30 Low-Carb Dishes for When You’ve Finally Had Enough of Carbs

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30 Low-Carb Dishes for When You’ve Finally Had Enough of Carbs

We all know that moment when you just can’t look at another piece of bread without feeling a little queasy. Fear not, because these recipes are here to save the day and your waistline. Perfect for when you’re ready to break up with bread and start a new chapter with vegetables and proteins, these meals will make you wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.

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Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

When you’ve had enough carbs and need something both filling and low-carb, Keto Zuppa Toscana is your buddy. It’s a clever take on the classic soup by using radishes instead of potatoes, keeping it carb-friendly. This bowl packs a punch with Italian sausage, crispy bacon, heavy cream, and a sprinkle of Parmesan in a creamy broth. It cooks in about 30 minutes and is perfect for those meal prep days when you want to cook once and eat all week. Seriously, who needs pasta when you have this magic in a bowl?
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Our Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is just the ticket when you’re over carbs but still want something indulgent. This dish features tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich mushroom sauce with heavy cream, chicken stock, sun-dried tomatoes, and a generous helping of Parmesan. It’s all whipped up in one pan within 30 minutes, making it a no-brainer for a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to keep things light on carbs while feeling like you’re having a feast. A dish so good that it might make you forget pasta ever existed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spice up your low-carb lifestyle with Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. These meatballs are a game-changer when you’re tired of the same old meals. They’re made with ground turkey, coconut milk, red curry paste, ginger, and garlic, bringing the taste of Thailand right into your kitchen. This dish is ready in 30 minutes and perfectly served over cauliflower rice, keeping everything low-carb. It’s a great way to add excitement to your dinner routine without consuming carbs. Because let’s be honest, life’s too short for boring food, especially when you’re cutting carbs.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Bacon Cheeseburger Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you love burgers but carbs don’t love you back, our Bacon Cheeseburger Salad is a match made in heaven. It’s packed with all the classic burger fixings like seasoned ground beef, crisp bacon, and cheddar, all tossed with fresh lettuce and a Big Mac sauce that’s just right. It’s quick to throw together, making it a perfect choice for a low-carb lunch or dinner that’s filling and delicious. This salad lets you enjoy all the fun of a cheeseburger without feeling weighed down by the bun. It’s like having your burger and eating it without the carb coma.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Salad

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you want to give pasta the boot but still crave something creamy, check out the Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. This dish pairs succulent chicken thighs with hearty artichoke hearts simmered in a tangy lemon sauce. It’s a real winner for anyone trying to keep it low-carb without feeling shortchanged on flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for those evenings when you’ve had enough carbs but still want a filling and quick meal. Plus, it’s super for meal prep. Make a batch at the start of the week, and you’re set for several stress-free dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Wave goodbye to pasta with the Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. This skillet wonder features plump shrimp, ripe tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all drenched in a garlicky sauce. It’s a great choice for a quick, low-carb meal that still feels special — like having your cake and eating it, too, without the carbs. In just 30 minutes, you’ve got a dish that’s so good you might forget you’re cutting back on carbs. It’s a great way to keep your meal light, fresh, and full of flavor, especially on those nights when carbs are the last thing you need.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

A serving of Philly cheese steak casserole being pulled up from a pan.
Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Say no to carbs but yes to flavor with this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. It has juicy sirloin steak, green bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and a good melt of provolone cheese. It’s a hearty dish that brings all the classic cheesesteak vibes without the carb-heavy bread. Ready in about 55 minutes, this casserole is a powerhouse of flavors and perfect for your low-carb dinner playbook. It’s also perfect for prepping ahead, making your busy weeknights more manageable. When you’ve had enough of carbs, this dish keeps giving — minus the bread, of course.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish without all the carbs, our Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole has you covered. It combines the rich flavors of broccoli and cauliflower with a cheesy sauce, topped with crispy bacon and baked until golden. This dish is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings. It’s like a hug in a casserole dish, minus the carbs. Serve it up on those nights when only cheese and bacon will do, and watch it disappear — proof that you can skip the pasta and still be the dinner hero.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reinvent your sandwich game with the Bell Pepper Sandwich. Skip the bread and enjoy crisp, colorful bell peppers stuffed with turkey, bacon, cucumbers, and mustard. It’s a fresh take on the classic sandwich, ready in just 10 minutes, making it a brilliant choice for a quick, filling lunch that keeps carbs in check. This dish is not just a clever way to skip the bread; it’s a statement that you can keep things fun and flavorful without all those extra carbs hanging around. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for your midday meal, showing that low-carb can still be great fun.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

In FDL library.
Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those evenings when you fancy something creamy but dread the carb crash, the Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta has got you covered. It features tender asparagus spears, crisp bacon, and a luxurious creamy sauce topped with Parmesan, a dream come true for anyone cutting back on carbs. It’s ready in 30 minutes and combines textures and flavors that make you feel indulgent without carbs. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a rich, delicious meal, showing that you can go low-carb and still have a great time at the dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re counting carbs and feeling boxed in, the Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats might be your escape hatch. They’re loaded with bacon, chicken, and cheese — neatly packed into crunchy cucumber boats. It’s a light, refreshing take on your regular lunch that promises satisfaction without the carb overload. These are ridiculously easy to prepare, perfect for a quick bite or a well-planned meal prep session. They keep well in the fridge, too, so you can always have a low-carb option ready when the carb cravings hit, but you want to stay on track.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When the weather’s gloomy and you’re craving something that warms you up but doesn’t weigh you down with carbs, this Italian Sausage Soup has you covered. It’s packed with sausage, cream cheese, and tomatoes; it’s the kind of soup that brings comfort and is carb-free. Ready in just 30 minutes and using only one pot, it’s as easy on your schedule as it is on your carb count. A perfect low-carb comfort meal for a lazy evening, it fills you with rich flavors and creamy goodness.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is a dish that’s as straightforward as it gets. Forget the pasta; this one-pan wonder combines perfectly browned sausage with tender, slightly caramelized cabbage. It’s a simple, quick meal perfect for those nights when you want something hearty but are counting those carbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a great pick for a busy weekday dinner. The slight sweetness of the cabbage pairs nicely with the sausage, giving you a meal that’s filling and low-carb. Stress-free cooking gives you more time to relax after a long day.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad is a great choice for those who like a bit of spice. It’s got jalapeños, bacon, and a creamy base — there’s a lot to love. The classic jalapeño popper appetizer inspires this salad, delivering bold flavors without the carb load. It’s quick to prepare, packed into lettuce wraps for an extra crunch, or served individually for a filling meal. It’s perfect when you want a kick that keeps it light on carbs. And as a bonus, it’s a great conversation starter at potlucks — watch out for the spice!
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner is a lifesaver when you’re busy but still want to keep things low-carb. Just chop up some sausages and your favorite veggies, season them and toss everything onto a sheet pan to bake. It’s stress-free, and you end up with a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t load up on the carbs. This dinner fits into a hectic schedule, with minimal prep and cleanup. It’s great for a weekday dinner that fills you up without the carb-heavy feeling. Plus, you can switch up the veggies based on what’s in season or what’s hanging out in your fridge.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is your ally when carbs are the enemy, but you still want a feast. It layers tender chicken thighs in a creamy sauce filled with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s the meal you whip up in one pan within 40 minutes, perfect when you need something quick yet impressive. Plus, the cleanup is easy, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. This dish shows you don’t have to compromise if you want to keep it low-carb without sacrificing flavor. It’s great for those nights when pasta calls, but you’re not answering.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto Chicken Nuggets saves you snack time when you’re craving nuggets but not the carbs that usually come with them. These nuggets are crunchy outside, tender inside, and wrapped in a coat of almond flour, cheese, and pork rinds. They’re a family hit ready in about 30 minutes and pair well with a side of greens or a fresh salad. These nuggets are a no-brainer if you’re diving into a low-carb lifestyle but still want pop flavors. It’s especially great for keeping everyone happy at the dinner table without the carb crash.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Low-carb doesn’t mean low fun. Creamy Dijon Chicken mixes tender chicken, rich bacon, and nutrient-packed spinach in a creamy Dijon mustard sauce that brings the flavor home. It’s all done in one pan and ready in 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight warrior against carb overload. It’s also a great prep-ahead meal that stays fresh for days. So, if you’re battling the carb bulge but still want something creamy and comforting, this dish is your golden ticket — a great way to end the day on a high note without the high carb count.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is what you’re looking for if you’re tired of pasta but still need something filling. It’s a hearty mix of ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach, all tucked under a layer of melted cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish is a practical choice for a busy evening. It’s also great for leftovers, making it a smart option for meal preppers. If you’re trying to cut carbs but crave something cheesy and filling, this casserole dishes it out without dishing up the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Fried Cabbage with Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage with Bacon is a straightforward yet hearty option if you’re counting carbs but not flavor. It’s a simple mix of green cabbage and crispy bacon in 25 minutes. With minimal ingredients and one pan needed, it’s as easy to clean up as a cook. This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want a delicious meal without the hassle or the carbs. It’s also a great way to make sure you’re full and happy without feeling weighed down by pasta or bread.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re over carbs but still crave something hearty, this Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a game changer. It’s made with finely chopped cauliflower instead of rice, keeping it low on carbs but high on satisfaction. With a cooking time of just 30 minutes, you mix in mushrooms, a dash of garlic powder, and a good sprinkle of Parmesan to make everything pop. It’s the meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Plus, cleaning up is a breeze with just one pot to worry about. So, this dish has your back when you want a gourmet touch without the carb overload or kitchen disaster afterward.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

For those days when you’ve maxed out on carbs, this Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken comes to the rescue. This dish blends the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes with heavy cream and Parmesan into a lush sauce that coats tender chicken thighs. Everything comes together in one pan within 30 minutes, making it perfect for a no-stress dinner. It’s protein-packed and keeps things light on the carbs but heavy on the creaminess. And when you’re looking to impress without stress, this creamy wonder is the way to go. It’s proof that you can go low-carb without going low-flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Baked Parmesan Salmon

Keto baked parmesan salmon on foil on a baking sheet.
Baked Parmesan Salmon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Hit the brakes on carbs with this Baked Parmesan Salmon, a straightforward dish perfect for anyone looking to eat well without the carb count. This recipe pairs Parmesan and pork rinds for a crispy crust, seasoning the salmon with just the right amount of garlic and butter. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a great weeknight meal that’s nutritious and quick to the table. Perfect for those evenings when you want something quick without compromising on health. It’s like giving your body a high-five with food. This salmon dish delivers when carbs are off the menu, but the flavor isn’t.
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Salmon

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re sick of carbs but still want something that sticks to your ribs, try this Sticky Sauce Chicken. It’s all about tender chicken coated in a tangy sauce made from coconut aminos, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger. It cooks quickly, making it a solid choice for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend dinner. Plus, it’s as good as your favorite takeout without all the carbs dragging you down. Pair it with roasted veggies, and you’ve got a good and carb-conscious meal. It’s a low-carb fix that feels like a cheat meal but isn’t.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When you’re done with carbs but not with flavor, this Creamy Garlic Chicken is your go-to. It features chicken breasts simmered in a thick garlic sauce with hints of parsley and pepper, all cooked in one skillet. You’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for a busy night. It’s low-carb but high comfort, and the cleanup is as easy as the cooking. This dish pulls it off nicely if you’re aiming for hearty without the heavy. Think of it as your comfort food on a carb budget.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you’re over carbs and craving simplicity, these canned chicken patties are your new best friend. It’s made with canned chicken, sunflower seed meal, and some straightforward spices, and they’re a breeze to whip up. They’re great for lunch or dinner; just pop them in a low-carb wrap or pair them with a fresh side salad. Ready in just about 20 minutes, they’re a practical solution for busy days. When you’re tired of the carb-heavy options and want something straightforward and good, these patties are the way to go. They’ll keep you full, satisfied, and not missing the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

When the pasta’s off the menu, and you need something light but flavorful, Lemon Garlic Scallops are to the rescue! These scallops are sautéed in a simple lemon garlic butter sauce, bringing a big hit of flavor without the heaviness of carbs. Ready in under 15 minutes, they’re a perfect quick fix for a fancy yet easy dinner. Enjoy the easy cooking with the fancy feel of dining out, all while keeping it low-carb. Great for a dinner that impresses, whether it’s for guests or just a treat for yourself. You won’t feel like you’re missing out on carbs with these bad boys on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs are your ticket when you miss the flavors of the Middle East but not the carbs. Marinate some chicken in shawarma spices, put it onto a skewer, and bake or grill it until golden. They’re a flavor explosion, perfect for a low-carb diet. Serve with tzatziki and cilantro lime cauliflower rice for a full meal. They take about 30 minutes to cook, and you can prepare them beforehand. For those evenings when you want something hearty but not carb-heavy, these kebabs have your back. They show that going low-carb doesn’t mean saying goodbye to great flavors worldwide.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Fajita Baked Chicken

Cheesy chicken fajita bake in a baking pan.
Fajita Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Fajita Baked Chicken turns a regular evening into a low-carb fiesta. It layers seasoned chicken with cream cheese, sweet peppers, and mozzarella, all baked to perfection in about 30 minutes. It’s a straightforward dish that’s as easy to make as it is good to eat. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s low on carbs but high on flavor. It’s a great way to fix your Mexican food without consuming carbs. When the carb count must stay low, but the craving for big, bold flavors stays high, this dish delivers without compromise.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked Chicken

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Spoon scooping up jalapeño popper casserole from a baking dish.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

If you like your dinner with a kick and without the carbs, this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole is your match. It combines shredded chicken, bacon, cream cheese, hot sauce, and jalapeños, all topped with a generous layer of cheese. This spicy treat bakes up in about 40 minutes and is perfect when you need something hearty. It’s the casserole version of your favorite spicy snack without all the carbs. When you’ve had enough carbs but want something that packs a punch, this casserole steps up, showing that low-carb can still mean high flavor.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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