Eating low carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety.
Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, manage blood sugar, or simply eat healthier, low-carb dinners can be delicious, satisfying, and easy to prepare.
From fresh salads and veggie-packed stir-fries to creamy chicken dishes and hearty stuffed vegetables, low-carb meals come in all shapes and flavors.
This collection of 22+ low carb dinner recipes offers plenty of inspiration for wholesome meals that keep the carbs low but the taste high.
Whether you’re new to low-carb eating or looking to diversify your dinner menu, you’ll find recipes to please every palate and schedule.
22+ Delicious Low Carb Dinner Recipes to Try Tonight
Low-carb dinners don’t have to be complicated or boring.
The recipes in this collection prove that meals rich in protein and vegetables can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
By focusing on fresh ingredients, bold spices, and smart substitutions like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes without worrying about carbs.
Try these recipes to keep your dinners exciting, nutritious, and perfectly aligned with your low-carb goals.
Garlic Butter Shrimp and Zucchini Noodles
This garlic butter shrimp with zucchini noodles is a light, flavorful low-carb dinner that’s quick to prepare.
Tender shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce pairs perfectly with spiralized zucchini, creating a satisfying meal without the carbs.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque. Stir in lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss in zucchini noodles and cook briefly until just tender. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
This dish delivers bold, garlicky flavors balanced by the freshness of zucchini noodles.
It’s perfect for anyone seeking a satisfying low-carb dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste or texture.
The shrimp add protein while the zucchini keeps things light and nutritious.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower fried rice is a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional fried rice, packed with veggies, eggs, and savory seasonings.
It’s a delicious way to enjoy a takeout favorite without the extra carbs.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower, riced
- Eggs, lightly beaten
- Carrots, diced
- Peas
- Green onions, sliced
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Garlic, minced
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic, carrots, and peas; cook until tender. Push veggies to the side and scramble eggs until cooked. Add cauliflower rice and stir everything together. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until cauliflower is tender but still has a bit of crunch. Garnish with green onions.
Cauliflower fried rice is a satisfying, flavorful dish that mimics traditional fried rice while keeping carbs low.
It’s versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner packed with vegetables and protein.
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Salad
This lemon herb grilled chicken salad is a refreshing, low-carb dinner option featuring juicy grilled chicken atop a bed of crisp mixed greens and fresh vegetables, dressed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Mixed salad greens
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes. Grill or pan-sear chicken until cooked through and nicely charred. Slice the chicken and arrange over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with remaining marinade or a fresh lemon vinaigrette and serve.
This salad is light, flavorful, and packed with protein and fresh vegetables, making it an excellent low-carb dinner choice.
The bright lemon and herb marinade enhances the chicken’s taste, creating a delicious meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
This beef and broccoli stir fry is a classic low-carb dinner that’s both quick and flavorful.
Tender strips of beef are cooked with crisp broccoli in a savory garlic-ginger sauce, making it a perfect satisfying meal without the carbs.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank steak)
- Broccoli florets
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, minced
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing briefly until fragrant. Add beef strips and cook until browned. Toss in broccoli and continue to stir fry until crisp-tender. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for another minute, then garnish with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes if desired.
This dish is a perfect balance of tender beef and fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce that packs a flavorful punch.
It’s a quick, healthy, and filling low-carb option ideal for busy weeknights.
Zucchini Lasagna
Zucchini lasagna replaces traditional pasta with thin slices of zucchini, making it a delicious low-carb alternative that still delivers on classic Italian flavors.
Layers of sausage, ricotta, marinara, and cheese come together in this comforting baked dish.
Ingredients:
- Zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
- Italian ground sausage
- Ricotta cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté garlic in olive oil, add sausage, and cook until browned. Layer sliced zucchini, sausage mixture, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella in a baking dish. Repeat layers ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Bake covered for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Zucchini lasagna is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of traditional lasagna without the carbs.
It’s rich, hearty, and comforting — a perfect low-carb dinner that the whole family will love.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Creamy Tuscan chicken is a flavorful low-carb dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach.
The creamy sauce adds indulgence without any heavy carbs.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh spinach
- Heavy cream
- Garlic, minced
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Sear chicken breasts in olive oil until golden and cooked through; set aside. In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts and sauce thickens. Return chicken to the pan and coat with sauce. Simmer briefly to meld flavors.
This creamy Tuscan chicken offers a rich, satisfying meal that’s low in carbs but high in flavor.
It’s perfect for a special dinner or when you want a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
This spaghetti squash with meat sauce is a tasty low-carb alternative to traditional spaghetti.
Roasted spaghetti squash strands mimic pasta, topped with a rich, savory meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian herbs.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti squash
- Ground beef
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions:
Cut the spaghetti squash in half and roast it face down until tender. Meanwhile, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, then add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning, simmering to develop flavor. Scrape the roasted squash strands with a fork and serve topped with the meat sauce and fresh basil.
This dish delivers the comforting taste of spaghetti and meat sauce without the carbs.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy classic Italian flavors on a low-carb diet.
Cajun Cauliflower Rice with Sausage
Cajun cauliflower rice with sausage is a spicy, satisfying low-carb dinner that’s inspired by classic Cajun flavors.
Cauliflower rice replaces traditional rice, cooked with smoky sausage, bell peppers, and Cajun spices.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower, riced
- Andouille or smoked sausage, sliced
- Bell peppers, diced
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook sausage slices until browned and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onion, bell peppers, and garlic until softened. Add cauliflower rice and Cajun seasoning, cooking until cauliflower is tender. Stir sausage back in and heat through. Garnish with green onions.
This flavorful dish offers the bold spices of Cajun cooking with a low-carb twist.
It’s quick, filling, and perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon and Asparagus
This sheet pan lemon garlic salmon and asparagus dinner is a fresh, low-carb meal that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
Salmon fillets roast alongside tender asparagus, all brightened with lemon and garlic.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Asparagus spears, trimmed
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice and zest
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Toss asparagus with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, spreading in a single layer. Place salmon fillets on the pan, drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, and zest, and season. Roast until salmon is cooked through and asparagus is tender. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
This dish is light, nutritious, and perfect for a quick low-carb dinner.
The lemon and garlic bring brightness that complements the rich salmon and fresh asparagus beautifully.
Chicken Alfredo Zucchini Noodles
This chicken Alfredo with zucchini noodles is a creamy, low-carb twist on a classic favorite.
Tender grilled chicken is served over sautéed zucchini noodles coated in a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- Zucchini noodles (zoodles)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add heavy cream and simmer gently, stirring in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Toss zucchini noodles in the sauce just until tender. Serve topped with grilled chicken slices and freshly ground pepper.
This dish offers the indulgent flavors of traditional Alfredo but keeps carbs low by swapping pasta for zucchini noodles.
It’s perfect for anyone craving creamy comfort food without the extra carbs.
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This beef and cabbage stir fry is a quick, low-carb dinner that’s full of savory flavor and satisfying textures.
Thin slices of beef are stir-fried with crunchy cabbage and a tasty garlic-ginger sauce for a healthy, easy meal.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef
- Green cabbage, shredded
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, minced
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Green onions, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a wok or skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add beef strips and cook until browned. Toss in shredded cabbage and stir-fry until crisp-tender. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring well. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
This stir fry is a perfect low-carb option that combines lean protein with fiber-rich cabbage, creating a delicious and balanced meal that comes together in minutes.
Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
Avocado chicken salad lettuce wraps make a fresh, low-carb dinner that’s creamy, crunchy, and packed with protein.
The creamy avocado blends with shredded chicken and crisp veggies, wrapped in crunchy lettuce leaves.
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded
- Ripe avocado, mashed
- Celery, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
- Romaine or butter lettuce leaves
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, mashed avocado, diced celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Spoon the chicken salad into individual lettuce leaves and serve immediately.
These lettuce wraps are a refreshing and easy low-carb dinner option, perfect for warm days or when you want a light yet satisfying meal that’s full of healthy fats and protein.
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cauliflower Rice
This low-carb stuffed bell peppers recipe uses cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains, making it a healthy and flavorful dinner option.
The bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, vegetables, and cheese, then baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
- Bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- Ground turkey or beef
- Cauliflower rice
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Diced tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in cauliflower rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until heated through. Stuff the mixture into prepared bell peppers and top with shredded mozzarella. Bake covered for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
This dish offers a delicious low-carb twist on classic stuffed peppers.
It’s packed with protein and veggies, making it both hearty and healthy — perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Cajun Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
This Cajun grilled salmon with avocado salsa is a flavorful low-carb dinner that’s quick and easy to prepare.
