28 low-carb meals for when you’ve decided carbs are overrated

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So, you’ve decided carbs are overrated and you’re ready to embrace the world of low-carb meals. Good news: you don’t have to sacrifice taste or spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy these recipes. These low-carb dishes are so simple and flavorful, you’ll wonder why you didn’t kick carbs to the curb sooner.

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Loaded broccoli cauliflower casserole in a baking dish garnished with green onions.
Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

If you think carbs are overrated, this Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is right up your alley. It’s a dish where broccoli and cauliflower are smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with bits of crispy bacon for that perfect crunch. It’s a full-flavored fest without the carbs, cooked in 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner, it’s straightforward and delicious, plus it’s a hit even if you’re not all-in on the low-carb lifestyle yet. Trust me, it’s so good, you won’t miss the pasta. It is as easy as it gets — mix, bake, and enjoy for those who dread meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole

Big Mac Salad

A person holding serving spoons in a bowl of Big Mac salad.
Big Mac Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Big Mac Salad throws a party in your bowl when you’re tired of the same old salads. It’s all the best of a cheeseburger — juicy ground beef, bacon, and cheese, but with greens instead of a bun. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a perfect, hearty meal that keeps it low on carbs but high on flavor. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget all about bread and makes sticking to a low-carb diet feel like a cheat day. Skipping carbs can taste just like a treat from a burger joint! Plus, it’s super filling, so you won’t be raiding the fridge an hour later.
Get the Recipe: Big Mac Salad

Keto Zuppa Toscana

A bowl of keto zuppa Toscana with a spoon in it.
Keto Zuppa Toscana. Photo credit: Plays Well With Butter.

Wave goodbye to carb-heavy soups and say hello to Keto Zuppa Toscana. This soup swaps out potatoes for radishes but keeps all the rich flavors you love, like Italian sausage and creamy broth. It cooks up in about an hour and pairs well with keto-friendly bread. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something comforting and low-carb. Plus, if you’re into meals that taste even better the next day, this soup has your back. It’s like the soup version of a cozy blanket — except you can eat this one, and it’ll keep your carb count down, too.
Get the Recipe: Keto Zuppa Toscana

Tuna Egg Salad

A close-up of a bowl of tuna egg salad mixed with celery, onions, and dill, topped with freshly ground black pepper, with a spoon placed on the side.
Tuna Egg Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Tuna Egg Salad is so easy and quick, it’ll be the dish you turn to when you’ve decided high-carb meals just aren’t worth the trouble. Ready in 25 minutes, this salad is perfect for a quick dinner or a make-ahead lunch. The key components involve hard-boiling some eggs, mashing them, and mixing in canned albacore tuna, Greek yogurt, celery, red onion, pickles, and seasonings. It’s a creamy, protein-packed salad that fits seamlessly into your new, low-carb lifestyle.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Egg Salad

Bell Pepper Sandwich

Bell pepper sandwich cut in half on a plate.
Bell Pepper Sandwich. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You don’t need bread to make a great sandwich! Our Bell Pepper Sandwich features crisp bell peppers stuffed with layers of deli turkey, bacon, and provolone cheese. It’s a fresh, innovative take ready in just 10 minutes. It packs a crunch and flavor and is great for a low-carb lunch on the go. If you’re trying to cut carbs but miss your sandwiches, it is your new best friend. It’s bright, fun, and the kind of meal that picks you up on a busy day without weighing you down with bread.
Get the Recipe: Bell Pepper Sandwich

Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Chicken with creamy mushroom sauce in a pan.
Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

This Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce is a simple yet impressive dish. It features chicken breasts smothered in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, all cooked in one pan within 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner without skimping on taste or texture. The creamy sauce has a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, making it a great match for a side of greens or cauliflower rice. It’s comfort food without the heavy carbs, showing that low-carb can still mean high enjoyment.
Get the Recipe: Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Asparagus Noodles With Alfredo Sauce And Bacon

