21 low-carb recipes that’ll have everyone fighting for the last bite without fighting their waistline

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Low-carb doesn’t mean low excitement, and these 21 recipes prove it. Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, they deliver all the enjoyment without leaving anyone feeling overstuffed. Whether it’s a hearty option or something lighter, these dishes hit that sweet spot of filling and waistline-friendly. Be warned: you might need a referee for the last serving.

A plate of Greek salmon with grape tomatoes and olives.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

A bowl filled with creamy mashed cauliflower.
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.

You won’t even think about potatoes after tasting Creamy Mashed Cauliflower. It’s smooth, rich, and manages to feel indulgent without breaking the low-carb rules. Perfect for those looking to keep their meals light yet rewarding, it’s a side dish everyone will fight over. By the time you reach for seconds, the bowl will already be empty.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mashed Cauliflower

Vintage Chicken Divan

Two cast-iron skillets filled with creamy, baked casserole topped with golden breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh thyme sprigs, set on a wooden surface. A fork rests in one serving.
Vintage Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Here’s a throwback recipe that keeps carbs in check while still offering a hearty meal. Vintage Chicken Divan proves that classic dishes can stand the test of time and dietary trends. It’s a solid choice for a family dinner where you’re looking to please various palates yet stay mindful of the carb count. Plus, it’s so good everyone might forget it’s low-carb.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Crisp, refreshing, and effortlessly pairing with any main course, Horiatiki Salad is a smart move for those looking to keep things light and nutritious. Without compromising taste, this salad brings a bounty of textures to your plate, ensuring nobody feels like they’re missing out. It’s the perfect sidekick to any protein and can easily become a staple at your dinner table. Plus, it can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Chicken breast with herbs, cheese and tomatoes.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When a dish manages to be both hearty and low-carb, it’s definitely worth talking about. Mediterranean Chicken Bake is filled with ingredients that pack a punch in the nutrition department and keep you feeling full. This recipe is a great contender for meal prep Sundays as it reheats beautifully throughout the week. Also, it’s versatile enough to pair with any side, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Dig into the rich, comforting depths of Eastern European cuisine without the heavy carbs with Authentic Hungarian Goulash. This dish is all about robust flavor without the post-meal sluggishness, making it a win-win for health-conscious comfort food lovers. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Gather around the table for hearty, home-cooked goodness—carb-conscious and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Ham Salad with dill pickle on a plate.
Old Fashioned Ham Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Old Fashioned Ham Salad is a nostalgic dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and tasty meal option. It comes together with minimal effort, making it fantastic for lunches, snacks or even a light dinner. It scores big points for being both versatile and convenient, plus it’s a surefire hit with both kids and adults. This recipe is the secret weapon for busy days when you still want to eat something homemade and low-carb.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs in a bowl.
Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew that the air fryer could be your best ally in making low-carb meals exciting? With Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs, you’re getting all the satisfaction of a comforting meal without the usual carb count. They’re perfect for tossing with your favorite low-carb sauce or enjoying as a standalone snack. Plus, the clean-up is a breeze, freeing up time for you to relax after dinner.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Sausage Parmigiana

Sausage Parmigiana on a white plate with a red napkin and a glass of wine.
Sausage Parmigiana. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Make room for Italian comfort food that’s straightforward, filling, and friendly on the waistline with Sausage Parmigiana. This dish is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a ton of carbs to enjoy bold Italian flavors. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough to serve up whenever you have company. And let’s be honest, it’ll be hard to stop at just one serving!
Get the Recipe: Sausage Parmigiana

Chicken Paprikash

Three pieces of chicken smothered in a creamy, orange-hued sauce topped with chopped herbs, served on a white rectangular plate.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re after a dish that’s as comforting as it is low-carb, Chicken Paprikash has got you covered. This meal is a beautiful blend of simplicity and homely flavors that won’t have you feeling like you’re on a diet. It’s got a comforting creaminess that makes it a real treat for those chilly evenings indoors. The best part? It leaves you feeling exactly the right kind of full.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Shirazi Salad

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

For a light and easy option that’s as fresh as it is low in carbs, Shirazi Salad is top-notch. This salad is a no-fuss dish that works brilliantly either as a side or a light meal, with bold flavors that make it truly stand out. It’s the kind of recipe that proves low-carb eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland. Plus, it brings a pop of color to any meal!
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

