in macaroni and cheese and ABSOLUTELY use cauliflower for mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes.
Tip: Use frozen “steamer” cauliflower instead of boiling a stalk of cauliflower for an even faster option!
This recipe is meant to be shared at a picnic or potluck. Don’t keep it all to yourself…get friends and family over!
Important! Cook your cauliflower just enough to be fork tender and then pull them out of the heat…pronto! This is the key to this salad tasting just like traditional potato salad.
My family asks for this cauliflower potato salad recipe all the time in the picnic season and I am always happy to oblige! I’ll admit that each time I make it I change up the recipe a bit, omitting the bacon, adding peppers or scapes, trading out yellow mustard for dijon, etc. These sort of recipes are perfect for playing and adjusting to what you have on hand.
I know that a good many of you have children that refuse to touch a veggie and may not like this salad simply on principle. Have them try it…you might be surprised!
Tip: A food processor is a great way to get veggies chopped up quick and easy! Use it to chop the celery and onions for this recipe.
How do you fix salty potato salad?
Sometimes we get to the end of making our potato salad and find that it is too salty…how do we fix that? The key is adding something acidic to cut that salt. A bit of vinegar or lemon juice should help alot! Also adding a bit of minced garlic can help with the saltiness.
Best Cauliflower Potato Salad
Ingredients
- a head of cauliflower
- 6 hard-boiled eggs-chopped
- 3 stalks of celery-chopped
- 1 small onion-chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas-thawed
- 6 oz pkg bacon–cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup mayo (I use 1/2 cup greek yogurt 1/2 cup mayo)
- 1 tab mustard
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the cauliflower until fork tender (about 10 min)–do NOT cook longer than fork tender. (you could also steam the cauliflower for great results!)
- Mix ingredients together.
- Put in fridge for at least 3 hours.
- This tastes much better after sitting in the fridge for a day or more! NO SERIOUSLY, IT DOES!
Video
Nutrition
Save this recipe to your Pinterest boards for later…
Other Picnic Salads:
Buffalo Chicken Salad // I had this once from a grocery deli and had to figure out how to recreate it for football season (SKOL Vikings!). It is a perfect mix of buffalo spicy and cool dressing. Fab for parties and entertaining!
Watermelon Red Onion Salad // If you have never tried mixing watermelon and onion together…try it! Guaranteed you’ll be hooked. If not, don’t even come back here to tell me about it :). Jk. You can. Quietly.
Deviled Egg Potato Salad // All the flavor of your favorite deviled eggs in potato salad form!
Picnic Cocktails:
Lemon Drop Cocktail // The magic of this little cocktail is how easy it is to make. No, that’s a lie. Truly, it’s serving it in the tiny lemon shot glasses. Do NOT skip that. Just don’t.
Rhubarb Margarita// Just say Margarita with me. —Marg- a- LOVE- rit- LOVE- a . Did you catch that? Totally love this drink. It’s sweet and tart and oh so lush. I’m making myself thirty.
Vicki Nelle Heigel says
Do you chop or cut into bits the cauliflower first before steaming?
Nellie says
I chop it fairly large before steaming so that it doesn’t get too mush from over-cooking.
Judy says
Love this. Since I love potato salad this is a wonderful substitute
Jacklyn says
One of my favorite salads! Made this for a dinner party the other day and everyone was asking for the recipe!
Nellie says
Hooray! Just what we like to here :)
Nancy says
This is absolutely delicious. I put the crumbled bacon on top just before serving…
Nellie says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! And bacon, in any way, is always a good idea ;).
River says
Super!! I was thinking the other night, I could make a cauliflower version of potato salad. Well, this was the first one I looked at. I did make modifications, as I had no peas. I added chopped dill pickles, one of my things I like in potato salad. I also used a bit more mayo, about 1 1/2 cups. I also didn’t control my cauliflower cooking as well as I should have and it got a little softer but workable. This is fantastic. Taking a big batch on our weekend camping trip. Great Keto comfort food! Thanks!!
Nellie says
So glad to hear it! I think this recipe is similar to traditional potato salad in that you can totally customize it to your liking. And yes, the cauliflower can go over fairly quickly. Just a quick steam and it’s about perfect. Glad you loved it and hope it will be a regular addition to your menu. It’s nice to have alternatives to some of the favorites.
River says
Just an update: Our camping friends had seconds. They are not necessarily fans of our keto diet usually but literally gobbled this stuff up. I’m making more today!
thanks again, this is a Wow!!
Nellie says
Hooray! So glad to hear it!
Brendalee says
I made this califlower potato salad today and it came delicious! One of your reviewers mentioned about how much it tastes like the real deal and she wasn’t kidding. You can hardly tell the difference. Let me mention that I steamed my califlower in my Tupperware steamer bowl. Followed your recipe exactly. This one is a definite keeper.
Lisa Reade says
Recipe calls for 1 tab of mustard – is that supposed to be TBSP?
Nellie says
Sorry, yep! My family always yells at me because I do that. Trying hard to remember the whole world doesn’t shorten tablespoon by tab :).
