The Best Low Carb Recipes (2024)

ByAlida Ryder Published Updated

All of our favorite low carb recipes all in one place. From comforting soups and curries to quick chicken recipes and healthy salads, these recipes have you covered if you’re trying to cut down on the carbs or newly starting a keto diet. Low carb does not have to be boring and these recipes are packed with flavor to make up for the lack of carbohydrates.

The Best Low Carb Recipes (1)

Table of Contents

  • 1 Low carb chicken recipes
  • 2
  • 3 Low carb beef recipes
  • 4
  • 5 Low carb vegetarian recipes
  • 6
  • 7 Seafood and fish recipes
  • 8
  • 9 Low carb soup recipes
  • 10 Salad recipes
  • 11 Low carb breakfast recipes

Low carb chicken recipes

From juicy chicken breasts to savory drumsticks, these recipes are perfect when you need a delicious dinner idea.

  1. Easy Baked Chicken Legs. Perfectly juicy baked chicken legs is an easy and delicious recipe. Perfect as a quick lunch or dinner served with sides of your choice.
  2. Greek sheet pan chicken. Leave out the potatoes or swop with cauliflower!
  3. Easy Creamy Garlic Chicken. We love this super easy one-pan creamy garlic chicken served with everything from cauliflower rice to a simple salad for a simple but delicious dinner.
  4. Curried Grilled Chicken Breast. Grilled chicken breast marinated in Garam Masala and aromatic spices then grilled until golden and juicy. Easy, healthy and delicious!
  5. Lemon Rosemary Spatchco*ck Chicken. Easy spatchco*ck chicken with lemon and rosemary garlic grilled until golden and juicy. The perfect meal served with simple sides.
  6. Easy Creamy Chicken in Tomato sauce. Juicy chicken breasts in tomato sauce is an easy, delicious dinner recipe that will be ready in 20 minutes.
  7. Jalapeño Popper Chicken. Jalapeño Popper Chicken with cream cheese and mozzarella is the kind of dinner recipe your family will drool over. Easy to make and quick to cook plus who can say no to a cheese pull?
  8. Creamy spinach artichoke chicken. This creamy spinach artichoke chicken recipe is an easy 20-minute one-pan dinner.
  9. Instant Pot Butter Chicken. This Instant Pot butter chicken recipe is an easy, delicious dinner recipe. The aromatic sauce and juicy chicken is perfection serve with cauliflower rice.
  10. Lemon Rosemary Air fryer chicken thighs. If you’re a fellow Air Fryer obsessive, you have to try these juicy lemon rosemary chicken thighs. They’re easy and perfect for dinner.
  11. Instant Pot Braised Coconut Chicken. This easy Instant Pot braised coconut chicken with cauliflower and sweet potatoes is a delicious, healthy dinner recipe that can be ready in 30 minutes.
  12. Herbed Pan Fried Chicken with Cauliflower Mash. Juicy herb-crusted pan fried chicken cooked with mushrooms served on creamy cauliflower mash is a delicious gluten-free dinner recipe.
  13. Creamy Mushroom Sheet Pan Chicken. Juicy sheet pan chicken with mushrooms, red onion and thyme in a creamy sauce is the comforting, easy dinner recipe your family will love

The Best Low Carb Recipes (2)

Low carb beef recipes

Perfectly cooked steak, slow braised deliciousness and a fantastic bolognese sauce. These beefy recipes are just what you need for dinner.

  1. Steak Tagliata. Thin slices of perfectly cooked fillet/beef tenderloin dressed in an aromatic sundried tomato, garlic and soy dressing makes this steak tagliata the easy, make-ahead recipe that is as perfect for a quick dinner as it is for entertaining.
  2. Garlic Rosemary Rump Roast. Juicy, perfectly cooked rump roast is a Sunday dinner classic and is just delicious served with crispy potatoes and silky red wine jus.
  3. Bolognese sauce. Bolognese is always a great ground beef recipe to have on hand. Even though it’s traditionally served with pasta, this sauce is delicious served with zucchini noodles.
  4. Eggplant lasagna. Creamy, cheesy and perfect as a cozy, comfort dinner, this eggplant lasagna is truly delicious. Layers of roasted eggplant (instead of pasta), meaty bolognese and creamy béchamel sauce means every bite is drool-worthy.
  5. Slow braised oxtail. Slow braised oxtail cooked in a delicious, rich sauce is pull-apart tender, unctuous and perfect served on a bed of creamy mashed cauliflower.
  6. Grilled steak with blistered tomatoes. Juicy grilled steak served with blistered tomatoes marinated in an easy Balsamic marinade with Parmesan is the ultimate, easy and healthy summer meal.
  7. Slow braised beef short ribs. Slow braised beef short ribs in a rich gravy with mushrooms and herbs is the ultimate comfort food and perfect to make ahead.

