A good keto salad should give you more than a bowl of plain lettuce.
Crisp vegetables, creamy avocado, eggs, cheese, and a satisfying protein can turn it into a lunch you look forward to or a fresh side for dinner.
These 21 keto salad recipes range from bacon-filled BLT bowls and asparagus salad to steak, shrimp, tuna, and simple vegetable combinations.
There are creamy dressings, bright vinaigrettes, and a few fruit-accented options in modest portions, so you can choose what fits your meal.
Use the serving sizes in each recipe when planning your carbs, and check labels on mayonnaise, mustard, cured meats, and balsamic products for added sugar.
For packed lunches, keep the dressing separate from the greens until you are ready to eat…
Keto BLT Salad
Crispy bacon, romaine, tomato, avocado, and cheddar bring familiar BLT flavors to a bread-free bowl. A mayonnaise, Dijon, and apple cider vinegar dressing ties it together.
Keto Asparagus Salad
Asparagus, hard-boiled eggs, bacon, avocado, and feta make this a substantial vegetable salad. Lemon, olive oil, and Dijon add a bright dressing without a sweet glaze.
Keto Artichoke Heart Salad
Artichoke hearts, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta give this salad a Mediterranean feel. The lemon-garlic dressing keeps it fresh; use the recipe’s portions when planning your carbs.
Iceberg Wedge Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Iceberg wedges hold a generous topping of bacon, eggs, tomatoes, and blue cheese. The homemade blue cheese dressing adds creaminess and makes this a satisfying side or lunch.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Easy Keto Salad with Homemade Italian Dressing
Romaine, salami, olives, tomatoes, and red pepper turn a simple green salad into something more substantial. An olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing brings the Italian herbs together.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Easy Deviled Keto Egg Salad
Hard-boiled eggs and ham get a creamy coating of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon. A little paprika adds a deviled-egg flavor; serve it in lettuce cups rather than on regular bread.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Asian Inspired Tuna Egg Salad
Tuna and eggs sit over chopped lettuce with a sesame-soy dressing and a little chili. The recipe uses a low-carb sugar substitute for the dressing’s sweet note.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Keto Caprese Salad with Homemade Pesto
Sliced tomatoes and mozzarella are topped with a homemade parsley-walnut pesto. This is a fresh vegetable side for grilled meat or fish, with plenty of flavor from the herbs and Parmesan.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Korean BBQ Steak Salad
Skirt steak, avocado, and mixed greens make a hearty salad with a sesame dressing. Use the specified low-carb sweetener and divide the citrus dressing between the recipe’s portions.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Strawberry Caprese Salad
A few sliced strawberries add a fresh contrast to mozzarella, cucumber, and greens. This recipe divides four strawberries across three servings, so keep those portions in mind rather than adding a large fruit topping.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Avocado Caprese Salad with Balsamic Cream
Avocado adds creaminess to spinach, tomato, mozzarella, and basil. The small balsamic drizzle is divided across four servings; check your balsamic cream’s label because added sugar varies by product.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Cucumber Radish Salad
Cucumber and radishes provide plenty of crunch beneath a creamy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing. Lemon juice and zest keep the flavor bright alongside richer main dishes.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Tuna Spinach and Artichoke Salad with Orange Dressing
Tuna, spinach, and artichoke hearts come together with basil and a light citrus dressing. A measured tablespoon of orange juice is shared between two servings, adding flavor without turning this into a fruit-heavy salad.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Keto Shrimp Salad
Shrimp is tossed with mayonnaise and Dijon, then served on lettuce leaves. Green onion finishes the bowl, making this a simple seafood lunch without pasta or rice.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Keto Cauliflower Salad Recipe
Cauliflower replaces the usual potatoes in this creamy salad with eggs, cucumber, and green onion. Sour cream and mayonnaise provide the dressing, making it a useful side for barbecue or roasted meat.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Keto Steak Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
Sliced sirloin, mixed greens, and cherry tomatoes make this salad substantial enough for dinner. A lemon-basil vinaigrette adds a bright finish to the steak.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Smoked Salmon with Valerian and Radish Salad
Smoked salmon and eggs top fresh greens and sliced radishes. The mayonnaise-mustard dressing complements the smoky fish while the vegetables add a crisp contrast.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Loaded Caesar Wedge Salad
Chicken, bacon, eggs, and tomatoes turn iceberg wedges into a loaded meal. The homemade Caesar-style dressing includes anchovies, garlic, and lemon; there are no bread croutons in the recipe.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Keto Tuna Avocado Salad
Tuna, avocado, celery, and a hard-boiled egg make a creamy salad with a little crunch. Mayonnaise, mustard, and lemon bring it together for an easy lunch bowl.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Keto Simple Tuna Salad with Feta
Canned tuna and spinach are paired with feta, olive oil, Dijon, and lemon zest. This is a straightforward no-cook option when you want a lunch with very little preparation.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.
Keto Chicken and Bacon Salad
Chicken, bacon, egg, spinach, and avocado make a hearty bowl with a simple olive oil and vinegar finish. It is a good way to use cooked chicken while keeping the salad bread-free.
Recipe and photo: Jennifer Zhang, Keto Diet Yum.