Jessica says
EXCELLENT! As good or better than any potato salad I’ve ever had. I omitted the peas to make it keto and used mayo only. I advise letting the cauliflower thoroughly drain and cool while chopping the eggs and veggies.
Nellie says
Thanks for the great tips! And you are right…so very very good!
Lani Byrd says
I made this but cut my cauliflower too small…still delish, but two of us ate it all…not sure how you would get even 4 servings and the above said 8-10???
Anonymous says
I love roasting my cauliflower for this salad but….i also use 1/2 of fennel bulb cut I to like size chunks also I drizzle EVOO salt n pepper and I couldn’t imagin this salad without the tangy zing of turmeric!! While thats all roasting I chopp yellow and red peppers 6 boiled eggs and sundries tomatoes(packed in oil) and half n half mayo and Greek yogurt I add 2tbsp of dill
Nellie says
I love turmeric in these salad’s, as well. And fennel is a great idea!
Lili says
Hi,
I’m making this for tomorrow. I prepared and. It everything, should I put the dressing on tonight. Also, I cut the flowrets to small piece after I steamed it and. It off the little stems. I thinks I cut it too small. Is that going to make a difference. Should I add the little steamed stems
Nellie says
Put the dressing on when the cauliflower has cooled. And the little stems are fine. It would simply be a texture thing. So sorry for not getting back to you sooner!! I hope you figured it out and it turned out delicious.
Nancy Spoolman says
Janel,
This was fantastic and my husband loved it! He was so surprised!
Nanc
Nellie says
Yahoo! It surprises everyone how good it is! Thanks for taking the time to let us know…appreciated!
Nancy Spoolman says
Hi Janel! I’m finally trying your Cauliflower Potato salad tonight! My husband is not too thrilled; he just doesn’t think it will be good. He does like cauliflower, though, so we shall see! I cooked it yesterday and let let it get cold overnight and threw it together today. Only had four eggs, but it will be fine. Looks delicious!
Nancy S.
Nellie says
Yay!! Let me know if your husband turns into a convert. I found that if I don’t tell people that it is cauliflower they don’t seem to notice…until it’s too late :)
Carol says
Has anyone ever used frozen cauliflower florets? If so, how did it taste? Did you have to change any preparation?
Nellie says
Great idea! I would simply steam them until they are cooked through, cool them, and then proceed. I really like that shortcut…great idea!
Jessie says
I’ll be trying this tomorrow . It sounds delicious – thanks for keeping it “alive” on the web!
Beth says
Every time I make it, it comes out watery instead of creamy….any suggestions ?
Nellie says
Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear that. I would bet that the cauliflower is a bit over-cooked and needs to be drained.
Jessie says
Steam your cauliflower instead of boiling in water. That’s what I do when I make mashed cauliflower (like mashed potatoes). Steam about 10 minutes or until fork tender.
Nellie says
Yes, I believe another reader mentioned that. It’s also a great way to avoid too much liquid in the salad. Thanks!!
Myra Johnson says
I added 3/4 cup shredded cheddar and used honey mustard . So good…could not stop eating it. Best if chilled overnight. Thanks for all your great recipes.
J.R.W. says
Hi. Are you breaking the cauli into small florets before cooking for 10 minutes? And have you tried steaming them?
Nellie says
I do break them into smaller florets before I cook them. And no, I haven’t tried steaming them. But that is a very good idea! It would help reduce the chance of them getting too soft.
Lori says
Would be nice if you included the nutritional information.
Nellie says
Lori, Yes, it certainly would! We are working on getting a program in place to help with that. Hopefully we have it soon. Thanks for stopping!
Diane says
Use myfitnesspal.com to figure nutritional values. Plug in ingredients and their measure. It may not be laboratory perfect but it will be close.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
May I say this without being stoned?? I’m really not a big fan of potato salad. I know that doesn’t sound American does it?? But it would be one of the last things I put on my plate and I do like potatoes. NOW — this cauliflower salad would be one of the first to be plopped on the plate. Next family gathering I’m taking this!! Thank you for sharing and “no” I don’t need the calories and nutritional value — it is what it is. If I knew it wouldn’t change whether I made it and ate it or not . :-) Hope you had a Happy Independence Day!!
Nellie says
I agree. I’m not a huge fan of potato salad, either. This version is the only one I make, when I feel that it’s needed. Try it out and let me know how it goes over!
Jody McDavid says
This would be really good if you also chopped some cucumber in the salad it gives it a very fresh taste
Nellie says
Thanks!! That’s a great idea!
Grrr says
I followed the recipe as-is the first time and my cauliflower turned to mush cooking it that long. The second time I made it I only cooked for 5 minutes, ran it under cold water then let it drain and completely cool. It was so mush better. Also, make it the day before you plan to eat it. If you eat it the day it’s made it tastes like cauliflower. If you eat it the next day it tastes much more like potato. I have no idea why!