A white plate with garlic steak bites and mushrooms on it.
Garlic Steak & Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When craving something that feels indulgent but won’t wreck your carb goals, Garlic Steak & Mushrooms is the way to go. This recipe is all about big taste with excellent textures, and it’s hearty enough to fulfill those who love a meaty dish. It’s ideal for a special occasion or any night you want to treat yourself. Trust me, no one will be asking where the carbs are with this on the plate.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Steak & Mushrooms

Egg Salad

The Best Egg Salad on the Planet.
Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Every now and then, you just want something classic and comforting, and that’s where Egg Salad comes in. It’s a versatile recipe that goes well with various low-carb options and fits into your day as a snack or part of your lunch. Plus, it’s straightforward to make, which is always a bonus. It’s got all the traditional flavors you remember, just without the high carbs.
Get the Recipe: Egg Salad

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup in two bowls with spoons nearby.
Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re in the mood for something warm and fulfilling, look no further than Broccoli Cheese Soup. This soup doesn’t skimp on taste and offers a velvety smooth texture that’s sure to please. It’s hearty enough to have as a meal on its own, yet it can also make a great appetizer for something more substantial. And you’ll be happy to hear that it keeps things low-carb without sacrificing flavor.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Oven Baked Ribs

Pieces of oven bake ribs on a black slate plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Who says you can’t enjoy hearty barbecue-style ribs on a low-carb diet? Oven Baked Ribs prove just that, letting you sink your teeth into fall-off-the-bone meat without the guilt. These are perfect for when you have a bit more time to cook and are in the mood for something seriously fulfilling. The result? A finger-licking good meal that still keeps your carbs in check.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Mediterranean Chopped Salad is all about simplicity and freshness, making it a reliable go-to for any meal. It’s packed with colors and nutrients, and it ticks the box for being both healthful and flavorful. This salad is incredibly customizable depending on what you’re in the mood for, and it never gets boring. Plus, it’s a cinch to put together, saving you precious time in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

For a fast-food favorite that won’t mess with your carb intake, try The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. You can replicate that special mix of flavors right at home and keep everything aligned with your dietary goals. This bowl is filling, customizable, and has all the kick you’d expect from a Taco Bell-inspired dish. It’s a sure bet for a quick and fulfilling meal that keeps carbs on the down-low.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Meatloaf Casserole

A Meatloaf Casserole.
Meatloaf Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Meet the good old-fashioned taste of comfort without feeling weighed down afterward, thanks to Meatloaf Casserole. This dish is a neat solution for those evenings when only something hearty will do the trick. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or just keeping hunger at bay throughout the week. This recipe pulls off that home-cooked taste while keeping things light on carbs.
Get the Recipe: Meatloaf Casserole

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bring the famous steakhouse experience into your kitchen with Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. This dish is bound to be a standout with its hearty chunks of meat and rich flavors. It’s a major win for anyone looking to enjoy a steakhouse favorite while maintaining a low-carb diet. Plus, it might just be the highlight of your dinner rotation.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fresh, light, and utterly refreshing, Cucumber Salad with Feta is a no-brainer for a quick and easy side dish. It’s just the thing when you want something that’s easy to throw together but still packs a punch in the taste department. Whether you’re pairing it with grilled meats or munching on it by itself, you’ll find it hard to resist. What’s more, it keeps your carb count comfortably low.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Enjoying a popular restaurant favorite at home is simple with Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken. This dish brings home the rich taste of dining out without the added carbs that often come along with it. It’s a perfect pick for when you’re craving something comforting, and you’ll be pleased to know it’s totally within your low-carb guidelines. Best of all, it makes for great leftovers if you have any!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Mediterranean Salmon

A plate of Greek salmon with grape tomatoes and olives.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Perfectly balancing heartiness and healthiness, Mediterranean Salmon is an excellent choice for a fulfilling main course. This dish packs in a whole lot of satisfaction without piling on the carbs. It works just as well for a weeknight meal as it does for entertaining guests. What’s more, it’s pretty straightforward to make, leaving you more time to enjoy your evening.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

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