50+ Delicious Recipes That Effortlessly Cut Carbs

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

If you're looking to shed pounds, cutting back on carbs can be an effective part of your weight-loss strategy. Most low-carb plans recommend eating between 50 and 150 grams of carbs per day, and all the following breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack recipes fall between one and 20 grams of carbs per serving. Let these delicious recipes help you hit that magic number you're aiming for!

— Additional reporting by Michele Foley and Leta Shy

01
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Overnight Breakfast Casserole

Take 20 minutes for prep the night before, set your slow cooker to low while you sleep, and wake up to the smell of eggs and bacon cooking in the kitchen. This hearty low-carb breakfast casserole will energize you with its high protein content and keep you full until lunchtime rolls around.

Carbs per serving: 8.2 grams
Calories per serving: 375

02
Egg White Frittata
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Egg White Frittata

Classic Mediterranean ingredients like peppers, onion, and spinach bring texture, flavor, and nutrition to actress Lea Michele's frittata recipe, while egg whites and feta provide over 20 grams of protein. This low-calorie frittata is quick enough to come together on a weekday morning but elegant enough to serve to friends at a special weekend brunch.

Carbs per serving: 11.2 grams
Calories per serving: 300

03
Low-Carb Hotcakes
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Low-Carb Hotcakes

Even if you're cutting back on carbs, you can enjoy a stack of hotcakes! These wheat-free pancakes use almond meal and flaxseed instead. They're high in fiber and protein with nearly no sugar whatsoever.

Carbs per serving: 5.4 grams
Calories per serving: 162

04
Yogurt-Filled Cantaloupe
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Yogurt-Filled Cantaloupe

Greek yogurt is one of the best ways to enjoy plenty of protein without any eggs or meat. Instead of topping off your morning bowl of yogurt with sugary granola, serve it up in a fresh cantaloupe bowl that kicks out carbs. Be sure to add your favorite fresh berries to the mix for extra color and flavor.

Carbs per serving: 15.1 grams
Calories per serving: 146

05
Turkey Sausage Muffins
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Turkey Sausage Muffins

At 150 calories and 12 grams of protein, these gluten-free turkey sausage muffins are smarter than any fast-food egg option you'll find before work. This is another recipe that's easy to bake ahead of time and grab when you head out the door.

Carbs per serving: 2.3 grams
Calories per serving: 150

06
Baked Eggs in Ham Cups
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Eggs in Ham Cups

Pop in a batch of these protein-heavy eggs in ham shells when you wake up, and enjoy a hot, hearty, and quick breakfast before you leave for work. They're tasty during the workweek but special enough to serve at a healthy weekend brunch where you'd like a low-carb option available.

Carbs per serving: Less than 1 gram
Calories per serving: 109

07
Paleo Breakfast Bowl
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Breakfast Bowl

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this low-carb, 335-calorie breakfast bowl takes less than 10 minutes to prepare and feels like you've treated yourself to a beautiful brunch at a neighborhood hot spot. It will fill you up, fuel your morning, and keep you satisfied.

Carbs per serving: 5.4 grams
Calories per serving: 335

08
Quinoa Egg Bake
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Quinoa Egg Bake

Bake up this quinoa egg casserole on Sunday night, and cut a slice the following morning for a gluten-free breakfast. In addition to plenty of protein and fiber, you'll up your iron and calcium intake while enjoying this recipe.

Carbs per serving: 13.4
Calories per serving: 247

09
Tomato Frittata
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Tomato Frittata

Scrambled egg, a sprinkle of diced bacon, and a drop of ghee (clarified butter) all bake right into a tiny tomato "ramekin" for a savory Paleo breakfast treat with just the right hint of sweetness. With more than 10 grams of protein, this tomato frittata is the perfect way to fuel your body after a tough morning workout.

Carbs per serving: 5.3 grams
Calories per serving: 164

10
Prosciutto and Melon
Flickr user quinnanya

Prosciutto and Melon

For a high-protein, low-carb breakfast when you're in a bind for time, the sweet and savory combination of honeydew wrapped in prosciutto can't be beat. Keeping these two staples on hand in your fridge will make it so you can always enjoy a breakfast that supports your low-carb plan.

