When it comes to low-carb meals, these 17 dishes are so good you’ll want to keep them all to yourself. Each one delivers the perfect balance of flavor and health, making them a top choice for any meal plan. Ideal for solo dinners or meal prepping, these dishes are bound to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. But be warned—once others find out, you might have a few uninvited guests at the table.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad
If you find yourself with leftover ham, transform it into this Old Fashioned Ham Salad that’s perfect for a quick lunch. It’s a simple dish that only requires a few ingredients and can be served on top of greens or with low-carb friendly bread. Ideal for meal prepping, it can be stored in the fridge for several days. This salad brings a touch of nostalgia and practicality to modern low-carb eating.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Enjoy juicy Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs without worrying about excess carbs. They’re a game-changer for anyone looking to make a healthy swap from the traditional beef version. Quick to cook, these meatballs don’t sacrifice taste or texture while providing a lean source of protein. You can pair them with a low-carb spaghetti alternative or enjoy them on their own with a side of marinara.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs
Broccoli Cheese Soup
On chilly days, a bowl of Broccoli Cheese Soup is both comforting and low-carb. Combining tender broccoli florets with creamy cheese, it’s a simple way to enjoy your veggies. This soup is a hit with both kids and adults and can be whipped up with ingredients you likely have on hand. Plus, it’s hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup
Garlic Steak & Mushrooms
Garlic Steak & Mushrooms make a perfect pair, offering a fulfilling meal with minimal carbs. The garlic adds a punch of flavor to the tender steak, and the mushrooms bring earthiness to the dish. It’s ideal for a quick dinner that feels special without the carb-heavy sides. For those who love steakhouse flavors, this dish is a surefire winner.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Steak & Mushrooms
Grilled Greek Chicken
Marinated to perfection, Grilled Greek Chicken is a delicious way to maintain a low-carb diet. The marinade is both bright and robust, ensuring each bite is full of taste. It’s great for a summer cookout or a simple weeknight dinner, giving you succulent chicken without the carbs. Serve it alongside a Greek salad or grilled vegetables for a light, fulfilling meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken
Shirazi Salad
Shirazi Salad is a refreshingly simple Persian dish that’s low in carbs and high in taste. It’s made with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions with a light dressing that won’t weigh you down. The salad is a fantastic side that compliments heavier meats or can be enjoyed alone for a light lunch. It’s also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad
Chicken Paprikash
Transport yourself to Eastern Europe with the robust taste of Chicken Paprikash without leaving your kitchen. It’s a cozy dish featuring tender chicken in a rich, paprika-infused sauce. This meal proves that you don’t need a bed of noodles to enjoy this traditional fare, just serve it over cauliflower rice. Plus, it’s wonderfully comforting for a low-carb dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash
Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Enjoy a classic steakhouse side with Steakhouse Creamed Spinach which is surprisingly low in carbs. The creamy texture and rich flavors ensure it doesn’t feel like you’re missing out. This side pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats and requires minimal effort to prepare. It’s a way to add a touch of indulgence to your meal without the carb count.
Get the Recipe: Steakhouse Creamed Spinach
Beef & Broccoli
Beef & Broccoli is a stir-fry favorite that can be easily adapted for a low-carb lifestyle. Beef is the star, offering a good amount of protein, while the broccoli provides a fulfilling crunch and nutrients. With the right sauce, you won’t miss the rice, making it a complete meal. It’s proof that takeout favorites can be enjoyed healthily at home.
Get the Recipe: Beef & Broccoli
Cream of Mushroom Soup
A warm bowl of Cream of Mushroom Soup is pure comfort food that fits right into a low-carb diet. It offers a depth of flavor from the earthy mushrooms and a silky-smooth texture. You can enjoy this soup as a starter or double up for a full meal. Not only is it fulfilling, but it also looks and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Mushroom Soup
Chinese Chicken Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad is a delicious way to enjoy a variety of textures and flavors without the added carbs. The chicken provides ample protein and the salad components keep things light and crunchy. With a tangy dressing, it’s a complete meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. It’s perfect for meal prep or a quick weekday lunch.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad
Texas-Style Carne Asada
Fire up the grill for some Texas-Style Carne Asada, which will be the centerpiece of your BBQ. This dish is robust, featuring a well-seasoned beef that’s been grilled to perfection. Skip the tortillas, and instead opt for a side of grilled veggies to keep it low-carb. This meal is a crowd-pleaser and shows that you can still enjoy BBQ while on a low-carb diet.
Get the Recipe: Texas-Style Carne Asada
Cucumber Salad with Feta
Cucumber Salad with Feta is clean eating made simple and flavorful. This dish combines the crispness of cucumbers with the creamy texture of feta cheese. It’s a side dish that’s both refreshing and easy to throw together. This salad is a great complement to heavier dishes, balancing your meal with something light and tangy.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Home cooks can recreate Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken, a restaurant favorite, in a way that’s low in carbs but high in enjoyment. The dish features moist chicken breast topped with mushrooms, bacon, and melted cheese. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a fancy meal without the fuss. Pair it with a side salad, and you’ve got a complete dining experience at home.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken
Mediterranean Chopped Salad
A Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a colorful and nutritious option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Packed with fresh veggies, olives, and feta, it’s a vibrant mix that’s bound to be a hit. This salad can stand alone as a light meal or accompany a heartier dish. It’s a great way to keep things low-carb while still enjoying a rich blend of tastes and textures.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Korean Galbi Ribs
BBQ lovers can rejoice with Korean Galbi Ribs, which are marinated in a flavorful blend that brings out the best in the meat. They’re sweet, tangy, and ideal for a low-carb diet when sugar substitutes are used. Grill them outside for a social meal or in the comfort of your kitchen. This Korean dish is a surefire way to enjoy BBQ without compromising your eating plan.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Mediterranean Chicken Bake combines juicy chicken with the flavors of tomatoes, olives, and herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder that simplifies cooking while keeping carbs in check. This bake is a testament to how easy it can be to prepare a wholesome meal on a low-carb diet. Enjoy it any day of the week for a dish that’s filling and full of Mediterranean flair.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake