23 Best Low-Carb Recipes

The best low-carbohydrate recipes are those that deliver plenty of delicious flavor and satisfaction while still being suitable for those who want to follow a dietary approach that keeps the carb content on the low side. We've scoured our collection and rounded up the best low-carb recipes for appetizers, main course dishes, and desserts. Browse through our recipe collection and get inspired to cook and eat well; cutting back on carbohydrates doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice flavor and satisfaction.

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Authentic Eggplant Parmesan

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

Our eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is popular all around the world. While you may have tried versions of this dish that bread the eggplant before frying, the traditional recipe, shared here, skips the breading for a low-carbohydrate meal that really lets the wonderful flavor of the eggplant shine. You'll find this eggplant parmesan recipe lighter and faster to prepare than Americanized versions, but still hearty and filling enough to make a satisfying, meatless main course. Serve with a tossed green salad and perhaps some Italian red wine.
02 of 23

Shrimp Ceviche

Fudio / Getty Images

Elegant and special, you'll impress your friends at your next dinner party or outdoor cookout when you serve this yummy shrimp ceviche recipe that's naturally low in carbohydrates and fat. Inspired by the seaside villages in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, this flavorful, fresh-tasting, citrusy ceviche makes a healthy appetizer or first course.
03 of 23

Spaghetti Squash With Bacon Cream Sauce

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

This rich, creamy low-carb spaghetti squash with a bacon cream sauce is quick and easy to prepare. Spaghetti squash cooks into long strands that resemble pasta noodles, and a sauce of crumbled salty bacon with cream and Parmesan cheese make the dish incredibly decadent and delicious. Spaghetti squash is high in vitamins and fiber and is low in calories and carbs. Serve this fabulous alternative "pasta" dish with a tossed salad on the side for a fabulous dinnertime meal.
04 of 23

Steak and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

For all Philly cheesesteak lovers, here's how to indulge in the flavors of your favorite sandwich without all the added carbs. Our steak and cheese stuffed peppers are made with all of the Philly cheesesteak's flavor, satisfying and delicious, and is gluten free. Shaved steak, caramelized onions, and bell peppers make up the filling, along with optional sliced mushrooms and a topping of shredded cheese.

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05 of 23

Low-Carb Pad Thai Noodle Salad

The Spruce / Christine Ma

Thai food is a take-out favorite, but so many of its dishes are high in carbohydrates because of the addition of noodles and rice. If you want a classic Pad Thai noodle-inspired dish, and want a low-carb noodle, try our rice noodle low-carb Pad Thai Noodle Salad. Low in calories and fat compared to the original wheat classic, it makes a beautiful, colorful salad to serve as a side dish or main course salad.
06 of 23

Mexican Omelet

Armando Mejía / Getty Images

It takes just 15 minutes to cook up this low-carb, satisfying Mexican-style omelet. Eggs are beaten with crema (or sour cream), Jack cheese, and mild spices, then cooked until set, and topped with salsa for a quick and easy dish suitable for any time of the day. Using lard makes the omelet really rich, but olive oil or any other cooking fat is also a good option to cook the eggs. Serve with a fresh salad to keep the carbs low.
07 of 23

Baked Avocado Chips

The Spruce / Elaine Lemm

Low-carb, vegetarian, gluten free, and keto friendly, these baked avocado chips are infused with chile and lime and made with almond or rice flour and just a hint of Parmesan cheese. Easy to make, simply mash avocados with almond flour and cheese, season, and bake on a lined sheet. These chips are great with fresh pico de gallo, chunky tomato salsa, or on top of a salad for crunch.
08 of 23

Low-Carb Chicken and Cauliflower Casserole

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Classic comforting chicken casseroles are usually heaping with fat and carbs, but our take on this tasty dish uses cauliflower in place of rice, for a low-carb chicken and cauliflower casserole version. This one-pot dish is a healthy option for low-carb needs and it's just as filling and hearty as traditional versions. Thanks to the addition of some cream, cheddar cheese, and a variety of herbs you won't sacrifice any of the flavor, and the final meal will be satisfying and rich. Serve with steamed broccoli or a simple salad. For a quicker version, buy the riced cauliflower instead of making it yourself.

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09 of 23

Keto Cornbread

The Spruce / Leah Maroney

If you're following a low- or no-carb lifestyle, bread is one of the first things to go, and likely one of the items you'll miss the most. Keto diets keep carbs to a minimum while allowing adequate amounts of protein and high amounts of fats. Our keto cornbread recipe checks all the boxes and replaces cornmeal with coconut and almond flour. Mix the flours with eggs, salt, and heavy cream, and bake for just 30 minutes.
10 of 23

Cloud Bread

The Spruce / Julia Hartbeck

This low-carb Cloud bread recipe makes a delicious bread-like round that is gluten free and keto friendly. All it takes is eggs, cream cheese, cream of tartar, and a little salt. Use a couple as you'd use sliced bread and make a deli meat sandwich, serve with a bowl of soup, or eat with butter and jelly for breakfast.
11 of 23

Low-Carb Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Diana Rattray

This elegant party appetizer is a healthier option than traditional stuffed mushrooms and uses no wheat ingredients to add crunch, but a little Parmesan cheese instead. Chopped crab meat, mayonnaise, and parsley make a simple and delicious filling for baked mushroom caps, similar to crab cakes but without all the extra breading. This recipe makes three dozen, but it's easy to scale up for a larger event. If you're looking for an ideal appetizer or snack for a game day party or holiday celebration, these low-carb, crab-stuffed mushrooms are a great alternative.
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Cauliflower Parmesan

The Spruce Eats / Jennifer Perillo

Cauliflower Parmesan includes most of the flavors that made this Italian dish famous but skips the chicken and eggplant, using a base of roasted cauliflower instead. Our vegetarian-friendly take uses homemade marinara sauce to add freshness and mozzarella and pecorino cheeses. Quick and healthy, this is a great appetizer or entrée if served with a hearty low-carb salad.

