19 low-carb meals that make your lunchbox feel like a farmer’s market picnic

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Lunch doesn’t have to be boring, especially with meals that bring picnic vibes to your desk. These 19 low-carb options skip the heaviness but still keep things interesting. You’ll feel like you’ve raided a produce stand and packed the good stuff. Bonus: coworkers might get jealous and start asking what market you’re hiding in your lunchbox.

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken garnished with parsley is served on a slate platter with yellow peppers.
Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Tom Kha Soup

A bowl of Tom Kha Soup with green herbs, and a slice of lime.
Tom Kha Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

With Tom Kha Soup, you’re in for a treat that’s both light and nourishing. A sip of this will change up your lunch routine with its smooth and aromatic presence. It does a great job of filling you up without leaving that weighed-down feeling. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients to fuel your afternoon without piling on the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Tom Kha Soup

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style

Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style dish in a round ceramic plate with cooked snails topped with herbs and butter sauce, and slices of bread on a wooden board.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Mixing up your lunch options works wonders, especially when you include Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style. They bring a touch of indulgence to your meal, with a flavor profile that’s bold and fulfilling. It’s like a fancy dinner compacted into a lunch-sized portion. You’ll be looking forward to these steak bites, and with no bread necessary, your carb count stays in check.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style

Creamy Radish Salad

A bowl of Creamy Radish Salad garnished with dill, with a spoon lifting a portion above the bowl.
Creamy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Turn your veggie game on its head with a serving of Creamy Radish Salad. It strikes the perfect balance between crunchy textures and a creamy dressing. Far from your everyday salad, it’s a refreshing addition that keeps things interesting. You can enjoy it without worrying about an afternoon slump, thanks to its low-carb profile.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

Vintage Chicken Divan

Two cast-iron skillets filled with vintage chicken divan and a fork dishing up one serving.
Vintage Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Vintage Chicken Divan offers comfort food without the traditional carb-heavy approach. It’s a throwback dish that feels like home, yet fits right into a modern, health-conscious diet. This dish stands out by proving that comfort and low-carb can happily coexist. You’ll be more than satisfied, even with the absence of starchy sides.
Get the Recipe: Vintage Chicken Divan

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Sauteed Beet Greens with Pancetta on a white plate.
Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

This dish can add a burst of color and flavor to your midday meal. If you’re hankering for something salty but nutrient-rich, look no further. Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta provides a fulfilling taste without overdosing on carbs. It’s a side that could easily steal the spotlight in your lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Oven Baked Ribs

Oven-baked ribs with onion and garlic on top served on a white rectangular plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

When the craving for something hearty kicks in, Oven Baked Ribs are a no-brainer. Packed with protein and cooked to tender perfection, they’re a meat lover’s dream without the carb count climbing. These ribs are a testament to the simplicity of a well-cooked lunch that’s filling and flavorful. They prove that you don’t need a side of carbs for a meal to be thoroughly enjoyable.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Horiatiki Salad

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

A Horiatiki Salad brings the best of fresh veggies to your lunch without the usual carb accompaniments. It’s a standout choice for its crisp and refreshing qualities. Enjoy the burst of fresh flavors that satisfy without the need for bread or pasta. This dish represents a straightforward approach to eating healthy and staying low-carb.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Korean Galbi Ribs

Korean Galbi Ribs on a slate platter with red chopsticks beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Give your routine a jolt with Korean Galbi Ribs and their authentic, bold flavors. This dish brings the sizzle to your lunchtime without the additional heap of rice or noodles. They’re proof that low-carb eating doesn’t have to be bland or uninspiring. Include these ribs in your meal plan, and be ready for an instant hit in your lunch lineup.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Cucumber Salad with Feta

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

Simple yet perfectly paired, Cucumber Salad with Feta redefines a refreshing lunch option. With its no-nonsense combination of juicy cucumbers and creamy feta, it caters well to a low-carb plan. It’s a straight shooter of a salad that brightens up your daytime eats. Plus, it’s a quick fix for when you need a bit of a palate cleanser during a busy day.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s something unshakeably fulfilling about a Diner Style Salisbury Steak, even when it’s stripped back for the low-carb diner. This dish brings homey vibes to your lunch hour while keeping your carbs in check. It’s comfort food reimagined and retains all the heartiness you’d hope for. Fill up on this and stay energized until it’s time to clock out.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Chinese Chicken Salad is a sure bet for an enticing, crunchy lunch you’ll look forward to. It takes all the expected elements of a great salad and spins it into a low-carb package. It’s a dish that shines for its vibrant variety of components, all coming together harmoniously. Navigating a low-carb diet has never been easier, or tastier, than with a salad like this.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Mediterranean Salmon

Mediterranean Salmon on a white rectangular plate.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

With Mediterranean Salmon, you’re not just getting a low-carb option but a meal that’s packed with goodness. It’s simple enough to throw together without a fuss. The flavors are fresh and bold, making you feel like you’re enjoying something truly special. Plus, it’s a great way to keep things interesting in your lunchbox.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

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.

This recipe brings that restaurant-quality vibe without stepping foot outside. Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is an easy pick for a hearty lunch that doesn’t weigh you down. The combination of ingredients keeps it interesting and ensures you’re not stuck with a boring meal. Best part? It fits right into your low-carb goals.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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.

When you go for Mediterranean Chopped Salad, you’re opting for a lunch that’s as fresh as it can get. It’s packed with variety, so every bite feels new and exciting. This is a great way to brighten up your lunch routine without adding any unwanted carbs. It’s the kind of meal that makes you look forward to lunchtime.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

Two chicken parmesan lettuce wraps on a cutting board.
Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps are a genius way to enjoy all the flavors you love without the carbs. They’re surprisingly filling, and the crunch of the lettuce adds a nice texture. They’re perfect for a quick and easy lunch that doesn’t skimp on taste. Plus, they’re a hit for anyone looking to keep lunch light but delicious.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Lettuce Wraps

Simple Sautéed Kale

A white bowl filled with Simple Sautéed Kale, with a fork resting on the side.
Simple Sautéed Kale. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re someone who thinks greens are boring, Simple Sautéed Kale is here to change your mind. It’s a straightforward dish that packs a nutritional punch. Perfect as a side or a light standalone meal, it’s versatile. This recipe proves that sometimes, keeping it simple is the best way to go.
Get the Recipe: Simple Sautéed Kale

Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

Shrimp & Asparagus Alfredo on a black plate.
Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Looking for something a bit more indulgent? Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus is your go-to. It marries creaminess with the freshness of vegetables, all while keeping carbs in check. It’s a fantastic way to make a lunchbox meal feel like a fancy dinner. Plus, it’s straightforward enough to not eat into your busy schedule.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

Taco Casserole

A Taco Casserole dish with black beans, cheese and jalapenos.
Taco Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This casserole turns your usual taco night on its head, in the best way. Taco Casserole is a comforting dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb diet. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it packs all the fun of tacos into a convenient casserole form. It’s a surefire way to break the monotony of everyday lunches.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken garnished with parsley is served on a slate platter with yellow peppers.
Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken is for those days when you want something deeply fulfilling without the carb count. It’s as hearty as it comes and full of flavors that meld together beautifully. This dish is a solid choice when you’re after something that feels a bit more special. And, it’s proof that “low-carb” doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice enjoyment in your meals.
Get the Recipe: Low-Carb Mississippi Chicken

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