19 low-carb dinners for when you’ve had enough noodles for one lifetime

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Sometimes you hit that point where one more noodle might just trigger a full-blown existential crisis. That’s when it’s time to bring in something from this group of 19 low-carb dinners that skips the spaghetti spiral. It’s all about keeping dinner simple, filling, and not making you feel like you’re stuck in a never-ending pasta loop. These meals come in strong without the carbs pulling the strings behind the scenes.

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.

Chicken Divan

A fork is lifting a portion of Chicken Divan from one of the bowls.
Chicken Divan. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If your usual pasta dishes have worn out their welcome, switching up your dinner routine can bring excitement back to your kitchen. An excellent alternative is a casserole that’s both filling and low in carbs, like Chicken Divan. It’s a comforting meal that brings together tender chicken and a rich, creamy sauce. You can pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Avocado Egg Salad

A white plate with avocado egg salad, garnished with herbs, is shown with a fork, spoon, cloth, and a small bowl of sauce.
Avocado Egg Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Bored with noodles? A creamy and hearty Avocado Egg Salad can be just what you need. Scoop it onto some fresh lettuce for a refreshing touch or enjoy it on its own for a quick, low-carb lunch option. This salad combines the goodness of eggs with the smooth texture of avocado, making a fulfilling meal without any pasta in sight.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Coleslaw

A bowl of coleslaw with vegetables and a fork.
Coleslaw. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

For those seeking a crunchy side dish without the carb load, Coleslaw presents a perfect choice. It offers a crisp texture and a tangy flavor that lightens up any main course. It’s simple to whip up and serves as a great companion to meat dishes, especially if you want to maintain a low-carb diet. Plus, it’s versatile enough to accompany a variety of protein options.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw

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.

Sometimes you might crave something meaty rather than the standard noodle affair, and slow-cooked Oven Baked Ribs are an excellent swap. They come out of the oven tender and full of flavor. Enjoy them hot off the bone, and you won’t even miss the usual bed of pasta. These ribs are perfect as the centerpiece for a fulfilling meal that sticks to your low-carb goals.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Baked Pesto Salmon

Baked Pesto Salmon with spinach sauce on a white plate.
Baked Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Fish can be a fantastic way to go low-carb and Baked Pesto Salmon is both effortless and full of flavor. This dish brings a herby kick to the palette, offering a change from pasta-based meals. It’s a wholesome choice that marries perfectly with greens or low-carb veggies. Plus, this salmon dish is high in healthy fats and can keep you feeling full longer.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Corned Beef Hash

Canned corned beef hash on a plate with a fried egg.
Corned Beef Hash. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Opting for a dish like Corned Beef Hash can satisfy your hunger while you steer clear of noodles. It’s a robust dish bound to fill you up with its meaty goodness. Best enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or a comforting dinner, it can be a flavorful centerpiece in your low-carb diet. In fact, you might find it becomes a regular on your menu.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white rectangular plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When the noodle dishes start to blur together, revitalize your dinner plans with bold flavors like those found in Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. It’s cooked slowly to infuse the spices and herbs thoroughly, delivering a dish that’s valuable for its simplicity and depth of flavor. You won’t miss the carbs when you’re enjoying the juicy and succulent meat of this dish.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

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.

Have you ever thought of enjoying steak bites with a twist? Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style brings a fancy bistro touch right to your dining table. It’s perfect when you want something different from noodles, yet still rich and full of flavor. Plus, these bites can be a hit at gatherings or just as a decadent treat for yourself.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style

Turkey Vegetable Soup

Two bowls of turkey and vegetable soup with spoons.
Turkey Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

On chilly days or when you simply need a break from pasta, a bowl of Turkey Vegetable Soup can be both warming and comforting. It’s a substantial meal that combines lean protein with an array of veggies, simmered together in a savory broth. This soup is filling, nourishing, and keeps your carb intake in check—perfect for any day of the week.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Vegetable Soup

Avocado Toast

Avocado Toast on a chaffle.
Avocado Toast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re after something light yet fulfilling sans noodles, try out Avocado Toast. You can opt for a low-carb bread alternative to keep this modern classic within your dietary preferences. It’s a versatile dish; top with a poached egg or spices to your taste. Quick to prepare, it’s ideal for a healthy start to the day or a snack that won’t weigh you down.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Bowl of Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde with toppings and a spoon on a white wooden table.
Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Break away from noodle monotony with a dish that’s robust and deeply fulfilling, like Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde. It’s a flavorful stew that combines pork with green chilies, simmered slowly to tender perfection. Serving this with a side of cauli-rice or low-carb tortillas can complete a meal that keeps carbs at bay. This dish promises a hearty experience while sticking to your dietary plan.
Get the Recipe: Classic Slow Cooker Pork Chile Verde

Horiatiki Salad

Horiatiki Salad with feta cheese on top served on a plate.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Need a fresh option for your low-carb repertoire? Horiatiki Salad is a classic choice that’s both simple and refreshing. This Greek salad is all about fresh veggies and feta cheese, offering a fulfilling crunch. It’s the kind of dish that you can enjoy on its own or pair with any meal.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Ground Beef and Broccoli

A plate of beef and broccoli with chopsticks.
Ground Beef and Broccoli. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Flipping pasta night on its head, Ground Beef and Broccoli delivers a powerful punch of protein teamed with the nutritional benefits of broccoli. It’s a stir-fry style meal that can sate those who crave a low-carb yet filling dinner. Besides being easy to assemble, it also stores well for those who like to meal-prep.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli

Tom Kha Soup

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

When pasta becomes too much, a flavorful ladle of Tom Kha Soup can provide a welcome change. This Thai coconut soup has an intriguing balance of savory and slight sweetness, making it remarkably memorable. It’s a soup that’s both light and fulfilling, serving as a solo meal or as a start to a larger, multi-course feast.
Get the Recipe: Tom Kha Soup

Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

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

For an indulgent meal without loading up on carbs, Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus is an excellent choice. It gives you the richness you might crave from an Alfredo dish, but with veggies and seafood taking the noodles’ place. The shrimp provides a succulent bite, and the asparagus keeps the dish bright and tasty.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Alfredo with Asparagus

Pizza Casserole

Pizza Casserole in two serving dishes.
Pizza Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who says you have to say goodbye to pizza flavors when cutting down on carbs? With a Pizza Casserole, you get all that cheesy goodness in a low-carb format. It’s a comforting bake that’s loaded with your favorite pizza toppings, just without the bread. It’s perfect for those pizza nights when you want to keep things simple and light on the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

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

Noodles can take a break when dishes like Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta come into play. Not only does this provide an excellent way to use up all parts of the beet plant, but it also adds a burst of flavor to your plate. Plus, the pancetta adds a salty crispness that can make anyone forget about carb-heavy sides.
Get the Recipe: Sautéed Beet Greens with Pancetta

Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce with pita dipped in a black bowl.
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Sometimes what a meal needs is just the right condiment, and that’s where Authentic Tzatziki Sauce comes in. No pasta required here; just a creamy, tangy sauce that works wonders on meats or as a vegetable dip. It’s a staple that can cool and complement spicier dishes, and it can be a refreshing palate cleanser during your meal.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

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.

Moving past noodles doesn’t have to be difficult, especially when you have a dish like Creamy Radish Salad to turn to. This salad strikes an excellent balance between creamy and crunchy elements. It’s a unique choice to serve as either a standalone dish or an accompaniment to a main protein. Plus, it can bring a different texture and flavor to the table.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

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