Low Carb Salads Packed With Protein
If you’re looking to add some variety to your low carb salads, check out these keto-friendly protein-packed salad recipes!
If you’re pursuing a low carb lifestyle, it is super important to continue eating vegetables! The fiber in vegetables helps to keep your body balanced, just make sure that you’re making low carb choices as you make your salads.
The biggest struggle folks have when making low carb salads is the hidden sugars in dressings. There are many dressings that are made with low carbohydrate ingredients and still taste great. Look for dressings that have no sugar in the ingredient list and are less than 2g net carbs per serving to help you stay on track.
Ingredients for Low Carb Salads
This list of low carb salad ingredients is by no means exhaustive, but it could help as a starting point for making low carb salads.
Greens
It is super important to include greens in your regular food intake. If you buy these in bulk at the grocery store, you could freeze some for smoothies (especially baby kale and spinach) to avoid food waste.
- Lettuce (Romaine, Iceberg, Leafy green and red, Butter)
- Spinach
- Kale
- Baby Kale
- Sprouts
- Arugula
- Cabbage (Savoy, napa, green, purple)
- Dandelion Greens
Low Carb Vegetables for Salads
- Cucumbers
- Bell Peppers
- Avocado (these are great for an added fat source)
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower (Roasted cauliflower is also great)
- Jicama (this adds a nice crunch)
- Celery
- Mushrooms
- Radishes
- Zucchini
Vegetables that you could use in moderation
Some vegetables are not super low carb but if you use them as a topping and not a main ingredient, you’ll be fine. Just keep in mind that carbs add up but there is freedom with food when making low carb salads.
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Snap Peas
Proteins for Low Carb Salads
While eating salad is a great idea, it is super important to pair it with protein to help you stay full energized for your day. Here are some ideas for protein sources that are low carb and keto-friendly.
- Chicken or Turkey (rotisserie, roasted, canned, grilled)
- Tuna
- Roasted Fish (Salmon, tilapia, etc)
- Smoked Salmon
- Beef (steak, ground, roasted, grilled)
- Pork (ham, ground, roasted, grilled)
- Boiled Eggs
- Lunch Meat
- Cheese
- Bacon
Additional Low Carb Salad Toppings
- Sunflower Seeds
- Bacon crumbles
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Cheese
- Slivered Almonds
- Olives
- Pickles
- Pickled Okra
- Sour Cream
- Olive Oil
- Avocado Oil
Low Carb Salad Recipes
Here are 8 low carb salad recipes that include protein and have low-carb dressings. Enjoying a low carb lifestyle doesn’t have to be boring! Which one of these salads do you want to try?
If you’re a Trim Healthy Mama – These are S Salads
Keto Caesar Salad
This Keto Caesar Salad is what I make when I want serious flavors and don't have much time. I like to prep the dressing and chicken on the weekend so that I can have dinner on the table in about 10 minutes.
Roasted Cauliflower and Chicken Salad
This salad is loaded with color, roasted chicken (rotisserie chicken makes it super easy) and roasted cauliflower. Top it with the creamy lemon ricotta dressing and enjoy this protein-packed salad.
Broccoli Salad With Bacon { Low Carb | Keto | GF }
This quick Keto broccoli salad with bacon is the perfect side dish for holidays, parties, or just for making sure your family is eating their veggies! With a surprisingly sweet and tangy flavor, you’ll feel more like you’re eating a treat than your daily greens.
Farmers Market Salad
If you love salad but not into meat today, give this farmers market salad a try with jicama, avocado, cucumbers, and boiled eggs. The dressing is one you don't want to miss!
Smoked Salmon Salad (Gluten Free and Dairy Free)
If your goal is to eat better and make healthy food swaps, than this Smoked Salmon Salad with Garlic Rice Vinegar Dressing is for you! This salad is like a delicious sushi bowl filled with healthy fats and veggies, and it’s gluten and dairy-free.
Steak Cobb Salad with Avocado Dressing
Steak Cobb Salad is packed with protein, leafy greens, nutrients and so much flavor! Try it with my favorite avocado dressing made with Greek Yogurt!
Easy Low Carb Cheeseburger Salad {THM-S}
All of your favorite cheeseburger flavors in an easy-to-make, low carb salad!
Big Italian Cobb Salad and Creamy Italian Dressing
The big Italian is not your typical dinner salad. It’s loaded with protein and veggies and topped with the perfect creamy Italian dressing.
Pin It!
Connect with Yellow Glass Dish
Did you make any of these recipes? Make sure to join the @yellowglassdish community on
You can also join the YGD Facebook community! Also, get awesome low carb recipe inspiration on Pinterest.