18 Easy Low-Carb Dinner Recipes

Looking to cut down on carbs without sacrificing taste? Whether you’re following a specific eating plan—like keto or paleo—or simply trying to eat more vegetables and lean proteins, these low-carb dinner ideas are here to help.

A lower carbohydrate meal can support stable blood sugar, aid in weight management, and keep you feeling satisfied with nutrient-dense ingredients. Plus, when you focus on fresh produce, quality proteins, and healthy fats, you discover just how many flavor-packed options exist beyond bread, pasta, or rice.

Below, you’ll find 18 simple yet delicious recipes that prove “low carb” doesn’t have to mean “low variety.” From zoodle-based dishes to cauliflower swaps, these dinners are quick to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal-prepped lunches.

1. Zucchini Noodle Alfredo with Chicken

Turn zucchini into faux noodles (zoodles) for a light, comforting twist on a creamy chicken Alfredo dish.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
5. ¾ cup heavy cream
6. ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Chicken: Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken slices, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
2. Garlic and Cream: In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently.
3. Add Cheese: Stir Parmesan into the cream sauce until melted and smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
4. Combine and Warm: Gently toss spiralized zucchini in the Alfredo sauce for 1–2 minutes (avoid overcooking to keep zoodles firm). Return chicken to the skillet.
5. Serve Hot: Plate and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley.

2. Cauliflower Fried “Rice”

A low-carb alternative to traditional fried rice, featuring cauliflower rice and plenty of colorful veggies.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
2. 1 onion, finely chopped
3. 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
4. 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
5. 2 eggs, lightly beaten
6. 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (low-sodium if preferred)
7. Salt and pepper to taste
8. Optional protein: diced ham, shrimp, or chicken

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Onion and Veggies: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high. Cook onion until translucent. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry 3–4 minutes.
2. Add Cauliflower Rice: Stir in cauliflower rice, cooking for an additional 3–5 minutes.
3. Push to Sides: Create a well in the center of the pan. Pour in beaten eggs, scrambling them until fully cooked.
4. Combine and Flavor: Mix eggs into the cauliflower rice. Add soy sauce or tamari, plus salt and pepper if needed. Stir-fry for another minute or two.
5. Add Protein (Optional): If using pre-cooked ham, shrimp, or chicken, stir it in to heat through.

3. Garlic Butter Shrimp with Zucchini Ribbons

Sautéed shrimp meets tender zucchini “ribbons” for a fresh, quick, and carb-conscious meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 15 minutes
• Servings: 2–3

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. 2 medium zucchinis, peeled into ribbons with a vegetable peeler
3. 2 tablespoons butter
4. 3 garlic cloves, minced
5. ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
6. Juice of ½ lemon
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Garlic: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic (and chili flakes if desired), cooking for about 1 minute.
2. Add Shrimp: Stir in shrimp, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until pink and opaque (about 2–3 minutes per side).
3. Toss in Zucchini Ribbons: Reduce heat slightly. Add zucchini ribbons to the skillet, gently mixing them with the shrimp. Cook for 1–2 minutes, just until zucchini is lightly wilted.
4. Finish with Lemon: Squeeze lemon juice over the dish.
5. Serve: Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs if you like (parsley or basil).

4. Taco Lettuce Wraps

Skip tortillas and wrap your seasoned taco filling in crisp lettuce leaves for a crunchy, low-carb alternative.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound ground beef or turkey
3. 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
4. 8 large lettuce leaves (romaine or iceberg)
5. 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
6. Diced tomatoes, onions, guacamole, or salsa (for toppings)

Recipe Steps:

1. Brown Meat: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add ground meat, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in taco seasoning, plus a splash of water if needed.
2. Prep Lettuce Wraps: Rinse and pat lettuce leaves dry.
3. Assemble Tacos: Spoon seasoned meat onto each lettuce leaf. Add shredded cheese, tomatoes, onions, guacamole, or salsa as desired.
4. Wrap and Enjoy: Roll or fold lettuce around the filling and devour.

5. Chicken Fajita Bowl (Cauliflower Rice Base)

Enjoy the sizzling flavors of fajitas without tortillas—served over cauliflower rice and topped with fresh salsa.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
2. 1 bell pepper, sliced
3. 1 onion, sliced
4. 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning (or chili powder + cumin)
5. 2 cups cauliflower rice
6. 1 tablespoon olive oil
7. Salt and pepper to taste
8. Optional toppings: salsa, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken slices with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper until browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook Peppers and Onions: In the same skillet, stir-fry bell pepper and onion until tender. Return chicken to combine flavors.
3. Cook Cauliflower Rice: In another pan (or the same skillet once emptied), sauté cauliflower rice with a bit of oil or butter until tender (about 5 minutes).
4. Assemble Bowl: Spoon cauliflower rice into bowls, top with chicken-pepper mixture, and add any desired toppings.

