When on a low carb diet like Atkins or keto, it can be tricky to know which dinners are compliant, especially when eating out! That’s why it’s helpful to make meals at home when possible. There are so many benefits to making home cooked meals: you know exactly what ingredients are inside, you can control portions, and you can include favorite ingredients.
Low carb dinner ideas can be simple, inexpensive, and absolutely delicious! In this blog post, we’re sharing recipes perfect for a high protein low carb diet.
8 low carb dinner ideas
Split pea and kale bake
As a vegan, it can be difficult to find solid sources of protein. This split pea and kale bake is a low carb dinner option that’s vegan, too! The foundation of this bake is Proper Good split pea and kale soup, which is packed with 13 grams of plant-based protein and 13 grams of fiber. It also accommodates gluten-free and dairy-free dietary needs!
For those who are not vegan and would like to add an extra serving of protein, we’d suggest slicing small chunks of pancetta to sprinkle on top before sliding this bake in the oven.
Crispy oven baked chicken
With just five minutes of meal prep time, this oven baked chicken recipe is perfect for busy weeknights! Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get kiddos involved in the kitchen (they love to help coat the chicken with breadcrumbs!)
Chicken is an excellent protein source and is high in protein while being almost fat-free. Chicken is versatile and can be seasoned a number of different ways. In this recipe, we’re seasoning the chicken with Italian herbs, but it also pairs well with oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, and many other herbs and spices.
Low carb soups
Contrary to popular belief, low carb does not have to mean boring! Soup is a flavorful way to feel full and satisfied while on a low carb diet. And, after a long and busy day, nothing is more comforting than a warm bowl of soup for dinner.
Proper Good soups are tasty and many of our customer favorites are also low carb! Give our Red Pepper, Broccoli Cheddar, and Cream of Chicken a try. You’ll never associate low carb with boring again! ;)
Rotisserie chicken salad
If you’re someone who loves mayonnaise, a low carb diet can be frustrating! Many brands of mayo are high in carbs and unhealthy fats. That’s why we love Primal Kitchen’s Avocado Mayo for this rotisserie chicken salad recipe. This spread is keto certified, meaning it is approved for a low carb diet. And it just tastes sooo good!
Enjoy this recipe during summer nights on the porch, or at the park while hanging out with friends! This recipe pairs well with mixed fresh fruit, like berries.
Grilled steak shish kabobs
Let’s stick with the summer theme, shall we?! ;) Nothing says summer like shish kabobs, which are often enjoyed on an outdoor grill. This recipe is a perfect mix of savory and spicy using Proper Good Spicy Seasoning.
Soy sauce, avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and honey make the most mouthwatering marinade! Add in cuts of steak plus any vegetables to the shish kabob and voila! Low carb dinner on a stick.
BBQ chicken foil packets
Is your grill fired up yet? If not, this next recipe might inspire you to hit the grill or your indoor oven. If shish kabobs aren’t really your thing, foil wraps might be worth a try. We love foil wrap meals because you get to enjoy all of the great flavors of char-grilled meat and vegetables without the mess! Just about any combination of low carb vegetables pairs well with the BBQ chicken in this recipe.
If you'd like to enjoy a side dish with this low carb dinner, try watermelon! This juicy fruit is 92 percent water and the lowest-carb fruit by far, containing only 7.5 carbs for every 100 grams. Watermelon also contains high amounts of vitamins A and C!
Cauliflower fritters
Those on a low carb diet know all too well that some favorite foods, like fried chicken wings, are not a low carb dinner option. However, healthy swaps can be made, such as this cauliflower fritter recipe! Cauliflower is one of the most versatile and popular low-carb vegetables. It has a very mild taste and can be used as a substitute for potatoes, rice and other high carb foods. One cup (100 grams) of raw cauliflower contains only 5 grams of carbs, 3 of which are fiber.
In this recipe, low carb cauliflower is combined with a yummy assortment of herbs and spices, including cilantro, turmeric, cumin, and red pepper flakes! Choose your favorite low carb dipping sauce and you’ve got a light, tasty low carb dinner at the ready.
Garlic pork chops and mushroom sauce
Is there anything that goes together like garlic, mushrooms, and pork chops? We think not! This recipe is creamy and delicious … not to mention a great low carb dinner idea! The mushroom sauce adds a decadent flavor to the pork chops. While it calls for heavy cream, those who are dairy-free can swap for lactose-free cream variations, which are often available at the grocery store or online.
Cook with a side of oven-roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, to round out an excellent low carb meal.
Low carb dinner made easy! Perfect for keto, Atkins, or any general low carb diet, these recipes can be enjoyed year round. And while they’re an excellent idea for dinner, why not enjoy them for lunch or breakfast as well? We won’t judge! ;)