Delicious Keto Sides That Go Beyond the Bun
When you're enjoying a juicy, bun-less burger, a starchy side like French fries or macaroni salad is out of the question on a ketogenic diet. The good news is that creative and flavorful alternatives exist, leveraging low-carb vegetables and fats to create truly satisfying companions for your meal. From creamy, decadent dishes to crispy, savory snacks, keto-friendly sides ensure you don't miss out on taste or texture. The key is to transform everyday ingredients like cauliflower and jicama into low-carb versions of your favorite comfort foods.
Creative Cauliflower Creations
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be adapted to mimic many high-carb dishes. Its mild flavor makes it an excellent blank canvas for rich, savory toppings and seasonings.
- Cheesy Loaded Cauliflower Casserole: A popular swap for a loaded baked potato casserole, this dish uses roasted cauliflower florets as its base. Toss steamed cauliflower with heavy cream, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chives, then bake until bubbly and golden brown for a warm, comforting side.
- "Potato" Salad: The starchy texture of potatoes is easily replaced with steamed, tender cauliflower florets. Simply prepare your favorite potato salad dressing using full-fat mayonnaise, mustard, celery, red onion, and chopped hard-boiled eggs, then toss with the cooled cauliflower. For a more authentic flavor, some recipes use radishes or turnips for a crunchier texture.
- Roasted Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: A creamy, indulgent side, this dish roasts cauliflower until tender before smothering it in a rich cheese sauce made from heavy cream, butter, and a blend of cheeses. Topped with more cheese and bacon, it's the ultimate low-carb comfort food.
Sensational Salads and Slaws
Salads and slaws are a natural fit for a keto diet, provided you use low-carb dressings and ingredients. They offer a fresh, crunchy contrast to the richness of a burger.
- Creamy Keto Coleslaw: The secret to a keto coleslaw is using a sugar-free sweetener in the dressing instead of traditional sugar. A classic combination includes shredded cabbage mix, full-fat mayonnaise, a touch of apple cider vinegar, and celery seeds for flavor. For a non-creamy, tangy alternative, a vinegar-based slaw is also a great option.
- Cucumber, Tomato, and Feta Salad: This simple, refreshing salad requires minimal prep. Toss chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion with a generous amount of feta cheese, fresh parsley, and a dressing of olive oil and red wine vinegar. It’s a perfect, light side for a heavy burger.
- Broccoli Salad: A keto-friendly version can be made with blanched broccoli florets, bacon bits, red onion, and sunflower seeds. The dressing typically uses a sugar-free mayonnaise base with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
Crispy Low-Carb Fries and Roasted Vegetables
Missing French fries? Many root vegetables and other veggies can be baked or air-fried to achieve a similar crispy texture without the high carb count.
- Jicama Fries: Jicama is a root vegetable with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that can be cut into sticks and baked or air-fried to a crispy perfection. Parboiling the jicama first helps to soften the interior, mimicking the texture of a real potato fry. Season with paprika, garlic powder, and salt for a familiar flavor.
- Baked Zucchini Fries: Cut zucchini into fry shapes, coat them in a mixture of Parmesan cheese and seasonings, and bake until golden and crispy. The air fryer is also an excellent tool for achieving extra crispiness.
- Roasted Radishes: When roasted, radishes lose their signature peppery bite and develop a mellow, almost potato-like flavor. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast until tender and browned. They can also be used as a potato substitute in a mock potato salad.
Comparison Table: Keto vs. Classic Burger Sides
| Side Dish Category | Keto-Friendly Option | Classic High-Carb Counterpart | Primary Ingredients | Net Carb Count (per serving) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Salad | Cauliflower "Potato" Salad | Traditional Potato Salad | Cauliflower, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, eggs | Low (~6g) |
| Crispy "Fries" | Jicama Fries | French Fries | Jicama, olive oil, seasoning | Low (~5g) |
| Cheesy Side | Roasted Cauliflower Mac & Cheese | Classic Macaroni & Cheese | Cauliflower, cream, cheese, bacon | Low (~6g) |
| Fresh Slaw | Keto Coleslaw | Traditional Coleslaw | Cabbage, mayonnaise, vinegar, sweetener | Low (~4g) |
Going Beyond the Burger Itself
In addition to the side, the burger and its toppings must also be considered. Opt for high-fat, high-protein fillings and avoid sugary sauces. A bun-less burger can be served on a bed of lettuce or wrapped in large lettuce leaves. Some excellent keto-friendly toppings include avocado, bacon, a variety of cheeses, mushrooms, and sugar-free condiments. Remember, many restaurants now offer burger bowls or will serve burgers without buns upon request, making it easier to stick to your dietary goals when eating out.
Conclusion
Choosing a keto friendly burger side dish doesn't mean sacrificing flavor or variety. By getting creative with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower, jicama, and zucchini, you can recreate satisfying versions of classic comfort foods like potato salad and fries. Paired with a juicy, bun-less burger and your favorite keto-approved toppings, these sides make for a complete and delicious meal that keeps you on track with your low-carb lifestyle. Experiment with different recipes and seasonings to find your perfect match, proving that eating keto can be both exciting and incredibly tasty.
For more great keto ideas, visit Diet Doctor's extensive library of low-carb recipes: https://www.dietdoctor.com/low-carb/recipes/side-dishes-2.
