• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whole New Mom
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • Recipes
  • Clean Beauty
    • Beauty & Personal Care
    • Beautycounter
  • Gardening
  • Health Topics
  • Essential Oils
  • Resources

Home ยป Cauliflower Fauxtato Salad – vegan & keto

Cauliflower Fauxtato Salad - vegan & keto

by Jean Choi 15 Comments Published May 27, 2018 Updated: Dec 30, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. Learn more in our disclosure.
1.7Kshares
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Cauliflower Potato Salad
Cauliflower Potato Salad

Do you love potato salad but want a low-carb alternative? Here is a fabulous recipe for cauliflower potato salad that is guaranteed to please and has even been known to fool some potato salad lovers into thinking it's the real deal!

Cauliflower Potato Salad

I'm so excited to share my Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad recipe (aka Faux Tato Salad) with you today. This one has been on repeat in our house recently, and neither my husband nor I can get enough of the refreshing flavor of the delicious, soft cauliflower coated in the creamy cashew sauce.

It's been our new favorite side dish.

Growing up in a Korean household with mostly home cooked Korean dishes, potato salads were always a special treat for me that I would only get a chance to enjoy at school outings and picnics. I absolutely loved the taste and texture, and the slight vinegary flavor complemented the cooked pillowy potatoes so so well.

Nummmmm....

After enjoying the heck out of them all throughout college at the campus cafeteria, I actually forgot about them and haven't had them much for the past several years. I've also been eating more low carb recently because of my candida issues, which flare up with too much sugar or too many carbs, so it wasn't something that I would normally make...

...until this cauliflower potato salad recipe came along.

Cauliflower Potato Salad?

This recipe replaces the traditional potato with steamed cauliflower, but this version is even more delicious than the original kind. My husband actually thought this was a real potato salad when he first took a bite, and we got a good laugh about how I fooled him yet again with a delicious and healthy substitution that he couldn't detect.

Unbelievable!

So cauliflower works as a rice substitute in Grain-Free Sushi, a potato substitute in this Low-Carb Shepherd's Pie, as a "fauxtato" in these Keto Mashed Potatoes--and now this!

But really... is there anything that cauliflower CANNOT do?

Yeah--maybe there. I mean, I still haven't seen a Cauliflower Peanut Butter Cup, or a Cauliflower Hershey Kiss.....but I'm not giving up hope yet.

What Makes This Low-Carb Potato Salad Special?
Hint: sauce

What makes this cauliflower potato salad really shine is the cashew cream sauce that's  packed with flavor and pulls the dish together beautifully. I decided to create this yummy sauce instead of using mayonnaise because I've had sensitivities to eggs in the past so it's something I try not to eat them too often.

In this egg free "mayo," soaked cashews (see how to soak nuts) are blended with yummy ingredients like lemon juice, mustard, and garlic, yielding a smooth and addicting sauce that'll wake your taste buds as you enjoy this low carb potato salad.

It's so good that I'm thinking of making a double batch of the sauce for next time just to have it to drizzle over salads (like this Broccoli Jicama Salad) and bowls.

Cauliflower Potato Salad

What to Eat with this Low-Carb Potato Salad

We've been enjoying this cauliflower potato salad as a side dish next to roasted chicken or grilled steak, but it's hearty enough that you can eat it on its own as a main dish. It also keeps well (and actually gets better the longer it sits!) and is portable, so it's perfect to bring to a picnic or a potluck.

It would also be fantastic included in a packed lunch, or of course at a cookout! Hey hamburgers and hotdogs, those aren't potatoes in that salad sitting next to you --ha!

And best all, this low carb potato salad packed with all the healthy good-for-you vegetables so you know you are getting in plenty of nutrients in the most delicious way!

Move over potato-shmato. Cauliflower is where it's at!

Low Carb Potato Salad

There are affiliate links in this post. If you purchase through them, I might make a commission.

