31 Low-Carb Sides You Can Add to Any Meal

Looking for some side dishes that are tasty, healthy and low in carbs? These recipes will be welcomed additions to your weekly rotation. Our "low-carb" recipes are defined as 15 grams or fewer carbohydrates per serving and many of these dishes can be served with your protein of choice, like chicken, beef, fish or tofu.

Start with Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower Rice, a grain-free spin on traditional rice filled with flavor, spice and color. As a bonus it’s super quick to cook and has only 10 grams of carbs per serving.

Zucchini Ribbons Agrodolce is a vibrant side dish where tender zucchini is tossed in a sweet and tangy vinegar-honey glaze, finished with fresh herbs for a light yet flavorful bite.

Indulge in the flavors and colors of Mexico in this simmered blend of onions, tomatoes and squash, finished with salty queso fresco and silky sour cream.

Sweet, salty, spicy and crunchy – this simple side has it all – and with only seven grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Toss these cabbage steaks on the grill for a mouthwatering plant-forward side dish — it goes well with grilled fish, chicken or tofu.

This slightly sweet, rolled omelet provides a healthy source of protein and only 11 grams of carbs for fewer than 150 calories per serving. Serve it hot, at room temperature or cold, as a side dish or part of a bento box.

There’s nothing boring about this green bean side dish. A tangy dressing and light sprinkle of crunchy walnuts make it a wonderful pairing for grilled chicken or fish.

Buffalo-flavored anything is an easy crowd-pleaser, especially with 15 grams of carbs per serving. To save time on a busy weeknight, prep your cauliflower in the morning.

This savory Japanese-style flan, steamed in a cup, can be served as part of a meal. It contains a whopping 21 grams of protein per serving from the skinless chicken thighs, shrimp, edamame and eggs.

Add this delicious, simple side to bring some serious umami to your meal. One serving provides 58 calories and a boatload of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.

Roasting veggies at high heat gives them a totally different flavor and texture than steaming or boiling. In addition to being low-carb, eating more cruciferous vegetables (like cauliflower and broccoli) has been linked to better digestion and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic and prostate.

A rainbow of vegetables grilled and then chopped so you get a bit of each in every bite. Serve warm or at room temperate alongside seafood, burgers or tofu.

This Korean take on quick pickled cucumbers packs big flavor from gochurgaru, fish sauce and sesame oil.

This low-carb side could not be easier to prepare or more delicious to eat. All you need are two ingredients for this crowd-pleasing and affordable dish.

Cauliflower gets swapped in for potatoes in this creamy mash, seasoned with Parmesan and garlic. With only eight grams of carbohydrates per serving, this "mock" version contains a fraction of the carbs found in a serving of mashed potatoes.

Oregano and thyme highlight tender zucchini perfectly. A sprinkle of feta and a drizzle of olive oil finish this simple, yet gorgeous dish. Save this recipe for the height of summer when zucchini is at its best.

Minimal ingredients bring on big flavor with low-carb vegetables and a splash of oil and vinegar. Toss together and allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the meal.

A little bit of honey and chopped dates go a long way in this side with only nine grams of carbs per serving. The delightful combination of carrots, cilantro, feta and almonds tossed in extra-virgin olive oil and lime juice pairs beautifully with fish or tofu.

This plant-forward refreshing salad is made with crunchy vegetables and chewy pressed tofu noodles. It provides 155 calories and six grams of protein per serving.

This vegetable medley of squash, jalapeno and onions tossed in a delicious combination of herbs and white wine vinaigrette is only eight grams of carbs per serving.

This simple salad is made with three main ingredients — baby spinach and toasted walnuts tossed in a from-scratch red wine vinaigrette. It pairs nicely with chicken or fish and provides only eight grams of carbs per serving.

A fun spin on asparagus, this side boosts flavor with black olives and basil. With only 10 grams of carbs per serving and 20 minutes to get on the table, it’s a win-win any night of the week.

Whip up this mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired side with mint, cumin and cayenne. Per serving, it provides 11 grams of carbs and is perfect served with fish, lamb or chicken.

This recipe ups the flavor of sautéed spinach with a little garlic, lemon juice and butter. For around 100 calories and 13 grams of carbs, it’s a versatile side dish that can pair with a variety of mains.

These French green beans are flavored with garlic, lemon zest, parsley and Parmesan cheese with some added crunch from pine nuts. Ready in 20 minutes flat, you’ll get 10 grams of carbs per serving in this easy weeknight side dish.

Edamame is more than just an appetizer! Sprinkled with olive oil, Parmesan and garlic powder, shelled edamame make for a high-protein, delicious side with only six grams of carbs per serving.

This classic side salad is often made with sugary ingredients that can dramatically increase the carb count. There are less than 15 grams per serving in this lightened up recipe, along with perfectly portioned amounts of raisins, bacon and insanely good buttermilk dressing.

A quick kimchi served in a cucumber – an eye-catching, must-make low-carb side

Cruciferous vegetables cabbage and Brussels sprouts get a touch of sweetness from apple. Tossed in a buttermilk-based dressing, each serving provides 12 grams of carbs.

Minimal ingredients make a breathtakingly beautiful side dish, filled with protein and a soul-warming broth.