The keto diet has garnered widespread attention due to its remarkable effectiveness in promoting weight loss and overall well-being. As a low-carb eating plan, it involves significantly reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing fat consumption. This ultra-low-carb approach can make it challenging to find lunch options that are both keto-friendly and flavorful. If this dilemma resonates with you, continue reading!
We’ve exhaustively searched the internet to compile 28 mouthwatering keto lunch recipes that are not only easy to prepare but also cater to diverse tastes. Whether you’re seeking a filling meal to sustain you until dinner or a lighter option that’s gentle on your digestive system, we’ve got you covered.
Low Carb Burgers
For meal planners, this recipe is a game-changer, allowing you to prepare these mini burger bites in advance and enjoy them throughout the week without taking up too much space in your freezer. Despite their small size, each bite is packed with robust flavors. One of the best things about these burgers is their versatility – simply substitute minced meat for any other type, such as pork, salmon, turkey, or chicken.
Additionally, feel free to swap out the almond flour for ground-up keto bread for a crisper texture.
Cheese Taco Shells
The star of the show in this recipe is the crispy, keto-friendly taco shell made from melted cheese. The magic happens when you use hard cheeses like pepper jack, Colby, or Monterey Jack to create a satisfying crunch. To bring it all together, fill your cheese tacos with creamy guacamole, savory beef, and tangy salsa for a classic taco flavor profile that’s sure to please.
Keto Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad
Inspired by the iconic Big Mac from McDonald’s, this keto-friendly salad offers a guilt-free twist on a junk food craving. For those following a ketogenic diet, this recipe is a game-changer. By topping crisp lettuce with seasoned ground beef, juicy tomato slices, and tangy capers, you’ll be enjoying a satisfying meal in no time. The pièce de résistance is the Big Mac-inspired dressing that brings everything together.
With an impressive 2 grams of carbs per serving, this salad is a healthier alternative to indulging in the original.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus Recipe
Indulge in a delightful fusion of crispy, sugar-free bacon and tender asparagus, a match made in heaven for bacon enthusiasts. This effortless recipe involves wrapping seasoned asparagus spears with the savory goodness of crispy bacon, where the harmonious balance of salty flavors will leave you craving more. The satisfying crunch of each piece gives way to the firm, tender asparagus within, an experience that’s sure to become a new favorite lunchtime indulgence.
Keto Oven Baked Chicken Legs
Indulge in the savory goodness of these keto-friendly chicken legs, smothered in a crunchy crust comprising pork rinds and tangy sour cream. This ingenious combination not only keeps the carb count in check but also infuses the dish with rich flavors courtesy of the fatty pork’s natural zest.
To elevate the flavor profile further, a trio of spices – cajun seasoning, garlic, and onion powder – are expertly blended to create a harmonious balance that’s both bold and nuanced.
The absence of flour or sugar means you can relish the dish without compromising on your dietary goals. As an added assurance, use a meat thermometer to confirm the legs have reached the perfect level of doneness in the oven.
Keto Chicken Quesadilla
To create this satisfying quesadilla, you’ll only need six ingredients. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses forms the crispy shell, while a harmonious blend of chicken and vegetables makes up the flavorful filling. For added freshness, consider topping with herbs like cilantro or basil – parsley and parmesan cheese also work well if you prefer. Complete each piece by serving it with a dollop of guacamole, salsa, or sour cream to truly capture the essence of Mexican cuisine.
Keto Egg Roll In A Bowl
Indulge in a quick and flavorful one-pan lunch that’s as effortless as it is delicious! This 15-minute masterpiece combines invigorating flavors with the convenience of minimal cleanup. Whether you opt for ground beef or pork, this recipe promises to deliver authentic egg roll tastes. Take it to the next level by finishing with a drizzle of low-sodium soy sauce and some fresh green onion slices for a visually appealing presentation.
Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Wraps
Looking for a quick fix to satisfy your cravings? Try substituting traditional cheeseburger ingredients with a crunchy lettuce wrap to significantly cut down on carbs. For an even healthier twist, consider swapping ground beef for turkey or reducing the amount of bacon used. Just remember, this recipe requires fresh bacon that’s been cooked and rendered to extract the flavorful fat needed for sautéing the mushrooms.
Turkey Bacon Ranch Pinwheels
At your next event, impress your guests with these delightful pinwheels that just happen to cater to various dietary requirements. Not only are they low in carbs, but they’re also gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free – a trifecta of suitability for different needs.
These easy-to-prepare appetizers involve a simple yet effective combination: roll up grated cheese, crispy bacon bits, and cream-lined turkey slices. The best part?
There’s no need to fret about fat content – in fact, the keto philosophy dictates that fat is our friend, so feel free to use your favorite high-fat cheddar brands without apology.
Keto Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs
Meatballs are often a staple in many cuisines, but they can be a concern for those following a ketogenic diet due to the carbs from breadcrumbs and flour used in their preparation. However, this recipe offers a game-changing solution by omitting breadcrumbs altogether, making it completely keto-friendly. What’s more, frying the meatballs in coconut oil adds a delightful toasted flavor that elevates the dish.
Enjoy yours with roasted vegetables or atop zucchini noodles for a keto twist on spaghetti and meatballs.
Keto Chicken Soup
Chicken soup, a staple in many households, is incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit various occasions. Whether you’re feeling under the weather, need a comforting meal after a late night out, or simply desire a lighter lunch option, this classic dish has got you covered. This recipe takes the traditional approach a step further by swapping out noodles for cauliflower rice, adding a delightful twist to the familiar flavor profile.
The incorporation of ginger and garlic infuses the chicken broth with a refreshing essence that complements the tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and subtle pepper flakes. What’s more, this recipe is packed with a medley of nutrient-dense ingredients, including carrots, celery, and an assortment of spices that will leave you feeling satisfied.
While this soup does contain slightly higher carbohydrate levels due to the presence of vegetables, it’s worth noting that these come from wholesome sources. If you’d like to boost the fat content, consider adding a touch more oil or substituting chicken breasts with thigh pieces for an added richness.
Creamy Low Carb Taco Soup
Indulge in this delectable one-pot taco soup recipe, where flavors meld together to create a mouthwatering experience. With its rich combination of tomatoes, avocados, ground beef, and cheese, it’s no wonder you’ll struggle to stop at just one spoonful! What’s more, this recipe boasts an impressive simplicity – requiring only eight ingredients and 30 minutes of your time.
The real showstopper here is the cream cheese, which adds a velvety texture and boosts the fat content for those on a keto diet. A crucial note: be sure to opt for low-sodium beef broth instead of regular to avoid an overwhelming saltiness.
Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese
Indulge in the comfort of mac and cheese without the carbs by infusing cauliflower with rich, creamy flavors. This recipe reimagines the classic combo, replacing traditional pasta with nutritious cauliflower. The result is a satisfying dish that satisfies your cravings while staying true to the original’s decadent taste. To achieve this, you’ll need sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and heavy cream for the velvety sauce.
Cauliflower requires minimal prep, simply cutting it into bite-sized pieces and roasting until tender before smothering with the cheesy goodness. For an added textural element, try sprinkling crushed pork rinds on top to create a crunchy crumb topping. With this recipe, you can enjoy the nostalgia of mac and cheese without compromising your dietary goals.
Keto Pizza Grilled Cheese
Embracing a ketogenic lifestyle doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort food altogether. In fact, this microwave keto bread recipe is a game-changer for those short on time or seeking a quick fix. By substituting traditional flour-based bread with its low-carb counterpart, you can enjoy the rich flavors of pizza in a matter of minutes – just 90 seconds, to be exact.
To elevate this indulgent grilled cheese, make sure to opt for sugar-free marinara sauce instead of relying on processed alternatives.
Spicy Fish Fritters
Looking for a unique lunch option that just so happens to be compatible with the Paleo diet, keto, and low carb? Look no further than this Caribbean-inspired fish dish in fritter form. The best part? These bite-sized treats are made without a traditional batter, making them a guilt-free choice for those adhering to these diets.
When it comes to binding the eggs and fish together, coconut flour is your best bet.
Almond flour, on the other hand, can leave you with fritters that are dry and crumbly. Instead, opt for coconut flour and enjoy a tender, flavorful treat.
To take these fritters to the next level, serve them with a tangy keto-friendly sauce like mayonnaise-based or low-carb mustard dips. The perfect combination of flavors and textures is just a recipe away.
Easy Keto Egg Salad Recipe
Keto diets often rely heavily on eggs as a staple food, but this recipe’s unique blend of flavors and ingredients ensures the egg salad remains exciting and varied. The foundation of the dish is hard-boiled eggs, which are then elevated with a zesty combination of mustard, mayonnaise, onions, and lemon juice. For added versatility, pair the salad with some crisp green vegetables or serve it atop low-carb bread.
If you’re concerned about the salad’s texture becoming too runny, fear not – simply add another egg or refrigerate until chilled to restore its creamy consistency.
Easy Keto Tuna Salad Recipe
For a simple yet satisfying twist on traditional salads, try combining tuna, mayonnaise, and dried onion. The rich flavors and textures blend together seamlessly, making for a delightful snack or light meal. Serve this tasty mixture atop crisp lettuce leaves or spoon it over keto-friendly microwave bread for added crunch.
Low Carb Keto Salmon Patties With Canned Meat
While tuna fish cakes are delicious, salmon is an excellent alternative that packs even more nutritional benefits. Specifically, it’s rich in healthy fats that align perfectly with a keto lifestyle. To give these patties an extra boost of flavor without adding carbs, I’ve added pork rinds and parmesan. The best part? They can be whipped up in just 15 minutes, making them the perfect solution for a quick, satisfying lunch that’s both tasty and on-brand with your dietary goals.
BLT Stuffed Avocado
Avocados are a staple in many keto diets, and for good reason – they’re a tasty and nutritious addition to your meals. But why settle for plain old guacamole when you can elevate your avocados with a delicious BLT twist? By stuffing avocado halves with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, you’ll create a flavor combination that’s both familiar and keto-friendly. The key is to keep the ingredients simple and carb-free, allowing the natural flavors of each component to shine through.
And don’t forget to top it all off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice – not only will this add a burst of citrusy goodness, but it’ll also help prevent your avocado from browning too quickly.
Easy Keto PF Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps
When it comes to PF Chang’s-style chicken, many of us crave that savory flavor without the high carb and calorie count. A simple tweak to the original recipe can make all the difference. Instead of relying on traditional hoisin sauce, try combining peanut butter with monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb alternative. This swap not only reduces carbs but also calories, making it a great option for those following a keto diet.
To take it a step further, ditch the traditional flour-based wraps and opt for crisp lettuce leaves instead. In particular, thicker varieties like butter or Romaine work well as wraps, providing a sturdy base without adding extra carbs. With these modifications, you can enjoy PF Chang’s-inspired flavor with a significantly reduced impact on your diet.
Keto Broccoli Salad
Indulge in a filling and flavorful salad that will keep you satisfied for hours. The combination of nutrient-dense broccoli, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a satisfyingly rich base, while sunflower seeds add a delightful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to each bite. What’s more, the hearty ingredients mask the fact that this salad is low-carb, making it an excellent choice when paired with the tangy and creamy apple cider and mayonnaise dressing.
Zucchini Noodles With Garlic, Butter, Parmesan
Zucchini noodles are a game-changer for low-carb diets, offering a neutral flavor that pairs seamlessly with a variety of ingredients. The addition of rich butter, garlic, and Parmesan sauce creates a decadent taste experience that distracts from the zucchini’s natural taste. Notably, zucchini cooks rapidly, so it won’t require lengthy cooking like traditional pasta.
Aim for three to five minutes of cooking time, but be mindful of the noodles’ texture by conducting regular taste tests to prevent them from becoming too soggy.
Portobello Mushroom Pizza Recipe
Satisfy your pizza cravings without compromising on carbs with this innovative recipe that uses portobello mushrooms as a base instead. This game-changing alternative reduces the overall carb count significantly, making it an ideal option for those who want to indulge in their favorite dish without the guilt.
To recreate this culinary masterpiece, start by topping a large portobello mushroom with generous amounts of cheese.
Then, add a layer of sugar-free marinara sauce that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Finally, complete the pizza experience with pepperoni slices or opt for veggies, pineapple, or shredded chicken if you’re not a fan of the classic combination.
Ready to give this recipe a try? Head over to the link below to access the full recipe and start enjoying a delicious, low-carb pizza that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Cheddar Bacon Biscuits
These biscuits are an excellent choice for individuals seeking light, satisfying meals. Rich in flavorful fats, they provide a sense of fullness that will see you through your day. What’s more, their keto-friendly nature makes them suitable not only for those following a ketogenic diet but also for those adhering to Paleo principles and avoiding eggs, gluten, and dairy.
While this recipe does incorporate Bulletproof Brain Octane, feel free to substitute it with ghee or grass-fed butter if you don’t have the former on hand.
Keto Cauliflower Potato Salad
While this dish may be dubbed a ‘potato’ salad in name only, rest assured it’s entirely keto-friendly! The secret lies in using cauliflower as a potato substitute. Not only does it boast a similar texture to its spud-like counterpart, but its subtle flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients in the salad. For an added boost of fat content, simply swap out the yogurt for mayonnaise.
This versatile salad makes a great accompaniment to a hearty meal, or can be wrapped up in some lettuce leaves for a satisfying lunch on-the-go.
Keto Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Innovative meatballs boasting an impressive one gram of net carbs per serving have revolutionized the low-carb culinary scene. The secret lies in substituting regular flour with almond flour, a clever trick that significantly reduces both carb and calorie counts. Yet, it’s the bold addition of hot sauce that truly elevates these meatballs to new heights, infusing each piece with an irresistible flavor without sacrificing an ounce of carbs.
Of course, it’s crucial to scrutinize the label to guarantee your chosen buffalo sauce is indeed low-carb, as some variations can contain hidden sugars. Nonetheless, this clever combination promises a delectable and satisfying taste experience that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Keto Burrito Bowl
Transforming traditional burrito bowls into keto-friendly masterpieces is surprisingly easy. By swapping out the typical carb-heavy components like rice, beans, and chili for cauliflower rice and shredded lettuce, you can significantly reduce the overall carb count. To take it to the next level, top your bowl with creamy guacamole, a tangy salsa, savory beef, and melted shredded cheese – all the flavors of Mexico, none of the carbs.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.