50+ Delicious Recipes That Effortlessly Cut Carbs (2024)

Take 20 minutes for prep the night before, set your slow cooker to low while you sleep, and wake up to the smell of eggs and bacon cooking in the kitchen. This hearty low-carb breakfast casserole will energize you with its high protein content and keep you full until lunchtime rolls around.

Carbs per serving: 8.2 grams
Calories per serving: 375

Classic Mediterranean ingredients like peppers, onion, and spinach bring texture, flavor, and nutrition to actress Lea Michele's frittata recipe, while egg whites and feta provide over 20 grams of protein. This low-calorie frittata is quick enough to come together on a weekday morning but elegant enough to serve to friends at a special weekend brunch.

Carbs per serving: 11.2 grams
Calories per serving: 300

Even if you're cutting back on carbs, you can enjoy a stack of hotcakes! These wheat-free pancakes use almond meal and flaxseed instead. They're high in fiber and protein with nearly no sugar whatsoever.

Carbs per serving: 5.4 grams
Calories per serving: 162

Greek yogurt is one of the best ways to enjoy plenty of protein without any eggs or meat. Instead of topping off your morning bowl of yogurt with sugary granola, serve it up in a fresh cantaloupe bowl that kicks out carbs. Be sure to add your favorite fresh berries to the mix for extra color and flavor.

Carbs per serving: 15.1 grams
Calories per serving: 146

At 150 calories and 12 grams of protein, these gluten-free turkey sausage muffins are smarter than any fast-food egg option you'll find before work. This is another recipe that's easy to bake ahead of time and grab when you head out the door.

Carbs per serving: 2.3 grams
Calories per serving: 150

Pop in a batch of these protein-heavy eggs in ham shells when you wake up, and enjoy a hot, hearty, and quick breakfast before you leave for work. They're tasty during the workweek but special enough to serve at a healthy weekend brunch where you'd like a low-carb option available.

Carbs per serving: Less than 1 gram
Calories per serving: 109

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this low-carb, 335-calorie breakfast bowl takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and feels like you've treated yourself to a beautiful brunch at a neighborhood hot spot. It will fill you up, fuel your morning, and keep you satisfied.

Carbs per serving: 5.4 grams
Calories per serving: 335

Bake up this quinoa egg casserole on Sunday night, and cut a slice the following morning for a gluten-free breakfast. In addition to plenty of protein and fiber, you'll up your iron and calcium intake while enjoying this recipe.

Carbs per serving: 13.4
Calories per serving: 247

Scrambled egg, a sprinkle of diced bacon, and a drop of ghee (clarified butter) all bake right into a tiny tomato "ramekin" for a savory Paleo breakfast treat with just the right hint of sweetness. With more than 10 grams of protein, this tomato frittata is the perfect way to fuel your body after a tough morning workout.

Carbs per serving: 5.3 grams
Calories per serving: 164

For a high-protein, low-carb breakfast when you're in a bind for time, the sweet and savory combination of honeydew wrapped in prosciutto can't be beat. Keeping these two staples on hand in your fridge will make it so you can always enjoy a breakfast that supports your low-carb plan.

Calories for 1/8 honeydew melon and 2 oz. prosciutto: 2.4 grams
Calories per serving: 132

This baked egg dish is Jessica Simpson's go-to Weight Watchers breakfast. If you're worried about roasting vegetables in the morning, simply roast a big batch of vegetables on Sunday night so you can easily add them to this dish all week long.

Carbs per serving: 12.9 grams
Calories per serving: 149

With flavors like cumin, coriander, onion, pepper, and cilantro mingling together, you get a surprise in every bite of this Southwestern tofu scramble. And unlike eggs, you can prepare this low-carb breakfast ahead of time and keep it in your fridge for days.

Carbs per serving: 14.3 grams
Calories per serving: 135

Anyone who loves Mexican-inspired flavors will find a new favorite lunch in this oh-so-easy low-carb recipe. This fresh and spicy tortilla-less soup is high in vitamin C and protein. Cook up a big pot of soup on Sunday, and you'll have a satisfying lunch for the next few days —you won't miss the tortilla chips at all!

Carbs per serving: 17.3 grams
Calories per serving: 291

In the grand spectrum of salads, caesar isn't exactly the healthiest choice, but for the same addictive taste with an added bonus — vitamin-A-rich superfood kale — opt for this lighter caesar salad dressing that tastes just like the classic. And adding lean chicken breast to this dish brings on even more protein without adding any carbs.

Carbs per serving: 12.6 grams
Calories per serving: 175

For a tasty, vitamin-packed meal that's even better as leftovers, try Indian-spiced chard and tofu, a delicious main dish that's the perfect after-yoga, low-carb dinner.

Carbs per serving: 17 grams
Calories per serving: 222

Sub in nonfat Greek yogurt to keep the same texture and tang of chicken salad you love while cutting the calories and fat of the traditional in half. Skip the bread and serve your salad over a bed of lettuce for a light and satisfying lunch.

