19 Easy Low-Carb Meals That Aren’t Just Salads

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19 Easy Low-Carb Meals That Aren’t Just Salads

Who said low-carb has to mean all salads, all the time? We’ve got 19 easy recipes that prove you can have your low-carb cake (metaphorically speaking) and eat it too. From comforting casseroles to flavorful zoodles, these meals are packed with flavor, not carbs. They’re so good, you might just forget about bread altogether. But let’s not get too carried away; everyone loves a good sandwich now and then.

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Crisp cucumber meets creamy feta in a dish that proves simplicity can be incredibly effective. This combination creates a fresh and filling option for those seeking a low-carb alternative to heavier meals. Cucumber Salad with Feta is perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish that brings a refreshing crunch. It’s a go-to for anyone looking to add a light, yet flavorful, touch to their meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a hearty meal that brings a little heat without the carbs, look no further. Juicy and tender, Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken falls right off the bone and pairs perfectly with a variety of low-carb sides. It fills the room with an aroma that hints at a feast to come and offers a flavorful escape from the everyday dinner routine. It is a hands-off meal that lets the slow cooker do all the work.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who says you can’t enjoy the essence of a Greek summer while keeping things low-carb? Loaded with vibrant flavors, Horiatiki Salad is a robust dish that doesn’t rely on lettuce as a filler. It’s the perfect blend of crunchy, juicy, and briny elements, making for a balanced dish that’s both nourishing and wonderfully simple. It’s the salad you turn to when you’re craving something substantial yet light.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

A white plate with garlic steak bites and mushrooms on it.
Garlic Steak & Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Steak enthusiasts can rejoice with a dish that is both indulgent and carb-conscious. Garlic adds a punch of flavor to the succulent steak, while mushrooms bring an earthy depth to the meal. Garlic Steak & Mushrooms is an easy-to-prepare dinner that feels fancy without any hassle. This dish is ideal for a filling evening meal that won’t derail your carb control efforts.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bursting with color and texture, this dish will transport your senses to a sunny coastline. Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a bowlful of wholesome ingredients, chosen for their natural flavors and healthful properties. It’s a vibrant alternative for anyone committed to a low-carb lifestyle, but still looking for something filling. Plus, it’s a versatile option that works well with any meal or even on its own.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Enjoy the comfort of a classic take-out dish reimagined to suit a low-carb diet. It’s a one-pan meal full of flavor and filling textures. Chicken Fried Rice serves up a filling and nutritious option that will keep you fueled without the extra carbs. This dish is ideal for a busy weeknight when you’re looking for something quick and easy that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Spring salad with asparagus and potatoes on a white plate.
Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Spring is in the air and on your plate with this fresh and vibrant salad. Tender asparagus, sweet peas, and hearty potatoes come together to form a dish that’s both filling and low in carbs. Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes makes for a perfect light lunch or a wonderful accompaniment to any main course. It’s proof that salads need not be boring and can be as hearty as they are healthy.
Get the Recipe: Spring Salad with Asparagus, Peas & Potatoes

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Introduce a touch of the Mediterranean to your dining table with a delicious fish that’s both light and filling. Mediterranean Cod offers a flavorful reprieve from meat-heavy dishes, providing a perfect balance of taste and nourishment. It’s an elegant yet simple option for those watching their carb intake who also love a good seafood dish. It’s also great for a dinner that requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s nothing quite like warm, inviting comfort food to make you feel right at home. Authentic Hungarian Goulash is a robust and hearty option that brings traditional flavors to the forefront, all while keeping it low-carb. The dish captures the essence of Hungarian cuisine and is perfect for anyone wanting a taste of Europe without leaving their kitchen. It’s a warm, comforting bowl that’s ideal for colder nights.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This classic dish is a blast from the past, making use of simple, yet filling flavors. Old Fashioned Ham Salad is a versatile option that works well as a spread or on its own. It brings nostalgia to the table, reinventing a traditional recipe into a low-carb pleasure. Whether it’s for a leisurely lunch or a light dinner, it’s a delicious way to reminisce and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Take your palate on a trip to the sunny Mediterranean with a dish that’s both healthful and hearty. Mediterranean Chicken Bake is a flavorful meal that’s simple to put together and aligns perfectly with low-carb eating. Laden with the bright, aromatic flavors characteristic of the region, this baked dish is both comforting and light. It’s a weeknight winner that can feed the whole family without the carb load.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Smoked Carver Ham

