17 low-carb meals your carb-loving friends will beg you to make

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When you think low-carb meals might disappoint your carb-loving friends, these 17 dishes will prove you wrong. They’re packed with so much flavor and satisfaction that even the most die-hard carb fans will be begging you to make them again. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, these meals will have everyone asking for seconds, and you’ll be the hero of the kitchen!

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.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who knew elegance could be this easy? Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is that dish you make when you want to impress without the stress. It’s crispy, it’s cheesy, and it’s got that ham tucked inside like a delicious little secret. It’s the kind of meal that looks like you worked on it all day, but we’ll keep how easy it was a little secret.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Shirazi Salad

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

Let’s get fresh with Shirazi Salad, the salad that proves simple doesn’t mean boring. It’s a burst of freshness in every bite, with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions dressed in a tasty lime vinaigrette. It’s the cool, crisp friend that pairs perfectly with any dish, making you feel a little bit better about that second helping. Because hey, you’re having salad!
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Chicken Tinga

Chicken tinga in a blue bowl.
Chicken Tinga. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Tinga is not just food; it’s a story. A story of tender chicken getting a spicy makeover with a tomato-chipotle sauce that’s bold yet kinda of sweet. It’s the kind of dish that demands attention and gets it every single time. Wrap it in a tortilla, and every bite is like a fiesta in your mouth, no RSVP is needed.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Mediterranean Cod

Mediterranean cod on a rectangular platter.
Mediterranean Cod. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Picture this: You’re sailing the Mediterranean, the sun is setting, and then, there’s Mediterranean Cod. It’s light, it’s flavorful, and it’s got enough zest to make your heart sing a little song of joy. With a mix of tomatoes, olives, and herbs, it’s like a holiday on a plate that doesn’t end with a nap but inspires you to take on the world.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is the remix your lunch has been waiting for. Its chicken salad turned up to eleven, with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts making every bite a little celebration. It’s proof that salads never have to be dull, especially when they can taste like this. And hey, it’s healthy too, so you can feel all sorts of good about it.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Sauerkraut in a serving dish with a spoon.
Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you think sauerkraut is just a side dish, then you haven’t tried Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. This is where tart meets sweet meets smoky, and they decide to throw a party in your mouth. It’s the side dish that often steals the show, making you wonder why it was just a side dish in the first place. Trust us, your plate will feel incomplete without it.
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Italian Chicken

Creamy Italian Chicken on a plate.
Italian Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Italian Chicken isn’t just a dish; it’s like an edible postcard from Italy. With every bite, you’re transported to a little village where the aroma of herbs fills the air, and life is just simpler. The combination of juicy chicken and a sauce that can only be described as “heavenly” is like a love letter to your palate. It’s comfort food with a stamp of approval from Italy.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fire up the grill because Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo are about to take your barbecue to the next level. These skewers are more than just meat on a stick; they’re a one-way ticket to Flavor Town, where the mojo rojo sauce is the mayor. This dish is smoky, it’s spicy, and it’s got that citrusy zing that’ll have your palates dancing. It’s the dish that’ll make you the undisputed king or queen of the grill.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

An image of Tex-Mex Caesar Salad on a square plate.
Tex-Mex Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Raise your hand if you thought Caesar salad was boring. Now, let Tex-Mex Caesar Salad change your mind. This dish throws in some bold Tex-Mex flavors that’ll make you wonder why you ever doubted the potential of a good salad. It’s like a classic Caesar who went on a holiday to Mexico and came back wearing a sombrero, full of stories and zest.
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup in two white bowls with garnishes nearby.
Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When the day calls for a bit of soul-warming, Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup answers with a resounding yes. It’s a bit smoky, a tad spicy, and altogether wonderful, with those crispy tortilla strips on top adding the perfect crunch. It’s the kind of soup that makes you pause after the first spoonful, close your eyes, and just enjoy the moment. Because yes, soup can be that good.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

A closeup of Vegan Mexican Rice with tomatoes in the background.
Mexican Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Who said comfort food couldn’t be healthy? Mexican Cauliflower Rice is here to prove them wrong. It’s bursting with all the flavors you love, sneaking in a serving of veggies like a cooking ninja. You’ll be fooled into thinking you’re indulging in a hearty Mexican feast, but your waistline will know better.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

A plate of asparagus with mascarpone and lemon.
Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life, like Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. This dish is all about upgrading the everyday into something extraordinary. The asparagus gets all tender and charred, then gets a dollop of mascarpone that just melts right in, creating a creamy dream. It’s elegance and simplicity, hand in hand, on a plate.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

A stack of chicken and pineapple on a vertical skewer on a cutting board.
Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you thought you loved chicken, wait till you try Smoked Chicken Al Pastor. This is chicken that’s gone on a flavor vacation, marinated in a blend of chilies, spices, and pineapple, then smoked to perfection. Each bite is a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet that’ll make your palates do a happy dance. It’s a dish that’s bound to become a repeat offender on your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Chicken Al Pastor

German Pork Loin

German Pork Loin on a platter with a gravy boat nearby.
German Pork Loin. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

So, you’ve decided to treat yourself, and why not? German Pork Loin is here to turn your meal into a festivity. This dish has a way of mingling with your senses, making you appreciate the art of slow cooking. Finish it off with a touch of mustard, and you’re in for a cooking trip to Germany without needing a passport.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone in a black dish.
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Forget everything you thought you knew about spinach because Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone is here to change the game. It’s silky, it’s creamy, and it’s got just the right amount of garlic to make you say, “Oh, hello!” It’s the side dish that might just outshine the main, and you know what? We’re not even mad about it.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Al Pastor Carnitas

Al Pastor Carnitas in a white bowl with tongs.
Al Pastor Carnitas. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Ready to give your pork a makeover? Al Pastor Carnitas is where it’s at. This dish takes pork on a spicy, tangy ride, courtesy of that al pastor magic, then ends with a crisping that’s downright irresistible. It’s like a taco filling that decided to level up into something you can’t stop eating, even if you tried.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

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.

Hey, ever felt like a dish could give you a warm hug on a cold day? That’s Chicken Paprikash for you. It’s like your grandma knew exactly what you needed when you were feeling down and whipped this up. It’s cozy, it’s comforting, and oh boy, does it pack a flavor punch that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t been making it every week.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

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