Carbs per serving: 3.9 grams
Calories per serving: 139

A mix of digestion-relieving cabbage and papaya and hydrating, antioxidant-rich daikon — along with a tangy Thai-inspired citrus dressing — makes this citrus chicken salad a flavorful, filling lunch that's high in protein and low in fat, carbs, and calories.

Carbs per serving: 11.6 grams
Calories per serving: 223

This veggie-powered cauliflower pizza crust proves that you don't need flour to make an amazing pizza. Freshly grated cauliflower serves as the base for the creative and delicious crust that you can fold up just like traditional pizza. Cook it up the night before, and enjoy leftovers reheated the next day.

Carbs per serving: 14.4 grams
Calories per serving: 272

This cheesy, garlicky "pasta" from healthy chef Hungry Girl is the best of both worlds — it's just as fast to make as any simple pasta dish and doesn't come overloaded with carbs. And since it's a similarly low-calorie and low-carb pasta alternative to spaghetti squash (one whole bag of broccoli slaw is only 100 calories and five grams of carbs) without all the prep, it's perfect for any gluten-free girl on the go.

Carbs per serving: 23 grams
Calories per serving: 134

Unlike the greasy Chinese fried rice typical of most restaurants, this veggie-packed Paleo "rice" skips the food coma and leaves you feeling satisfied and energized at the end of your meal. The combination of textures and flavors in this comforting Asian-inspired recipe is spot-on, and the "blitzed" cauliflower (pulsed in the blender) easily subs in for rice — you might even trick some picky eaters at your table with this one.

Carbs per serving: 12.9 grams
Calories per serving: 230

This Paleo spin on spaghetti and meatballs uses spaghetti squash as a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional pasta.

Carbs per serving: 12.4 grams
Calories per serving: 363

Pasta-less macaroni and cheese can be delicious — this cauliflower mac recipe is all the proof you need. The cheesy, creamy sauce full of coconut milk, extrasharp cheddar, and parmesan complements the cruciferous vegetable perfectly. No one will be asking "where's the wheat?!" when it comes to this preparation.

Carbs per serving: 14 grams
Calories per serving: 376

If you're on the hunt for a quick and tasty detoxifying recipe, this crunchy cabbage and hemp salad is for you. If you haven't tried them yet, it's time to give hemp seeds a try. They're a great source of fat-fighting omega-3s and vitamin E for vegans and vegetarians, and the combination of the cold-pressed oil and seeds in this recipe gives this fresh salad a nutty flavor you'll love.

Carbs per serving: 8.7 grams
Calories per serving: 381

Using a mix of veggies like zucchini, spaghetti squash, and red pepper instead of penne means you can load on the cheese and still enjoy a low-calorie, ooey-gooey, cheesy bowl of steamy pasta. Even better? This veggie pasta bake is gluten free.

Carbs per serving: 22.3 grams
Calories per serving: 208

Skip the classic, and opt for this lower-carb, just-as-delicious alternative that's baked in the oven. Tender, moist, and crunchy on the outside, this oven-fried chicken is a quick meal for one of those nights when you're craving something comforting but refuse to leave the table feeling uncomfortably stuffed.

Carbs per serving: 11.1 grams
Calories per serving: 335

For a warming, quick supper, cook up these Italian-style stuffed peppers for inspiration. With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a fresh, low-carb, clean meal with more than 30 grams of protein.

Carbs per serving: 7 grams
Calories per serving: 285

Tons of root veggies and fresh, fragrant herbs make this a fiber- and protein-rich beef stew that will fill up calorie- and carb-conscious eaters — a huge helping weighs in at just 265 calories!

Carbs per serving: 25.1 grams
Calories per serving: 265

This hydrating and low-carb cucumber caprese salad might turn into your new go-to recipe. High in protein, fiber, and anti-inflammatory omega-3s, this delicious salad aligns with your weight-loss goals!

Carbs per serving: 14.4 grams
Calories per serving: 253

For a version that doesn't compromise flavor or texture — but cuts back on the fat — cook up these baked buffalo wings. After tasting one of these spicy, juicy wings, you'll never go back to the old-fashioned method again.

Carbs per serving: 4.9 grams
Calories per serving: 377

If you're looking to lighten things up the next time you dig into a comforting bowl of mac and cheese, opt for this twist on tradition that amps up the nutritional value as it cuts back on calories and carbs. Versatile and nutrient-rich spaghetti squash lays the base to this recipe, while broccoli adds more vitamin A.

Carbs per serving: 17 grams
Calories per serving: 296

Versatile cauliflower stands in for the majority of the starch, which dramatically slashes the carb count without sacrificing the texture or flavor of this loaded baked potato soup. Top it off with your favorite classic baked potato garnishes, and prepare to be wowed.

Carbs per serving: 24.9 grams
Calories per serving: 185

Give your cold-cut sandwich routine a rest, and opt for this creative lunch instead. These fresh, raw, and fast collard green wraps feature a unique filling: ground walnuts, seasoned with tamari (a Japanese soy sauce that contains little to no wheat), cumin, and other spices and topped with your favorite salsa.

