Last Updated on November 7, 2022 by

Following a low carb diet can be difficult. However, it’s important to understand that there are many ways to lose weight while still enjoying meals. I’ve outlined some of my go-to low carb meals below so you don’t need to break up with your significant other just yet.

Low carb dinner ideas for weight loss can be hard to come by if you do not know where to look. The vast majority of low carb dinners found online are simply people noodles and pasta in a new fancy way. This is not to say that you cannot lose weight on these types of meals but it can get old really fast. For the sake of this article we will be speaking about the more simple low carb items like cauliflower mash, zoodles and some light meat. If you want to know more about Low Carb Dinner Ideas For Weight Loss, make sure you read this article.

Low Carb Dinner Ideas For Weight Loss

Low carb diets may offer many health benefits, such as weight loss and better blood sugar control, but prepping low carb meals may seem daunting at first — especially if you have a busy schedule.

However, numerous tasty low carb meals require minimal prep and only a handful of ingredients.

Here are 12 simple, healthy low carb recipes, along with a few meal-prep tips.

Low carb meal-prep tips

Here are some strategies to help you succeed with your low carb eating plan.

Easy low carb substitutes

Check this table for easy low carb substitutes for some of your favorite foods:

Time saving meal-prep tips

Eating low carb can be an adjustment and may limit your options for dining out or ordering in. Here are some ways to make low carb meal prep easy:

• Plan your meals for the week. Planning your meals in advance makes it easier to shop for groceries and to stick to your diet when things get busy or hectic.
• Prep certain foods up front. Likewise, prep as much as possible in advance. For instance, you can chop veggies, brown ground beef, and make dressings or marinades in advance. You can also prep all your meals for work during the weekend prior.
• Keep plenty of low carb ingredients on hand. This way, you can throw together a quick low carb meal. For instance, if you have frozen shrimp, shirataki noodles, and a jar of Alfredo sauce, you can make a low carb shrimp Alfredo any time.

Be sure to limit packaged condiments

Some foods contain hidden carbs that may sabotage your low carb diet.

In particular, many condiments are loaded with sugar, even though they may not taste particularly sweet. You may want to avoid or limit the following (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source, 6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source, 9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source):

• ketchup
• honey mustard
• barbecue sauce
• balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette
• teriyaki sauce
• hoisin sauce
• sweet and sour sauce
• fruit salsas such as mango or peach salsa

Easy low carb breakfast recipes

1. Egg and veggie scramble

This dish makes a great breakfast that you can enjoy every day. It’s rich in protein and vegetables to help keep you full for a long time.

Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon (30 mL) coconut oil
• roughly 1 cup (70–150 grams) fresh or frozen vegetables of your choice (I like sliced mushrooms)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Add coconut oil to a skillet and turn the heat to medium.
2. Add vegetables and cook until mostly done or crisp on the bottom. If you use frozen veggies, they’ll need a few extra minutes.
3. Add eggs, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously so that the eggs scramble and don’t burn.
4. As soon as the eggs have set completely, remove the pan from heat and serve the eggs.

Carb content

• varies based on the veggies you include

2. Bacon and eggs

Although bacon is highly processed and may not be appropriate for your everyday breakfast, it’s an excellent treat every once in a while.

Ingredients

• 2 slices bacon
• 2 eggs
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Add bacon to a skillet and fry over medium heat until it reaches the crispness level you like.
2. Transfer bacon to a plate and crack both eggs into the pan, then add salt and pepper. Cook the eggs in the bacon fat.
3. If you like runny yolks, don’t break the yolks. Instead, flip the eggs when the whites on the bottom have set, then remove them once the entire white has set. If you prefer the yolks fully cooked, it’s easiest to break them.

Carb content

• roughly 1 gram of carbs for two slices of bacon and two eggs

3. Overnight chia pudding

Overnight oats are easy and flavorful but loaded with carbs. One alternative is chia pudding, which is much lower in carbs. Tiny, fiber-rich chia seeds absorb liquid and swell overnight to form a jelly-like texture.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons (24 grams) chia seeds
• 3/4 cup (180 mL) unsweetened milk of your choice
• liquid stevia drops (or your preferred sweetener)
• berries for topping (strawberries and raspberries are low in carbs)

Instructions

1. In a lidded Mason jar, combine chia seeds, milk, and liquid stevia drops. Put the lid on the jar and refrigerate overnight.
2. The next morning, top with berries and enjoy.

Carb count

• depends on the type of milk and berries used
• roughly 10 grams of carbs and 9 grams of fiber per 2 tablespoons (24 grams) of chia seeds.

