17 low-carb spring salads and side dishes to complement any meal

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Keeping meals fresh and balanced doesn’t have to take much work. These low-carb salads and side dishes make it simple to round out a plate with something satisfying. Perfect for pairing with any main dish, they bring variety without overcomplicating things. Whether prepping ahead or making something last minute, they fit into any schedule.

Keto Fried Cheese Balls with parsley.
Fried Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Lecso Vegetable Stew

A girl holding a big casserole filled with vegetable stew.
Lecso Vegetable Stew. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

With Lecso Vegetable Stew, you’re in for a warm and comforting dish that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful. This stew offers a homely embrace on cooler spring evenings, making it a staple in your low-carb lineup. It integrates seamlessly with any meal, providing a fulfilling yet simple side. Its straightforward preparation ensures you can enjoy a hearty dish without spending all day in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Lecso Vegetable Stew

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Tabbouleh Salad inside colorful bowls.
Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad is a fresh and vibrant choice for those seeking a light, nutritious side dish. Packed with fresh flavors, it’s an ideal complement to any meal, bringing a burst of freshness to your plate. It’s not only visually appealing but also a breeze to prepare, aligning perfectly with a healthy, low-carb lifestyle. This refreshing salad is sure to become a regular in your spring meal rotation.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Tabbouleh Salad

Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven

Crispy Baked Zucchini served on a white plate.
Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

When you try Crispy Baked Zucchini in Oven, you’ll discover a crispy, golden treat that makes a perfect snack or side dish. It’s prepared from simple, wholesome ingredients that bake together to form a light, crunchy bite. This dish pairs beautifully with any main course, offering a low-carb alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe that brings a fresh twist to your dining table.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Baked Zucchini

Avocado Egg Salad

Avocado Egg Salad on a salad leaves.
Avocado Egg Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

A creamy, flavorful option for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal or side is Avocado Egg Salad. It combines rich textures with savory flavors, creating a dish that’s both fulfilling and nutritious. Ideal for a light lunch or as a complement to a larger spread, it’s versatile and fits well into a low-carb diet. This salad showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something deliciously memorable.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Egg Salad

Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling

Keto steamed bread on a wooden board sliced.
Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling offers a delicious twist on a traditional favorite, making it a must-try for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake while still enjoying familiar textures and flavors. These dumplings are soft, and flavorful, and pair wonderfully with any stew or sauce, soaking up flavors while maintaining their distinctive character. Making them is straightforward, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Steamed Bread Dumpling

Faux Potato Salad

A white bowl of potato salad with mayonnaise.
Faux Potato Salad. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Enjoy a creative take on a classic dish, perfect for those following a low-carb diet with Faux Potato Salad. This salad mimics the beloved flavors of traditional potato salad without the carbs, making it a hit at any gathering. It’s a wonderfully light side dish that complements grilled meats or sandwiches, ensuring your meal remains balanced and healthful. This recipe proves that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition.
Get the Recipe: Faux Potato Salad

Low Carb Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese sauce in a small cast iron.
Low Carb Bolognese Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

If you’re in the mood for Italian, then Low Carb Bolognese Sauce is a game-changer, offering all the robust, savory flavors of traditional bolognese without the heavy carbs. This sauce pairs excellently with low-carb pasta alternatives, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. It’s a rich, comforting sauce that brings depth and warmth to any meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up for a family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Bolognese Sauce

Best Salsa

Salsa in a container with chips around.
Best Salsa. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Your go-to recipe for adding a splash of freshness and excitement to any dish is Best Salsa. This vibrant, chunky salsa is not only low in carbs but also explodes with flavor, making it a perfect dip or topping. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a stand-alone snack with low-carb chips. This easy-to-make salsa is guaranteed to bring a lively touch to your table, ensuring your meals are anything but boring.
Get the Recipe: Best Salsa

Homemade Marinara Sauce

Marinara Sauce in a white bowl.
Homemade Marinara Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Homemade Marinara Sauce is a versatile kitchen staple that can transform simple ingredients into a gourmet meal. Its bright, tomato-based flavor works wonders with a variety of dishes, making it a must-have recipe for your low-carb repertoire. Whether you’re dressing zoodles or topping a protein, this sauce adds a punch of flavor with minimal effort. It’s a simple, foolproof recipe that anyone can make and everyone will love.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Marinara Sauce

FDL’S 75 Best Bites

FDL's best bites tasty recipes.
FDL’S 75 Best Bites. Photo credit: Food Drink Life.