6. Egg Roll in a Bowl

All the savory goodness of an egg roll’s filling—ground meat, cabbage, carrots—minus the wrapper.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
2. 1 pound ground pork or turkey
3. 1 small onion, chopped
4. 3 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
5. 2 garlic cloves, minced
6. 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
7. 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Brown Meat: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook ground meat, breaking it up. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent. Stir in fresh ginger if using.
3. Add Coleslaw Mix: Stir in shredded cabbage and carrots, cooking for about 5 minutes or until veggies are crisp-tender.
4. Season: Drizzle soy sauce or tamari. Add salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve: Plate as-is or top with sliced green onions and a splash of sesame oil.

7. Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Satisfy pizza cravings the low-carb way—with a cauliflower-based crust that bakes up crisp and tasty.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 35 minutes
• Servings: 2–3 (makes one 10–12-inch pizza)

Ingredients (Crust):

1. 3 cups cauliflower rice
2. 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or a blend of low-moisture cheese)
3. 1 egg, beaten
4. ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
5. Salt and pepper to taste
6. Toppings (Examples): Pizza sauce (sugar-free if possible), additional mozzarella cheese, Pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, etc.

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: 425°F (220°C). Line a pizza pan or baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Cauliflower Rice: Microwave cauliflower rice for about 4–5 minutes or steam it. Let cool, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel.
3. Form Crust: Mix cauliflower, shredded cheese, beaten egg, oregano, salt, and pepper into a dough. Press onto the parchment in a circle, about ¼-inch thick.
4. Bake Crust: Bake for 10–12 minutes until it starts to brown.
5. Add Toppings and Finish: Spread sauce, cheese, and desired toppings. Bake another 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are crisp.

8. Grilled Salmon with Broccoli Mash

Pairing succulent grilled salmon with a smooth broccoli mash offers protein and fiber while keeping carbs low.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20–25 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 2 salmon fillets (6–8 oz each)
2. Salt and pepper to taste
3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
4. 3 cups broccoli florets
5. 2 tablespoons butter or cream cheese (for mash)
6. Optional flavors: garlic powder, lemon juice

Recipe Steps:

1. Season Salmon: Rub fillets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill or Pan-Sear: Cook salmon over medium-high heat (on a grill or in a skillet) for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily.
3. Steam Broccoli: In a pot, steam broccoli florets until tender (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Mash Broccoli: Drain, then mash with butter or cream cheese, plus salt, pepper, and any seasonings (like garlic powder or a squeeze of lemon).
5. Plate: Serve salmon alongside the broccoli mash.

9. Spaghetti Squash Bolognese

Replace regular pasta with roasted spaghetti squash strands, topped with a classic meat sauce for comfort food without the carbs.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 40–45 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 large spaghetti squash
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 1 pound ground beef or turkey
4. 1 onion, diced
5. 2 garlic cloves, minced
6. 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
7. 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
8. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Roast Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the squash, scoop out the seeds, and drizzle the cut sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet; roast for 25–30 minutes or until tender.
2. Cook Meat Sauce: Meanwhile, brown ground meat in a skillet. Add onion, garlic, and seasoning. Stir in tomatoes. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
3. Scrape Squash: Use a fork to create “spaghetti” strands.
4. Serve: Top strands with the meat sauce, or mix them in the skillet for more flavor integration.

10. Greek Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta

Mediterranean flavors come together in one pan: chicken, olives, tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into chunks
3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. ½ cup pitted olives
5. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
6. ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sear Chicken: Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned on all sides.
2. Add Tomatoes and Olives: Reduce heat slightly, add cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano. Stir for a few minutes until tomatoes soften.
3. Top with Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta on top. Cover and let the cheese warm and slightly melt.
4. Serve: Plate directly from the skillet, drizzling pan juices over everything.

11. Creamy Tuscan Shrimp

Loaded with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this creamy shrimp dish is luxurious yet surprisingly easy and low in carbs.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
2. 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
4. ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
5. 1 cup heavy cream
6. 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
7. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook Shrimp: Heat butter in a skillet. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Sauté until pink (about 2–3 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
2. Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add garlic, cooking 1 minute. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Add Cream and Spinach: Pour in heavy cream. Simmer for a couple of minutes. Stir in spinach leaves until wilted.
4. Return Shrimp: Add shrimp back into the sauce. Simmer briefly to coat. Adjust seasonings.
5. Serve Hot: Great alongside zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or steamed veggies.