Nellie says
Thanks for the tip of the cooking time, I’m not sure why it did that on you. Yes, eating it the next day makes a huge difference! I’m going to go add these tips to the post..thanks!
Annie says
Do you have the nutritional facts on this? Particularly the carbs?
the Bellie says
Sorry, we don’t keep close track of those things :)
Sarah says
MyFitnessPal has a great recipe nutrition calculator. You plug in the ingredients and voila!
the Bellie says
Thanks Sarah!
genie says
Nellie, I’ve never liked cooked cauliflower. I’m going to try this idea with raw c—r.
I’ll add eggs and mayo and celery + tiny bit of red onion and radish for color. And, of course, Hellman’s low-fat mayo. Great lo-carb idea. Fingers crossed. :) Genie
the Bellie says
Let us know how it works for you! Here’s hoping!
Mary says
Quick question: how many does this salad serve? :-)
the Bellie says
It serves about 8-10.
Sue Tepper says
This recipe is just fantastic. Actually better than potato salad.
Nellie says
I’m so glad you think so. I have to agree. It’s a favorite of ours!
Pat says
This salad was FANTASTIC! My finicky husband even like it……alot! I also made it for a church outing on Labor day and it was a big hit. Thanks so much for a truly
wonderful, unique recipe
Nellie says
Oh yeah!! So glad you liked it! It’s always great to hear!
Pat says
Thank goodness, I have no potatoes! I’m going to make just like my regular potato salad in which I use relish. I will probably leave out the bacon and the peas (for calories sake) and use low fat Hellman’s mayo. Can’t wait to try this.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!
Nellie says
Let us know how it turns out!!!
Megan says
I added some chopped up pickles as well. It’s so delicious I’m afraid I’m going to eat the whole thing before it’s the 4th of July!
maura says
I’m just curious, do you have nutritional information on this? I can’t stand all the food nazi’s who start attacking recipes, but it seems like it has alot of fat and calories. I always thought the bad part about potato salad was the mayo. I still want to try it because I love cauliflower too and it sounds great. I have recently had to go gluten free and am eating paleo, which I love, and I have been making my own mayo. I will use it when I make this. It’s so easy to make, as well as delicious and much healthier.
the Bellie says
We don’t have nutritional info on this. It does still have it’s fair share of fat and calories. I guess for us the point is that it’s a better version of something that is generally bad for you. You know, don’t miss out on the things you love…but realize what they have in them and how to maybe improve nutritional value? This would be fabulous with homemade mayo! Mmmm.
CindyG says
I have been craving potato salad lately, to the point of ridiculous. The problem is, when I make it, I’m the only one in the family who eats it, I’m trying to watch my carbs, so eating potato salad all the time is carb overload. So when I saw this recipe, I was a little–ok very– skeptical that it would taste anything like potato salad. I happened to have cauliflower in my fridge, so I thought I would give it a try. Really pretty good! I didn’t have bacon, so I didn’t add it. I used my usual potato salad recipe substituting cauliflower. Never ever thought it could substitute for potatoes and taste good. Thanks for the recipe! My cravings thank you!
the Bellie says
You are most welcome! It’s really surprising, isn’t it? Just goes to show that some things are worth trying, no matter how weird they seem.
Hernan says
Pretty mom and pretty daughter and very delicious recipes
Sandal Queen says
I also put in diced Granny Smith apples and some sweet pickled relish
miznelliebellie says
I bet that was delicious!! I haven’t ever tried apples in potato salad.
Lillian Chapman says
It sounds delicious and I plan on trying it soon. It will have to wait until my daughter puts up a weeks menu using cauliflower. She cooks all suppers and I wash all dishes. I don’t mind the dishes because after she agreed to the cooking part I went out and bought a dish washer. Not nice I know but I hate cooking . Lily C Canada
miznelliebellie says
What a great daughter to do all the cooking!! I hope you all love this as much as we do! Happy eating!
Anonymous says
Lol…..I don’t enjoy cooking either. This recipe looks tasty.
kizzy says
LOL I have always said if somebody will cook, I’ll clean up! How great that your daughter likes to cook, and you let her plan and follow her menu; well done!
This Cauliflower Salad looks delish, and I will be making it soon. Thanks for sharing :)
Suzy @ Worthing Court says
This sounds soooo good! My hubby and I are trying to eat healthier/lose weight and this recipe will be a great dish for us. Thanks for sharing!
miznelliebellie says
It is a great dish!! And a great one to bring to potlucks and parties!
Malia says
How clever and healthy and DE-LISH! Pinning
miznelliebellie says
It is delicious!! Thanks!
Bliss says
I never thought of substituting cauliflower for taters, and I LOVE cauli. Pinning.
miznelliebellie says
I hadn’t either…why not??? It’s delicious!
[email protected] says
This sounds interesting. I’m going to have to try it and headed over to check out your roasted cauliflower soup.
keri @ shaken together says
This sounds so yummy and a great way to replace potatoes – can’t wait to try it!!
miznelliebellie says
It is! So surprising! Thanks for stopping by this morning!