35 Amazing Low Carb Dinner Ideas To Kickstart Your Diet
If you’re trying to cut carbs while still feeding a family, these quick low carb dinner ideas are the way to go! These low carb dinner recipes range from garlic butter steak bites and zucchini noodles to sausage and cauliflower rice skillet.
Cooking low-carb meals doesn’t have to be difficult because low-carb ingredients like zucchini noodles, asparagus, or cauliflower cook as quickly as regular pasta or potatoes.
If you’re thinking about adopting a low-carb diet, browse through this massive collection of quick low-carb recipes and choose your favorite to add to your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy!
QUICK AND EASY LOW CARB DINNER RECIPES
1. KETO FRIED CHICKEN
We used pork rinds and Parmesan instead of flour to make a Keto Friendly fried chicken. Almond flour also aids in the adhesion of everything for a perfectly crisp chicken.
2. BANG BANG CAULIFLOWER
Bang Bang Cauliflower is our go-to for a spicy, flavorful side dish to brighten up our dinner. Not only is it quick and simple, but the dish is also extremely adaptable.
3. BUTTERNUT SQUASH NOODLES
Another great alternative to pasta is butternut squash. Winter squash roasts quickly and can be used in place of zucchini noodles. We like it with just a little olive oil and Parmesan, but marinara is also a favorite!
4. KETO APPLE CRISP
Unfortunately, apples have a high carbohydrate content. What it isn’t: zucchini. We’re well aware of the situation. It doesn’t seem like a fair trade to replace a Granny Smith with a summer squash. But don’t worry, it works.
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5. KETO CEREAL
Make a big batch of this granola and you’ll have a quick breakfast ready all week. It’s also delicious sprinkled on top of our Keto Ice Cream. Substitute pistachios, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for almonds and walnuts.
6. KETO TORTILLAS CHIP
These Keto-friendly chips are incredibly simple to make with only two main ingredients! Crispy and salty, it’s exactly what we want. We seasoned ours with chili and garlic powder, but you can leave them plain or season them with your favorite seasonings.
LOW CARB DINNER IDEAS FOR FAMILY
7. SWEET POTATO LASAGNA
Lasagnas can never go wrong. They’re the most soul-satisfying foods out there, and this one is no exception. It also demonstrates that pasta isn’t required. It’s almost as simple to make as traditional lasagna because there are no noodles to boil.
8. ANTIPASTO GRILLED CHICKEN
Nothing beats a good antipasto platter. Our only complaint about the meat and cheese spread is that it is never a truly satisfying dinner on its own (despite our best efforts!).
9. ZUCCHINI LASAGNA ROLL UPS
This recipe requires some time and patience, but the end result is the most beautiful “pasta” dish you’ll ever see. If you have a mandolin, make the noodles with it; if not, practice your knife skills.
10. TACO TOMATOES
We’re all for a brilliant low-carb hack, and these tomatoes deliver in spades. We never thought of stuffing them with taco meat, cheese, and sour cream, but we’ll go to any length to avoid using a tortilla for a low-carb meal.
11. EGGPLANT LASAGNA
We’re here for this hearty dinner that falls somewhere between lasagna and eggplant parm. To avoid a watery lasagna, salt the eggplant as directed in step 2 and set aside for at least 10 minutes to allow the lasagna to set.
12. LOADED CAULIFLOWER BAKE
If you’re tired of mac and cheese or potatoes but still want a hearty side, this is the dish for you. This Loaded Cauliflower Bake combines the creamy, cheesy flavor of a classic macaroni and cheese with cauliflower.
LOW CARB DINNER IDEAS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
13. SESAME ORANGE SHRIMP
Simply coat the shrimp in a simple batter, cook them in a little oil, and toss with a tangy sesame-orange sauce to make these shrimp. While we were developing this recipe, the EatingWell team couldn’t get enough of these delectable shrimp.
14. SAUTEED CHICKEN BREAST WITH CREAMY CHIVE SAUCE
There’s only one thing missing from this sauce: some crunchy bread to dip it in. Serve with steamed asparagus or cauliflower, mashed potatoes or orzo pasta, and a glass of Vinho Verde as a meal.
15. BUFFALO CHICKEN CAULIFLOWER PIZZA
Cauliflower rice, egg, and shredded mozzarella come together to make a simple low-carb pizza crust. For a flavorful dinner or game-day favorite, top the gluten-free pizza with tangy Buffalo sauce, chicken, and blue cheese. For a cool crunch, fresh celery is added at the end.
16. CHICKEN AND WHITE BEAN SOUP
Once again, rotisserie chickens can help alleviate dinnertime stress, especially in this Italian-inspired soup that begs for crusty bread and a glass of red wine.