Recipe Notes and Substitutions for Cauliflower Potato Salad

  • Raw Cashews: You will want to use only raw cashews for this recipe. Roasted will yield a totally different flavor. It might be nice but won't seem like a typical dressing.
  • Mayonnaise: Of course, if you aren't avoiding eggs, you can use your favorite mayonnaise as the dressing for this low-carb potato salad.
  • AIP: And if you're on the AIP (autoimmune paleo) diet, you could sub in this Vegan Avocado Dressing for the sauce. It will taste amazing, but it will be green :).  There are a few AIP ranch dressings you could use as well.
  • Nut-Free Dressing: If you can't eat nuts, this Vegan Ranch Dressing is a fantastic alternative to the cashew dressing.
  • THM: This recipe fits in as an "S" if you are on the Trim Healthy Mama plan.
Low Carb Potato Salad

Low-Carb Cauliflower Potato Salad

Love Potato Salad but you've gone keto? This Cauliflower Potato Salad is the perfect low-carb companion to any meat including cookouts and potlucks!
5 from 4 votes
Print Rate
Course: Salad
Cuisine: AIP, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, THM, Vegan
Keyword: cauliflower potato salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 243kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large head of cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
  • 1 small red onion (diced)
  • 2 stalks celery (chopped)
  • 2 green onions (chopped)
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • paprika (for garnish)

Cashew Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours and drained)
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp water (or more, if needed)
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 garlic cloves (peeled)

Instructions

  • Place a steamer insert into a large saucepan and pour in water to just below the bottom of the steamer
  • Turn the heat to medium high and bring the water to a boil.
  • Bring down the heat to medium low to simmer, then add cauliflower florets, cover, and steam until tender, about 5 minutes.
  • While the cauliflower is steaming, place all ingredients for the cashew cream sauce in a blender, and blend until smooth and creamy. 
  • If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more water and blend again until it reaches the right consistency. Set aside.
  • Place the steamed cauliflower in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add red onion, celery, green onions, dill, garlic powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper. 
  • Pour in the cashew cream sauce over the vegetables and toss together to coat. 
  • Place in refrigerator for 1 hour before serving, so the flavors can meld together.
  • Sprinkle with paprika before serving. 

Nutrition

Calories: 243kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 837mg | Potassium: 772mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 78mg | Calcium: 69mg | Iron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @wholenewmom or tag #wholenewmom!

I think you'll LOVE this.

What will you serve this Low-Carb Potato Salad with?

Jean Choi - blog owner at What Great Grandma AteJean Choi is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, recipe developer, and food photographer at What Great Grandma Ate. She is also a cookbook author of the Korean Paleo Cookbook. She started her blog to share her story of overcoming years of digestive issues and adrenal fatigue, and to help others realize that nutrient-dense allergen-free cooking can be simple, easy, and delicious. Jean believes that the food you love should love you back through healing and nourishment. For more of her real food recipes and SoCal adventures, follow along on her Instagram and Facebook.

1.7Kshares
Struggling to Eat Healthy?
Get My 5 Secrets to Make Healthy Eating EASIER
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Join our subscribers who get content directly to their inbox.
Invalid email address
Thanks for subscribing! Please check your inbox for an email from me!

Come join our Healthy Living Community on Facebook

Join our Facebook Group

Related Posts

gluten-free whole-grain donuts on a cooling rack
Cinnamon Whole-Grain Baked Doughnuts {gluten-free and vegan option}
gluten-free Christmas cookies
Gluten-Free Christmas Cookies - low-carb options
32 Healthy Valentines Dessert Recipes to indulge in without guilt - all grain free, mainly paleo - sure to tempt you and help you stay healthy
Seriously Tempting {and healthy} Valentine's Treats Galore

About Jean Choi

Jean Choi is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, recipe developer, and food photographer at What Great Grandma Ate. She is also a cookbook author of the Korean Paleo Cookbook. She started her blog to share her story of overcoming years of digestive issues and adrenal fatigue, and to help others realize that nutrient-dense allergen-free cooking can be simple, easy, and delicious. Jean believes that the food you love should love you back through healing and nourishment. For more of her real food recipes and SoCal adventures, follow along on her Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Previous Post: « 15 Amazing Plantain Benefits and Uses
Next Post: 18 Home Remedies for Poison Ivy Rash »

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

  1. Sabrina

    February 08, 2020 at 10:14 am

    Whatโ€™s the nutritional count on this please. How many calories, carbs. .. thank you in advance. Sabrina

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      February 14, 2020 at 6:49 pm

      Hi there - the info is in the post now. Thanks for your patience!

      Reply
    • Adrienne

      February 14, 2020 at 6:50 pm

      oops - we will try to get it done tonight. My mistake!

      Reply
  2. susan m

    August 29, 2019 at 10:02 am

    Hi! I am making the cauliflower potato salad. Do I need to cool the cauliflower before I add the celery, onions and nut mayo?

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      August 29, 2019 at 11:05 am

      Hi there- I don't think that's necessary. Hope it turns out well--please do let me know!

