Craving the sensational flavors of Outback Steakhouse’s iconic Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad? You’re in luck! This comprehensive guide will show you how to recreate that restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen, all while keeping it low-carb and incredibly delicious. Say goodbye to the frustration of limited menu options when eating healthy; with this copycat recipe, you gain control over ingredients without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Mastering the Outback Steakhouse Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad at Home
For those dedicated to a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, dining out often presents a unique challenge. Restaurant menus can be full of hidden sugars, unhealthy oils, and carb-heavy ingredients that quickly derail your dietary goals. The frustration of leaving a restaurant feeling hungry or unsatisfied is all too common. However, this doesn’t mean you have to forgo your favorite dishes entirely. Our homemade version of the famous Outback Steakhouse salad allows you to indulge in a delightful meal with complete peace of mind, knowing exactly what goes into it.
The key to transforming many restaurant favorites into keto-friendly meals lies in two critical areas: the dressing and any sweetened components. Restaurants frequently load their salad dressings with added sugars, and items like candied nuts often contain significant amounts of corn syrup or refined sugar. For this particular Outback Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad copycat, we’ve tackled both. We’ve crafted a sugar-free, low-carb blue cheese vinaigrette that mirrors the restaurant’s creamy, tangy profile, and developed a recipe for perfectly crunchy, low-carb candied pecans. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet and savory notes, combined with an irresistible crunch that perfectly replicates the original, making you feel like you’re having a cheat meal when you’re absolutely not!
The Iconic Outback Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad: A Deconstructed Delight
The allure of this salad lies in its sophisticated simplicity and the balance of textures and flavors. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the overall experience. Building this salad at home means you can select the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, ensuring a superior taste and nutritional profile.
Choosing Your Greens: The Foundation of Freshness
The base of any great salad is its greens. While convenience often leads to pre-packaged salad mixes, selecting a high-quality blend can elevate your dish significantly. We recommend a vibrant spring mix for its tender leaves and naturally sweeter flavor profile, which beautifully complements the richness of the blue cheese and pecans. However, feel free to use your favorite combination of greens. Romaine lettuce adds a crisp crunch, while a mix of baby spinach and arugula can introduce a peppery bite. If you prefer to chop your own lettuce, consider a blend of iceberg for maximum crunch and butter lettuce for its soft texture. Ensure your greens are thoroughly washed and dried to prevent a watery dressing.
Beyond the greens, the salad incorporates essential elements like crumbled blue cheese, thinly sliced green onions, and shredded carrots. Blue cheese is the star, delivering that characteristic sharp, tangy, and slightly pungent flavor that defines this salad. If blue cheese isn’t to your liking, don’t despair! You can easily substitute it with crumbled feta cheese for a saltier, less intense tang, or use crumbled goat cheese for a creamier texture and earthy flavor, perfect for those who prefer a dairy-free option or a milder profile. Remember to only add additional shredded carrots if your chosen salad mix doesn’t already include them, to avoid an overwhelming amount.
Irresistible Low-Carb Candied Pecans for That Perfect Crunch
One of the absolute highlights of this Outback copycat salad is the inclusion of sweet, crunchy pecans. These aren’t just any pecans; they’re perfectly “candied” without the added sugar, providing a delightful textural contrast and a burst of flavor that truly sets this salad apart. Our method is a slight variation from traditional candied pecans, specifically designed to be low-carb, but if you have a go-to keto candied pecans recipe that you love, feel free to use it!
Crafting these pecans is simple yet essential. They’re roasted with cinnamon, a brown sugar alternative, and melted butter, creating a sticky, flavorful coating that crisps up beautifully in the oven. The balance of sweetness and spice from the cinnamon perfectly complements the natural richness of the pecans. Be mindful during the baking process, as nuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly. Keep a close eye on them, and remove them as soon as they achieve a golden hue and fragrant aroma.
Nut-Free Alternatives and Snack Ideas
If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer a different topping, consider making low-carb candied bacon twists and crumbling them over your salad. The salty, smoky, and slightly sweet crunch of candied bacon offers an equally exciting and flavorful alternative. These candied pecans aren’t just for salads, either! Make a double batch and keep them stored in an airtight container in your pantry. They make a fantastic keto-friendly snack, perfect for a quick energy boost after a workout or as a satisfying treat throughout the week. They typically stay fresh and crunchy for about a week, offering a convenient and delicious option whenever cravings strike.
Elevating Your Meal: What to Serve with Your Outback Copycat Salad
This chopped salad is remarkably filling on its own, making it an ideal light lunch option. However, if you’re serving it for a more substantial meal like dinner, or simply want to round out your plate, there are numerous low-carb pairings that complement its flavors beautifully.
For a protein-packed addition, consider starting with a flavorful low-carb hot honey chicken bowl. The savory chicken and vibrant veggies will create a well-balanced and satisfying meal alongside your salad. Another excellent choice would be some crispy keto chicken Caesar cutlets. Their tender interior and golden-brown crust would provide a wonderful contrast to the fresh salad.
And if your sweet tooth still calls after dinner, especially if you’re a pecan lover, you’re in for a treat! Whip up some decadent keto chocolate pecan pie muffins. These rich, nutty, and perfectly sweetened muffins offer the ideal balance of flavors with just a hint of saltiness, making them an incredible finish to any meal.
The Signature Blue Cheese Vinaigrette: A Recipe to Savor
Beyond the salad itself, the homemade blue cheese vinaigrette is a recipe worth keeping in your culinary arsenal. Its bold, tangy flavor, derived from the crumbled blue cheese, is perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness and pungency of Dijon mustard. This dressing isn’t just for this particular chopped salad; its versatility makes it a fantastic addition to other green salads, or even as a unique topping for grilled burgers or chicken breasts.
