Lean and clean: 17 ways to satisfy without the carbs

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Ready to enjoy meals that are lean, clean, and surprisingly filling? Check out these 17 ways to keep carbs at bay while still enjoying every bite. Each recipe is designed to keep you feeling great and satisfied, without the extra carbs weighing you down. It’s a win-win for your taste and waistline. Say goodbye to carb overload and hello to delicious, smart eating!

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

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

For those who love a good hearty meal without the heavy carbs, Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken is a must-try. It captures the essence of the popular restaurant dish, focusing on lean protein and bold spices. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week. This recipe shows that cutting carbs doesn’t mean sacrificing on flavor or feeling hungry afterward.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Spring’s Chicken

Cucumber Salad with Feta

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

Refreshing and crisp, Cucumber Salad with Feta offers a perfect side dish or light lunch option. It combines the freshness of cucumbers with the creamy tanginess of feta cheese, all seasoned with herbs for that extra punch. This dish is a testament to simplicity being key to a clean and lean diet. It’s amazingly easy to put together for those who are always on the go.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken brings a fiesta to your mouth without overloading on the carbs. Slow-cooked to perfection, this chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with spices that remind you of your favorite Mexican cuisine. It’s an excellent way to mix up your meal plan with something that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. Plus, leftovers make for great taco fillings the next day.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

If you’re craving something uniquely American, Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich hits the spot without the bread. It’s all about the seasoned ground beef, which mimics the classic Midwest sandwich filling. By simply skipping the bun and opting for a lettuce wrap or a low-carb alternative, you’re all set for a light but fulfilling meal. It’s especially popular among kids and adults alike.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

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.

Looking for a meal that’s light, nutritious, and can be thrown together in minutes? Chinese Chicken Salad is your answer. It’s a vibrant mix of vegetables, lean chicken, and a tangy dressing that packs a punch without weighing you down. This salad is all about texture and freshness, making it a perfect lunch or dinner option. Whoever said salads are boring has never tried this one.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips on a white plate.
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Craving some southern comfort food but not the carbs that usually come with it? Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips dish is rich in flavors, featuring tender beef simmered in a hearty gravy. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent while keeping things light on the carbs. Serve it over cauliflower mash for a complete meal that won’t have you missing the potatoes. It’s a weeknight dinner game-changer.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Beef Tips

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.

Diner Style Salisbury Steak offers a nostalgic taste of Americana sans the heavy carbs. This version focuses on a juicy, well-seasoned patty smothered in a rich mushroom gravy. It proves that you can still enjoy your favorite diner classics while sticking to a lighter eating plan. It pairs beautifully with some sautéed greens or mashed cauliflower. This is comfort food done right and light.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Mediterranean Chopped Salad

Mediterranean Chopped Salad with crumbled feta cheese, on a yellow plate with flower designs.
Mediterranean Chopped Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Bright, fresh, and bursting with a variety of textures, Mediterranean Chopped Salad is a testament to how delicious clean eating can be. It’s packed with fresh veggies, olives, and a sprinkle of feta, all brought together with a light vinaigrette. This salad is not just a side dish; it’s hearty enough to stand as a meal on its own. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when you want something filling but not heavy.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chopped Salad

The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl is a dream come true for anyone looking to keep things lean and clean. It has all the flavors you love from Taco Bell but without the guilt. Instead of rice, opt for cauliflower rice or a mix of lettuce and greens for the base. This bowl is so loaded, you won’t miss the carbs.
Get the Recipe: The Perfect Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Mediterranean Cod

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

Dig into the flavors of the Mediterranean with less of the carbs with the Mediterranean Cod. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fish that’s both fulfilling and simple to make. Paired with a side of grilled vegetables, it’s a meal that feels special but is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner. If you’re aiming for a lighter eating plan, this fish dish is a great addition.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cod

Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek Chicken on a white plate with lemon slices.
Grilled Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Greek Chicken offers a fantastic way to enjoy bold flavors without loading up on carbs. Marinated in herbs and spices, the chicken comes off the grill juicy and fragrant. It’s perfect served with a Greek salad or some tzatziki and cucumber slices on the side. This recipe is proof that you can have a meal that’s both simple and exciting. Plus, it’s an excellent choice for a summer barbecue or a simple family dinner.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken

Cheeseburger Casserole

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

This dish is like having your favorite burger in a bowl, without the heavy bun. It mixes ground beef with cheese and traditional burger toppings, baked until bubbly and delicious. It’s a clever way to enjoy the essence of a cheeseburger while keeping things lighter and lower in carbs. Cheeseburger Casserole is especially a hit with kids, making it a weeknight dinner winner.
Get the Recipe: Cheeseburger Casserole

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

For an elegant meal that’s surprisingly easy, Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu is a standout choice. It involves wrapping chicken around ham and cheese, then air frying to achieve that perfect crisp without deep frying. This method not only reduces the carbs but also cuts down on the fats. It’s a lighter take on the classic dish that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
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.

Shirazi Salad is a refreshing option, popular for its simplicity and clean, bright flavors. Originating from the Middle East, it combines cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs in a light dressing. It’s the perfect cool-down salad for any meal or even as a meal on its own. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to add a burst of freshness to your eating plan. This salad is a clear winner for those looking to eat more veggies.
Get the Recipe: Shirazi Salad

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For those who love to fire up the grill, Korean Galbi Ribs are a must-try. It’s a dish that lets you enjoy bold, complex tastes while maintaining a lean eating style. Served with a side of lettuce for wrapping, it turns into a hands-on meal that’s both fun and light. Galbi ribs show that you can enjoy traditional flavors in a healthier way.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

A plate with seasoned asparagus and diced chicken 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.

Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are perfect for when you want something quick, easy, and light. These bites are packed with flavor, thanks to the garlic and butter, and they cook up in no time. It’s an excellent protein-rich snack or can be turned into a meal with some veggie sides. They’re also a hit for meal prep, easily added to salads or cauliflower rice bowls for lunches throughout the week.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Nothing says comfort food quite like Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. This version keeps things lighter without losing the essence of the dish. It’s a juicy beef patty covered in a homemade mushroom sauce, perfect for a cozy night in. Pair it with mashed cauliflower or steamed green beans, and you’ve got a comfort meal that’s low in carbs. It’s a classic done in a new and lighter way, making it a fantastic dinner option.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

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