Carbs per serving: 7.3 grams
Calories per serving: 275

If you're wary of cooking with shellfish, then this easy shrimp dish is a perfect place to start. High in protein but low in calories, shrimp is a healthful option for a seafood-loving bunch. This play on the comforting flavors of traditional scampi takes the gluten and pasta out of the equation and offers a tasty vegetable in its place: spaghetti squash.

Carbs per serving: 14.9 grams
Calories per serving: 312

Beyond their spiced, smoky, and surprisingly meaty flavor, the combination of walnuts and avocado makes this raw taco recipe a low-carb Mexican-inspired dish packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that have also recently been linked to burning away belly fat.

Carbs per serving: 10.3 grams
Calories per serving: 310

If you love the texture of tater tots but are trying to cut back on calories and fat, these broccoli tots need to make their way onto your table. This quick and simple recipe comes together in 25 minutes and are lower in carbs, calories, and fat.

Carbs per serving: 2.9 grams
Calories per serving: 36

Even if you can't take a tropical vacation, you can bring a taste of Jamaica to your kitchen. This low-carb roasted roots soup plays up the natural flavors of the produce and simmers it all in a coconut bath.

Carbs per serving: 23.3 grams
Calories per serving: 267

Craving carb-heavy potato chips? Opt for our roasted brussels sprouts chips instead. High in fiber and low in calories, they only take 10 minutes to make!

Carbs per serving: 4 grams
Calories per serving: 50

If you're craving something sweet and fruity without any added sugar, whip up a batch of strawberry fruit leather. Keep these in your gym bag or purse for those times when you're on the go.

Carbs per serving: 3.7 grams
Calories per serving: 15

For an easy snack, make this Paleo meatball recipe ahead of time, and pop them in your fridge or freezer for easy prep when cravings strike.

Carbs per serving: 2.9 grams
Calories per serving: 244

If you are craving something crunchy and spicy but don't want to load up on some serious chip-and-salsa calories, try these refreshing, cooling vegetable chard wraps. Please your palate with a rainbow of phytonutrients as well as a zingy dipping sauce that transforms these raw veggies into a scrumptious snack.

Carbs per serving: 7.1 grams
Calories per serving: 87

It really doesn't get much better than bacon and brussels sprouts — especially for anyone in your life who follows the Paleo diet. This recipe could not be more simple to make, which means it should be a regular addition to your party-appetizer or elegant-snack routine.

Carbs per serving: 3 grams
Calories per serving: 151

High in vitamins A and C, these tasty squash fries support your immune system all Winter long, and since the spicy sriracha dip is packed with capsaicin and protein, the hot sauce boosts your metabolism while the Greek yogurt satisfies hunger and keeps you full.

Carbs per serving: 10.7 grams
Calories per serving: 97

Avocados are a creamy snack that are good on their own, but a sprinkling of sunflower seeds give them an even healthier boost. The combination of avocado and sunflower seeds brings the body a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins E and K, and potassium. You also get a little bit of protein, too.

Carbs per serving: 10 grams
Calories per serving: 208

If you love Middle Eastern food, head immediately to your kitchen and make our babaganoush. Good as a spread, it can be served alongside fresh veggies to keep carb counts down.

Carbs per serving: 8.8 grams
Calories per serving: 77

Skip the processed powder and chop up chives, parsley, and garlic for our cucumbers with ranch Greek yogurt dip. There is so much flavor packed in these fresh herbs, only a little salt is needed.

Carbs per serving: 10 grams
Calories per serving: 93

There is so much goodness packed into this portable snack. These seaweed chips are cholesterol free and high in vitamin A, and a single serving is only 42 calories.

Carbs per serving: 2.5 grams
Calories per serving: 42

Get yourself a crisp, protein-filled snack with these cucumber tofu rolls. Make a batch ahead to enjoy throughout the week —you definitely will not miss the bread.

Carbs per serving: 10.2 grams
Calories per serving: 156

Protein-packed coconut shrimp get a healthy makeover in this recipe, where a deep fryer is not at all needed!

Carbs per serving: 12.6 grams
Calories per serving: 214

Light, crispy, and delicious, baked kale chips are loaded with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. They also won't last long —make sure to make a few batches!

Carbs per serving: 11.4 grams
Calories per serving: 117

When you need a low-carb snack with a bit of a sophisticated edge, make our asparagus and salmon bundles. Don't let looks fool you; these are beyond simple to make.

Carbs per serving: 4.7 grams
Calories per serving: 104

Salad is even more appetizing — and fun! —to eat when it's served on a stick. These Greek salad bites are a cinch to prepare and will make a great appetizer for your next dinner party.

Carbs per serving: 3 grams
Calories per serving: 110

A crunchy snack of roasted edamame will satisfy salt cravings while also upping your protein for the day. It's a great alternative to carb-heavy potato chips.

Carbs per serving: 10.5 grams
Calories per serving: 153

For something cool, light, and refreshing, try these cucumber cups with spicy tapenade. If tapenade isn't your thing, serve these low-carb cucumber cups alongside your favorite dip.

Carbs per serving: 8.3 grams
Calories per serving: 88