Calories for 1/8 honeydew melon and 2 oz. prosciutto: 2.4 grams
Calories per serving: 132

11
Italian Baked Egg and Vegetables
Thinkstock

Italian Baked Egg and Vegetables

This baked egg dish is Jessica Simpson's go-to Weight Watchers breakfast. If you're worried about roasting vegetables in the morning, simply roast a big batch of vegetables on Sunday night so you can easily add them to this dish all week long.

Carbs per serving: 12.9 grams
Calories per serving: 149

12
Southwestern Tofu Scramble
POPSUGAR Photography | Jaime Young

Southwestern Tofu Scramble

With flavors like cumin, coriander, onion, pepper, and cilantro mingling together, you get a surprise in every bite of this Southwestern tofu scramble. And unlike eggs, you can prepare this low-carb breakfast ahead of time and keep it in your fridge for days.

Carbs per serving: 14.3 grams
Calories per serving: 135

13
Tortilla-Less Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Tortilla-Less Soup

Anyone who loves Mexican-inspired flavors will find a new favorite lunch in this oh-so-easy low-carb recipe. This fresh and spicy tortilla-less soup is high in vitamin C and protein. Cook up a big pot of soup on Sunday, and you'll have a satisfying lunch for the next few days — you won't miss the tortilla chips at all!

Carbs per serving: 17.3 grams
Calories per serving: 291

14
Eggless Kale Caesar Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Eggless Kale Caesar Salad

In the grand spectrum of salads, caesar isn't exactly the healthiest choice, but for the same addictive taste with an added bonus — vitamin-A-rich superfood kale — opt for this lighter caesar salad dressing that tastes just like the classic. And adding lean chicken breast to this dish brings on even more protein without adding any carbs.

Carbs per serving: 12.6 grams
Calories per serving: 175

15
Indian-Spiced Chard With Tofu
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Indian-Spiced Chard With Tofu

For a tasty, vitamin-packed meal that's even better as leftovers, try Indian-spiced chard and tofu, a delicious main dish that's the perfect after-yoga, low-carb dinner.

Carbs per serving: 17 grams
Calories per serving: 222

16
Healthy Chicken Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Healthy Chicken Salad

Sub in nonfat Greek yogurt to keep the same texture and tang of chicken salad you love while cutting the calories and fat of the traditional in half. Skip the bread and serve your salad over a bed of lettuce for a light and satisfying lunch.

Carbs per serving: 3.9 grams
Calories per serving: 139

17
Thai Citrus Chicken Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Thai Citrus Chicken Salad

A mix of digestion-relieving cabbage and papaya and hydrating, antioxidant-rich daikon — along with a tangy Thai-inspired citrus dressing — makes this citrus chicken salad a flavorful, filling lunch that's high in protein and low in fat, carbs, and calories.

Carbs per serving: 11.6 grams
Calories per serving: 223

18
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

This veggie-powered cauliflower pizza crust proves that you don't need flour to make an amazing pizza. Freshly grated cauliflower serves as the base for the creative and delicious crust that you can fold up just like traditional pizza. Cook it up the night before, and enjoy leftovers reheated the next day.

Carbs per serving: 14.4 grams
Calories per serving: 272

19
Broccoli Slaw Pasta
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Broccoli Slaw Pasta

This cheesy, garlicky "pasta" from healthy chef Hungry Girl is the best of both worlds — it's just as fast to make as any simple pasta dish and doesn't come overloaded with carbs. And since it's a similarly low-calorie and low-carb pasta alternative to spaghetti squash (one whole bag of broccoli slaw is only 100 calories and five grams of carbs) without all the prep, it's perfect for any gluten-free girl on the go.

Carbs per serving: 23 grams
Calories per serving: 134

20
Asian Fried "Rice"
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Asian Fried "Rice"

Unlike the greasy Chinese fried rice typical of most restaurants, this veggie-packed Paleo "rice" skips the food coma and leaves you feeling satisfied and energized at the end of your meal. The combination of textures and flavors in this comforting Asian-inspired recipe is spot-on, and the "blitzed" cauliflower (pulsed in the blender) easily subs in for rice — you might even trick some picky eaters at your table with this one.

Carbs per serving: 12.9 grams
Calories per serving: 230

21
Paleo Meatballs and Spaghetti Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Meatballs and Spaghetti Squash

This Paleo spin on spaghetti and meatballs uses spaghetti squash as a nutrient-rich alternative to traditional pasta.

Carbs per serving: 12.4 grams
Calories per serving: 363

22
Gluten-Free No-Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Gluten-Free No-Mac and Cheese

Pasta-less macaroni and cheese can be delicious — this cauliflower mac recipe is all the proof you need. The cheesy, creamy sauce full of coconut milk, extrasharp cheddar, and parmesan complements the cruciferous vegetable perfectly. No one will be asking "where's the wheat?!" when it comes to this preparation.

Carbs per serving: 14 grams
Calories per serving: 376

23
Cabbage and Hemp Detox Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cabbage and Hemp Detox Salad

If you're on the hunt for a quick and tasty detoxifying recipe, this crunchy cabbage and hemp salad is for you. If you haven't tried them yet, it's time to give hemp seeds a try. They're a great source of fat-fighting omega-3s and vitamin E for vegans and vegetarians, and the combination of the cold-pressed oil and seeds in this recipe gives this fresh salad a nutty flavor you'll love.

Carbs per serving: 8.7 grams
Calories per serving: 381

24
Gluten-Free Veggie Pasta Bake
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Gluten-Free Veggie Pasta Bake

Using a mix of veggies like zucchini, spaghetti squash, and red pepper instead of penne means you can load on the cheese and still enjoy a low-calorie, ooey-gooey, cheesy bowl of steamy pasta. Even better? This veggie pasta bake is gluten free.

Carbs per serving: 22.3 grams
Calories per serving: 208

25
Oven-Fried Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Oven-Fried Chicken

Skip the classic, and opt for this lower-carb, just-as-delicious alternative that's baked in the oven. Tender, moist, and crunchy on the outside, this oven-fried chicken is a quick meal for one of those nights when you're craving something comforting but refuse to leave the table feeling uncomfortably stuffed.

Carbs per serving: 11.1 grams
Calories per serving: 335

26
Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers

For a warming, quick supper, cook up these Italian-style stuffed peppers for inspiration. With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a fresh, low-carb, clean meal with more than 30 grams of protein.

Carbs per serving: 7 grams
Calories per serving: 285

27
Beef and Vegetable Stew
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Beef and Vegetable Stew

Tons of root veggies and fresh, fragrant herbs make this a fiber- and protein-rich beef stew that will fill up calorie- and carb-conscious eaters — a huge helping weighs in at just 265 calories!

Carbs per serving: 25.1 grams
Calories per serving: 265

28
Cucumber Caprese Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cucumber Caprese Salad

This hydrating and low-carb cucumber caprese salad might turn into your new go-to recipe. High in protein, fiber, and anti-inflammatory omega-3s, this delicious salad aligns with your weight-loss goals!

Carbs per serving: 14.4 grams
Calories per serving: 253

29
Baked Buffalo Wings
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Buffalo Wings

For a version that doesn't compromise flavor or texture — but cuts back on the fat — cook up these baked buffalo wings. After tasting one of these spicy, juicy wings, you'll never go back to the old-fashioned method again.

Carbs per serving: 4.9 grams
Calories per serving: 377

30
Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese

If you're looking to lighten things up the next time you dig into a comforting bowl of mac and cheese, opt for this twist on tradition that amps up the nutritional value as it cuts back on calories and carbs. Versatile and nutrient-rich spaghetti squash lays the base to this recipe, while broccoli adds more vitamin A.

Carbs per serving: 17 grams
Calories per serving: 296

31
Loaded Baked Potato Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Versatile cauliflower stands in for the majority of the starch, which dramatically slashes the carb count without sacrificing the texture or flavor of this loaded baked potato soup. Top it off with your favorite classic baked potato garnishes, and prepare to be wowed.

Carbs per serving: 24.9 grams
Calories per serving: 185

32
Raw Gorilla Wraps
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Raw Gorilla Wraps

Give your cold-cut sandwich routine a rest, and opt for this creative lunch instead. These fresh, raw, and fast collard green wraps feature a unique filling: ground walnuts, seasoned with tamari (a Japanese soy sauce that contains little to no wheat), cumin, and other spices and topped with your favorite salsa.