The Best Low Carb Recipes (3)

Low carb vegetarian recipes

Low carb AND meat-free can be a bit of an issue. It’s easy to leave out the carbs when you have a big juicy steak to fill the plate. But these recipes come to the rescue. Packed with flavor, delicious and healthy, you won’t even notice the lack of meat.

  1. Eggplant involtini. Eggplant involtini stuffed with herby ricotta filling baked in rich tomato sauce is a delicious vegetarian dish, perfect for dinner’.
  2. Zucchini feta crustless quiche. This easy zucchini and feta crustless quiche is a delicious vegetarian recipe for any time of the day and perfect with a side salad as a light meal.
  3. Grilled Cauliflower with Chimichurri. You’re going to love this easy grilled cauliflower recipe served with fresh, zesty chimichurri sauce. It’s the perfect low carb, gluten free summer side dish.
  4. Cauliflower tikka masala. Cauliflower tikka masala is the perfect easy vegetarian dinner. It’s also a great recipe for feeding a crowd.
  5. Easy Vegetarian Bolognese Sauce. This easy vegetarian bolognese sauce recipe is grain- and gluten-free and the perfect healthy sauce to serve with zucchini noodles.
  6. Parmigiana di Melanzane. Eggplant layered with tomatoes, mushrooms and cheese and baked until golden and bubbling. Parmigiana di Melanzane is the perfect low carb comfort food.
  7. Creamy vegetable curry. Creamy vegetable curry is a delicious, healthy and warming dinner recipe served with cauliflower rice for a gluten free dinner. Simple comfort food at its finest.
  8. Easy steamed spring vegetables with feta cheese. Steamed spring vegetables make a delicious, healthy side dish jazzed up with a zesty lemony dressing and creamy feta cheese.

The Best Low Carb Recipes (4)

Seafood and fish recipes

From juicy salmon to spicy shrimp, these recipes are irresistible!

  1. Creamy Cajun Salmon. Cajun salmon cooked in creamy garlic herb sauce is the most delicious 15 minute, one pan dinner recipe. Weeknight dinner, sorted!
  2. Masala baked fish. This masala baked fish recipe is delicious, light and healthy and perfect served for dinner with turmeric-scented cauliflower rice and a quick and easy chopped salad.
  3. Grilled garlic butter prawns. Juicy prawns (shrimp) cooked on the grill then coated in a spicy garlic lemon butter sauce.
  4. Thai Red Coconut Fish Curry. Aromatic and zesty, this Thai coconut fish curry is light but intensely flavorful and perfect served with cauliflower rice for dinner.
  5. 20-minute Shrimp Stir Fry. 20 minutes is all that stands between you and this delicious, easy and healthy shrimp stir fry with sugar snap peas.
  6. Garlic butter Fish en papillote. This easy, healthy Fish en Papillote recipe is a delicious recipe is as perfect for weeknight dinners as it is for impressing guests.
  7. Garlic Butter Air Fryer Salmon. The juiciest salmon done in 10 minutes with no fuss. This Air Fryer salmon recipe with garlic butter is a weeknight dinner hero!
  8. Easy lemon butter baked fish. Lemon butter baked fish is the perfect, easy sheet pan dinner recipe. Baked with asparagus and a delicious lemon butter sauce this is a gluten-free and keto friendly recipe the whole family will love.
  9. Pan seared salmon with dill yogurt sauce. Juicy pan seared salmon is the easiest, healthy dinner recipe, taking less than 10 minutes from prep to plate. Serving the salmon with a no-cook yogurt sauce takes it up a few good notches.
  10. Greek Salmon Salad. Juicy, seasoned salmon and all the Greek salad classics are a match made in heaven. Greek salmon salad is the perfect easy, delicious and healthy lunch or dinner recipe.

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Low carb soup recipes

Comforting and perfect for when you need a heart meal in a hurry.

  1. Rotisserie chicken mushroom soup. This easy chicken mushroom soup recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Using rotisserie chicken makes this a simple, 20 minute weeknight dinner.
  2. Coconut curry vegetable soup. Filled with nutritious vegetables and spices, this aromatic coconut curry vegetable soup recipe is warm, comforting and healthy.
  3. Instant pot chicken black bean soup. Leave out the black beans to make this a delicious low carb dinner recipe.
  4. Easy Vegetable soup. Everyone should know how to make vegetable soup and this easy recipe is perfect for when you need healthy vegetarian comfort food in a flash.
  5. Creamy Broccoli Soup. The most delicious, creamy broccoli soup that is both light and deeply delicious.
  6. Easy Creamy Zucchini Soup. This creamy zucchini soup is the kind of soup I could eat every single day. Light and fresh but velvety smooth, it’s simply delicious.

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Salad recipes

These salad recipes are great low carb side dishes and lunch recipes.

  1. Guacamole salad. Everything you love about guacamole but in a salad. Creamy avocado, tomatoes, red onion, chilli and cilantro make this Guacamole salad irresistible.
  2. Easy tomato feta green bean salad. This green bean salad with juicy tomatoes and cubes of feta cheese with a simple garlic lemon vinaigrette is a delicious, healthy and easy side dish recipe.
  3. Easy Lemon Shrimp Salad. This lemon shrimp salad is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Juicy seared shrimp marinated in lemon, spices and olive oil with creamy avocado, red onion and baby spinach is a delicious and easy lunch or dinner recipe.
  4. Greek chicken salad. Juicy grilled Greek chicken salad with avocado and Kalamata olives is a delicious, healthy and easy lunch or dinner recipe.
  5. Thai beef salad. Juicy steak with fresh herbs, tomatoes, cucumber and a zingy dressing makes this Thai beef salad a delicious, easy and healthy lunch or dinner recipe.
  6. Chinese chicken salad. Chinese chicken salad with crunchy fresh vegetables and peanuts and a punchy dressing. This is the perfect light summer meal and makes a great lunch.

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Low carb breakfast recipes

Breakfast is synonymous with carbs. Toast, muffins, bagels and pancakes. However, it’s easy to go carb free when you have one of these delicious recipes to fall back on.

  1. Easy breakfast egg crêpes. Easy gluten free breakfast egg crêpes filled with crispy bacon, a fried egg and roasted tomatoes is the breakfast of dreams and perfect for feeding a crowd.
  2. Low carb berry breakfast parfaits. Deliciously indulgent, breakfast berry parfaits with blueberry sauce, low carb nut granola and fresh raspberries makes the perfect easy breakfast
  3. Creamy pineapple and strawberry breakfast smoothies. Creamy breakfast smoothies packed to the brim with nutrients. Chia seeds, almonds and yoghurt all add to the good-for-you factor of these fruity smoothies.
  4. Tropical smoothie breakfast popsicles. These tropical smoothie popsicles are so easy to make and are an excellent healthy snack or grab-and-go breakfast. My kids are obsessed! Swop out the honey for a low carb sweetener.
  5. Brie and bacon omelette. Bacon omelette with soft Brie cheese is a delicious gluten-free recipe. Omelettes are perfect as a quick and easy any time meal.
  6. Boursin smoked salmon omelet roll. This easy omelet roll filled with Boursin cheese, smoked salmon, capers and arugula (rocket) is a delicious, showstopping brunch recipe.
The Best Low Carb Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to a low-carb diet? ›

Low-Carb Basics

Protein (chicken, fish, seafood, beef, eggs) and fats (butter, oil) do not contain carbs. Keep whole grains, dairy (like plain yogurt and milk), fruit and veggies in your diet. "Whole grains, fruit and vegetables provide fiber, which can keep you satiated and may help lower cholesterol," says Gorin.