The spicy Cajun seasoning perfectly complements the rich salmon, while the fresh avocado salsa adds a creamy, zesty contrast.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil
- Avocado, diced
- Tomato, diced
- Red onion, finely chopped
- Cilantro, chopped
- Lime juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Rub salmon fillets with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through. In a bowl, combine avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the salsa. Serve the grilled salmon topped with the fresh avocado salsa.
This meal balances bold spices with fresh, bright flavors. It’s a healthy, low-carb dinner that feels indulgent and is perfect for seafood lovers.
Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
These turkey meatballs served over zucchini noodles are a light, low-carb dinner option bursting with Italian flavors.
The meatballs are tender and savory, paired with zucchini noodles tossed in a fresh tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic, minced
- Egg
- Italian seasoning
- Zucchini noodles
- Marinara sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix ground turkey, Parmesan, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into meatballs and bake until cooked through. Meanwhile, sauté zucchini noodles in olive oil until tender. Heat marinara sauce separately. Serve meatballs over zucchini noodles topped with marinara.
This dish provides a comforting, low-carb alternative to spaghetti and meatballs.
It’s nutritious, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
This lemon garlic butter salmon is a simple yet elegant low-carb dinner featuring flaky salmon fillets cooked in a luscious lemon butter sauce with garlic and herbs.
It’s quick to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice and zest
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Place salmon fillets in the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through. Pour in lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest over the salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley and season with salt and pepper before serving.
This dish delivers rich, buttery flavors balanced by bright lemon and fragrant garlic, making it a perfect low-carb dinner that’s both indulgent and healthy.
Chicken Caprese Salad
Chicken Caprese salad is a fresh, low-carb meal combining grilled chicken breast with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
It’s light, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients:
- Grilled chicken breast, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced or in small balls
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Arrange sliced chicken on a plate and top with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.
This salad is an easy, refreshing low-carb dinner that celebrates simple, vibrant ingredients.
It’s perfect for warm evenings or when you want a light but satisfying meal.
Pork Stir Fry with Vegetables
This pork stir fry with vegetables is a quick and healthy low-carb dinner packed with lean protein and colorful veggies.
Tender pork slices are stir-fried with broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas in a savory sauce.
Ingredients:
- Pork tenderloin, thinly sliced
- Broccoli florets
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Snap peas
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce or tamari
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil
- Ginger, minced
Instructions:
Heat olive oil in a wok or large skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add pork slices and cook until browned. Toss in vegetables and stir fry until crisp-tender. Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to combine. Serve hot.
This stir fry is a colorful and flavorful low-carb dinner option that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy nights when you want a wholesome meal fast.
Avocado and Bacon Egg Salad
This avocado and bacon egg salad is a creamy, low-carb twist on a classic favorite.
The richness of ripe avocado blends perfectly with crispy bacon and hard-boiled eggs, making it a satisfying and healthy dinner option.
Ingredients:
- Hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Ripe avocado, mashed
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
In a bowl, combine chopped eggs, mashed avocado, and crumbled bacon. Stir in mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled, either on its own or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal.
This egg salad offers a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures with bold flavors.
It’s a quick and nutritious low-carb dinner that feels indulgent without the extra carbs.
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Stuffed zucchini boats are a delicious low-carb dinner that features hollowed zucchini filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese, then baked until tender and bubbly.
Ingredients:
- Zucchini, halved and seeded
- Ground beef
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Diced tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Fill zucchini halves with the beef mixture and top with shredded mozzarella. Bake for 25-30 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden.
These zucchini boats are a flavorful, hearty meal that’s low in carbs and full of wholesome ingredients.
They’re perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Spicy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Spicy garlic chicken thighs are a bold, flavorful low-carb dinner option.
Juicy chicken thighs are marinated in a spicy garlic sauce and roasted to crispy perfection, making for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
Mix garlic, olive oil, paprika, cayenne, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a marinade. Coat chicken thighs thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until skin is crispy and chicken is cooked through, about 35-40 minutes.
This dish offers a spicy kick balanced with savory garlic and crispy skin, creating a low-carb dinner that’s both bold and comforting.
It’s great for anyone craving flavor-packed protein.
Conclusion
Incorporating low-carb dinners into your routine is a great way to support a healthier lifestyle without feeling deprived. These 22+ recipes highlight how easy and delicious it is to cook meals that are both nourishing and carb-conscious. From quick weeknight dishes to more elaborate options, you’ll find meals that fit your lifestyle and taste buds. Embrace these recipes and enjoy the benefits of low-carb eating while savoring every bite.
