We know what you're thinking: Low-carb recipes can tend to be kinda boring, and also kinda hard to convince the rest of the family to eat. But we're here to set the record straight: Whether you're following the keto diet, looking to cut back on gluten, or simply looking to try some new healthy recipes, there's tons of dishes that will make low-carb not only easy, but completely delicious (check out our creamy garlic chicken if you've got naysayers around). For those times you just need a weeknight dinner on the table ASAP, filling snacks for work, or even low-sugar desserts, we've got plenty of creative low-carb inspo (120 ideas, in fact) that you'll actually be excited to dig in to.
First of all, we promise these recipes are not all about the cauliflower. While some of our favorites do rely on that magical brassica, like this “mac” & cheese, we’ve also got tons of recipes that let other ingredients (zucchini, butternut squash, broccoli) shine. For example, we’re big fans of anything that replaces carbs with cheesy, eggy goodness, like these breakfast enchiladas. Another fantastic breakfast innovation—keto granola (so good for when you’re really missing cereal!). Zoodles are another favorite, especially when we expand beyond zucchini, like in these butternut squash noodles. And with our fast food- or deli-inspired dishes, you won’t even miss the bun.
Not sure if low-carb is right for you? We investigated low-carb diet culture, and what we found might surprise you. Think a low-carb diet is too expensive? We can show you how to make 9 low-carb meals for less than $25! Want more low-carb inspiration? Check out dessert recipes here, or in our Keto Made Easy Bookazine. Plus, try our best low-carb breakfasts and easy low-carb side dish recipes.
Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps
We’re always on the lookout for yummy ground turkey recipes, and this one is one of our faves. These lettuce wraps come together fast (just 20 minutes!), are super flavorful, and can be customized how you like it. Top them with your favorite taco toppings, really anything goes!
Get the Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe.
Keto Beef Stroganoff
Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm bowl of classic beef stroganoff. This keto dinner replaces the usual egg noodles with steaming cauliflower rice for a cozy bowl of goodness.
Get the Keto Beef Stroganoff recipe.
Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken
Get these spicy coconut chicken thighs on the grill, you won’t regret it. They're insanely tender thanks to a tasty duo of coconut milk and tenderizing pineapple juice in the marinade.
Get the Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken recipe.
Cabbage Wrap Brats
When you’re looking to cut down on carbs, one of the first things to go is gluten, in the form of tortillas, bread, and more. Though we’re all for a good sandwich or flatbread, oftentimes it’s actually just the tasty fillings we’re after. Our favorite example? These cabbage wrap brats.
Get the Cabbage Wrap Brats recipe.
Low-Carb Beef & Broccoli Noodles
In this easy stir-fry (inspired by a beef-and-broccoli dish I shared with Philip Chiang, the cofounder of P.F. Chang’s), broccoli stems become noodles! If you have a spiralizer or mandoline with a julienne blade, use that, but a knife also works.
Za'atar Sheet-Pan Chicken
We’ve made a lot of great sheet-pan dinners, but this za’atar chicken recipe is a new favorite. Bone-in chicken thighs, baby potatoes, broccoli, and red onion are all tossed in a simple olive oil, lemon juice, and za’atar marinade, then roasted to crispy, schmaltzy perfection. And just to kick it up another notch, we’re drizzling it all in a creamy tahini sauce to finish it off.
Get the Za'atar Sheet-Pan Chicken recipe.
Lobster Salad
Lobster rolls are a classic summer meal, but the truth is, you don't really need the split-top hot dog buns (or melted butter if you're eating it Connecticut-style). Lightly dressed with mayo and finished off with a big squeeze of lemon juice, lobster salad tastes incredible on its own, especially paired with slices of creamy avocado. 😉
Get the Lobster Salad recipe.
Bacon Guac Bombs
Bacon + guacamole = our ideal combo always. Put them in bite-sized form like these in these snack bombs, and we truly can't get enough. Homemade guacamole is rolled into pieces of bacon in these keto-friendly apps that are just as perfect for snacking on throughout the day as they are at your Super Bowl party.
Get the Bacon Guac Bombs recipe.
Creamy Garlic Chicken
Calling all garlic lovers! If you’re the type to use a whole head of garlic when a recipe only calls for one or two cloves, this is the chicken dinner for you. The best part? This whole recipe comes together in just 35 minutes, all in one pot.
Get the Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe.
Air Fryer Steak Bites
Meat lovers alert! Your favorite steak dinner is now the ultimate party food. Air-fried to juicy perfection and tossed in warm garlic butter, these irresistible steak bites are great for a pre-dinner treat or as the main event!
Get the Air Fryer Steak Bites recipe.
Keto Bacon Chicken Thighs With Garlic Cream Sauce
There’s nothing more magical than a juicy chicken thigh topped with a perfect shard of crispy skin. Here, we amp it up even MORE (if that’s possible) by cooking the chicken thighs in bacon fat and topping them in a mushroom Parmesan cream sauce. Bacon, mushrooms, cheese—need we say more? Rich, creamy, and comforting, this easy skillet dish will become your new weeknight favorite, whether you follow a keto diet or not.
Get the Keto Bacon Chicken Thighs With Garlic Cream Sauce recipe.
Feta & Herb-Crusted Salmon
We get it, salmon can be a little… intimidating. Trust us, though—you’ve just gotta find the cooking method that works for you. One of our favorites? Covering a whole fish, rather than individual fillets, with fun toppings to add flavor all on just one sheet pan. For this Mediterranean-inspired version, you just arrange your salmon on a sheet tray (lined with aluminum foil for the easiest cleanup), sprinkle on the toppings, and bake it for 25 minutes. No flipping, no sticking, and no mess!
Get the Feta & Herb-Crusted Salmon recipe.
Pork Chops With Apples
Pork chops often have a bad rap for being dry and boring, but not these! Instead, these easy pork chops get lightly simmered in apple cider with apples and onions that provide tons of flavor. They’re subtly sweetened and completely tender.
Get the Pork Chops With Apples recipe.
Cacio E Pepe Egg Noodles
Cacio e pepe is one of our all time FAVORITE pasta dishes. This lightened-up version calls for making your pasta from scratch—the good news is it's SO much easier than it sounds. All you need is a good nonstick pan. It's so simple and yet so fun to make and, of course, absolutely delicious.
Get the Cacio E Pepe Egg Noodles recipe.
Sheet-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon & Asparagus
Garlic and butter might be one of the greatest flavor pairings of all time. Now, garlic butter is here to save your weeknight dinner with this one-pan salmon & asparagus meal that's ready in as little as 30 minutes! In this simple sheet-pan supper, salmon teams up with asparagus and onions.
Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps
We’re kind of obsessed with Philly cheesesteaks. Thinly sliced beef, melty cheese, onions and peppers, all tucked into a hoagie roll—it's everything we love. But what if you’re avoiding gluten or carbs (maybe on that low-carb or keto life)? Don’t worry, we’ve got you too. Try these Philly cheesesteak cabbage wraps—they’re everything you love about the OG, without the bread.
Spicy Sesame Salmon
If you’re looking for a new way to cook salmon, may we introduce this spicy sesame salmon? Similar to the beloved sesame-crusted tuna, this salmon gets coated in sesame seeds to lend crunch and flavor.
Get the Spicy Sesame Salmon recipe.
Keto Crunchwrap
Taco Bell's Crunchwrap may be the last you expect to be able to eat on the Keto diet. The cabbage wrapped version makes it possible. All of your favorite fillings are there, including a crunch cheese crisp to imitate the tostada you'd normally find in a crunchwrap supreme and keto-friendly cheese sauce too!
Get the Keto Crunchwrap recipe.
Cacio E Pepe Sweet Potato Noodles
Looking to convert a spiralized veggie skeptic? Make them these cacio e pepe sweet potato noodles. Tossed in buttery black pepper sauce and showered with Parmesan and Pecorino, these sweet potato noodles are so delicious that no one will even think about asking for “regular” pasta.
Reuben Bowls
The Reuben will always hold a special place in our hearts when it comes to our favorite classic sandwiches, but we'll be the first to admit: it's got a LOT going on. Corned beef, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese are all precariously stuffed between two pieces of rye bread, and if it's not perfectly wrapped from the deli, you’re in for a messy time. Skip all of that by making our Reuben bowls instead (same idea, easier execution). They’ve got all the flavors you love, in a convenient bowl perfect for any meal.
Get the Reuben Bowls recipe.
Camille Lowder is the digital food producer at Delish, otherwise known as our resident queen of recipe galleries. Previously, she attended the Natural Gourmet Institute for culinary school and worked at/managed a number of New York restaurants. She loves anything vegan, foods masquerading as other foods (hello, cauliflower), and a well-used Oxford comma.
Mackenzie Filson is a food writer and contributing digital food producer at Delish. Her favorite ice cream flavor is chocolate-pine. If wine was an astrological sign she'd be a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. She's never met a bag of Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos she didn't eat in one sitting.