18 Low Carb Vegan Recipes That Satisfy

When I want to eat fewer carbs but still stick to plant-based meals, I used to think my options would be boring or leave me hungry. I was wrong. By focusing on proteins like tofu and tempeh, and lots of vegetables, I found meals that are truly filling and interesting.

These recipes keep things simple and satisfying, without relying on bread, pasta, or rice.

Here are 18 low carb vegan recipes that keep me full and happy.

1. Garlicky Sautéed Tempeh

Thinly sliced tempeh pan-fried until golden, then tossed with lots of garlic and a splash of tamari. I eat this as a main with a big side of greens.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 240
2. Protein: 20g
3. Carbs: 9g (Net: 5g)
4. Fat: 15g
5. Fiber: 4g

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2. Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto

Spiralized zucchini tossed with a rich pesto made from avocado, basil, and pine nuts. It’s creamy, fresh, and comes together in minutes.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 13g (Net: 8g)
4. Fat: 24g
5. Fiber: 5g

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3. Spicy Peanut Tofu Lettuce Wraps

Cubed, baked tofu in a spicy peanut sauce, served in crisp lettuce leaves with chopped scallions. They are messy and fun to eat.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 260
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 12g (Net: 9g)
4. Fat: 17g
5. Fiber: 3g

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4. Hearty “No-Bean” Chili

A chili made with chopped mushrooms, walnuts, and tomatoes, seasoned with chili spices. It has a meaty texture without any beans.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 210
2. Protein: 9g
3. Carbs: 14g (Net: 10g)
4. Fat: 15g
5. Fiber: 4g

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5. Cauliflower “Rice” Stir-Fry

Riced cauliflower stir-fried with broccoli, bell pepper, and baked tofu in a simple ginger garlic sauce.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 15g (Net: 9g)
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 6g

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6. Creamy Coconut Curry Spinach Soup

A simple soup of spinach and onion simmered in coconut milk with curry powder, then blended until smooth.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 230
2. Protein: 5g
3. Carbs: 11g (Net: 7g)
4. Fat: 20g
5. Fiber: 4g

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7. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Large portobello caps filled with a mixture of chopped mushrooms, onions, and walnuts, then baked until tender.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 10g (Net: 6g)
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 4g

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8. Crispy Baked Tofu “Nuggets”

Bite-sized tofu pieces coated in almond flour and spices, baked until crispy. I dip them in a sugar-free mustard sauce.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 200
2. Protein: 17g
3. Carbs: 8g (Net: 5g)
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 3g

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9. Cobb Salad with Tempeh “Bacon”

A big salad of romaine, avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, topped with crunchy tempeh bits cooked to taste like bacon.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 270
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 13g (Net: 8g)
4. Fat: 19g
5. Fiber: 5g

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10. Spaghetti Squash with Marinara & “Meatballs”

Spaghetti squash strands topped with a simple marinara sauce and vegan meatballs made from lentils and walnuts.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 12g
3. Carbs: 25g (Net: 18g)
4. Fat: 13g
5. Fiber: 7g

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11. Smoky Blackened Tofu Steaks

Thick slices of pressed tofu rubbed with a smoky paprika spice blend and pan-seared. I serve it with a side of sautéed green beans.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 180
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 5g (Net: 3g)
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 2g

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12. Creamy Broccoli “Cheddar” Soup

Steamed broccoli and cauliflower blended with nutritional yeast, coconut milk, and vegetable broth into a thick, cheesy soup.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 190
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 14g (Net: 8g)
4. Fat: 12g
5. Fiber: 6g

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13. Eggplant & Zucchini Lasagna

Slices of eggplant and zucchini layered with a cashew ricotta and marinara sauce, then baked until bubbly.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 220
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 18g (Net: 12g)
4. Fat: 14g
5. Fiber: 6g

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14. Avocado & Edamame Salad Bowl

A bowl of mixed greens topped with shelled edamame, sliced avocado, radishes, and a lemon tahini dressing.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 18g (Net: 9g)
4. Fat: 24g
5. Fiber: 9g

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15. “Cheesy” Jalapeño Cauliflower Mash

Steamed cauliflower blended with nutritional yeast, garlic, and chopped jalapeño until smooth and creamy.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 110
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 12g (Net: 7g)
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 5g

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16. Cabbage “Noodle” Bowl

Thinly sliced cabbage sautéed until tender with mushrooms, tofu, and a savory sesame soy glaze.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 170
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 13g (Net: 8g)
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 5g

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17. Walnut “Taco Meat” Salad

Seasoned, chopped walnuts cooked to mimic taco meat, served over a salad with salsa and a dollop of guacamole.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 12g (Net: 6g)
4. Fat: 25g
5. Fiber: 6g

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18. Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

A simple dessert made by mixing chia seeds with unsweetened almond milk and cocoa powder, sweetened with a touch of stevia.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 150
2. Protein: 5g
3. Carbs: 12g (Net: 5g)
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 7g

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