Our cookbook with 75 tasty recipes will be your go-to kitchen companion for easy dinners with ad-free recipes right at your fingertips. Crafted by experienced chefs and recipe developers, this collection offers a treasure trove of tried-and-true dishes that make mealtime a breeze.
Get the Recipe: FDL’S 75 Best Bites

Easy Healthy Creamy Salsa Dressing

Easy Healthy Creamy Salsa Dressing in a dish with a spoon dishing it up.
Easy Healthy Creamy Salsa Dressing. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This recipe is a creamy, tangy addition that transforms any salad from ordinary to extraordinary. This dressing blends smooth, rich textures with the lively flavors of traditional salsa, offering a low-carb solution to bland salads. It’s quick to prepare and can also double as a dip or a topping for grilled vegetables. Easy Healthy Creamy Salsa Dressing proves that healthy, flavorful dressings can be simple to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Easy Healthy Creamy Salsa Dressing

Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Cheese Puffs with fresh parsley.
Cheese Puffs Air Fryer. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

For a light, airy snack that’s sure to please, Cheese Puffs Air Fryer is an absolute must-try. These puffs come out of the air fryer golden brown and deliciously crisp, making them a perfect bite-sized treat or appetizer. They’re not only low in carbs but also packed with flavor, proving that fulfilling your cheese cravings can still be part of a healthy diet. Plus, their effortless preparation makes them ideal for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Cheese Puffs Air Fryer

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing in a glass bowl with a stick of veggie.
Homemade Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Homemade Ranch Dressing brings a fresh, vibrant flavor to any salad or veggie platter, without the additives found in store-bought versions. It’s a wonderful way to add excitement to your meals, ensuring you can enjoy rich, creamy dressing on a low-carb diet. This dressing is so versatile, it can also serve as a dip or a spread, making it a valuable addition to your culinary toolkit. Preparing it at home is both rewarding and simple.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ranch Dressing

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Cheesy Cauliflower Rice on a spoon with melted cheese strikes.
Cheesy Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This dish is an ingenious low-carb side that convincingly replaces traditional rice, offering a comforting, cheesy twist. Cheesy Cauliflower Rice perfectly complements any main dish, providing the satisfaction of a rice dish without the heavy carbs. This recipe is a testament to cauliflower’s versatility, transforming it into something indulgent yet nutritious. Plus, its ease of preparation makes it an appealing choice for any cook.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Cauliflower Rice

Veggie Noodles

Palmini noodles inside skillet.
Veggie Noodles. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Spiralized vegetables shine in Veggie Noodles, a low-carb alternative to traditional pasta that’s both playful and delicious. This dish invites creativity, allowing you to mix in your favorite flavors and ingredients for a personalized meal. It pairs beautifully with any sauce or dressing, making it a versatile option for light lunches or dinner sides. Plus, it’s a fun way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Noodles

Low Carb Dumplings Recipe

A plate of several seasoned dumplings garnished with fresh herbs.
Low Carb Dumplings Recipe. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Bring a guilt-free twist to a traditional favorite, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the pleasures of dumplings without the carbs with Low Carb Dumplings Recipe. These dumplings are tender, fulfilling, and can be filled with your favorite savory mixtures. They’re an ideal match for a variety of soups and stews, adding a layer of comfort to your meal. Preparing them is simpler than you might think, allowing for a fun cooking project.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Dumplings Recipe

Cauliflower Rice Recipes

Various bowls of creamy cauliflower dishes.
Cauliflower Rice Recipes. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Cauliflower Rice Recipes offer endless versatility and are a staple for anyone on a low-carb diet. This dish serves as an excellent base for a variety of flavors, from Mediterranean to Asian-inspired. It proves that swapping grains for vegetables doesn’t mean sacrificing satisfaction or flavor. Whether you’re looking for a simple side or a base for your favorite curry, cauliflower rice is easy to prepare and always delicious.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Rice Recipes

Fried Cheese Balls

Keto Fried Cheese Balls with parsley.
Fried Cheese Balls. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Experience a decadent yet low-carb treat that will satisfy your craving for something crispy and cheesy with Fried Cheese Balls. These balls are a lovely surprise, golden and crunchy on the outside with a melty cheese center. They make for an irresistible appetizer or snack that pairs well with a variety of dipping sauces. Despite their indulgent taste, they’re surprisingly simple to make, ensuring a crowd-pleaser at any table.
Get the Recipe: Fried Cheese Balls

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