Easy low carb lunch recipes

4. Bunless butter burger

It doesn’t get much easier than a bunless burger that you can dress however you’d like.

Ingredients

• 1/2 tablespoon (7 grams) butter
• 1 preformed hamburger patty
• salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Add butter to a skillet and turn the heat to medium-high.
2. Add hamburger patty and season with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
3. After a few minutes, flip the patty and season the other side. Cook fully, or until the juices run clear.
4. Dress the burger with your favorite low carb toppings and serve with a side salad to make it a complete meal.

Carb count

• A plain, cooked hamburger patty has 0 grams of carbs (14Trusted Source).
• Toppings and sides may add carbs.

5. Avocado Waldorf chicken salad

Avocado serves as a fiber-rich alternative to mayo in this take on a Waldorf chicken salad. To reduce the carbs even further — for instance, to make it keto-friendly — you can exclude the apple and grapes.

Ingredients

• about 1 cup (140 grams) shredded cooked chicken (you can use a rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 1 green apple, cored and diced
• 5 seedless grapes, quartered
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 ounce (28 grams) crushed walnuts
• 1 large avocado, pitted, peeled, and smashed
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) lemon juice
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Combine chicken, apple, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a medium bowl.
2. Add avocado and lemon juice and mix until avocado has coated all other ingredients.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Carb count

• contains roughly 23 grams of carbs and 8 grams of fiber per serving (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source, 17Trusted Source, 18Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source, 21Trusted Source)
• makes 2 servings

6. Low carb snack board

For an easy meal or irresistible party appetizer, make a snack board with your favorite low carb ingredients and dips.

Ingredients

• Meats and proteins: hard-boiled eggs, jerky, pepperoni, salami, deli meats
• Cheeses: pepper jack, Gouda, Parmesan, cheddar
• Nuts and seeds: walnuts, pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
• Fruits: strawberries, blackberries, raspberries
• Vegetables: olives, celery, baby carrots, mini peppers, raw broccoli, raw cauliflower, cherry tomatoes
• Dips: cream cheese dips (unsweetened), sour cream dips, hummus (in small amounts only)

Keep in mind that firm cheeses or individually wrapped soft cheese wedges are easiest to deal with.

Instructions

1. Choose any of the ingredients above and assemble your board in a visually appealing fashion.
2. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or dried herb bundles.

Carb count

• varies depending on serving size and ingredients chosen

Easy low carb dinner recipes

7. Weeknight chicken wings

These wings take very little prep and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) raw, unbreaded chicken wings
• seasoning blend or rub of your choice

Instructions

1. Rub chicken wings with spice blend of your choice.
2. Bake at 360–395°F (180–200°C) for about 40 minutes, or until each wing is fully cooked.
3. To finish, broil the wings until browned and crunchy, flipping as needed. Watch closely so they don’t burn.
4. Serve with ranch dressing, celery sticks, and carrot sticks.

Carb count

• Unbreaded chicken wings are carb-free (22Trusted Source).
• Still, certain rubs or spice blends may contain carbs.

8. Shortcut fajitas

This quick low carb meal uses shredded rotisserie chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) coconut oil
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups (210 grams) shredded cooked chicken (from a rotisserie chicken, if available)
• fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper
• water, as needed
• lettuce
• tomato
• sour cream
• low carb tortillas

If you don’t have fajita seasoning, combine chili, garlic, and onion powders.

Instructions

1. Add oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and bell peppers and cook until some parts are browned but the veggies retain some crispness.
3. Add chicken and seasonings, plus 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) water if needed to help the seasoning stick to the meat and vegetables.
4. Once chicken is cooked through, remove from heat.
5. Serve with lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and low carb tortillas.

Carb count

• The fajita filling contains approximately 9 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber per serving (15Trusted Source, 23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
• This recipe makes 2 servings.
• The carb count may increase, depending on tortillas and toppings.

9. Low carb chicken nuggets

Using an easy breading mixture and an air fryer, you can make healthy, low carb chicken nuggets to rival those from your favorite restaurant.

Ingredients

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup (48 grams) almond flour
• 1/2 cup (45 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into nugget-size pieces
• olive oil cooking spray

Instructions

1. Place beaten egg in a medium bowl.
2. Combine almond flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in another medium bowl.
3. Toss chicken pieces in beaten egg, then bread each piece with almond flour-Parmesan mixture.
4. Place nuggets in an air fryer basket that has been sprayed with cooking spray, and spray nuggets with cooking spray to help them brown.
5. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes, then toss or flip and cook at the same temperature for 5 more minutes.
6. Serve with a low carb dipping sauce and a side salad.

Carb count

• Carb count depends on the size of the nuggets, which affects how much breading adheres to them.
• Still, these nuggets contain minimal carbs from the almond flour and cheese.

10. ‘Meatza’

If you miss pizza on your low carb diet, you’ll love this crustless “meatza.”

This recipe is easy to modify, and you can add any low carb ingredients you want — veggies, mushrooms, cheeses, and so on.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound (225 grams) ground Italian sausage
• 1/4 cup (60 grams) pizza sauce
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) shredded pizza cheese
• your preferred pizza toppings

If you want a less greasy, less messy dish, use a leaner sausage, such as chicken sausage. Alternatively, you can season any type of ground meat to make your own sausage.

Instructions

1. On a nonstick rimmed baking sheet, shape ground sausage into a thin square or circle and bake at 375°F (190°C) until fully cooked.
2. Drain excess fat from the sheet, then add sauce, cheese, and toppings to the sausage.
3. Return the sheet to the oven until the cheese is melted and browned, 10–15 minutes.

Carb count

• varies based on sauce and toppings chosen

11. Cauliflower rice taco bowls

Tacos are still possible on a low carb diet — just opt for taco bowls loaded with low carb ingredients instead of using taco shells.

Ingredients

• cauliflower rice
• cooked, taco-seasoned ground beef
• red onion
• lime wedges
• shredded cheese
• sour cream
• cilantro
• guacamole
• salsa
• lettuce
• radish slices
• taco sauce

Instructions

1. Set out all ingredients, family-style.
2. Let each member of your household prepare their bowl to their liking.

Carb count

• varies based on portion size and ingredients chosen

12. Easy zucchini spaghetti

Using a premade no-sugar-added pasta sauce, you can easily make a low carb zucchini spaghetti.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) lean ground beef
• salt
• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 1 (24-ounce / 700-mL) jar no-sugar-added spaghetti sauce
• grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef until fully browned.
2. While beef is cooking, salt zucchini noodles to draw out excess moisture.
3. Drain excess fat from beef.
4. Reduce heat to low and add sauce to pan with beef.
5. Pat zucchini noodles dry and add them to the pan. Allow them to heat through.
6. Sprinkle each serving with Parmesan before serving.

Carb count

• contains about 10 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber per serving (27Trusted Source, 28Trusted Source, 29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source)
• makes 4 servings

Low carb diets have been shown to offer various health benefits, including weight loss and reduced blood sugar levels. However, it can be tough to stick to a low carb diet without some planning.

That’s where these easy recipes come in. They require relatively few ingredients, and some take just a few minutes to prep — perfect for those with busy schedules.

Just one thing

Try this today: Looking for more tips to help you stick to your low carb diet? Check out our list of 13 easy ways to reduce your carb intake.

Don’t worry about making all these changes at the same time. Instead, focus on making one change at a time until it becomes a habit.

20 Low Carb Recipes You’ll Love

Carbs’ rep is always changing. Either they’re the most adaptive macronutrient or scientists can’t seem to get it right.

The truth is carbohydrates are part of a balanced diet. However, following a low carb meal plan has been shown to improve health and increase weight loss. In fact, the DIRECT study found that those following a low-carb diet plan benefited from increased weight loss and maintenance. From breakfast to dinner and salmon to margaritas, there is a recipe on this list for everyone.

Smoked Salmon & Cucumber Sushi

1

ASPARAGUS LEEK PANCETTA TART

Nutrition: 201 calories, 12.7 g fat (6.8 g saturated), 226.7 mg sodium, 14.9 g carbs, 1.4 g fiber, <1 g sugar, 6.9 g protein (calculated without salt)

“Gluten-free and perfect for brunch,” this sassy tart is a crowd and belly pleaser. Not to mention asparagus is packed with anti-inflammatory phytonutrients and health-promoting antioxidants. It’s also one of the best vegetables for rapid weight loss.

2

BAKED SALMON WITH CREAMY AVOCADO SAUCE

Nutrition: 257 calories, 16.8 g fat (3.1 g saturated), 54 mg sodium, 5.3 g carbs, 3.5 g fiber, <1 g sugar, 23.1 g protein (calculated without salt)

Wild salmon is the Beyonce of proteins. Packed with metabolism-boosting omega-3s and protein, a nutrient that increases post-meal calorie burn by as much as 35 percent, it’s forever stealing the spotlight.

