31 low-carb dinners that’ll convert every carb lover

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Low-carb dinners are your go-to when carbs start feeling like that overplayed song on the radio. Forget the bread and pasta — these recipes are here to show that you can have a great meal without the carb overload. It’s like giving your taste buds a much-needed vacation from the usual meal options.

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

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.

Low-carb doesn’t have to mean low-fun. Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts pairs succulent chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a creamy sauce tinged with lemon for that bright kick, all in just 30 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight when you’re trying to dodge carbs but still want something that screams ‘dinner winner’, this one’s straightforward, quick, and has all the good stuff without the carb stuff.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

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.

If you think eating low-carb means endless salads, let the Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner change your mind. This no-stress meal mixes juicy sausages with zucchini, broccoli, and sweet mini peppers. Just throw them on a pan, bake, and in 30 minutes, you’ve got a dinner that’s both easy and exciting. It’s the perfect solution for a busy day. Plus, with everything cooked in one pan, cleanup is a breeze. It is great for keeping things simple and filling without any carb drama.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Keto Zuppa Toscana

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

Sometimes, you just need a hearty soup without the carb-laden woes. Keto Zuppa Toscana ditches potatoes in favor of radishes and pairs them with Italian sausage and kale in a creamy soup base, all topped off with crispy bacon. It’s a full meal ready in about an hour, perfect for anyone watching their carbs but still looking for that hearty flavor in a bowl. Plus, it’s comforting enough to make you forget it’s actually good for your waistline.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

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

Creamy Tuscan Chicken shows you can do creamy and low-carb. This dish features crispy-skinned chicken thighs simmered in a sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. It’s a full-flavored dinner ready in 40 minutes and doesn’t mess around with carbs. It’s like a tiny vacation to Italy, minus the carb overload.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Reuben Bowls

A bowl of coleslaw with creamy dressing, garnished with green onions, served in a ceramic bowl with a fork.
Reuben Bowls. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Reuben Bowls brings all the classic Reuben ingredients — corned beef, coleslaw, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese — into a breadless bowl of joy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s quick, easy, and sticks to your ribs without sticking to your carb limits. It’s perfect for a casual dinner when you want all the flavor without any of the carb-heavy baggage.
Get the Recipe: Reuben Bowls

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.

On the menu tonight is Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. This dish mixes juicy turkey meatballs with a spicy, aromatic coconut curry sauce, perfect for those evenings when you want something quick yet impressive. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for anyone trying to cut back on carbs but still looking for a meal that packs a punch.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

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 into comfort foods but not the carbs, Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole might just become your new best friend. This dish layers broccoli and cauliflower under a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with bits of crispy bacon — it’s comfort food without the carb-heavy tag. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a practical choice for a hearty dinner that keeps you feeling light and peppy. This casserole shows you can have your comfort and eat it, too, without any carb-loaded worries — a great way to enjoy a hearty meal that supports your low-carb decisions.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is the way to go when you’re craving something quick and flavorful. This dish tosses shrimp with spinach and grape tomatoes, all sautéed with a sprinkle of Italian spices. It’s ready in 25 minutes and perfect for a light, filling meal that keeps low carbs at arm’s length. It’s practically a cheat code for impressing a date or just treating yourself to a flavorful meal without the carb overload.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

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.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is here to spice up your dinner routine without the carbs. Ready in 30 minutes, this dish features tender chicken thighs in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. It’s like a mini-vacation to the Italian countryside, minus the carb coma. Great for those evenings when you need a luxurious dinner experience without all the carbs — because who says low-carb has to be boring?
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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

For a meal that feels indulgent but keeps carbs in check, try this Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. This dish features tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for those who want the luxury of a creamy sauce without the carb-heavy aftermath.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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.

Even on a low-carb diet, you can still enjoy a Philly cheesesteak with this Philly Cheese Steak Casserole. It brings all the hearty flavors of the classic sandwich — sirloin steak, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms — topped with provolone, but without the bread. This casserole is ready in less than an hour and makes a filling meal that won’t mess with your carb count. It’s the perfect solution for when you’re craving something substantial but need to keep it light on the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheese Steak Casserole

Bell Pepper Sandwich

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

Break away from traditional sandwiches with the Bell Pepper Sandwich. It uses bell pepper halves as the “bread,” stuffed with cream cheese, turkey, bacon, provolone, avocado, and cucumber. It’s fresh, crispy, and ready in just 10 minutes. This sandwich is a great alternative for anyone looking to keep their meals light and carb-free. It’s a simple yet clever way to stay on the low-carb train without feeling like you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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

Turn up the heat with Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. This dish is a fiery mix of charred jalapeños, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, ready to add some excitement to your meal routine. It’s a quick and easy salad that stays fresh, making it perfect for meal prep or a speedy lunch. Perfect for those looking to keep meals interesting without adding carbs, this salad is proof that you can have big flavors without the big carb count.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

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.

This Italian Sausage Soup will make you forget all about those carb-heavy meals. With Italian sausage, cream cheese, tomatoes, and cream, this dish is a hearty blend that warms you up from the inside out, ready for everyone to enjoy in just 30 minutes. This soup shows that low-carb doesn’t have to mean low-flavor. Next time someone asks why you’re skipping pasta, serve them a bowl of this, and watch them get it.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

In FDL library.
Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Skipping carbs can look and taste good with Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon. It’s a creative take on traditional pasta dishes, swapping pasta for spiraled asparagus, all smothered in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and sprinkled with crispy bacon. It’s quick — taking just 30 minutes from start to finish — which makes it perfect for a busy weeknight. If you think low-carb means missing out, this dish is here to change your mind. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies in the most decadent way possible.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles with Alfredo Sauce and Bacon

Big Mac Salad

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

This Big Mac Salad is everything you love about the classic burger, minus the carbs. It’s loaded with crunchy lettuce, tangy pickles, juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar, all tossed with that iconic special sauce. It’s a playful take on a burger that you can enjoy with a fork and no regrets. Ready in just a few minutes, it’s the perfect solution for a busy day when you’re craving something quick yet substantial. This salad is a great reminder that going low-carb doesn’t mean giving up your fast food favorites — it just means getting creative with how you enjoy them.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Fajita Baked Chicken

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

Fajita Baked Chicken is your ticket to a flavor-packed dinner without all the carb drama. This dish features seasoned chicken breasts, a layer of cream cheese, and strips of sweet peppers, all topped with a generous amount of mozzarella that gets perfectly bubbly and golden. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, which is great for those evenings when you want something quick but still feels a bit special. This dish is an example of how you can keep things low-carb without skimping on the cheese or the fun.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Baked 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 come to the rescue when you need a quick snack or a simple meal that keeps your carbs in check. Made from canned chicken, Parmesan, and sunflower seed meal, these nuggets are coated in crushed pork rinds for the ultimate crunch. Whether you need a quick bite between meetings or something to keep the kids happy, these nuggets have got you covered.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

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 straightforward dish that’s all about keeping things simple but flavorful. Fresh cabbage and juicy sausage are tossed with just a splash of apple cider vinegar — and that’s it! Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a solid choice for those evenings when you just need something quick and filling without any carb-heavy ingredients weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Creamy Dijon Chicken

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

Creamy Dijon Chicken lets you enjoy creamy goodness without the carb haul. It mixes juicy chicken thighs, tangy Dijon mustard, fresh spinach, and crispy bacon. This comforting dish is ready in 30 minutes, great for those busy evenings when you still want a meal that warms you up from the inside without loading up on carbs. With this dish, you can have your ‘cream’ and eat it too, without the carb crash afterward.
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 is so good, you’ll forget that you’re cutting carbs. It features ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spinach beneath a tempting layer of melted cheese. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for anyone looking to reduce carbs without reducing flavor. This dish is a crowd-pleaser at any table, making it easy to feed a family or impress your friends who think low-carb means no fun.
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 your low-carb sidekick for a delicious meal that doesn’t feel like you’re missing out. In just 25 minutes, crispy bacon meets sweet onions and crunchy cabbage, creating a dish that’s simple yet surprisingly flavorful. It’s the perfect fix for those days when you need something quick and easy, but still kind of impressive. Because, let’s face it, adding bacon to pretty much anything is a way to win at dinner.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a relaxing escape from carb-heavy meals. Combining creamy cauliflower rice with earthy Portobello mushrooms, this dish is ready in 30 minutes and packs lots of flavor. It’s a smart pick for nights when you need something hearty but don’t want the heavy feeling of traditional risotto. Plus, it’s a clever way to sneak more veggies into your dinner routine.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

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.

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are your ticket to a refreshing, hearty, low-carb meal. These crisp cucumber halves are stuffed with a mix of canned chicken, crumbled bacon, and cheddar, making them perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. They’re ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for those days when the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven. It’s a fun, inventive way to keep your meals interesting and your carb count low. Plus, they’re a great conversation starter — everyone loves a dish that’s as interesting as it is good.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sticky Sauce Chicken will be a new favorite for a low-carb dinner that feels like a cheat meal but isn’t. This dish is done in just 30 minutes and features juicy chicken thighs basking in a homemade sauce that’s big on garlic and ginger vibes. It’s perfect for when you’re racing against the clock but still want to stick to your low-carb goals.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Shawarma Kebabs

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

Shawarma Kebabs are here to rescue your dinner plans. Marinate chicken in a medley of spices, then skewer and bake until just right. You can also make them ahead so you have something ready to go that brings all the great flavors without the carbs. This is how you keep dinner low-carb and still keep all the bold tastes you love.
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Creamy Garlic Chicken

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

Creamy Garlic Chicken is your ticket to a rich, flavorful dinner without loading up on carbs. This 30-minute dish combines tender chicken with a smooth, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal you’d serve to impress, yet simple enough to pull off on any given weeknight. When carbs are off the menu, but you’re craving something that screams comfort, this dish has your back.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Scallops

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

Lemon Garlic Scallops are your express pass to a fancy dinner with surprisingly low carbs. These scallops are pan-seared to perfection, then dressed lightly with lemon, butter, and garlic. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re perfect for when you want to impress without the mess. If you’re looking to treat yourself or dazzle guests with minimal effort, these scallops make it possible.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

Canned Chicken Patties

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

Canned Chicken Patties are the no-nonsense dinner solution for those keeping an eye on their carbs. Mix all the ingredients, form into patties, and fry until golden and crispy. These patties are ready in 20 minutes and perfect with fresh steamed veggies or low-carb bread. It’s a great go-to for those evenings when time’s not on your side, but you’re not willing to compromise on eating well.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

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

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole turns up the heat and dials down the carbs. This casserole is a bold take on your regular dinner fare loaded with chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and spicy jalapeños. Baked under a cheesy layer until golden, it’s ready in just over an hour. It’s perfect for spicing up your meal routine while staying true to your low-carb commitment. When you’re looking to add a little excitement to your meal without adding carbs, this dish delivers.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Casserole

Baked Parmesan Salmon

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

Baked Parmesan Salmon is your straightforward path to a delicious, low-carb meal. This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and features a salmon fillet with a crispy Parmesan and pork rind crust flavored with dill and garlic. It’s the perfect mix of easy and impressive, making any evening feel a bit more special without all the carbs. This recipe is all about enjoying the good stuff without the carb overload. It’s proof that going low-carb doesn’t mean giving up on great flavors.
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Salmon

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