If you’ve just started a low-carb diet, more power to you. After all, it might help you lose weight, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure and reduce your risk for type 2 diabetes. But plain chicken breasts and steamed broccoli will only get you so far. When you tire of the usual, add any of these 70 low-carb dinners to your repertoire. With filling meals like coconut curry meatballs, honey mustard salmon and chicken-Brussels sprouts stir fry on the list, you’ll avoid a dinner rut while sticking to your meal plan.
But first, why does your body need carbs in the first place? According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, carbs give your body glucose, which is converted into energy. Carbs can be split into three categories: sugar, starch and fiber. The type of carbohydrates you eat is more significant for your health than the amount of them; for instance, whole grains like quinoa and barley are better for you than refined, processed and sugary foods, like white bread, soda and cookies.
Read on for 70 low-carb dinners that are sure to keep you on track and energized.
Related: 55 Low-Carb Lunch Ideas You’ll Actually Be Excited to Eat
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/chicken-snap-pea-stir-fry-recipe
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/chicken-snap-pea-stir-fry-recipe
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
If you can carve out 20 minutes to slice and dice some veggies, you’ll have a healthy, satisfying dinner on the table faster than you can order takeout. Feel free to add any less-than-perfect produce lurking in your fridge to the mix.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/greek-yogurt-chicken-salad-stuffed-peppers
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/greek-yogurt-chicken-salad-stuffed-peppers
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 6
This isn’t your mother’s chicken salad (no offense, Mom). Try swapping the mayo for Greek yogurt and sandwich bread for crispy bell peppers. Bonus: They make great meal-prep lunches.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/shrimp-scampi-zoodles
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/shrimp-scampi-zoodles
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
And you thought sticking to a healthy meal plan was going to be time-consuming. Want to make this dish even easier? Pick up some store-bought zoodles at the store instead of spiralizing them at home.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/family-style-chicken-caesar-salad
The Minimalist Kitchen
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/family-style-chicken-caesar-salad
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, special occasion-worthy
- Serves: 4
Skip the croutons tonight and you’re in for a dish that clocks in at just 8 grams of carbs per serving. With garlic, olives and Worcestershire in the dressing, I promise you won’t miss a thing.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/meal-prep-turkey-meatballs-zucchini-noodles
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/meal-prep-turkey-meatballs-zucchini-noodles
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, high protein
- Serves: 4
OK, 28 grams of carbs per serving might seem like a lot (especially compared to others on this list), but that’s for the whole meal. Besides, think about how many carbs a bowl of angel hair would rack up.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/whole30-chicken-meatballs-cauliflower-rice-coconut-herb-sauce
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/whole30-chicken-meatballs-cauliflower-rice-coconut-herb-sauce
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: Whole30, low sugar, high protein
- Serves: 4
Everyone loves spaghetti and meatballs, but this low-carb swap might be even better. The meatballs are juicy, tender and flavorful, but won’t put you in a food coma before you have a chance to catch up on your Netflix queue.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/bruschetta-chicken
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/bruschetta-chicken
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, high protein
- Serves: 6
Why bother with soggy breading when you can get the chicken crispy all by itself? The secret is making sure your skillet is hot enough to get everything well browned before the meat hits the pan.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/zoodle-stir-fry-recipe
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/zoodle-stir-fry-recipe
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
Why do I love stir fries? Their versatility and lightning-fast cook time, for starters. Plus, this take is packed with so many crisp-tender veggies that you won’t miss the rice.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/sheet-pan-lemon-garlic-butter-sausage
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/sheet-pan-lemon-garlic-butter-sausage
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, sheet pan recipe,
- Serves: 6
A hands-off, low-carb dish that cooks on a single baking sheet? It’s *not* too good to be true. If there are any leftovers, serve them for tomorrow’s low-carb lunch.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/sesame-ginger-salmon-in-parchment
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/sesame-ginger-salmon-in-parchment
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
My motto, forever and always? No cleanup, no problem. This 30-minute dish cooks up in parchment parcels, so you won’t even need to scrub a sheet pan.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/kung-pao-chicken
Stir-Fry
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/kung-pao-chicken
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, low sugar, low carb, high protein
- Serves: 2
This takeout favorite uses a single skillet and only requires ten active minutes of your time—stir fries for president! Feel free to substitute tofu, pork or beef for chicken.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/keto-pasta-lemon-kale-chicken
Dana Carpender/Keto for One
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/keto-pasta-lemon-kale-chicken
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 1
Wait, pasta is on your low-carb diet? Yep, and you can thank a type of Asian noodle called shirataki. They’re made from yams, high in fiber and low in calories. Win-win-win.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/eggplant-pizza-recipe
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/eggplant-pizza-recipe
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
- Serves: 6
You’ve heard of cauliflower pizza crust…but what about eggplant pizza crust? Simply slice, top, bake and eat, people. Your kids will love decorating their own.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/quiche-gluten-free-sweet-potato-crust
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/quiche-gluten-free-sweet-potato-crust
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, low carb
- Serves: 6 to 8
Ditch the traditional dough crust and you’re in for a low-carb slice of breakfast-for-dinner heaven. This version is filled with kale, but if you’re in the mood for a fridge clean-out, any green will work.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spicy-stir-fried-chicken-brussels-sprouts-bowls
Skinnytaste One and Done
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spicy-stir-fried-chicken-brussels-sprouts-bowls
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 2
Brussels sprouts in a stir fry? Considering the way they get all caramelized and crispy around the edges, I wholeheartedly endorse this decision. And in case you’re wondering how to shred them, you just need a sharp chef’s knife or mandoline.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/cauliflower-fried-rice
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/cauliflower-fried-rice
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian,
- Serves: 4
Oh, cauliflower. What would everyone do without you? A runny egg will never do you wrong either, especially atop this savory, low-carb spin on a takeout staple.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spicy-lemon-ginger-chicken-soup
Photo: Nico Schinco/Styling: Aran Goyoaga
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spicy-lemon-ginger-chicken-soup
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: make ahead, crowd-pleaser, low sugar
- Serves: 8
One slurp and you’ll never look at canned chicken noodle soup the same way again. Even better, you can customize your bowl with different greens. Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/everything-chicken-wings
Mellissa Sevigny/Squeaky Clean Keto
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/everything-chicken-wings
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: keto, high protein, crowd-pleaser, no sugar
- Serves: 6
Looking for a finger food recipe to impress? These buttery chicken wings have you covered. Save time by using store-bought everything bagel seasoning instead of blending your own.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/warm-ginger-scallion-pork-kale-salad
Kelsey Preciado/Unbelievabowl Paleo
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/warm-ginger-scallion-pork-kale-salad
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
If you find kale tough to eat raw, sautéing it in honey-ginger dressing will soften it right up, making it easier on your pearly whites and your digestive system. Problem solved.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/shrimp-and-cauliflower-grits
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/shrimp-and-cauliflower-grits
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
Yup, you’ll definitely be whipping up those goat cheese-laced grits for breakfast, too. Use store-bought riced cauliflower to cut back on prep time.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/fifteen-minute-skillet-pepper-steak
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/fifteen-minute-skillet-pepper-steak
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
Give me a skillet and I’ll give you a reason to be excited for tonight’s low-carb dinner. This high-protein meal is the easiest way to prepare steak at home. Even newbies can tackle it flawlessly, promise.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/gochujang-chicken-stir-fry
Stir-Fry
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/gochujang-chicken-stir-fry
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, low sugar, beginner-friendly
- Serves: 2
Gochujang, a sticky, spicy-sweet Korean chili paste, is packed with flavor. It’s the key to making this low-effort, quick chicken dish. (These days, you can find it at any grocery store.)
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/honey-mustard-sheet-pan-salmon
Aubrie Pick/Eat What You Love
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/honey-mustard-sheet-pan-salmon
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, high protein
- Serves: 5
This simple sheet pan recipe will convert you into a fish person (if you aren’t one already, that is). You can do all your prep work while the oven preheats. Serve it with cauliflower rice if you usually your salmon with a grain.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/20-minute-paleo-egg-roll-bowls
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/20-minute-paleo-egg-roll-bowls
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, paleo, low sugar,
- Serves: 4
All of the eating and none of the assembly? Yes, please. It’s true that everything tastes better in a bowl. Believe it or not, you won’t miss the crunchy egg roll wrapper.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/zucchini-noodle-pad-see-ew
Liz Moody/Healthier Together
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/zucchini-noodle-pad-see-ew
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, high protein, dairy free
- Serves: 2
This healthy spin on a Thai takeout fave tosses wide zucchini noodles (instead of traditional rice noodles) in a gingery, garlicky sauce you’ll swoon for. Eggs, flank steak and cashews make the dish extra filling.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/instant-pot-keto-indian-butter-chicken
Leslie Grow/Keto in an Instant
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/instant-pot-keto-indian-butter-chicken
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
This Indian-inspired delight is packed with protein and flavor, thanks to a blend of warm spices in the coconut cream sauce. Even better, the Instant Pot makes it ready 20 minutes flat.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/salmon-pesto-blistered-tomatoes
Elizabeth van Lierde/Everyday Entertaining
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/salmon-pesto-blistered-tomatoes
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, special occasion–worthy,
- Serves: 4
You’re only six ingredients and 35 minutes away from this stunning entrée, which calls for easy store-bought pesto. Plate it over greens or cauliflower rice to keep the carbs to a minimum.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/tuna-salad-yogurt-capers-zaatar
Romas Foord/Sea Salt and Honey
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/tuna-salad-yogurt-capers-zaatar
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 2
Creamy Greek yogurt, briny capers and a few pantry staples (like cider vinegar and olive oil) can transform canned tuna into something spectacular enough to serve for dinner. Scoop it up with veggies or spread it on low-carb rolls.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/gena-hamshaw-caesar-smashed-white-beans
Ashley McLaughlin/The Vegan Week
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/gena-hamshaw-caesar-smashed-white-beans
- Time Commitment: 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook,
- Serves: 6
Whatever you do, don’t sacrifice flavor in the name of a diet. This plant-based recipe is almost like if Caesar salad and hummus had a very delicious baby. Serve it with lettuce cups to eliminate more carbs.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/ina-garten-creamy-chicken-thighs-with-lemon-and-thyme
Quentin Bacon/Go-To Dinners
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/ina-garten-creamy-chicken-thighs-with-lemon-and-thyme
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, high protein, one pan
- Serves: 4
Ina Garten isn’t known for serving up diet food, but I love that this decadent skillet just so happens to be low-carb friendly. It’s also packed with protein and fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/crispy-chickpeas-scallops-garlic-harissa-oil
Caitlin Bensel/The Mediterranean Dish
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/crispy-chickpeas-scallops-garlic-harissa-oil
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion–worthy, one pan,
- Serves: 2 to 3
With crispy chickpeas to soak up all the spicy juices, you won’t even miss that crusty bread for dipping. Serve the scallops with dressed greens or soup if you’re craving a side.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/anna-stockwell-lemongrass-ginger-coconut-grilled-steak
Chelsea Kyle/For the Table
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/anna-stockwell-lemongrass-ginger-coconut-grilled-steak
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, beginner-friendly, crowd-pleaser
- Serves: 6 to 8
What’s the secret ingredient to making the tastiest grilled steak ever, you ask? It’s fish sauce. Serve this stunner with a big green salad to make it a complete meal.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/honey-mustard-grilled-chicken-foil-packet-green-beans
Katherine Gillen
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/honey-mustard-grilled-chicken-foil-packet-green-beans
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: beginner-friendly, high protein, kid-friendly
- Serves: 4
This low-carb dinner maximizes the flavor and minimizes the mess, thanks to an ingenious way to cook your veggies without a grill basket: the foil packet. Good looking out, aluminum.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spicy-crunchy-tuna-salad-lettuce-cups
Katherine Gillen
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/spicy-crunchy-tuna-salad-lettuce-cups
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: no cook, make ahead,
- Serves: 2
This is not your deli’s tuna salad—OK, it kinda is, but with a spicy twist from jarred chile crisp. Substitute low-carb wraps, crackers or rolls for lettuce cups if you’re craving bread.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/leftovers-frittata
Katherine Gillen
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/leftovers-frittata
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, beginner-friendly, low sugar,
- Serves: 4
The only thing sadder than tossing past-their-prime leftovers in the trash is reheating them in the microwave and forcing yourself to eat them plain. Enter this fridge clean-out frittata that’s designed to dinnertime and reduce waste.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/mustardy-pork-tenderloin-with-grapes-and-red-onions
Nicole Franzen/To the Last Bite
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/mustardy-pork-tenderloin-with-grapes-and-red-onions
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion–worthy, low carb
- Serves: 2 to 4
Pork tenderloin has somehow become synonymous with dry, boring dinners, but it doesn’t have to be that way. As the grapes roast, they turn jammy and saucy alongside the onions and mustard, creating a pan sauce that’s practically irresistible.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/15-minute-herb-crumbed-fish
Kate Sears/The Modern Table
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/15-minute-herb-crumbed-fish
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 6
Grab any types of herbs in your fridge (even if they’re wilted), add breadcrumbs or crackers (or potato chips!) and blitz them in the food processor for a delicious and golden herb-crumb fish topping. Voilà, dinner is handled.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/hot-honey-chicken-thighs
Katherine Gillen
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/hot-honey-chicken-thighs
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, high protein,
- Serves: 4
It’s giving “fried chicken” but without all the messy oil and carb-y breading. The secret to making crispy chicken thighs is to start them in a cold pan to slowly render the fat without burning the skin.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/summer-vegetable-steak-salad-with-cilantro-lime-dressing
Eva Kolenko/The Modern Proper
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/summer-vegetable-steak-salad-with-cilantro-lime-dressing
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
This salad has a trick up its sleeve: It relies on the broiler instead of the grill, so you don’t have to fuss with gas, charcoal or the weather forecast to make dinner. Thank me later.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/bacon-jalapeno-smashburgers
Mark Weinberg/I Dream of Dinner
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/bacon-jalapeno-smashburgers
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
There’s no need for ketchup, mustard or even buns when there’s bacon involved. The seven-ingredient handhelds call for ground chicken, but just about any protein is fair game on a low-carb diet. Just go easy on the French fries.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/garlic-confit-chicken-with-lemon-and-thyme
Kate Sears/The Modern Table
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/garlic-confit-chicken-with-lemon-and-thyme
- Time Commitment: 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, special occasion–worthy, high protein
- Serves: 4 to 6
Say “confit” and everyone immediately thinks of food that’s delicious yet too fussy to make at home. But this dish defies all assumptions: Most of the cooking is hands off, and the garlic confit can even be prepared ahead of time.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/salmon-al-pastor
Kristen Kilpatrick/The Comfortable Kitchen
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/salmon-al-pastor
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, low sugar, beginner-friendly
- Serves: 4
It’s time to rethink the ho-hum-yet-healthy salmon dishes you’ve been serving on repeat. This version borrows the flavor of al pastor with warm spices and a sweet-tart pineapple topping. Might I suggest serving it with guacamole and low-carb chips?
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/chicken-soup-with-beans-and-greens
Katherine Gillen
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/chicken-soup-with-beans-and-greens
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, gluten free, dairy free
- Serves: 6
The beans are canned, the greens are swappable and the entire dish is easier to make (and tastier) than grabbing a can opener and warming up the store-bought stuff. I won’t tell if you use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own, either.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/winter-red-cabbage-and-apple-soup
Issy Croker/One: Pot, Pan, Planet
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/winter-red-cabbage-and-apple-soup
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, vegetarian, vegan
- Serves: 6
Cabbage doesn’t get nearly as much love as other vegetables, but this gorgeous, jewel-toned soup can help change that. It’s creamy, bright and fresh all at once. I’ll be putting extra crème fraîche on mine, FYI.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/swordfish-crushed-olives-oregano
Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott/Nothing Fancy
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/swordfish-crushed-olives-oregano
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: dairy free,
- Serves: 6
Swordfish is ideal for anyone dipping their toes in the seafood waters, because it’s as mild as chicken. This version requires fewer than ten ingredients and comes together in just 30 minutes of your precious time—but tastes way more complicated.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/seared-scallops-green-peas-mint-shallots
Amanda Frederickson/Simple Beautiful Food
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/seared-scallops-green-peas-mint-shallots
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: gluten free, dairy free,
- Serves: 4
My number one tip for success? Make sure your scallops are super dry before plopping them in a preheated skillet. Otherwise, they’ll never get a gorgeous, golden brown sear (and that’s kind of the best part).
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/instant-pot-carrot-ginger-soup
Katherine Gillen
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/instant-pot-carrot-ginger-soup
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: Instant Pot recipe, dairy free, gluten free,
- Serves: 6 to 8
If you want to make this soup vegan, use vegetable stock or water instead of chicken stock. The coconut milk added at the end? It’s optional, but adds a creaminess that I can’t imagine you’d want to pass up.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/the-best-damn-tomato-soup
Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/the-best-damn-tomato-soup
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser,
- Serves: 10
Stop settling for the bland stuff in a can. Roasting your tomatoes unlocks tons of flavor with very little effort, and it’s the key to making this easy soup (even with out-of-season produce). Grilled cheese on low-carb bread, anyone?
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/low-carb-zucchini-enchiladas
Photo: Mark Weinberg/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/low-carb-zucchini-enchiladas
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, gluten free, high protein
- Serves: 8
Say “see ya” to tortillas and swap in thin-sliced zucchini for a low-carb dinner that’s about to become a staple at your place. The fillings are flexible, so use whatever is in your fridge. Just don’t skip the chicken (or cheese).
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/keto-instant-pot-greek-cauliflower-rice
Leslie Grow/Keto in an Instant
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/keto-instant-pot-greek-cauliflower-rice
- Time Commitment: 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: low sugar, keto,
- Serves: 8
Plain cauliflower rice is just fine, but this Greek version is even better. For one, it’s made in the Instant Pot. And instead of being bland, it’s studded with flavorful bites of olives, feta, herbs and fresh veggies.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/vegan-spaghetti-squash-mushroom-marinara-sauce/
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/vegan-spaghetti-squash-mushroom-marinara-sauce/
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free,
- Serves: 4
Just because spaghetti squash is a low-carb replacement for pasta doesn’t mean it should pale in comparison. But that also doesn’t mean you should go to the ends of the earth to make a meal. This dinner relies on store-bought staples (like jarred sauce) and flavor bombs (hey, nutritional yeast) to pack a punch.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/carrot-fennel-miso-soup
Aran Goyoaga
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/carrot-fennel-miso-soup
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegan, gluten free
- Serves: 4 to 6
The caramelized vegetables and miso in this soup give it depth of flavor, while the crunchy topping (pumpkin seed-pine nut crunch, to be exact) adds welcome texture. It’s dinnertime magic, I tell you.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/bacon-wrapped-black-cod
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/bacon-wrapped-black-cod
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, special occasion–worthy, beginner-friendly
- Serves: 4
How to make a meal seem instantly more appealing? Wrap it in bacon, of course. It infuses the fish with tons of savory, smoky, salty flavor that’s sure to satisfy.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/honey-mustard-sheet-pan-chicken-brussels-sprouts
Colin Price/Two Peas & Their Pod
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/honey-mustard-sheet-pan-chicken-brussels-sprouts
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, beginner-friendly,
- Serves: 4
If you’re searching for a delicious chicken recipe that doesn’t involve roasting for an hour or dirtying up a bunch of pans, this one has your name on it. (Personally, I was sold at “honey mustard,” but the minimal cleanup doesn’t hurt, either.)
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/sheet-pan-chicken-shawarma-lemon-tahini-drizzle
Kristen Kilpatrick/The Defined Dish
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/sheet-pan-chicken-shawarma-lemon-tahini-drizzle
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: sheet pan recipe, crowd-pleaser, high protein
- Serves: 6
Throw it all on a sheet pan, toss it in the oven and let it cook to perfection while you tend to other important business…whether that’s answering emails, wrangling kids or scrolling TikTok. The creamy tahini drizzle will greet you when you return to the kitchen.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/tomato-poached-cod-fresh-herbs
Patricia Niven/Keeping It Simple
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/tomato-poached-cod-fresh-herbs
- Time Commitment: 25 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
When you want to look fancy and feel good with minimal effort (aka my goal in life), slip this low-carb dinner into your rotation. The recipe calls for canned crushed tomatoes, so you can whip it up year-round.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/baked-coconut-curry-meatballs
Tieghan Gerard/Half Baked Harvest Super Simple
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/baked-coconut-curry-meatballs
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, high protein, low carb
- Serves: 6
Aside from eliminating the need to babysit a skillet on the stovetop, baking the meatballs yields impossibly tender results every time. Don’t even get me started on the creamy, dreamy coconut milk sauce. Serve it with cauliflower rice (or a modest amount of brown rice).
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/perfect-meatballs-with-cherry-tomato-sauce
What’s Gaby Cooking
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/perfect-meatballs-with-cherry-tomato-sauce
- Time Commitment: 1 hour, 10 minutes
- Why I Love It: crowd-pleaser, beginner-friendly, kid-friendly
- Serves: 8 to 10
I’m hesitant to call anything perfect, but if you served these tender meatballs with a side Caesar salad, you’d come close to just that. Even picky kids will have no complaints about this dinnertime staple.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/cast-iron-pork-chops-cacao-spiced-rub
Eric Wolfinger/The Mexican Keto Cookbook
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/cast-iron-pork-chops-cacao-spiced-rub
- Time Commitment: 1 hour
- Why I Love It: keto, high protein, one pan
- Serves: 4
Cooking a big cut of meat at home can be daunting, but it’s actually pretty simple with a few tips. One, season the meat at least 30 minutes ahead of time, and two, preheat your skillet until it’s sizzling. It makes the difference between a tough chop and one that melts in your mouth.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/instant-pot-coconut-salmon-fresh-herbs-lime
Christopher Testani/Instant Family Meals
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/instant-pot-coconut-salmon-fresh-herbs-lime
- Time Commitment: 20 minutes
- Why I Love It: Instant Pot recipe,
- Serves: 4
Steam-poaching the fish in coconut milk keeps it moist and infuses it with an instant jolt of flavor. To make this a one-pot deal, you can toss in sliced shiitake mushrooms or snap peas with the salmon. How easy is that?
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-lemon-sage-chicken-cauliflower
Lauren Volo/Cauliflower Power
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-lemon-sage-chicken-cauliflower
- Time Commitment: 45 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, gluten free, high protein, low sugar
- Serves: 4
A one-pan dinner that’s made with chicken and cauliflower? And it’s low-carb? Be still my heart. Serve it with low-carb pasta, zoodles or fresh greens.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/baked-chicken-ricotta-meatballs
Patricia Niven/Keeping It Simple
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/baked-chicken-ricotta-meatballs
- Time Commitment: 35 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, sheet pan recipe, low sugar
- Serves: 4
If you end up with leftover meatballs (all bets are off), warm them in broth and toss in some greens at the end for a quick next-day soup. Throw the spare broccolini in too, while you’re at it.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-roasted-chicken-with-carrots
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/one-pan-roasted-chicken-with-carrots
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
Few things taste better than enjoying your dinner without a pile of dirty pots and pans in the sink. Squish all the roasted garlic out onto your chicken and spread it across every inch for a boost of savory flavor.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/Slow-Cooker-Pork-Carnitas-Tacos
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/Slow-Cooker-Pork-Carnitas-Tacos
- Time Commitment: 7 hours, 15 minutes
- Why I Love It: slow cooker recipe, make ahead,
- Serves: 8
Cooking a pork shoulder in a Crockpot means that you’ll have the juiciest, tenderest filling for tacos without doing a ton of work. Use low-carb tortillas to stick to your healthy meal plan, or use the meat to top a salad.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/pistachio-pork-tenderloin-apple-escarole-salad
Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/pistachio-pork-tenderloin-apple-escarole-salad
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: special occasion–worthy, high protein, sheet pan recipe
- Serves: 4
Surprise: This elegant main course cooks from start to finish on a single sheet pan. The pistachio crust adds crunchy texture without the need for breadcrumbs.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/chicken-thighs-pancetta-green-olives
Christopher Hirsheimer/Canal House Cook Something
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/chicken-thighs-pancetta-green-olives
- Time Commitment: 50 minutes
- Why I Love It: one pan, low sugar, high protein
- Serves: 4
Don’t be surprised at the directions: The thighs cook for almost 30 minutes undisturbed, which is essential to getting earth-shatteringly crisp skin. The pancetta and punchy olives are just a delicious bonus.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/keto-instant-pot-sausage-kale-soup
Leslie Grow/Keto in an Instant
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/keto-instant-pot-sausage-kale-soup
- Time Commitment: 15 minutes
- Why I Love It:
- Serves: 4
Use any type of sausage you prefer (kielbasa, chorizo and Italian sausage are all great choices), and you can easily change the flavor profile of this nourishing soup. Feel free to swap Swiss chard, collards or spinach in for kale, too.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/black-pepper-chicken
Kristen Kilpatrick/The Defined Dish
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/black-pepper-chicken
- Time Commitment: 30 minutes
- Why I Love It: high protein, low sugar, dairy free
- Serves: 4
Not only is this quick dinner a chance for a crisper drawer cleanout, but it’s also gluten-, grain- and dairy-free, paleo and Whole30-approved. (Oh, and even your kids will ask for a second helping.)
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/mark-bittman-cauliflower-polenta-with-mushrooms
Jim Henkens/How to Cook Everything Fast, Revised Edition
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/mark-bittman-cauliflower-polenta-with-mushrooms
- Time Commitment: 40 minutes
- Why I Love It: vegetarian,
- Serves: 4
This alternative to polenta—based on super-soft cauliflower—increases your vegetable intake without any effort at dinntertime. Try swapping the mushrooms for caramelized zucchini in the summer.
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/broccoli-margherita-pizza
Con Poulos/Week Light
https://www.purewow.com/recipes/broccoli-margherita-pizza
- Time Commitment: 55 minutes
- Why I Love It: low sugar,
- Serves: 4
As much as you’d love to order in a massive, cheesy pizza pie every night, it’s just not in the cards. But with a few heads of broccoli, you can get one step closer to your dreams. Be generous with the fresh mozz, will ya?
How Many Grams of Carbs Should You Eat in a Day?
Carbs are your main source of fuel, so they should make up 45 to 65 percent of your total daily calories, or 225 to 325 grams per day on a 2,000-calorie diet, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the case of following a low-carb diet, keeping your intake down to 20 to 57 grams per day is a pretty common restriction. To stay energized for extended periods of time, you should prioritize complex carbs that are rich in fiber over refined carbs (like processed snacks). Just be sure to be mindful of portion size if you’re on a low-carb diet and always check with a medical professional before starting any new diet plan.
Related: 86 Keto Dinner Recipe Ideas to Try Tonight