3

PALEO BANANA BREAD MUFFINS

Nutrition: 165 calories, 11.6 g fat (3.3 g saturated), 164 mg sodium, 12.2 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 4.5 g sugar, 5 g protein

Muffin-tops aren’t in style during crop top season…. or ever. But that doesn’t mean you have to completely ditch the food they’re named after. The Paleo Diet is all about consuming nature’s bounty so this version contains eleven wholesome ingredients. It’s got just 165 calories and 12.2 carbs per serving. Now that’s a flat belly muffin we can bite into!

4

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK ZUCCHINI BOATS

Nutrition: 238 calories, 13.8 g fat (5.3 g saturated), 226 mg sodium, 8.9 g carbs, 2.6 g fiber, 4.6 g sugar, 21 g protein

Zucchinis are one super versatile veggie! From zoodles to zoats to zucchini boats, they’re transforming our diets. Who knew Philly cheesesteaks could be more appetizing on a veggie than on a nutrient-void white roll?

5

HEMP CRUSTED BAKED CHICKEN TENDERS

Nutrition: 388 calories, 14.6 g fat (1.2 g saturated), 232 mg sodium, 3.5 g carbs, 1.7 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 60.5 g protein

You’re not imagining that this recipe contains 60.5 grams of satiating protein. Hemp seeds are packed with omega-3s and slimming fiber, transforming the traditional diet-sabotaging chicken tender. And according to studies, marijuana’s edible, non-intoxicating cousin, fights heart disease, obesity, and metabolic syndrome.

6

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH MARJORAM, PINE NUTS, LEEKS & LEMON

Nutrition: 129 calories, 9 g fat (2.2 g saturated), 240 mg sodium, 11.8 g carbs, 3.3 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 3.1 g protein

Cauliflower may have been a veggie that you passed up in the past, but what we’re about to tell you will have you asking for seconds. The cruciferous veggie is boasting with fiber and vitamins B and C, making it both detoxifier and body regulator. And although C has an immunity boosting rep, it’s also been shown to elevate mood and counteracts the stress hormones that trigger the storage of belly fat.

7

COBB SALAD

Nutrition: 211 calories, 11 g fat (2.6 g saturated), 275 mg sodium, 10.7 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 2.5 g sugar, 18.4 g protein

Save 449 calories, 39 grams of fat and 695 milligrams of sodium when you whip up this low carb cobb over the one on Panera’s menu. Consuming nearly a day’s worth of sodium at lunch can lead to high blood pressure and water retention. Steer clear!

8

RAW BEET SALAD WITH CARROT QUINOA SPINACH

Nutrition: 189 calories, 11.9 g fat (1.7 g saturated), 80 mg sodium, 16.5 g carbs, 4.2 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 6.4 g protein

If you’re on an athlete’s eating plan, you’ll want to pay close attention: A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that runners who ate baked beets before a 5k ran five percent faster. This salad may not be baked, but its performance boosting effects are just as lethal. And don’t forget how important nutrition is after an exhausting workout.

Get the recipe from Cookie and Kate.

9

CHIMICHURRI CHICKEN SKEWERS

Nutrition: 356 calories, 23.8 g fat (4.5 g saturated), 247 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 1.1 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 33.2 g protein

These chicken skewers are drizzled with a chimichurri sauce made with fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper flakes and cilantro. The cilantro in this recipe does much more than take your taste buds south of the border; it promotes detoxification by helping to remove heavy metals from the body that tend to hide in fat cells. These heavy metals can disrupt normal tissue function and, as a result, prevent your body from healing and functioning properly. By reducing overall toxins in your body, you can help get rid of excess stored fat, which can help lessen the appearance of cellulite.

Get the recipe from A Happy Food Dance.

10

TURKEY TACO LETTUCE WRAPS

Nutrition: 185 calories, 11.2 g fat (4.1 g saturated), 243 mg sodium, 4 g carbs, 1.2 g fiber, 1.7 g sugar, 18.1 g protein

Taco Tuesdays might need a makeover if you’re still sporting that winter bod. With all the flavor and none of the empty calories, these lettuce wraps got you covered.

11

GRILLED HARISSA SHRIMP SKEWERS

Nutrition: 284 calories, 21.8 g fat (3.4 g saturated), 526 mg sodium, 1.8 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 21 g protein

Each gram of shrimp packs a whopping 25 percent protein and on serving dishes up 80 percent of your DV of vitamin B12, which assists in protein and fat metabolism. Not to mention shrimp is also an excellent source of the antioxidant mineral, selenium. We doubt we need to do much more convincing to get you to skew this noteworthy seafood this weekend.
Get the recipe from A Beautiful Plate.

12

CHICKEN AVOCADO BURGER

Nutrition: 285 calories, 17.2 g fat (3.7 g saturated), 81 mg sodium, 4.7 g carbs, 3.4 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 28.2 g protein

Whether you don’t consume red meat or are just over beef and turkey burgers this chicken version won’t disappoint. It’s got 28 grams of waist-whittling protein, which boosts caloric burn, satiety, and muscle mass.

13

BROCCOLI CRUST PIZZA

Nutrition: 279 calories, 15.8 g fat (8.4 g saturated), 546 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, 3.8 g fiber, 3.1 g sugar, 25.5 g protein (calculated without salt)

Low carb and pizza are rarely ever in the same sentence—unless the we’re talking veggie crust AKA this broccoli version. Just make sure to make it without added salt, get in a sweat sesh, and drink lots of fluids to counteract the sodium content.

14

SKINNY MARGARITA

Nutrition: 145 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated), 100 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 0 g protein

As temperatures climb, there is nothing more relaxing than sitting on a beach with a cocktail in your hand. Unfortunately, most alcoholic beverages aren’t so kind to your waistline. Most meaning we’ve found one that is. P.S. Research suggests that the agavins (natural sugar) found in margarita’s signature booze help you lose weight. After scientists had given a group of mice agavins into their water, they reported that the mice had lower glucose levels and were fuller longer. Sip on this skinny marg guiltfree.

15

PARMESAN GARLIC MASHED CAULIFLOWER

Nutrition: 172 calories, 8.9 g fat (5.9 g saturated), 302 mg sodium, 9. 2 g carbs, 2.3 g fiber, 4.5 g sugar, 16 g protein

If you haven’t tried subbing in cauliflower for traditional spuds, you’re missing out. All the flavor and one fifth of the carbs.

16

ZUCCHINI SPAGHETTI FRIED EGGS

Nutrition: 213 calories, 16 g fat (3 g saturated), 90 mg sodium, 8 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 11 g protein

Zoodles don’t have to be limited to lunch and dinner. They’ve earned a spot on your breakfast menu too. And don’t even think about ditching the yolks. Research at Wake Forest University reviewed more than 30 egg studies and found no link between egg consumption and heart disease. In fact, a study in the journal Metabolism found that eating whole egg could improve lipoprotein profiles and insulin sensitivity.

Get the recipe from Inspiralized.

17

CREAMY SPINACH AND FETA TORTILLA WRAPS

Nutrition: 210 calories, 14.7 g fat (5.8 g saturated), 210 mg sodium, 13.1 g carbs, 6.5 g fiber, 1.5 g sugar, 7.6 g protein

Beachin’ this weekend? Skip the concession stands’ nutritionally-void menus and pack these divine spinach and feta wraps instead. Not only are they low in calories and carbs, but they’re easy to carry and won’t spoil in your bag.

18

DOUBLE CRUNCH OVEN BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES

Nutrition: 126 calories, 1.9 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 137 mg sodium, 22.7 g carbs, 2.7 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 4.4 g protein

Just because these fries aren’t “fried” doesn’t mean they’re any less of a food orgasm. Whip up this sweet potato recipe and see for yourself.

19

PESTO SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH ROASTED TOMATOES

Nutrition: 257 calories, 19.5 g fat (4.8 g saturated), 226 mg sodium, 12.8 g carbs, 3.3 g fiber, 3.1 g sugar, 12.2 g protein

Pesto and roasted tomatoes add pizazz to the traditionally bland squash. We are big fans of this recipes because it’s free of questionable additives (unlike some jars you find on grocery store shelves). All you’ll find in this recipe are natural ingredients like basil, olive oil, cheese, and raw nuts. It doesn’t get more “clean” than that.

Get the recipe from A Happy Food Dance.

20

THAI ZUCCHINI AND CUCUMBER NOODLE COLLARD GREEN WRAP

Nutrition: 206 calories, 14 g fat (1 g saturated), 485 mg sodium, 15 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 9 g protein

It’s true that once you go almond butter, you never go back. Aside from being a weight loss God, almonds deliver an impressive dose of vitamin E and disease-fighting flavonoids. Plus, they’re full of metabolic supporting nutrients like riboflavin, magnesium, and manganese. But to be completely honest, you had us at Thai wraps.