Looking to lower your carb intake without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction? Whether you’re following a keto diet, managing diabetes, or just want to eat healthier, these 13 low carb recipes are your new best friends. From hearty dinners to quick lunches and satisfying snacks, these dishes are all low in carbs and high in taste.
Let’s dive into these delicious options!
1. Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
Juicy chicken thighs are pan-seared in garlic butter and served with sautéed broccoli for a fast, filling meal. This low carb recipe is rich in flavor and perfect for weeknights.
Why it’s great:
- Ready in 30 minutes
- High in protein
- Only 6g net carbs per serving
Pro Tip: Use chicken thighs with the skin on for extra crispiness and flavor.
2. Zucchini Noodles with Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Craving pasta but want to keep it low carb? Zoodles (zucchini noodles) tossed in a creamy homemade Alfredo sauce are the perfect substitute. Rich, creamy, and completely guilt-free.
Carb Count: Around 5g net carbs per serving
Bonus: Add grilled shrimp or chicken for extra protein.
3. Cauliflower Fried Rice
This low carb twist on takeout favorite uses cauliflower rice instead of white rice. Stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and soy sauce, it’s savory, satisfying, and under 7g net carbs.
Why it works:
- Quick, one-pan meal
- Budget-friendly
- Great for meal prep
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers (No Rice)
These bell peppers are stuffed with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and veggies—no rice needed. Baked until bubbling and topped with fresh herbs, they’re comfort food without the carbs.
Carb Count: About 8g net carbs per stuffed pepper
5. Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
This is the low carb version of mac and cheese you didn’t know you needed. Cauliflower florets are baked in a cheesy, creamy sauce until golden and bubbly.
Perfect For:
- Family dinners
- Potlucks
- Comfort food cravings
Carbs per serving: Around 6g net carbs
6. Bunless Turkey Burger Lettuce Wraps
Skip the bun and wrap your seasoned turkey burger in crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce. Add sliced avocado, tomato, and a drizzle of mustard or low carb mayo.
Why you’ll love it:
- Fresh, crunchy, and flavorful
- Great for grilling season
- Only 4g net carbs per wrap
7. Egg Roll in a Bowl
All the flavors of an egg roll, minus the wrapper. Ground pork or turkey is stir-fried with cabbage, garlic, and ginger in sesame oil and soy sauce.
Benefits:
- Keto-friendly
- Fast (ready in under 20 mins)
- About 5g net carbs per serving
8. Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
Swap traditional pasta with roasted spaghetti squash for this creamy carbonara-inspired dish. Add bacon, garlic, and Parmesan for rich, Italian flavor with a low carb twist.
Carbs: Roughly 7g net carbs per bowl
Tip: Roast the squash in advance to save time.
9. Avocado Egg Salad
Creamy avocado replaces mayo in this ultra-healthy egg salad recipe. Great as a salad topper or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a quick, low carb lunch.
Perks:
- Packed with healthy fats
- Super quick to make
- Only 2–3g net carbs per serving
10. Low Carb Taco Bowls
Use cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce as your base, then top with seasoned ground beef, cheese, salsa, avocado, and sour cream. All the taco flavor without the carbs!
Ideal for:
- Taco Tuesdays
- Family dinners
- Meal prep
Carbs per bowl: Around 6–8g net carbs
11. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Shredded buffalo chicken served in crisp lettuce leaves with ranch dressing and celery slices. It’s spicy, crunchy, and totally low carb.
Keto-Friendly: Yes
Carb Count: Approx. 4g net carbs per wrap
12. Grilled Salmon with Asparagus
A simple grilled salmon fillet paired with garlic-roasted asparagus makes for an elegant and nutrient-rich low carb dinner.
Benefits:
- High in omega-3s
- Great for weight loss and heart health
- Just 5g net carbs per plate
13. Chia Seed Pudding with Almond Milk
For a low carb dessert or breakfast, chia seed pudding is a winner. Mix chia seeds with unsweetened almond milk, vanilla extract, and a low-carb sweetener. Let it sit overnight and enjoy.
Carb Count: About 4g net carbs per serving
Top With: A few berries or chopped nuts (optional)
Final Thoughts on These 13 Low Carb Recipes
Eating low carb doesn’t have to mean boring meals. These 13 low carb recipes prove you can enjoy flavorful, filling dishes without the excess carbs. From creamy casseroles to fresh salads and zoodle pastas, there’s something here for every craving and every occasion.
These meals are not only ideal for keto or low carb diets, but they also help with weight loss, managing blood sugar, and boosting energy levels throughout the day.
So why wait? Try one tonight and feel the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are low carb foods to avoid?
A: Limit or avoid bread, pasta, rice, sugary drinks, and most desserts. Stick to lean proteins, veggies, and healthy fats.
Q: Are all these recipes keto-friendly?
A: Yes, most are keto-friendly or easily adaptable. Just monitor your ingredients and portions.
Q: How many carbs per day is considered low carb?
A: Typically, under 100g per day is considered low carb, while keto is usually under 50g total carbs (or 20–30g net carbs).