11 Healthy Salad Recipes With a Low-Carb Twist
Salads bring fresh flavors to meals. Many people enjoy them for health benefits. This post shares 11 healthy salad recipes. Each recipe adds a low-carb twist.
You get tasty options without extra carbs. Ingredients stay simple and easy to find. Instructions guide you step by step. Readers enjoy clear directions and fun ideas.
These salads fit busy schedules. They also satisfy your taste buds. Explore these recipes for a fresh, low-carb boost.

1. Avocado Chicken Salad
About:
This salad mixes creamy avocado with tender chicken. It delivers protein and healthy fats. Fresh herbs add a bright flavor. You skip carbs from bread or pasta. The dish feels light yet filling. It works for lunch or dinner. Prep takes little time. Enjoy a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Shred cooked chicken into a bowl.
- Mash avocado in a separate bowl.
- Add lime juice to mashed avocado.
- Mix avocado with chicken.
- Chop red onion and cilantro.
- Add onion and cilantro to the mixture.
- Sprinkle salt and pepper.
- Stir everything until blended.
- Serve fresh or chilled.
2. Cucumber Dill Salad
About:
This salad keeps things cool and crisp. Cucumbers pair with tangy dill. It skips heavy dressings for a light taste. You enjoy low-carb goodness. The recipe suits hot days. It takes minutes to make. Freshness shines in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Slice cucumbers thinly.
- Place cucumbers in a bowl.
- Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice.
- Chop dill and add to yogurt.
- Mince garlic and stir into mixture.
- Add salt to the dressing.
- Pour dressing over cucumbers.
- Toss until coated.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
3. Spinach Bacon Salad
About:
This salad combines spinach with crispy bacon. It packs bold flavors. A simple dressing ties it together. You avoid carb-heavy add-ins. The result feels hearty and fresh. It suits quick meals or sides. Readers love the smoky crunch.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups spinach, fresh
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
- Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Wash spinach and place in a bowl.
- Cook bacon until crispy.
- Crumble bacon over spinach.
- Slice red onion thinly.
- Add onion to the bowl.
- Mix olive oil with vinegar.
- Add salt and pepper to dressing.
- Drizzle dressing over salad.
- Toss gently and serve.
4. Zucchini Noodle Caprese
About:
This salad swaps pasta for zucchini noodles. Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella shine. Basil adds a summery touch. You cut carbs without losing taste. It feels light and fun. Perfect for warm days or quick lunches.
Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls, small
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Spiralize zucchinis into noodles.
- Place noodles in a bowl.
- Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Add tomatoes to noodles.
- Add mozzarella balls to the mix.
- Mix olive oil with balsamic vinegar.
- Chop basil and stir into dressing.
- Add salt to dressing.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss.
5. Kale Caesar Salad
About:
This salad upgrades classic Caesar with kale. It skips croutons for low-carb appeal. The dressing stays creamy and tangy. You enjoy a nutrient boost. It fills you up without heaviness. Great for dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
- Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Chop kale and place in a bowl.
- Grate Parmesan cheese.
- Mix olive oil with lemon juice.
- Add Dijon mustard to dressing.
- Mince garlic and stir in.
- Add salt and pepper to dressing.
- Pour dressing over kale.
- Toss until coated.
- Sprinkle Parmesan on top and serve.
6. Shrimp Avocado Salad
About:
This salad blends shrimp with creamy avocado. Lime adds a zesty kick. You avoid carbs from grains. It feels fresh and satisfying. Perfect for seafood lovers. Quick prep makes it a winner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound shrimp, cooked and peeled
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Cook and peel shrimp.
- Place shrimp in a bowl.
- Dice avocado and add to shrimp.
- Chop red bell pepper.
- Add pepper to the mixture.
- Mix lime juice with olive oil.
- Chop cilantro and stir into dressing.
- Add salt to dressing.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix.
7. Broccoli Bacon Salad
About:
This salad mixes crunchy broccoli with bacon. A light dressing keeps it fresh. You skip sugary add-ins. It delivers bold taste and texture. Great for picnics or sides. Readers enjoy the savory combo.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
- Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Chop broccoli and place in a bowl.
- Cook bacon until crispy.
- Crumble bacon over broccoli.
- Chop red onion and add to bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise with vinegar.
- Add salt and pepper to dressing.
- Pour dressing over salad.
- Toss until blended.
- Serve fresh or chilled.
8. Tuna Cucumber Salad
About:
This salad pairs tuna with crisp cucumber. It skips bread for a low-carb bite. Lemon adds a fresh twist. You enjoy protein and crunch. Perfect for light meals. Prep stays fast and easy.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
- Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Drain tuna and place in a bowl.
- Dice cucumber and add to tuna.
- Mix olive oil with lemon juice.
- Chop parsley and stir into dressing.
- Add salt and pepper to dressing.
- Pour dressing over mixture.
- Toss until combined.
- Serve immediately.
9. Arugula Tomato Salad
About:
This salad mixes peppery arugula with juicy tomatoes. A simple dressing lifts the flavors. You avoid carb-heavy extras. It feels fresh and vibrant. Great for quick sides or lunches.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups arugula, fresh
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
- Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Wash arugula and place in a bowl.
- Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Add tomatoes to arugula.
- Mix olive oil with balsamic vinegar.
- Add salt and pepper to dressing.
- Pour dressing over salad.
- Toss gently and serve.
10. Cobb Salad Without Croutons
About:
This salad remixes Cobb classics. It skips croutons for low-carb appeal. Eggs, bacon, and avocado shine. You enjoy a filling dish. Perfect for hearty meals with fresh vibes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 eggs, boiled and sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Chop romaine and place in a bowl.
- Boil eggs, slice, and add to lettuce.
- Cook bacon and crumble over salad.
- Dice avocado and add to bowl.
- Crumble blue cheese on top.
- Mix olive oil with vinegar.
- Add salt to dressing.
- Pour dressing over salad.
- Toss and serve.
11. Cauliflower “Potato” Salad
About:
This salad swaps potatoes for cauliflower. It keeps the creamy texture. You cut carbs but keep flavor. Dill and mayo add a fun twist. Great for picnics or sides. Readers love the clever switch.
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1/4 cup celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons dill, chopped
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper, 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions:
- Chop cauliflower into small pieces.
- Steam cauliflower for 5 minutes.
- Cool cauliflower and place in a bowl.
- Mix mayonnaise with mustard.
- Chop celery and add to cauliflower.
- Chop dill and stir into dressing.
- Add salt and pepper to dressing.
- Pour dressing over cauliflower.
- Mix well and chill before serving.

Hi, I’m Liza Jensen, your culinary companion here at Recipe by Liza. 🍳🥗Cooking has always been my passion—I find joy in every whisk, every sizzle, and every aromatic spice. As a home cook and recipe developer, I’ve explored flavors from around the world, creating dishes that warm hearts and tantalize taste buds.Join me on this flavorful journey! Let’s swap kitchen stories, share tips, and celebrate the magic of food together.