Low-carb lunches for your keto diet needs.
You may have heard by now—the keto diet works by depriving the body of glucose found in carbohydrates. Yes, that means no bread, rice, or even pasta (gasp!). But this low-carb diet doesn’t have to be limiting. This diet is based on meat, eggs, cheese, and plant-based fats. There are so many things you can (and want) to eat on the keto diet. Try these top-rated, keto-friendly recipes for a low-carb lunch that will fill you up.
1. Easy Low-Carb Cauliflower Mac ‘n Cheese
Just because you’re on the keto diet, doesn’t mean you have to give up all of your favorite comfort foods. This mac and cheese alternative is made with roasted cauliflower, but still has all the cheesy goodness you love about the original dish. Try sprinkling with bacon crumbles for some added flavor and protein.
2. Keto Beef Egg Roll Slaw
This is a low-carb twist on egg rolls that offers just as much flavor. The beef can be substituted for other forms of protein, making for a versatile lunch that is ready in 15 minutes or less.
3. Cobb Salad
Cobb salad is the perfect salad for those looking to go low-carb. It’s packed with filling and fresh ingredients like chicken, eggs, tomatoes, blue cheese, and avocado. Choose whatever dressing you like, and you have an easy, guilt-free lunch.
4. Keto Instant Pot® Soup (Low Carb)
If you’re looking to make use out of your Instant Pot®, look no further than this keto-friendly soup. Onion, garlic, cauliflower, and bell pepper make this a simple but delicious soup for lunch (or anytime you want it!).
5. Keto Shrimp Scampi with Broccoli Noodles
Broccoli Noodles are a great alternative to spaghetti, and this take on classic shrimp scampi proves that to be true. It’s packed with flavor and succulent shrimp, making this a quick yet sophisticated lunch.
6. Personal Portobello Pizza
“A delicious recipe that substitutes a portobello mushroom for a pizza crust. Try using pesto sauce instead of spaghetti sauce, and experiment with your favorite pizza toppings,” says recipe submitter KJONES27. Mushrooms are the perfect hearty, low-carb base for any topping your heart desires!
7. Easy Keto Beef Tacos
“These were so good! My husband and I recently started the keto diet. We’re doing very well and dishes like this are helping us stick to it,” says reviewer Sandy Davis.
This top-rated recipe uses cheese taco shells to give you all the flavor of your favorite Mexican dish without the carbs. Top it all off with beef, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and a little more cheese (cause why not?).
8. Seafood Stuffed Avocados
“Avocado halves are filled with a delicious mixture of shrimp, crab, and cucumber. A wonderful beginning to a light lunch, or a great appetizer for an elegant dinner,” says recipe submitter ANNIEKH. Get your healthy fats in with this delectable lunch!
9. Keto Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is a go-to for lunch. Whether you enjoy this on a sandwich or on its own for a keto-friendly meal, this is simple lunch you can make in less than 15 minutes and pack for work.
10. Keto Spaghetti Squash with Bacon and Blue Cheese
Spice up your plain old spaghetti squash with bacon, mushrooms, spinach, and blue cheese. Reviewer Vanessa says, “This came out SO good—my fiance and I could not stop eating it for anything. I plan to make this for our big family holiday dinner and I know it’s going to be a smashing hit.”
11. Creamy Keto Cauliflower Risotto
Swap rice for a low-carb cauliflower version of this creamy, classic dish. Reviewer WM in Vegas says she swapped out fresh cauliflower for bagged frozen cauliflower to make this keto-friendly dish.
12. Cherry Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Lettuce wraps are a great alternative to all things bread.This asian-inspired wrap is great picnics, or just packing ahead for lunch. Reviewer MICHELE36 says she swapped out Craisins® for dried cherries and sunflower kernels for almonds.
13. Instant Pot® Spicy Butternut Squash Soup
“This quick and easy butternut squash soup is so flavorful with ginger and brown sugar; and it only takes a few minutes in your Instant Pot®,” says recipe submitter Fioa. Stick to your diet and indulge in this nutty and creamy soup on a cold winter day. It’s a win all around.
14. Easy Keto Korean Beef with Cauli Rice
This top-rated keto recipe is ready in 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Cauliflower acts as a great alternative to rice. Simply grate it with a grater or food processor. The ground beef makes it a good source of protein that will keep you feeling full for hours.
15. Caveman Chili
This chili is great to make ahead, since it’s cooked in the slow cooker for juicy, tender pork. “This is so simple and delicious. I added Parmesan cheese to mine and was able to bring it to work for lunches. My boyfriend is not a fan of chili…but he devoured it,” says reviewer Cassie.
