No More Bland Diets: 17 Low Carb Recipes That Won’t Make You Miss Pasta

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No More Bland Diets: 17 Low Carb Recipes That Won’t Make You Miss Pasta

Say goodbye to the days of bland, uninspired low carb diets! With these 17 mouthwatering recipes, you’ll be too busy enjoying vibrant flavors and satisfying textures to even think about missing pasta. Whether you’re craving something hearty or light, these dishes promise to keep your palates dancing and your stomach full. Embrace the delicious possibilities of low carb eating and rediscover the joy of every meal!

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

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For those nights when you’re feeling fancy but can’t be bothered to dress up, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu has got your back. It’s class in a bite, without all the hassle of a black-tie dress code. Imagine telling your guests you slaved away for hours, but in reality, your air fryer did all the heavy lifting. This dish is the cooking equivalent of wearing pajamas to a Zoom meeting – professional on the outside, comfy on the inside.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Shirazi Salad

Shirazi Salad in a white serving bowl.
Shirazi Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Here’s a shoutout to everyone who thought salads were just leafy greens and boring veggies. Shirazi Salad bursts onto your plate with a pop of color and a zingy attitude, saying, “Who dared call me dull?” It’s like a party in your mouth where everyone’s invited, and they all bring the best kind of dish. So, let’s toss that salad and sprinkle some fun into what was about to be a very serious, grown-up meal.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever wanted to impress someone without really trying? Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo is your secret weapon. It’s all, “Look at me, being all casual and gourmet at the same time.” Bring these out at your BBQ, and watch as everyone suddenly wants to be your BFF. These skewers aren’t just food; they’re a one-way ticket to Flavortown with a quick layover in Coolville.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Whoever said salads are boring clearly never met Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. This dish is like that unexpected mixtape from a friend that turns out to be your new favorite jam. With each bite, it’s saying, “Forget what you know about salad; let’s crank this up a notch.” Sweet, crunchy, and a little nutty – this salad is basically your ideal Friday night date.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

A plate of asparagus with mascarpone and lemon.
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Want a side dish that’s easy, fancy, and whispers “I actually know what I’m doing in the kitchen”? Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone is your new go-to. It’s the cooking equivalent of a backhanded compliment – so good, yet so effortless, it’s almost offensive. This asparagus will have you looking like a Michelin-star chef without breaking a sweat or the bank.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup in two white bowls with garnishes nearby.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Okay, picture this: it’s raining, you’ve got your feet up, and all you want is a hug in a bowl. Enter Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup, your new best friend that’s here to console you with its smoky, spicy goodness. It whispers sweet nothings like “Who needs to go out anyway?” as you curl up tighter under your blanket. This soup doesn’t just warm your belly; it’s a warm fuzzy feeling in edible form.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If Caesar salad took a road trip through Texas, you’d get Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. It’s like the classic got bored, threw on some cowboy boots, and hit the salsa club. With every forkful, it cheekily asks, “Ready to two-step with your greens?” This salad doesn’t just spice up your meal; it throws a whole fiesta on your plate.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mixing up your BBQ routine feels like a dare? Smoked Chicken Al Pastor is your gateway to that thrill. It’s a smoky, spicy whirlwind of flavors that says, “Forget what boring chicken tastes like.” This is not just a meal; it’s a cooking adventure on a plate, daring you to take another bite. So, buckle up, because your grill just got a passport stamp.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

Dutch Oven Carnitas

Carnitas in a round black dish.
Dutch Oven Carnitas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

For anyone who thinks magic doesn’t exist, they’ve clearly never tried Dutch Oven Carnitas. Here’s a dish that takes its sweet time, slow cooking its way into your heart. It’s like receiving a warm hug from your meal, saying, “Patience, my friend, I’ve got you.” By the end, you’ve got something so tender, it practically melts at the sight of a fork.
Get the Recipe: Dutch Oven Carnitas

Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Green beans with pork on a black plate.
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Ever thought green beans could tell a story? Well, Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans are here to spin you a yarn of flavor, tradition, and a hint of bacon. It’s the kind of side that sneaks up on you with its depth, whispering tales of family dinners and potlucks past. These beans don’t just accompany your meal; they enrich every bite with a history lesson.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans

Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Sliced Smoked Bacon Wrapped Whole Pork Tenderloin on a white platter.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If there was ever a dish that could wear a tuxedo and get away with it, it’s Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. This dish screams “luxury” in the best way possible, wrapping itself in bacon like it’s the latest fashion. It’s proof that everything really is better with bacon, and if you disagree, this dish might just change your mind. So let’s give a round of applause to the cooking match made in heaven.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Birria de Res

Two white bowls filled with slow cooker birria garnished with fresh lime wedges.
Birria de Res. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If your palates are crying out for a vacation, Birria de Res is about to be their first-class ticket to Flavor Town. This dish is a tangy, juicy trip down memory lane to the heart of traditional Mexican cuisine, without the need for a passport. It’s a bowl of comfort, spiced just right, encouraging you to put on some mariachi music and enjoy the ride. A spoonful of this, and you’re not just eating; you’re embarking on a cooking course.
Get the Recipe: Birria de Res

Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin

Smoked ham on a wooden cutting board.
Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Take a moment to appreciate a dish that combines two of the best things ever: Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin. This is the cooking equivalent of hitting the jackpot, a smoky, tangy lottery where everyone wins. With every bite, it’s like the flavors are high-fiving your palates, celebrating the pinnacle of delicious decision-making. So, slice it up and let the good times roll, because this dish is a party on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin

Beef Barbacoa

Beef Barbacoa in a blue bowl.
Beef Barbacoa. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Beef Barbacoa: because sometimes, your mouth needs to go on an adventure, and this dish packs the flavor punch to get you there. It’s like every bite dares you to fall deeper in love with its tender, juicy goodness. This is the dish that shows up and shows out, making every other meal feel like a pre-game. Break out the tortillas and get ready to wrap up some serious deliciousness.
Get the Recipe: Beef Barbacoa

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone were a person, it would be that effortlessly cool friend who always knows what to say. This side dish takes a well-loved classic and turns up the dial with a creamy twist, making you wonder, “Where have you been all my life?” It’s comfort food with a luxurious makeover, proving that sometimes, more is indeed more. Pass the spoon, because this is the kind of good you want to double-dip.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Al Pastor Carnitas

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

When pork says, “Let’s get a little wild,” you get Al Pastor Carnitas. This dish is the life of the party, turning your kitchen into the hottest spot in town. It’s all about bringing the flavor fiesta, and believe me, it does not RSVP to play it safe. So, get ready to throw a little confetti on your dinner plate and let the good times roll.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

Mediterranean Cod

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

Ever been on a tiny boat in the heart of the Mediterranean, waves lapping at the sides, while you munch on something amazing? That’s the vibe, except you’re probably on your couch. Middle of this adventure is Mediterranean Cod, and it’s bringing the sea to your doorstep, no fishing rod needed. Break out the fancy napkins, because this dish is about to upgrade your Wednesday night Netflix binge to a luxurious escapade.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

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