      Reply
      • susan m

        August 29, 2019 at 12:03 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you so much for getting back to me! I really appreciate it! The salad is in the frig. I am waiting to serve it later for dinner but I tasted it and I have to say it is wonderful! I love it! I will definitely make it again and the dressing is so good! I have made other sauces/dressings with raw cashews and this is the best! I am now going to check out your other recipes!! ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
        • Adrienne

          August 29, 2019 at 12:10 pm

          Oh that is so great! This recipe was a guest post so I can't take credit for it but hopefully you will find some other things you will like. If you would like to reach out before trying something else I'm happy to advise. Most of them I would say are really good but some I am revising. More to come soon. I'm backed up and need to get writing again :).

          I will say that the avocado dressing on here is fantastic and we love the Moroccan Vinaigrette as well.

          Reply
          • susan m

            August 29, 2019 at 12:52 pm

            5 stars
            Thank you again Adrienne! I will let you know if I have any questions and thank you for telling me about the avocado dressing and the Moroccan Vinaigrette! I am a huge fan of avocado's and vinaigrette's too!

            Reply
            • Adrienne

              August 29, 2019 at 12:57 pm

              You are so welcome! Hope they work well for you! I'll add on the Healthy Chocolate Fruit Dip too :). You'll find one of your favorites in there as well......

              Reply
  3. SUSAN

    June 24, 2018 at 6:51 am

    5 stars
    I have made this salad and I love it. I do use eggs but really you cannot tell your eating cauliflower or eggs. My husband does not like cauliflower or eggs yet when I make this he has seconds & I have to stop him at thirds.

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      June 24, 2018 at 10:27 am

      So great to hear!! Thanks for coming back to comment!

      Reply
  4. Angela

    June 18, 2018 at 10:12 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness, this looks so yummy! I love cauliflower and potato salad so I'm going to have to make this. I recently found out my daughter is allergic to dairy, I just picked up 12 pounds of cashews so your cashew mayo replacement will be easy to make. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      June 18, 2018 at 10:21 pm

      So glad and hope you like it! Our oldest is deathly allergic to dairy and I avoid it b/c I think I have a minor allergy. Hope to see you around again!

      Reply
  5. Debbi

    May 30, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    This recipe sounds wonderful! My question is, do the cashews need to be raw, roasted, or it doesn't matter?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Adrienne

      June 01, 2018 at 8:57 pm

      Thank you! Just updated the post for you -- raw :). Enjoy!

      Reply
Please note: these comments do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of Whole New Mom.

Primary Sidebar

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
adrienne author of whole new mom blog

Welcome! I'm Adrienne, and I'm here to show you that Healthy Living Doesn't Have to Be Hard! Here, you'll findย basically everything you need to make healthy living doable--healthy & easyย flexible recipes, tips forย clean beautyย and aย natural home,ย essential oils,ย beginner gardening tips, and more. Learn moreย about me here.

Struggling to Eat Healthy?Get My FREE EASIER Healthy Eating Tips!
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Join our subscribers who get content directly to their inbox.
Invalid email address
Thanks for subscribing! Check your inbox for your guide!

Trending Posts

gluten free chili mac in white bowl with spoon

Gluten-free Chili Mac (dairy-free & keto option)

This Egg Roll in a Bowl has all of the great flavor of Egg Rolls, but it's an Easy One Pan Meal without the grain wrapper!

Egg Roll in a Bowl - low carb, whole30, keto, paleo, AIP

Need a delicious, quick and healthy meal? Try this Easy Baked Homemade Chicken Nuggets Recipe. They taste like you spent a TON of time in the kitchen, but they come together in a flash. Grain & Egg Free (with AIP and THM:S options) and they freeze well too!

Easy Baked Chicken Nuggets {gluten free with paleo option}

healthy fudge on white parchment paper with knife in background

Adaptogenic Phat Fudge Remake

<script>

As Featured On

Popular websites where Whole New Mom was featured

Copyright © 2021 ยท Whole New Mom ยท Log in

Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

Cookie Policy

HTML Sitemap

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
1.7Kshares
  • 116
x
Get My Easier Healthy Eating Guide
No spam here (ick!). You can unsubscribe anytime (no hard feelings!)
Invalid email address
Welcome! Check your email for your Guide!
x
Struggling to Eat Healthy?
Try My EASY Healthy Eating Tips!
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Join our subscribers who get content directly to their inbox.
Invalid email address
Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.