Smoked sliced ham on a cutting board.
Smoked Carver Ham. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Upgrade your meal with a dish that brings smokiness and succulence to the forefront. Smoked Carver Ham is the centerpiece for any dining occasion that requires something special without the carb-heavy sides. This dish is perfect for those seeking a low-effort yet high-impact meal option. When you’re in the mood for something that feels celebratory, it’s the go-to flavor hero.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Carver Ham

Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Ninja Woodfire Pork Souvlaki with Horiatiki Salad and pita bread on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re looking for a dish with a bit of zing and zero regret of carbs, here it is. Grilled Pork Souvlaki is a lively blend of spices and tender meat, sure to satisfy anyone who’s craving something with a bit more spark. It’s grilled to perfection and easy to whip up for a quick but impressive low-carb meal. Skewer up some excitement for your next meal with this flavorful option.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian Chicken on a plate.
Italian Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Comfort meets convenience without the carb count in a dish that’s both simple and scrumptious. Italian Chicken is a weeknight staple that doesn’t skimp on the flavor. Juicy chicken smothered in herbs creates a meal that’s bound to become a household favorite. It’s an effortlessly hearty option suited for anyone looking to maintain a low-carb lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Pickled Yellow Beans

Pickled yellow beans in a jar on a wooden table.
Pickled Yellow Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For a snack or a side, reach for this tangy and crunchy surprise. Pickled Yellow Beans offer a sharp bite that complements any meal without adding unnecessary carbs. They are a quick pick-me-up or an accompaniment to rich meats, bringing brightness to your plate. It’s a fun and flavorful way to add a zing to your low-carb diet.
Get the Recipe: Pickled Yellow Beans

Texas-Style Carne Asada

A sliced and grilled Carne asada on a wooden cutting board.
Texas-Style Carne Asada. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bite into bold flavors with a Texan twist that’s bound to liven up any BBQ. Texas-Style Carne Asada is not only packed with taste, but it’s also low in carbs, making it a quintessential main dish for health-conscious carnivores. It’s easy to grill and always makes for a filling meal, no matter the occasion. This dish is about bringing big taste to the table without the carb load.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada

Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

A plate of Thai pork & Green beans with rice, topped with a fried egg, served with chopsticks on the side.
Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

With this dish, you don’t need carbs to experience the full spectrum of flavor. Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle combines exotic spices with the snap of fresh veggies. It’s a showstopper of a meal that’s surprisingly simple to make and brings a taste of Thailand right to your backyard. For those looking to jazz up their meal routine, this dish provides excitement with every bite.
Get the Recipe: Sizzling Thai Pork & Green Beans on the Blackstone Griddle

Al Pastor Carnitas

Al Pastor Carnitas in a white bowl with tongs.
Al Pastor Carnitas. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Switch up your low-carb game with a dish known for its tender, spice-infused meat. Al Pastor Carnitas is slow-cooked to perfection and effortlessly shreds into succulent pieces. It serves up a smorgasbord of flavors that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, all while keeping carbs at bay. Whether wrapped in a lettuce leaf or enjoyed as is, it’s a mouthwatering option that won’t disappoint.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Imagine a dish where seared pork chops meet a burst of fresh topping. Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish is a palate-pleasing plate that brings juicy meat and flavorful relish together. It’s savory that makes for a memorable low-carb meal. Perfect for any night of the week, it’s a fast-track to flavor town without the added carbs.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

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