Whether you’re new to the ketogenic diet or a seasoned pro, these low-carb/keto-friendly recipes will keep your taste buds happy and your health goals on track. From savory dinners to sweet treats, we’ve handpicked seven delicious dishes that are easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with nutrients. Each recipe includes step-by-step instructions, nutritional macros to inspire you.
What Makes Low-Carb/Keto Recipes So Special?
The ketogenic (keto) diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that encourages your body to burn fat for fuel, a state called ketosis. By keeping carbs low (typically 20–50g net carbs daily), keto can support weight management, stabilize blood sugar, and boost energy. These recipes are designed to stay under 10g net carbs per serving, using wholesome ingredients like avocado, cauliflower, and almond flour. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving a quick snack, these dishes are practical, delicious, and beginner-friendly.
Important: Before starting any new diet, consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have medical conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
- Quick & Easy: Most take 30 minutes or less, perfect for busy schedules.
- Affordable: Made with pantry staples and accessible ingredients.
- Flavor-Packed: No bland meals here—think creamy sauces, cheesy goodness, and sweet treats.
- Customizable: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or budget.
- Keto-Approved: Low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and macro-friendly.
Let’s get cooking with these seven keto recipes that prove healthy eating can be indulgent and fun!
1. Cheesy Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 | Net Carbs: ~5g per serving
This vibrant cauliflower rice stir-fry is a low-carb spin on fried rice, loaded with colorful veggies and gooey cheddar. It’s a weeknight hero that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and yellow)
- 1/2 cup diced zucchini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions for garnish.
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add cauliflower rice, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce heat, sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture, and cover for 2 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot.
Nutritional Info (per serving): Calories: 180, Fat: 14g, Protein: 7g, Net Carbs: 5g
Tips:
- Swap cheddar for mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Add diced chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
2. Keto Zucchini Noodle Alfredo
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 2 | Net Carbs: ~4g per serving
Craving creamy pasta? This zucchini noodle Alfredo delivers all the richness of the classic dish without the carbs, thanks to a velvety keto-friendly sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Spiralize zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Add zucchini noodles and toss gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Nutritional Info (per serving): Calories: 320, Fat: 30g, Protein: 6g, Net Carbs: 4g
Tips:
- Use a veggie peeler for ribbon noodles if you don’t have a spiralizer.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Best enjoyed fresh to avoid soggy noodles.
3. Avocado Bacon Egg Boats
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2 | Net Carbs: ~2g per serving
These avocado egg boats are a keto breakfast or snack that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, with creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and perfectly baked eggs.
Ingredients:
- 1 large avocado, halved and pitted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tbsp chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Scoop out a small portion of each avocado half to create a larger cavity for the egg.
- Place avocado halves in a baking dish to keep them stable. Crack one egg into each half.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until eggs are set to your liking. Garnish with chives.
Nutritional Info (per serving): Calories: 250, Fat: 22g, Protein: 10g, Net Carbs: 2g
Tips:
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use a muffin tin to keep avocados upright during baking.
- Store unbaked halves in the fridge for up to 1 day.
4. Keto Coconut Flour Flatbread
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 | Net Carbs: ~3g per flatbread
This fluffy coconut flour flatbread is a versatile low-carb side, perfect for wraps, dipping, or even as a pizza base.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut flour
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, water, and olive oil until combined.
- Add coconut flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until a smooth batter forms.
- Let the batter sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 of the batter to form a flatbread.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Repeat for remaining batter.
Nutritional Info (per flatbread): Calories: 120, Fat: 9g, Protein: 4g, Net Carbs: 3g
Tips:
- Use as a wrap for keto tacos or sandwiches.
- Add herbs like rosemary for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Fat Bombs
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 12 | Net Carbs: ~1g per fat bomb
These decadent fat bombs are a sweet keto treat that curbs cravings with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp erythritol (or keto-friendly sweetener)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix melted coconut oil, peanut butter, cocoa powder, erythritol, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray.
- Freeze for 30 minutes until set. Pop out and store in the fridge.
Nutritional Info (per fat bomb): Calories: 100, Fat: 10g, Protein: 1g, Net Carbs: 1g
Tips:
- Swap peanut butter for almond butter for a different flavor.
- Keep refrigerated to maintain texture.
- Perfect for a quick energy boost.
6. Keto Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2 | Net Carbs: ~3g per serving
This one-pan salmon dish is a keto masterpiece, with flaky fish, crisp asparagus, and a garlicky butter sauce.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each)
- 1 cup asparagus spears, trimmed
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place salmon fillets and asparagus on the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the butter mixture over the salmon and asparagus.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Serve warm.
Nutritional Info (per serving): Calories: 350, Fat: 25g, Protein: 28g, Net Carbs: 3g
Tips:
- Swap asparagus for broccoli or green beans.
- Double the recipe for meal prep.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
7. Keto Berry Chia Pudding
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours | Servings: 2 | Net Carbs: ~4g per serving
This creamy chia pudding is a low-carb dessert or breakfast, bursting with fresh berries and keto-friendly sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries)
- 1 tbsp erythritol
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk chia seeds, almond milk, erythritol, and vanilla extract.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
- Divide the mixture into two jars or bowls.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with berries and coconut flakes before serving.
Nutritional Info (per serving): Calories: 150, Fat: 10g, Protein: 4g, Net Carbs: 4g
Tips:
- Use coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Prep in advance for a grab-and-go breakfast.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
SEE ALSO:
Meal Prep for Weight Loss: 5 Easy Recipes and Tips for Success
10 Delicious Gluten-Free and Allergen-Friendly Diet Recipes for Every Meal
Top Tips for Keto Cooking Success
- Stock Your Pantry: Keep keto staples like coconut oil, almond flour, erythritol, and avocado on hand for quick meals.
- Meal Prep Like a Pro: Double recipes like the stir-fry or salmon for easy lunches or dinners.
- Track Your Macros: Use a free app (e.g., Carb Manager) to stay within keto carb limits.
- Shop Smart: Buy in-season veggies or frozen options to save money.
- Experiment: Swap ingredients (e.g., broccoli for zucchini) to keep recipes fresh and budget-friendly.
Why These Recipes Are Perfect for You
These low-carb/keto-friendly recipes are designed to make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable. They’re:
- Beginner-Friendly: Simple steps and minimal equipment needed.
- Time-Saving: Most are ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with healthy fats and low-carb veggies.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks.