10 Easy Low Carb Dinner Ideas That Are Tasty and Healthy
A low carb diet can be healthy, satisfying, and easier to sustain, but only if you have a variety of great low carb dinner ideas of course.
Do you want lower carb alternatives to your favorite foods like pizza and burgers? How about family mealtime?
Studies show that reducing carbohydrates helps manage weight by reducing cravings and keeping you full for longer.
Try these low carb dinner ideas and see for yourself!
1. Low Carb Pizza
Pizza is definitely something that everyone misses on a low carb diet. Thankfully, now there are so many options for a low carb pizza crust.
You can make it yourself with low carb flours like almond flour or coconut flour or even cauliflower, or even buy it readymade from certain groceries.
With the tomato sauce, vegetables, meat, and that gooey melty cheese, you will enjoy your dinner.
2. Roasted Meat & Veggie Traybake
Tray bakes an easy way to cook meat and vegetables in one pan and makes for a great family dinner.
Fewer dishes, less prep, and less fuss, which leaves you more time to relax and be with your family.
Plus, the juices of the meat end up coating your vegetables, making it a delicious way to eat your veggies! If the rest of the family want to have it with mashed potatoes and crusty bread, that would work out perfectly too.
3. Low Carb Lo Mein
Sounds impossible? Not with shirataki noodles!
Made of konjac yam, the USDA states that 4 oz (112 g) contains only 2.7 g of carbs and 10 calories. Shirataki noodles are made of konjac yam and are available in health stores.
Use a sauce of lightly sauteed garlic and ginger, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and sesame seeds and you have a lower carb version of Chinese takeout.
Talk about calories in regular lo mein. It’s a great addition to meatless dinners.
4. Korean Bibimbap with Cauli Rice
Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish of meat, veggies, kimchi, fried egg, and rice, which you can easily replace with cauli rice. Mixed with Korean chili paste, this dish has a deliciously spicy kick!
Simply grate a cauliflower head or use the grater attachment of your food processor.
A study by The British Dietetic Association found that many of those on low carb diets tend to eat fewer vegetables and lack fiber in their diet.
Bibimbap is a great way to include more vegetables and fiber in your low carb diet.
5. Chicken Curry
Chicken curry makes for a wonderful, aromatic dinner. You can also throw in some vegetables like carrots and bell pepper for fiber.
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, and coconut milk, for a richer and more delicious sauce.
The sauce itself can easily be made by frying onions, garlic, ginger, and adding curry powder or even just turmeric powder. Tomatoes can also be thrown in, for a more Indian-style curry.
It’s a delicious way to consume turmeric, which according to Phytotherapy Research is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Serve with a low carb flatbread or cauli rice, and you have a great dinner!
6. Zoodles / Zucchini Pasta
Ever tried zucchini pasta? It is simply spiralized zucchini, with pasta sauce.
One medium zucchini, according to the USDA, has only 6.1 g of carbs, 2 g of fiber, and 33 calories.
You can make your zucchini pasta with bolognese, carbonara, pomodoro or arrabbiata sauce.. ahh, the yumminess!
Are you drooling already?
7. Low Carb Burrito
So, you thought you’d have to give up burritos to be on a low carb diet? Not true, not true at all!
All you need to do is opt out of the rice and beans and use a low carb tortilla.
You can make them yourself or buy them readymade, but always check the label for carb content. This one listed in the USDA has only 11 g of carbs for each tortilla.
We’re already dreaming of our own delicious low cab burrito for dinner tonight, are you?
8. Bunless Cheeseburger
Who doesn’t love a good cheeseburger? That oh so juicy meaty patty, the crunch from the lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and pickles, all smothered in ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and melted cheese… just thinking about it now is making us drool!
But what about that bun? Simple, replace it with a lettuce wrap or a low carb bun! Always check the label though, if buying readymade.
As stated by Nutrients, beef is a good source of protein, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc, nutrients that are important for overall health and red blood cell development.
9. Chicken Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is so tasty and is probably one of our favorites. Crunchy lettuce with grated parmesan and that incredible dressing, wow!
To make it low carb, opt out of the croutons and if buying readymade Caesar dressing, check the label for carb content and added sugar.
For protein, throw in some grilled chicken. It will also make you’re the dish a more filling dinner.
Can we say delish?
10. Salmon Poke Bowl
Aren’t poke bowls great? It’s like sushi but in a bowl. Yum!
We love all the different textures and flavors all combined, the richness of the avocado and spicy mayo, nuttiness of the toasted sesame seeds, and the flavor of salmon!
You can leave out the rice altogether or use cauli rice, which is simply grated cauliflower.
Salmon is a source of healthy omega-3 fat, which helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Who knew low carb could be so delicious?
Related: 9 Easy and Delicious Keto Dinner Ideas (Family-Friendly)
Takeaway
Don’t these low carb dinners sound delicious? You won’t miss carbs like bread and pasta anymore, and you’ll have fewer cravings throughout the day.
Sounds impossible, but your experience might tell you differently. Try these low carb dinner ideas and see the difference for yourself!