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13 of 23

Keto Cauliflower Lasagna

The Spruce / Leah Maroney

Our keto cauliflower lasagna is a creative alternative to traditional lasagna and uses cauliflower, eggs, and cheese to make the pasta "sheets" (baked separately before assembling the dish). The smooth and flavorful meaty sauce and cheesy layers may fool even the most committed pasta lover. But even if the low-carb "noodles" don't escape attention, the winning texture and flavor of this dish makes it a moot point.
14 of 23

Baked Tilapia With Garlic Butter

The Spruce

Healthy, mild-tasting baked tilapia with garlic butter is an excellent choice for a low-carb diet, and a delicious dinner entrée. The fish is flavored with a light garlic and herb mixture, then baked in the oven for a lovely dinner that's ready in less than 30 minutes. It's a wonderful choice for a healthy weeknight meal or last-minute dinner party, served with roasted squash or a side of easy steamed green beans.
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Chicken Margherita

Leah Maroney

There's no need for pasta in this flavorful Italian-inspired dish. Tender chicken breasts are topped with pesto, tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese to make a beautiful and easy meal. Ready in under 45 minutes, the dish is naturally free of grain and gluten. Serve chicken Margherita with a salad or roasted asparagus or brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
16 of 23

Thai Basil Chicken Lettuce Wraps

The Spruce / Darlene Schmidt

Our Thai basil chicken lettuce wraps take a traditional Thai dish, often served on top of noodles, and transforms it into a low-carb, crunchy, and delicious treat perfect for dinner or as a special appetizer at dinner parties. Chicken, fresh vegetables and herbs are stir-fried and then stuffed into "wraps" made from iceberg lettuce leaves, for a colorful, refreshing, and flavorful handheld meal.

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17 of 23

Keto Meatloaf

The Spruce Eats / Leah Maroney

Most meatloaf recipes include bread or breadcrumbs to bind together the beef and other ingredients, but this keto meatloaf is free of gluten and grain. Made with ground beef, chorizo, pork rinds, herbs, eggs, and Parmesan cheese, it is then wrapped in bacon before going into the oven for approximately one hour. Brush with tomato sauce before baking for a golden and crispy outside.
18 of 23

Herbed Roasted Chicken

Roasted Chicken With Herbs Photo: Diana Rattray

This simple roast chicken recipe proves that a few ingredients can make a beautiful dinner. Coat the chicken with herbs and spices and place in the oven for an hour. That's it. The result is a moist and flavorful and moist chicken entrée that you can serve with roasted vegetables, salad, steamed broccoli, or a cilantro-lime riced cauliflower.
19 of 23

Healthy Tomato Basil Soup

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Most tomato soups are rich and a source of hidden fat and calories, but our quick and easy, low-fat, low-calorie, and low-carb healthy tomato basil soup makes the most of the sweet, natural flavors of tomatoes while delivering all of the nutritional benefits of this healthy fruit such as high concentrations of antioxidants and vitamins. Warm, comforting, and delicious, this soup makes a great companion for salads and low-carb wraps.
20 of 23

Steak Au Poivre

Luiz Henrique Mendes / iStock / Getty Images Plus

A French cookbook classic, this staple recipe of many great chefs is a fabulous way to enjoy steak simply for a low carb filling meal. Ready in less than 30 minutes, steak au poivre is the perfect main course for a romantic meal enjoyed at home, or for a larger dinner party. Serve with roasted vegetables or a green salad.

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Roasted Butternut Squash With Sage

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Roasted butternut squash with sage is a classic flavor combination that's really special. This naturally low in carbs roasted butternut recipe is easy to prep, just toss cubes of squash and onions chunks with olive oil and sage and roast in the oven for a colorful and rich-tasting vegetable side dish. As an alternative, skip the onions and sage and use cinnamon and maple syrup to flavor this nutty and creamy vegetable.
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Niçoise Salad

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

This classic French bistro recipe for Niçoise Salad is an elegant, composed salad featuring protein-packed canned tuna, hard-boiled egg, briny olives, and crunchy green beans. Omit the potatoes for a completely carbohydrate-free salad, or leave them in for a flavorful salad dish that's still low in carbs overall and balanced in its nutritional profile.
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Low-Carb Chocolate Mousse

The Spruce / Eric Kleinberg

If you're trying to watch your carbohydrate intake, you can still enjoy this rich, healthier dessert option. All you need is whipping cream, artificial sweetener and cocoa to make this low-carb chocolate mousse recipe that's surprisingly rich and flavorful, but that can still be enjoyed guilt free.

Vegetarian Dessert Recipes