17. HONEY SOY BROILED SALMON
Soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey combine to make a sweet, tangy, and salty marinade and sauce. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty and appealing touch.
LOW CARB SUNDAY DINNER IDEAS
18. CHICKEN CUTLETS RECIPE
Serve these saucy, quick-and-easy chicken cutlets over your favorite pasta. This quick dinner recipe will quickly become a weeknight staple.
19. GREEK TURKEY BURGERS WITH PORTOBELLO “BUNS”
The traditional bun is replaced by roasted portobello mushroom caps in this low-carb burger. Tzatziki sauce and crisp sliced red onion add texture and flavor to this simple Greek-inspired burger recipe.
20. EASY SALMON CAKES WITH ARUGULA SAUCE
After making the salmon cakes, we place them in the freezer for 5 minutes before cooking so they don’t fall apart in the hot oil. You can also make these salmon cakes with canned salmon to save space in your pantry and money.
21. TURKEY MEATBALLS WITH GREEN BEANS AND CHERRY TOMATOES
The Asiago and prosciutto complement the flavor of the turkey meatballs. Because meatballs can be used in sandwiches, salads, pasta, and other dishes, we like to keep this turkey meatball recipe on hand for meal prep.
22. ZUCCHINI NOODLES AND PESTO CHICKEN
This healthy summer dinner uses zoodles instead of pasta to help use up your zucchini bounty while also cutting calories and carbs. This chicken and pesto pasta makes excellent leftovers after the spiralized zucchini has had time to soak up the herby pesto sauce.
23. SHRIMP CAULIFLOWER FRIED RICE
With this healthy cauliflower fried rice with shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers, and garlic, you can cut carbs while increasing your veggie servings. Everything is cooked in one wok or skillet, but in stages, so each element retains its integrity in the finished dish rather than being muddled togetherβit may appear fussy, but it’s worth it and actually quite simple.
LOW CARB DINNER IDEAS VEGETARIAN
24. BELL PEPPER PIZZAS
If you’ve been eating low carb for a while, you’re probably familiar with how to make your own low carb pizza crust (or where to buy it!). Have you ever considered whether you really need the pizza crust?
25. VEGETARIAN MEATBALLS
As a result, the majority of vegetarian meatballs are made from some kind of bean. Which is fine, but carbs can be an issue, and we all enjoy a little variety now and then.
26. KETO FALAFEL NUGGETS
Falafel is one of my favorite foods; the flavorful little nuggets never fail to make me happy. This low carb version of my favorite street food treat tastes just as good while only having 2g net carbs. To
27. SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH VEGETABLE AND FETA
It’s perfect as a side dish for your next meatless dinner party and filling enough to eat for lunch the next day. We’re big believers in the cook once, eat twice philosophy around here, and this is a strong contender.
28. GREEK CUCUMBER SALAD
If you’re already longing for summer, this fresh and bright cucumber salad is a delicious way to pretend it’s already here! This salad tastes as good as it looks, with only 4g net carbs per serving and tangy feta cheese crumbled on top.
29. CAULIFLOWER CURRY
With all of the spices and complicated ingredients, making your own curry from scratch can appear to be a daunting task. This would be at home at your favorite Indian restaurant, so you can serve it at any dinner party and look pretty smug!
LOW CARB DINNER IDEAS WITH CHICKEN
30. HERBED SLOW-COOKER CHICKEN
I make these well-seasoned chicken breasts in my slow cooker, and they come out moist and tender. This fantastic recipe was shared with me several years ago by my daughter, who has two young sons to keep up with. Many days of the week, I cook chicken in the Crock Pot.
31. GRILLED CHICKEN GUACAMOLE WITH CHERRY TOMATOES
Are you watching your carbohydrate intake? You must try this grilled chicken guacamole. Simple ingredients elevate a snack to the level of a gourmet meal.
32. ARTICHOKE CHICKEN
Rosemary, mushrooms, and artichokes combine to create a wonderful, savory flavor in this chicken. I doubled the batch of this healthy canned vegetable recipe and served it to a large group. It’s a huge hit with everyone.
33. MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN
This flavorful skillet creation is dressed in tomatoes, olives, and capers and is as easy to make as it is delicious. At my house, it’s a fantastic main course.
34. DEVILED CHICKEN THIGHS
When I have my next-door neighbor over for dinner, I make this dish. It’s plenty for the two of us. The tender and moist chicken is complemented by a crunch from the cashews.
35. CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN
In this dairy-free pesto, you won’t miss the cheese at all. It goes particularly well with cauliflower rice or gluten-free pasta.