12. Turkey Zucchini Meatballs

These juicy meatballs use shredded zucchini to keep them moist—perfect for a low-carb dinner when paired with a simple sauce or roasted veggies.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 pound ground turkey
2. 1 cup shredded zucchini (squeeze out excess moisture)
3. 1 egg
4. ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
5. 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Preheat Oven: 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Combine Meatball Mix: In a bowl, mix ground turkey, shredded zucchini, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Form Balls: Shape mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. Place on the baking sheet.
4. Bake: Cook for about 15–18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve: Enjoy with a low-carb tomato sauce or your favorite roasted veggies.

13. Pork Chops with Mushroom Sauce

Seared pork chops in a creamy, mushroom-studded sauce. Serve with a side of sautéed spinach or mashed cauliflower.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 4 boneless pork chops
2. Salt and pepper to taste
3. 1 tablespoon olive oil
4. 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
5. 2 garlic cloves, minced
6. ½ cup chicken broth
7. ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

Recipe Steps:

1. Season and Sear: Pat pork chops dry, then season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook Mushrooms: In the same skillet, sauté mushrooms until browned. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.
3. Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth to loosen brown bits. Simmer for a couple of minutes.
4. Add Cream: Stir in cream. Return pork chops to the skillet, simmering until the sauce thickens and the chops are fully cooked.
5. Serve: Spoon the mushroom sauce over the chops.

14. Tuna Stuffed Avocados

For a light yet filling meal, load up avocado halves with a creamy tuna salad mixture packed with flavor and protein.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
2. 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
3. 1 tablespoon diced red onion
4. 1 tablespoon chopped celery (optional)
5. 1 avocado, halved and pit removed
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Make Tuna Salad: In a bowl, mix drained tuna with mayo, diced onion, and celery. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Fill Avocados: Scoop a bit of flesh from each avocado half if needed, then spoon the tuna salad into the centers.
3. Serve: Enjoy as-is or add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

15. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with Chicken

Combine roasted cauliflower florets and cooked chicken strips with buffalo sauce for a spicy, low-carb dinner or game-day treat.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 1 pound cooked chicken strips (pre-cooked or leftover)
4. ½ cup buffalo sauce (adjust heat level to taste)
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Roast Cauliflower: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 20–25 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
2. Warm Chicken: In a skillet or microwave, heat chicken strips if they’re cold.
3. Combine with Sauce: Place roasted cauliflower and chicken in a bowl. Drizzle buffalo sauce over top, tossing to coat evenly.
4. Serve: Enjoy alone or with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.

16. Sausage and Pepper Skillet

A fast, hearty dinner of sausages, bell peppers, and onions, perfect on its own or with a simple salad.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 4 Italian sausages (mild or hot), sliced
3. 2 bell peppers, sliced
4. 1 onion, sliced
5. 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
6. Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe Steps:

1. Sauté Sausages: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add sliced sausages, cooking until browned.
2. Add Peppers and Onions: Toss in bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook until veggies are tender.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper. For extra flavor, consider a pinch of Italian seasoning or chili flakes.
4. Serve: Plate hot with additional low-carb sides if desired.

17. Chicken Broccoli “Stir-Fry” with Peanut Sauce

Swap out the high-carb noodles or rice and focus on lean chicken, broccoli, and a creamy peanut sauce for a satisfying meal.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients:

1. 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil)
2. 1 pound chicken breast, sliced
3. 3 cups broccoli florets
4. 1 garlic clove, minced
5. Peanut Sauce (Adjust to Taste):
6. 2 tablespoons peanut butter (natural preferred)
7. 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
8. 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
9. 1 teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
10. Water for thinning

Recipe Steps:

1. Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet or wok. Season chicken slices with salt and pepper. Sear until browned, about 4–5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Add Broccoli and Garlic: Stir-fry broccoli until slightly tender. Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute.
3. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger if using. Add water as needed to reach a pourable consistency.
4. Combine: Return chicken to the skillet. Pour peanut sauce over the mixture, tossing to coat. Simmer briefly.
5. Serve: Plate on its own or over cauliflower rice.

18. Steak and Cauliflower Mash

A steakhouse-inspired dinner at home—juicy steak and a creamy cauliflower mash in under 30 minutes.

Recipe Metadata:

• Time to Make: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

1. 2 steaks (sirloin, ribeye, or your favorite cut)
2. Salt, pepper, and any steak seasoning to taste
3. 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
4. 3 cups cauliflower florets
5. 2 tablespoons butter (for mash)
6. Optional add-ins: garlic, chives, or grated cheese for the mash

Recipe Steps:

1. Season Steak: Pat steaks dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, or your favorite steak rub.
2. Cook Steak: Heat butter/oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear steaks for about 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) for medium-rare to medium. Let them rest for 5 minutes.
3. Steam Cauliflower: In a pot, steam florets until tender (about 8–10 minutes). Drain well.
4. Mash: Blend or mash cauliflower with butter, plus any seasonings (garlic, chives). Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Slice steak if desired, plate with cauliflower mash, and garnish.