Low carb indulgences: 21 recipes that won’t ruin your diet

Photo of author

| Published:

Who says sticking to a low-carb diet has to be all about munching on bland, boring food? Definitely not us! We’re all about making sure you can still enjoy those yummy moments without feeling like you’re missing out on the fun stuff. Because, let’s be honest, everyone deserves a treat now and then, right?

So, let’s chat about how you can keep things tasty without loading up on the carbs. Think about your favorite treats – yes, those! Now, imagine there are versions of them that are just as delicious but won’t make you feel like you’re cheating on your diet. That’s what we’re aiming for here. We’re talking about swapping out the not-so-good stuff for ingredients that are kinder to your waistline but still big on flavor.

And here’s the cherry on top: We’ve got these 21 recipes that are the perfect low-carb indulgences. They’re like little high-fives to your taste buds, reassuring you that, yes, you can have your salad (well, the low-carb version) and eat it too! So, go ahead and check out these treats without any diet-ruining worries. You’ve got this!

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

Mediterranean Cod

Who says sticking to low-carb means missing out on the good stuff? Not with this Mediterranean Cod. It’s packed with flavors that’ll satisfy your fish cravings, plus it keeps things light on the carbs. Dive right into this dish when you’re after something hearty but still want to keep tabs on your diet.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Shirazi Salad

Here’s to a salad that doesn’t feel like a diet chore. Shirazi Salad brings a burst of freshness to your plate, plus it’s low on carbs. It’s the perfect sidekick to any meal or great by itself when you’re hungry but watching the carb intake.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Shrimp skewers on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

When you’re craving something comforting but don’t want the carbs, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu steps in. It’s crispy, it’s cheesy, and guess what? Totally in line with your low-carb goals. Now that’s a win-win meal for any day.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

If you’re all about that seafood life but keeping an eye on carbs, Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp has got you covered. Perfect for a quick dinner or something fancy on the weekend, you’re getting the best of both worlds. A low-carb indulgence that won’t mess with your diet plans.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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

Sometimes, all you need is a good chicken salad, and this one with Cranberries and Walnuts doesn’t disappoint. It’s light, feels indulgent, and yep, it’s low-carb. A perfect pick-me-up meal that keeps you on track.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

Here’s a side that’s all about comfort without the carb count. Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone is rich and creamy, making your low-carb journey a delicious one. It pairs with almost anything, proving that diet food doesn’t have to be dull.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone

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

Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Who doesn’t love meatballs? These Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs are a game changer, especially if you’re watching your carbs. They come out perfectly juicy and are a great low-carb treat to enjoy any day of the week. Serve them up with some zucchini noodles or a side salad, and you’ve got a meal that keeps your diet on track.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Meatballs

Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Indulge in the rich flavors of Hungary with this Authentic Hungarian Goulash. It’s a hearty, warming dish that’s perfect for a low-carb diet. You’ll get all the comfort without the carbs, making it a guilt-free indulgence. It’s great for those chilly nights when you need something satisfying and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

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

Chicken Tinga

If you’re craving something with a bit of a kick, Chicken Tinga is the way to go. This dish is packed with flavor and perfect for a low-carb diet. It’s spicy, it’s tasty, and it’s super versatile. Serve it over lettuce or in a low-carb taco shell, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tinga

Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Mix up your veggie game with this tasty Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon. It’s a tangy, sweet, and savory mix that’s a perfect low-carb side dish. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a fun way to add some variety to your meals. And who doesn’t love a bit of bacon in their life?
Get the Recipe: Sauerkraut with Apples & Bacon

Chicken Paprikash on a platter with gravy.
Chicken Paprikash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Paprikash

Chicken Paprikash is a creamy dream come true for anyone on a low-carb diet. It’s got all the flavor without the carb-heavy ingredients, so you can indulge without the guilt. The chicken falls apart in your mouth, and the sauce is just divine. It’s a Hungarian classic that’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Paprikash

Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Bored with plain old sides? Give this Mexican Cauliflower Rice a try. It’s a zesty, low-carb option that’ll brighten up any meal. Packed with flavor, it’s a great way to stick to your diet without feeling like you’re missing out. Plus, it’s super easy to make, which is always a bonus.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower Rice

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

Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Get a kick of flavors with a Tex-Mex Caesar Salad that shakes up the usual routine. It’s spicy, it’s crunchy, and it slips seamlessly into your low-carb diet. Who knew salads could be this exciting and guilt-free?
Get the Recipe: Tex-Mex Caesar Salad

Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

Let’s talk about a side dish that will steal the show – Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone. It’s creamy, it’s dreamy, and yes, it’s low in carbs. This is how you indulge while keeping things light and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Asparagus with Mascarpone

A platter of sheet pan lemon-rosemary chicken with lemon slices, herbs, and garnished with cherry tomatoes.
Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

This Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken is your ticket to an easy, delicious meal. It’s a fuss-free, low-carb indulgence that’ll keep your diet on the right track. The lemon and rosemary combo is a classic, giving the chicken a fresh, flavorful boost. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Love steak? Here’s a low-carb twist with Grilled Steak Skewers dressed in Mojo Rojo. It’s all about enjoying the rich flavors without overloading with carbs. Fire up the grill and get ready for a treat that fits right into your eating plan.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Asparagus on a white square plate.
Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus

Upgrade your veggie game with Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus. It’s a smoky sensation that’s surprisingly low on carbs. Perfect for when you want something special but need to keep it diet-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Ninja Woodfire Grilled Asparagus

German Pork Loin

Get a taste of Germany with this delicious German Pork Loin. It’s a simple, savory dish that fits right into your low-carb lifestyle. The pork is tender, the flavors are spot on, and it’s all-around satisfying. Whether it’s a family dinner or a meal for one, this dish is sure to impress.
Get the Recipe: German Pork Loin

Three pork chops with tomato and green onion on a white plate.
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Spice up your dinner with these Pork Chops topped with Tomato & Green Onion Relish. It’s a flavorful, low-carb dish that’ll keep your taste buds happy and your diet in check. The relish is a fresh, tasty addition that turns a simple pork chop into something special. Quick to whip up, it’s ideal for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish

Old Fashioned Ham Salad

If you’re looking for something easy and tasty, this Old Fashioned Ham Salad is your go-to. It’s a cool, low-carb indulgence that won’t mess with your diet and is perfect for when you’re short on time. Spread it on some crisp lettuce, or just dig in with a fork; it’s that versatile. Plus, it’s a smart way to use leftover ham, so nothing goes to waste.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Ham Salad

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

Al Pastor Carnitas

Craving something savory? Al Pastor Carnitas is your go-to. It gives you all the flavor-packed goodness without tipping the carb scale. It’s one of those meals that make you forget you’re watching your carbs.
Get the Recipe: Al Pastor Carnitas

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.