PrintCreamy Pesto Chicken Recipe (Low Carb Dinner Ideas)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Pesto Chicken – Make a restaurant-style meal at home with this flavor-packed, creamless Creamy Pesto Chicken dinner that takes only 30 minutes to prepare!
Ingredients
FOR THE CHICKEN
- 1Β poundΒ bonelessΒ , skinless chicken breasts
- salt and fresh ground pepperΒ , to taste
- 2Β tablespoonsΒ basil pesto
- 2Β tablespoonsΒ extra virgin olive oil
- 2Β cupsΒ cherry tomatoesΒ , halved
FOR THE SAUCE
- 1Β tablespoonΒ all-purpose flour
- 2Β garlic clovesΒ , minced
- 1/2Β tablespoonΒ basil pesto
- 1Β cupΒ fat free evaporated milk
- salt and fresh ground pepperΒ , to taste
- freshly shaved parmesanΒ , for garnish, optional
- fresh basil ribbonsΒ , for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then rub with the basil pesto.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil.
- Cook for 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce by whisking together the flour, garlic, basil pesto, evaporated milk, salt, and pepper in a mixing cup or bowl; set aside.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet.
- Return the skillet to the heat and add the tomatoes. If the pan is getting dry, add a little more olive oil.
- Cook the tomatoes for 1 minute over medium-high heat, or until they begin to soften.
- Bring the prepared sauce to a boil in the skillet.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Turn off the heat.
- Garnish with cheese and basil ribbons if desired.
- Serve with pasta, rice, and/or salad as desired.
Notes
The nutritional information is an estimate and is provided as a courtesy. The values may differ depending on the ingredients and tools used.
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 299kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 301mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Creamy pesto chicken recipe, keto dinner ideas, low carb dinner ideas, healthy pesto chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I have for dinner on a low-carb diet?
7 Low-Carb Meals in Less Than 10 Minutes:
Fried Eggs and Vegetables in Coconut Oil
Grilled Chicken Wings with Salad and Greens
Eggs and Bacon
Ground Beef with Bell Peppers, Sliced
Bift Cheeseburgers
Chicken Breast Fried in Pieces
Meatza is a meat-based pizza.
What happens when you eat a low-carb meal?
Insulin is released to assist glucose in entering the cells of the body where it can be used for energy. Extra glucose is stored in the liver and muscles, and some is converted to fat in the body. A low-carb diet is designed to cause the body to use stored fat for energy, resulting in weight loss.
What are the side effects of low-carb diet?
Here are some of the most common low-carb diet side effects.
Constipation.
Fatigue.
Headaches.
Cramps in the muscles.
Poor Breath.
Athletic performance has been reduced.
Gain in weight.
Bloating.
What is the most filling low-carb food?
8 delicious low-carb foods to keep you full and satisfied:
Avocado.
Broccoli.
The oil of coconut.
Eggplant.
Eggs.
Grapefruit.
Yogurt from Greece.
Beans in green.
What carbs should I avoid to lose belly fat?
Simply avoiding refined carbohydrates such as sugar, candy, and white bread should suffice, especially if you maintain a high protein intake. Some people limit their carbohydrate intake to 50 grams per day if they want to lose weight quickly.
How long should you stay on a low carb diet?
While some people have success staying on a ketogenic diet for an extended period of time, “long-term research is limited,” according to Jill Keene, RDN, of White Plains, New York. Keene advises staying on keto for a maximum of six months before reintroducing carbs into your diet.
Does cutting carbs help lose weight?
According to research, low carbohydrate diets can be very effective for weight loss. Reduced carbohydrate consumption tends to suppress appetite and result in automatic weight loss, or weight loss without the need to count calories. A low carb diet allows some people to eat until they are full, feel satisfied, and still lose weight.
Can a person live without eating carbs?
Yes, you can live on a low-carb diet, but your energy levels may suffer. A low-carbohydrate diet can help with heart health, weight loss, and blood sugar control. On the other hand, this diet may lower your energy levels and increase your chances of nutrient deficiencies.
What are Zero Carbohydrate Foods?
Most meats, including chicken, fish, and eggs
Broccoli, asparagus, capsicum, leafy vegetables, cauliflower, and mushrooms are examples of non-starchy vegetables.
Butter, olive oil, and coconut oil are examples of fats and oils.
What happens if you don’t eat carbs for a week?
After a few days of severely limiting or eliminating carbs, the body will enter a state of ketosis. Because the body is burning fat instead of carbohydrates, small fragments of carbon called ketones are released into the blood during ketosis.