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41 Healthy, Low-Carb Recipes That Are Full of Flavor

Updated on December 21, 2023

These good-for-you dishes keep carbs to a minimum so you can cut back, without missing out.

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Our Best Low-Carb Recipe Ideas

Low-carb diets are considered diets where meals consist of 15 grams or less of carbohydrates per serving. Popular low-carb diets include Atkins, paleo, Whole30 and keto. Whether you're adopting a low-carb diet for weight loss or an underlying condition, it's important to understand that not all carbs are created equal and that a low-carb diet does not mean a zero-carb diet. Carbohydrates come in simple and complex forms. Simple carbs are broken down quickly by the body for energy and tend to be found in highly processed foods like cookies and crackers that don't contain much fiber, vitamins or minerals. Complex carbs take longer to digest and are an essential part of a healthy eating plan. Complex carbs tend to be higher in fiber, vitamins and minerals your body needs. Some examples of complex carbs to add to your low-carb diet are non-starchy vegetables like greens, avocado and tomatoes and non-tropical fruits like berries, citrus and stone fruits. Don't forget to include sources of protein (lean meats, eggs, nuts and seed) and healthy fats (plant-based oils, avocado, low-fat dairy) to round out a healthy low-carb eating plan. A good place to start? These chicken "enchiladas" made with zucchini ribbons instead of tortillas—a simple hack that cuts the carb count to just 10 grams per serving.

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Photo: Matt Armendariz ©

Healthy Cauliflower Rice

This recipe shows how simple it is to turn cauliflower florets into a healthy, low-carb meal or side dish — our version has only about 1/4 of the carbohydrates in rice.

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Photo: Andrew Purcell

Chicken Satay Salad

Keep your healthy eating goals on track with this quick-and-easy meal. The chicken breasts are sliced thin so they cook up in a flash — and serving them over greens means your meal is on the table in just 25 minutes.

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Photo: Matt Armendariz ©

Spicy Fennel Shrimp

It doesn't get more low-carb than Rachael's easy Spicy Fennel Shrimp. The dish, made with colossal-sized shrimp and a handful of spices, and has just a single gram of carbohydrates per serving.

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