I am sorry I haven’t been on for a couple of months. Lots going on in my life and I haven’t done a whole lot of recipe creating, but I have a few. But this week is the beginning of July and the 4th is right around the corner.
Man, I love a good hot dog with chili and cheese on it. Does eating low carb or Keto mean I can’t enjoy that? Absolutely not. And I can have my pseudo potato salad made with cauliflower and turnips. Keep reading and I will show you how to have a low carb Fourth of July celebration.
Hot Dogs with or without chili and cheese
Whether they are all beef or chicken and pork hot dogs, they are all low carb. Check the brand for the exact carb count. Usually they are around 2 net carbs per hot dog,
Hot dog buns could be a problem, but several bread makers now make low or Keto hot dog buns. My personal favorite is Carbonaut’s bun. I have found these at Walmart but they don’t always have them. They do have Nature’s Own and Orowheat buns. Safeway also carries Orowheat and Hero buns. These are either 1 or 2 net carbs per bun.
Look for canned chili that is sugar free. So far, I haven’t found one, but even if they have them, the whole can has about 20 net carbs. Use 2 tablespoons on your hot dog and that’s only 2.5 net carbs. So your whole hot dog adds up to about 6 net carbs, even with mustard on it.
Texas Style Cauliflower and Turnips Salad
This Cauliflower–Turnip Salad is my go‑to low‑carb “potato” salad whenever I want something comforting, creamy, and nostalgic without the heavy carbs. Cauliflower and turnips mimic the texture beautifully, and the eggs, mayo, mustard, and sugar‑free relish bring all the classic flavors together. It’s a keto‑friendly side dish that works for holidays, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners — and nobody ever guesses it’s low carb. I call it Texas style because everyone I know from Texas makes it this way.
One of my favorite things to do with leftover potato salad–and this will work with it also–is to put it between two slices of bread and make it a sandwich! Yummy! You can add ham or cheese and it’s all you need for a tasty lunch.
Ingredients:
1 16 oz. bag Cauliflower florets (about half of a cauliflower)
2 to 3 medium turnips, sliced or diced
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
1/4 cup of sugar free sweet pickle relish or chopped sweet pickles
Juice from relish
1/2 to 3/4 cup of mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard
salt and pepper or paprika
Instructions:
Steam or boil cauliflower and turnips until fork tender. Cut into smaller pieces if needed. Place in a large bowl.
Add eggs, pickle relish or chopped sweet pickles, and onions and mix together.
In a smaller bowl, mix the pickle juice, mayonnaise and mustard to make the dressing. If you like a lot of sauce around your salad, add a little more mayonnaise and/or mustard to suit your taste.
Add the dressing to the large bowl and mix together well. Add salt and pepper or paprika to taste. Sprinkle a little paprika on top.
Chill at least five hours in the refrigerator before serving. Best when chilled overnight.
Makes about 6 to 8 servings.
Nutrition Information: Per Serving (6–8 servings):
Calories: 133–238 Protein: 3–4 g Fat: 11–22 g Net Carbs: 4–5.5 g
Enhancements:
Personalize your salad with any of these additions:
Classic Low‑Carb Add‑Ins
These stay true to the traditional potato‑salad vibe:
Celery (finely minced) — even if you’re not a fan of big crunchy pieces, a tablespoon or two of very fine mince adds brightness without the “raw celery” vibe.
Green onions — milder than sweet onion and perfect for keto salads.
Bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon — smoky, salty, and zero carbs.
Fresh dill or parsley — herbs add freshness and help balance the richness.
Chopped dill pickles — if you want more tang without extra sweetness.
Chopped pimentos — classic in Southern-style salads; very low carb.
Creamy or Savory Boosters
These add richness or umami without adding carbs:
Shredded cheddar (just a little)
Crumbled feta or goat cheese
Sour cream (swap part of the mayo for a lighter, tangier dressing)
A splash of pickle juice or vinegar for extra tang
Flavor Enhancers
Tiny additions that change the flavor profile in a good way:
Smoked paprika — gives a deviled‑egg vibe.
Garlic powder — a pinch goes a long way.
Celery seed — classic in deli-style salads.
Everything bagel seasoning — surprisingly good in creamy salads.
Protein Add‑Ins
If you want to turn this into a full meal:
Diced ham
Shredded rotisserie chicken
Extra chopped hard‑boiled eggs
All of these keep carbs extremely low.
Crunchy Low‑Carb Veggies
If you want texture without the carbs:
Radishes — taste like mini potatoes when raw or lightly blanched.
Cucumber (seeded) — adds crunch without watering down the salad.
Jicama (finely diced) — very potato‑like crunch, low net carbs.
Creative Keto Twists
Fun additions that make your salad stand out:
Pickled jalapeños — for a spicy kick.
Capers — salty, briny, and very low carb.
Chopped olives — Mediterranean twist.
A spoonful of ranch seasoning — turns it into a “ranch potato salad” dupe.
For Dessert, may I suggest these possibilities:
Cool off with Keto Key Lime Cheesecake Pie
Cool 4th with Frozen Strawberry Yogurt
Breakfast or Dessert? Sour Cream Blueberry Cobbler
Note: Nutrition information is based on the ingredients I used in this recipe and my measurements. Although they are a close calculation, your results may be slightly higher or lower. Ingredient substitutions may affect the carb count. Different brands may have other carb counts.