In FDL library.
Asparagus Noodles With Alfredo Sauce And Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Asparagus Noodles With Alfredo Sauce And Bacon is a quick 30-minute meal when you want to laugh at high-carb meals. The dish features crispy bacon and fresh asparagus tossed in a creamy sauce, all without the pasta. It’s a great pick for impressing someone or just treating yourself right. This recipe shows you can live large on the low-carb side, perfect for those nights when pasta seems overrated. Great for a hearty meal that won’t leave you feeling weighed down. Plus, you can enjoy bold flavors like these without the extra carbs!
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Noodles With Alfredo Sauce And Bacon

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Tuscan garlic shrimp and spinach with tomatoes in a pan.
Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach is your go-to for a fancy-looking dinner without the hassle. It takes 30 minutes to toss garlic, shrimp, tomatoes, and spinach into a pan and call it a meal. Serve it over cauliflower rice or zoodles to keep it all low-carb. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something quick, but it still feels special. Plus, it’s light enough that you won’t need a nap afterward — just what you need when carbs think a bit too much. It’s a smart way to enjoy dinner without feeling stuffed.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Creamy chicken thighs with artichoke hearts in a pan.
Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts is a must-try, especially when you’ve decided that carbs are not the boss of you. In just 30 minutes, you get juicy chicken thighs smothered in a creamy lemon-artichoke sauce. It’s a down-to-earth filling and pairs well with green beans for a rounded meal. Throw in some capers if you’re adventurous — it won’t hurt. This dish is a testament to keeping things low-carb and still packing in loads of flavor. It’s a solid choice for a delicious meal without the post-carb crash.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Thighs with Artichoke Hearts

Italian Sausage Soup

Creamy Italian sausage soup in a pot with a spoon and garnishes on the side.
Italian Sausage Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Italian Sausage Soup is a comforting bowl of goodness ready in 30 minutes. It’s packed with Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and tangy tomatoes. This hearty soup cooks in one pot, making it easy to prepare and clean up. It combines bold flavors and textures, perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something comforting. It’s great alone or with a slice of keto bread for dipping. After a long day, this soup is like a hug in a bowl, minus the carbs. It’s perfect when you want to keep it simple but hearty, showing you can skip the carbs and still have a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Italian Sausage Soup

Cabbage and Sausage

A pan of cabbage and sausage garnished with fresh herbs.
Cabbage and Sausage. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cabbage and Sausage is the quick, no-nonsense dinner you need when you’re too busy to stress over food. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines flavorful sausage with sweet, tender cabbage for a meal that’s straightforward but hits the spot. This pan-fried dish captures the rich flavors of the sausage and the mild sweetness of the cabbage, making it a full-flavored meal that’s both good and easy to make. This dish is a champion for anyone trying to cut down on carbs but not on taste. It’s a great way to enjoy dinner without piling on the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage and Sausage

Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Sausage and veggies sheet pan dinner with a spoon.
Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

You don’t need pasta to feel full! The Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner throws that idea out the window. Line up your sausages alongside a mix of bell peppers, onions, and zucchini on a sheet pan. Bake it, and in about 30 minutes, you’ve got a hearty meal. It’s a perfect low-carb option when you think carbs are overrated. This dish is a true time saver for those busy nights when you want a filling meal without the hassle. And if you’re worried about lunch tomorrow, the leftovers are just as good — if not better — the next day.
Get the Recipe: Sausage and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner

Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Coconut curry Thai turkey meatballs on top of cauliflower rice in a bowl.
Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Dive into the flavors of Thailand with Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs. This recipe uses ground turkey with coconut milk, curry spices, and a hint of cilantro to create a mouthwatering meal that ditches the carbs. This dish is a testament to the joy of low-carb living, ready in just 30 minutes and served over a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something special without spending all night in the kitchen. Plus, they freeze like a dream. Cook a double batch, and you’ll have a killer meal ready for those nights when turning on the oven feels too much.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Curry Thai Turkey Meatballs

Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Bacon ranch chicken salad cucumber boats lined up on a plate.
Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Light, crisp, and flavorful, Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats are your new go-to for a quick and refreshing meal. Mix chicken breast, crispy bacon, and some cheese, then spoon it into halved cucumbers. It’s a fun take on a traditional salad and keeps the carbs so low you’ll forget they’re a thing. Ready in no time, these boats are perfect for hot days or when you’re not in the mood to cook but still want something that hits the spot. Keeping the filling and cucumbers separate means you get that perfect crunch with every bite. It’s like a meal and a snack all in one.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad Cucumber Boats

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Creamy Tuscan chicken in a skillet.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken is the dish you make when you want to impress without the stress. This one-pan wonder combines seared chicken thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a garlic cream sauce. It’s luxurious, it’s flavorful, and it’s ready in 40 minutes. You don’t need pasta when you can have all this goodness without the carbs! It’s a great pick for a low-carb dinner that feels fancy but is straightforward. Plus, the leftovers make a killer lunch the next day. So, it’s not just dinner — it’s tomorrow’s envy-inducing desk lunch, too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Keto Chicken Nuggets

Keto chicken nuggets on a plate with a cup of dipping sauce.
Keto Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Keto Chicken Nuggets are here to save your snack time — and they’re not just for kids when you’re craving something crispy. It’s made with canned chicken, mozzarella, sunflower seed meal, and almond flour; these nuggets are tender and crispy. Whip them up in 30 minutes and dip them in your favorite low-carb sauce. They show that going low-carb doesn’t mean giving up on your favorites. They freeze well, so you can have a quick meal or snack ready anytime. Say goodbye to carb regrets and hello to crispy, low-carb nuggets.
Get the Recipe: Keto Chicken Nuggets

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

A glass bowl of jalapeño popper chicken salad ingredients.
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Spice up your lunch with Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad. Jalapeños and creamy chicken make a great combo, perfect for a low-carb meal. Enjoy it on its own or in a lettuce wrap for some crunch. This salad is a great choice for when you’re done with carbs. It’s made with simple ingredients like chicken, jalapeños, and a creamy dressing, and this salad is a breeze to put together. For those looking for a quick and delicious low-carb lunch, this salad will have you questioning why carbs ever matter. Plus, it’s a perfect way to keep your taste buds happy while sticking to your low-carb goals.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Popper Chicken Salad

Creamy Dijon Chicken

A pan of creamy dijon chicken with herbs and bacon.
Creamy Dijon Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Dijon Chicken makes weeknights easy and filling. Ready in 30 minutes, this one-pan dish mixes chicken, mustard sauce, spinach, and bacon. It’s low-carb and great for dinner. Say goodbye to pasta. The creamy mustard sauce brings a tangy taste, while the bacon adds a salty punch, making this meal far from boring. This dish also reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers. For anyone fed up with carbs, this low-carb meal will remind you that dinner can be quick, flavorful, and stress-free. So, toss out that pasta and enjoy a meal that does all the heavy lifting.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Dijon Chicken

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cheesy beef casserole with cauliflower rice and spinach being spooned out of a baking dish.
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach is perfect for busy nights. Ground beef, cauliflower rice, spinach, and cheese come together in 30 minutes for a hearty, low-carb meal. Enjoy it alone or with a side salad. It’s a great comfort food without the carbs. This casserole is super easy to make and is packed with flavor, making it a family favorite. Perfect for those nights when you need something hearty without the carb load. This dish is like your favorite cozy sweater — comforting and reliable, but without all the carbs weighing you down.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Cauliflower risotto in a pan.
Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms is a quick, one-pot side dish ready in 30 minutes. It’s made with cauliflower rice, mushrooms, cream, and parmesan; it’s low-carb and feels like a treat. The creamy texture and rich flavor of this risotto will make you wonder why you ever needed rice in the first place. This dish pairs well with any protein and can easily be adapted to include your favorite veggies. Perfect for weeknight dinners when carbs are not on the menu. Perfect for anyone sticking to low-carb meals, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food without the carb crash.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Risotto with Mushrooms

Fried Cabbage With Bacon

A pan full of bacon and cabbage with a wooden spoon.
Fried Cabbage With Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Fried Cabbage With Bacon is a simple, delicious meal ready in 25 minutes. It’s a low-carb hit that is perfect as a side or light main course. After a long day, this dish is a great carb-free comfort. With crispy bacon and tender cabbage, this dish brings flavor with minimal effort. It’s a great option for those looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing taste. Perfect for weeknights when you want something quick and filling. This dish will do the trick if you’re over carbs and need an easy and filling meal. It’s like a friend that always has your back — reliable and never disappointing.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken is a rich, one-pan meal-ready fast. It features chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and parmesan, making it low-carb and great — it pairs well with zoodles. You don’t need pasta with this around. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for those nights when you need a comforting meal without all the carbs. If you’ve decided carbs are overrated, this meal will quickly become a favorite. It’s quick, easy, and tastes like you spent way more time on it than you did.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken

Sticky Sauce Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sticky Sauce Chicken is great for when you want a low-carb meal that makes pasta seem boring. Chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy garlic-ginger sauce, ready in 30 minutes. Serve with roasted broccoli for balance. Add some orange juice or chili flakes for extra flavor. You’ll need chicken, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a sweetener like honey or a low-carb substitute. Perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s like a comforting hug after a long day, and it’ll make you forget carbs existed. This is your go-to when you’re tired but still want something delicious.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Sauce Chicken

Baked Parmesan Salmon

Keto baked parmesan salmon on foil on a baking sheet.
Baked Parmesan Salmon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Baked Parmesan Salmon is a quick 25-minute nutritious and flavorful dinner, perfect for those busy evenings. Pair with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. It’s a fancy meal without the carbs. You’ll need salmon, Parmesan cheese, and a few spices. This meal is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge overnight. After a hectic day, this salmon dish feels like a win. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be hard, and this salmon is proof of this. You don’t need pasta when you’ve got this!
Get the Recipe: Baked Parmesan Salmon

Creamy Garlic Chicken

A white skillet of creamy garlic chicken garnished with herbs.
Creamy Garlic Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a one-pan wonder that makes pasta look pointless. Chicken breasts in a rich garlic sauce, ready in 30 minutes. Serve over cauliflower rice for a hearty, low-carb dinner. Perfect for nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll need chicken breasts, garlic, heavy cream, and butter. The sauce keeps well, so you can enjoy freshly prepared cauliflower rice anytime. It’s a great meal after a hard day without the carb crash — quick, easy, and oh-so-good.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Garlic Chicken

Canned Chicken Patties

Chicken patties with broccoli on a plate.
Canned Chicken Patties. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Canned Chicken Patties are a quick, low-carb meal that puts pasta to shame. It’s made with canned chicken, eggs, and seasonings, ready in 20 minutes. These patties are perfect for meal prep and busy nights. Serve with a side salad for balance. They freeze and reheat well, making them great for quick lunches or dinners. Add some herbs or minced veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Fast, delicious, and no carb overload. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner in a hurry but still want something good.
Get the Recipe: Canned Chicken Patties

Shawarma Kebabs

A plate of shawarma kebabs with greens and lemon slices.
Shawarma Kebabs. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Shawarma Kebabs are a high-protein, low-carb meal that makes pasta look outdated — seasoned chicken on skewers is baked in 30 minutes. Serve with tzatziki and cilantro lime cauliflower rice for a complete meal. You’ll need chicken, spices like cumin and paprika, and skewers. These kebabs are great for weeknights when you want something delicious without much effort. They’re a flavorful way to end the day, minus the carbs. They’ll become a weeknight favorite, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Goodbye pasta, hello kebabs!
Get the Recipe: Shawarma Kebabs

Lemon Garlic Scallops

Scallops with parsley and garlic in a skillet.
Lemon Garlic Scallops. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Lemon Garlic Scallops are a low-carb dish that makes pasta seem dull. Scallops cooked with lemon, garlic, and butter, ready in 25 minutes. Serve over zucchini noodles for a great low-carb meal. Perfect for a quick yet fancy dinner. Scallops are best fresh, but leftovers are good for lunch the next day. Add a dash of saffron or some fresh herbs for extra flair. This dish feels like a gourmet treat without the hassle, and it is great for a pick-me-up after a long day. It is quick, fancy, and has no carbs to slow you down.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Garlic Scallops

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