21 low-carb meals that fill you up, keep you happy, and never feel like a sacrifice

Photo of author

| Published:

Skipping carbs doesn’t mean settling for meals that leave you hungry or regretting life choices. With 21 hearty low-carb dishes, there’s no need to feel like something’s missing because these meals bring the kind of comfort that sticks with you. Big portions, bold flavors, and the kind of food that makes you forget bread ever existed. Eating low-carb isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about enjoying every bite without the usual carb crash.

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

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.

If you’re looking to shake things up for dinner without ditching your low-carb goals, we’ve got something special. Picture small, juicy pieces of steak, soaking up that rich garlic butter flavor, reminiscent of your favorite escargot. Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style packs a punch of flavor without the carbs. Perfect for a fulfilling meal, it proves you don’t need a lot of carbs to feel full and content.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Steak Bites Escargot-Style

Tom Kha Soup

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

Who says you need to miss out on exotic flavors while keeping things low-carb? Tom Kha Soup is a fantastic way to enjoy a burst of flavor without any guilt. Its rich, creamy base combined with unique spices and herbs will keep your belly full and your taste palate happy. Plus, it’s a great way to warm up and fill up any time of year without feeling like you’re missing out.
Get the Recipe: Tom Kha Soup

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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

For those nights when you crave something light yet fulfilling, Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp has got your back. It’s not just about the shrimp; it’s about bringing the essence of the Mediterranean to your plate without loading up on carbs. With this dish, you get to enjoy a vibrant, fulfilling meal that’s both easy to prepare and delicious to eat. It’s perfect for a feel-good dinner that still aligns with your low-carb lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate with seasoned asparagus and garlic butter chicken bites topped with herbs. A halved grilled lemon and fresh parsley are nearby on a white floral tablecloth.
Garlic Butter Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Getting bored of the same old chicken recipes can make any diet seem dull. That’s where Garlic Butter Chicken Bites come into play. Turn your ordinary chicken into something extraordinary with a simple twist, adding heaps of flavor without the carbs. This dish is a testimony that low-carb doesn’t mean low in taste, and it keeps you well within your dietary goals while pleasing your palate.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Horiatiki Salad

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

Craving something fresh and crunchy without straying from your low-carb path? Horiatiki Salad is your go-to. It’s not just another salad; it’s a refreshing mix that brings summer to your plate in any season. Loaded with flavors and textures, it makes a great side or a light main course, proving that low-carb meals can be simple yet incredibly fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Coleslaw

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

Sometimes, you need a side dish that’s both tangy and crisp without the added worry about carbs. Coleslaw fits the bill perfectly, providing a crunchy texture and a tangy flavor to accompany any meal. It’s a staple that proves you don’t have to give up on enjoying the finer sides of dining when you’re watching your carb intake. Plus, it’s versatile enough to match with virtually any dish.
Get the Recipe: Coleslaw

Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

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

Ditch the notion that sauces are off-limits in a low-carb diet with Authentic Tzatziki Sauce. This Greek sauce brings a creamy, garlic-cucumber flavor that enhances any meal, from grilled meats to simple vegetable sticks. It’s a testament to the fact that you can indulge in rich, creamy sauces without the carb overload. Perfect for adding a refreshing twist to your meals without any guilt.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

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

Missing out on your favorite restaurant flavors can be tough on a low-carb diet, but Copycat Alice Springs Chicken brings the flavor of a dine-out experience right to your kitchen. This dish is a homage to the beloved restaurant classic, offering a hearty meal that satisfies your cravings without breaking your carb count. It’s a comforting, fulfilling choice for those evenings when you want something special without any compromise.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Mediterranean Salmon

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

Mixing up your protein routine while keeping carbs at bay is easy with Mediterranean Salmon. This dish offers a delicious way to enjoy the heart-healthy fats of salmon, along with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s a simple, elegant meal that’s loaded with taste but not with carbs, making it ideal for a nutritious dinner that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Cheeseburger Casserole

Cheeseburger Casserole in a baking dish.
Cheeseburger Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When comfort food calls but carbs are a no-go, Cheeseburger Casserole can satisfy those cravings. This dish reinvents the classic flavors of a cheeseburger in a form that’s friendly to your low-carb diet. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dish for when you want something cozy and fulfilling without all the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Avocado Toast

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

Believe it or not, Avocado Toast can be a low-carber’s best friend when done right. This dish is all about the rich, creamy texture of avocado on top of a low-carb base, offering a simple yet highly fulfilling meal. It’s versatile, delicious, and proves that you don’t need bread to enjoy the classic avocado toast experience. Great for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Toast

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Keeping carbs low doesn’t mean giving up on Italian flavors, as Grilled Bruschetta Chicken beautifully proves. This dish marries the juiciness of grilled chicken with the fresh, vibrant flavors of bruschetta topping. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a taste of Italy without the carb-heavy bread, making your meal both light and fulfilling. Perfect for a flavorful dinner that stays in line with your health goals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables including zucchini, mushrooms, red onions, peppers, and squash, arranged on a rectangular black platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Let’s not forget about the power of perfectly charred Grilled Vegetables to upgrade a low-carb meal. This dish is all about bringing out the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in vegetables through grilling. It’s a side that’s both healthy and hearty, making it a perfect complement to any protein or even great on its own. It shows that keeping carbs low doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Cucumber Salad with Feta

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

For a refreshing side that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, Cucumber Salad with Feta is a stellar pick. It combines the crispness of cucumber with the creamy saltiness of feta, proving that simple ingredients can create a memorable dish. It’s a fantastic addition to any meal, offering a burst of freshness without any carb overload. Ideal for those days when you want something light yet flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

White Chicken Chili

Two cast iron bowls filled with White Chicken Chili.
White Chicken Chili. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Who says chili has to be heavy on the carbs to be comforting? White Chicken Chili is here to change that narrative, offering a hearty bowl of warmth and comfort without the traditional beans. It’s packed with flavor and is sure to keep you satisfied and cozy, proving that comfort food can still fit into a low-carb lifestyle with ease.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili

Cream of Asparagus Soup

A bowl of Cream of Asparagus Soup garnished with asparagus ribbons and lemon zest, served alongside asparagus and lemon zest on a white platter.
Cream of Asparagus Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re in search of a creamy, comforting soup that fits within your low-carb goals, Cream of Asparagus Soup is the answer. This soup is velvety and full of flavor, making it a perfect starter or a light meal on its own. It demonstrates that you can enjoy the luxurious texture and taste of cream-based soups without straying from your dietary needs.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Asparagus Soup

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 offers a fresh twist on salads with a bold flavor profile that keeps things interesting. It’s a dish that exemplifies how salads can be anything but boring, even when they’re keeping carbs to a minimum. With crunchy textures and a savory dressing, it’s a meal that’s as fulfilling as it is tasty, perfect for a no-fuss lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

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.

Craving that diner-style comfort without the side of carbs? Diner Style Salisbury Steak brings home that quintessential comfort food experience. With juicy steak and a flavorful gravy, this dish transforms an everyday meal into something special. It’s proof that mimicking your diner favorites is completely doable within a low-carb framework, bringing both satisfaction and nostalgia to the table.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

Asparagus with Lemon and Parmesan on a white platter.
Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan is a bright, flavor-packed dish that keeps things light and fulfilling. It mixes the crispness of asparagus with the tang of lemon and the richness of Parmesan, offering a sophisticated side that’s surprisingly simple. This salad is a testament to the idea that low-carb eating doesn’t mean bland or boring, but rather, can be refreshing and full of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Salad with Lemon and Parmesan

Pizza Casserole

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

Missing pizza night? Pizza Casserole brings you all the flavors you love, baked into a low-carb delight. This dish proves that you can still enjoy the essence of pizza without the carb-loaded crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together all your favorite pizza toppings in a way that’s friendly to your low-carb diet, ensuring you won’t miss a thing.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Casserole

Chicken Divan

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

Chicken Divan is a classic dish that doesn’t feel like a sacrifice on a low-carb diet. It combines chicken with a creamy sauce, all while keeping carbs in check. This dish is all about enjoying rich flavors and a comforting texture without overloading on carbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a reminder that low-carb meals can still be hearty and fulfilling.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Divan

Leave a Comment

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