What is an absolutely no carb diet? ›

Food and drinks allowed on a no-carb diet include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, oils, water, and plain coffee or tea. If you're less stringent, you can also eat nuts, seeds, non-starchy vegetables, and high fat fruits like avocado and coconut since these foods are low in net carbs.

What is considered an extremely low-carb diet? ›

Therefore, studies have defined low carbohydrate as a percent of daily macronutrient intake or total daily carbohydrate load. This review defines low-carbo diets as follows: Very low-carbohydrate (<10% carbohydrates) or 20 to 50 g/d. Low-carbohydrate (<26% carbohydrates) or less than 130 g/d.

What is the fastest way to lose weight on a low carb diet? ›

To achieve effective weight loss on a low-carb diet, you'll need to:
  1. Keep carbohydrate intake low.
  2. Protein intake moderate.
  3. Fat intake high.
  4. Avoid snacking.
  5. Exercise regularly.

What is the number 1 worst carb? ›

1. Sugary Foods. Most people already think of many of the foods in this category as unhealthy treats. Candy, soft drinks, and sweet desserts such as cake, chocolate, and ice cream are all expected entries on a list of carbs to avoid to lose weight.

What happens to your body when you stop eating carbs and sugar? ›

Severe carb limits can cause your body to break down fat into ketones for energy. This is called ketosis. Ketosis can cause side effects such as bad breath, headache, fatigue and weakness. It's not clear what kind of possible long-term health risks a low-carb diet may pose.

What are the side effects of not eating carbs? ›

Complications such as heart arrhythmias, cardiac contractile function impairment, sudden death, osteoporosis, kidney damage, increased cancer risk, impairment of physical activity and lipid abnormalities can all be linked to long-term restriction of carbohydrates in the diet.

How much weight can you lose in 2 weeks without carbs? ›

The amount of weight you can lose on a low-carb diet in 2 weeks can vary widely depending on factors such as your starting weight, adherence to the diet, and individual metabolism. Some individuals have reported losing up to 10 pounds or more in two weeks, while others may experience less dramatic results.

Is 100 carbs a day still low-carb? ›

While there is no strict definition of a low carb diet, anything under 100–150 grams per day is generally considered low carb. This is definitely a lot less than the amount of carbs in the standard Western diet. You may achieve great results within this carb range, as long as you eat unprocessed whole foods.

How do I start a low carb diet for beginners? ›

Here are a few tips to get started:
  1. Opt for a meat- or fish-based main dish.
  2. Choose plain water instead of sugary soda or fruit juice.
  3. Get extra vegetables or a side salad instead of bread, potatoes, or rice.
  4. Check the menu beforehand to find options that fit your daily carb allowance.
Dec 13, 2023

What are the 10 best low-carb foods? ›

Meat, eggs, and seafood are low in carbs. You can also eat certain vegetables, including broccoli and eggplant, as well as fruit, such as avocado and apricots, on a low carb diet. Many people follow a low carbohydrate diet to lose weight, lower blood sugar levels, or treat certain diseases.

What bread has the lowest carbs? ›

6 Low-Carb Breads to Try
  • Base Culture Original Keto Bread. Flaxseed, arrowroot and almond flour, and almond butter give this bread its nutty, sweet flavor. ...
  • Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread. ...
  • Julian Bakery Keto Thin Bread. ...
  • Simple Mills Focaccia. ...
  • Unbun Unbread. ...
  • Outer Aisle Sandwich Thin. ...
  • Cloud Bread. ...
  • Almond Flour Bread.
Nov 3, 2022

Is there a cheat day on a low carb diet? ›

That's why plenty of keto dieters look forward to having a cheat day — 24 hours where they can indulge in all their carb cravings without guilt. It's a welcome break from any restrictive diet like keto, which can have both benefits and drawbacks, depending on how a cheat day is observed.

How do you eat low carb without going into ketosis? ›

Insider spoke with nutrition experts about how to incorporate keto-like eating patterns without going all in.
  1. Start by cutting out processed foods and added sugar.
  2. You can eat some fruit and still maintain a low-carb diet.
  3. Photo by Cathy Scola/Getty Images.
  4. Eat more healthy fats and don't forget about plant protein.
Jan 29, 2021

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