The base of our vinaigrette is creamy sour cream, which provides a luxurious texture and rich body. For those looking to boost their protein intake, plain Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute, offering a similar tang and creaminess. As with the salad’s cheese component, if blue cheese isn’t your preferred flavor, feta cheese or crumbled goat cheese can seamlessly step in, providing a delightful alternative that still delivers a distinctive, savory kick to the dressing. Combining these ingredients in a mason jar and shaking vigorously (or whisking in a bowl) ensures a perfectly emulsified, creamy dressing every time.
Low-Carb Copycat Outback Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad Recipe
Get ready to dive into the delicious details! Below, you’ll find the complete list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this incredible low-carb Outback Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad. All precise measurements and cooking times are available in the printable recipe card further down this page.
SERVINGS: 6
PREP TIME: 20 minutes
COOK TIME: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE CANDIED PECANS:
- Raw pecans (halved)
- Ground cinnamon
- Brown sugar alternative (keto-friendly)
- Butter, melted
FOR THE SALAD:
- Bags of your favorite salad greens (e.g., spring mix, romaine, or a chopped blend)
- Crumbled blue cheese
- Shredded carrots (only if your salad mix does not contain them)
- Sliced green onions (optional, for added freshness and mild onion flavor)
FOR THE BLUE CHEESE VINAIGRETTE:
- Olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
- White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang)
- Dijon mustard
- Sour cream (full-fat for creaminess, or plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost)
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the raw pecans, ground cinnamon, brown sugar alternative, and melted butter. Stir until the pecans are evenly coated.
- Spread the pecan mixture in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 4–5 minutes, being careful to watch them closely as they can burn quickly. Remove from the oven immediately and allow them to cool completely on the baking sheet; they will crisp up as they cool.
- To prepare the blue cheese vinaigrette, combine the olive oil, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), blue cheese crumbles, and salt and pepper in a mason jar or a small bowl. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar well until you achieve a smooth, creamy, and well-combined vinaigrette. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Set aside.
- To assemble the salad, place your salad greens, shredded carrots (if using), green onions (if using), crumbled blue cheese, and cooled candied pecans in a large mixing bowl.
- Just before serving, drizzle the desired amount of blue cheese vinaigrette over the salad. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Outback Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad (Low-Carb Copycat)
Enjoy the classic flavors of the Outback Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad at home with this easy and delicious low-carb copycat recipe. Perfect for keto and healthy eating!
Salad, Main Dish
Copycat Outback Salad, Low Carb, Keto, Blue Cheese, Pecan, Chopped Salad
Ingredients
For the Candied Pecans
-
1/2
cup
Raw Pecans
halved -
1/2
tsp
Cinnamon -
1
tbsp
Brown Sugar Substitute -
1
tbsp
Butter
melted
For the Chopped Salad
-
14
ounces
Salad Greens -
1/4
cup
Crumbled Blue Cheese -
1/2
cup
Shredded Carrots
**Only if your salad mix does not come with shredded carrots mixed in. -
2
tbsp
Green Onions
sliced (optional)
For the Blue Cheese Vinaigrette
-
1/4
cup
Olive Oil -
1/4
cup
White Vinegar -
2
tsp
Dijon Mustard -
2
tbsp
Sour Cream
or Plain Greek Yogurt -
2
tbsp
Blue Cheese Crumbles -
Salt and Pepper
to taste
Instructions
Prepare Candied Pecans: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
In a bowl, stir together the pecans, cinnamon, brown sugar alternative, and melted butter until the pecans are fully coated.
Spread the pecan mixture evenly on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 4–5 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet to allow them to crisp up.
Make the Vinaigrette: To create the dressing, combine olive oil, white vinegar, Dijon mustard, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), blue cheese crumbles, and salt and pepper in a mason jar or a small bowl. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar well until you have a creamy, well-emulsified vinaigrette. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the salad greens, shredded carrots (if using), green onions (if using), crumbled blue cheese, and the cooled candied pecans. Drizzle with the prepared vinaigrette and toss well to ensure all ingredients are coated. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade low-carb Outback Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad!
Recipe Notes
Calories: 225 Net Carbs: 6 Net Carbs Per Serving
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Explore More Keto Copycat Recipes for Restaurant Favorites
Isn’t it wonderful to enjoy your favorite restaurant dishes from the comfort of your own home, knowing they align perfectly with your low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle? Not only do you save money and the hassle of going out, but you also gain complete control over the ingredients, ensuring quality and health. If you thoroughly enjoyed creating and savoring this copycat Outback Blue Cheese Pecan Chopped Salad, then you’re in for a treat! We’ve curated a collection of other beloved restaurant-inspired recipes, all adapted to be deliciously keto-friendly. Expand your culinary repertoire with these fantastic copycat creations:
- Keto In-N-Out Animal Style Burger Copycat Roll Ups With Sauce – Indulge in the iconic burger experience, reinvented low-carb!
- Keto Chick-Fil-A Copycat Slaw – A refreshing and crunchy side dish, just like the original, but without the hidden sugars.
- Keto Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks – Relive the joy of endless breadsticks with this keto-friendly version that’s perfect for dipping.
- Keto Copycat Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings – Comfort food at its finest, made low-carb without sacrificing any of the hearty flavor.
- Keto Copycat Black Pepper Chicken – A spicy and savory stir-fry that brings the takeout experience home, keto-style.
These recipes are designed to help you maintain your healthy eating habits while still enjoying the rich, diverse flavors of your favorite restaurant meals. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!