Carbs per serving: 7.3 grams
Calories per serving: 275

33
Roasted Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Shrimp Over Spaghetti Squash

If you're wary of cooking with shellfish, then this easy shrimp dish is a perfect place to start. High in protein but low in calories, shrimp is a healthful option for a seafood-loving bunch. This play on the comforting flavors of traditional scampi takes the gluten and pasta out of the equation and offers a tasty vegetable in its place: spaghetti squash.

Carbs per serving: 14.9 grams
Calories per serving: 312

34
Raw Walnut Tacos
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Raw Walnut Tacos

Beyond their spiced, smoky, and surprisingly meaty flavor, the combination of walnuts and avocado makes this raw taco recipe a low-carb Mexican-inspired dish packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that have also recently been linked to burning away belly fat.

Carbs per serving: 10.3 grams
Calories per serving: 310

35
Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Broccoli-Cheese Tater Tots

If you love the texture of tater tots but are trying to cut back on calories and fat, these broccoli tots need to make their way onto your table. This quick and simple recipe comes together in 25 minutes and are lower in carbs, calories, and fat.

Carbs per serving: 2.9 grams
Calories per serving: 36

36
Roasted Root Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Root Soup

Even if you can't take a tropical vacation, you can bring a taste of Jamaica to your kitchen. This low-carb roasted roots soup plays up the natural flavors of the produce and simmers it all in a coconut bath.

Carbs per serving: 23.3 grams
Calories per serving: 267

37
Brussels Sprouts Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Brussels Sprouts Chips

Craving carb-heavy potato chips? Opt for our roasted brussels sprouts chips instead. High in fiber and low in calories, they only take 10 minutes to make!

Carbs per serving: 4 grams
Calories per serving: 50

38
Homemade Strawberry Fruit Leather
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Homemade Strawberry Fruit Leather

If you're craving something sweet and fruity without any added sugar, whip up a batch of strawberry fruit leather. Keep these in your gym bag or purse for those times when you're on the go.

Carbs per serving: 3.7 grams
Calories per serving: 15

39
Meatballs
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Meatballs

For an easy snack, make this Paleo meatball recipe ahead of time, and pop them in your fridge or freezer for easy prep when cravings strike.

Carbs per serving: 2.9 grams
Calories per serving: 244

40
Vegetable Chard Wraps
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Vegetable Chard Wraps

If you are craving something crunchy and spicy but don't want to load up on some serious chip-and-salsa calories, try these refreshing, cooling vegetable chard wraps. Please your palate with a rainbow of phytonutrients as well as a zingy dipping sauce that transforms these raw veggies into a scrumptious snack.

Carbs per serving: 7.1 grams
Calories per serving: 87

41
Bacon and Brussels Skewers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Bacon and Brussels Skewers

It really doesn't get much better than bacon and brussels sprouts — especially for anyone in your life who follows the Paleo diet. This recipe could not be more simple to make, which means it should be a regular addition to your party-appetizer or elegant-snack routine.

Carbs per serving: 3 grams
Calories per serving: 151

42
Kabocha Squash Fries With Spicy Sriracha Yogurt
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Kabocha Squash Fries With Spicy Sriracha Yogurt

High in vitamins A and C, these tasty squash fries support your immune system all Winter long, and since the spicy sriracha dip is packed with capsaicin and protein, the hot sauce boosts your metabolism while the Greek yogurt satisfies hunger and keeps you full.

Carbs per serving: 10.7 grams
Calories per serving: 97

43
Avocado With Sunflower Seeds
Flickr user suzettesuzette

Avocado With Sunflower Seeds

Avocados are a creamy snack that are good on their own, but a sprinkling of sunflower seeds give them an even healthier boost. The combination of avocado and sunflower seeds brings the body a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins E and K, and potassium. You also get a little bit of protein, too.

Carbs per serving: 10 grams
Calories per serving: 208

44
Babaganoush
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Babaganoush

If you love Middle Eastern food, head immediately to your kitchen and make our babaganoush. Good as a spread, it can be served alongside fresh veggies to keep carb counts down.

Carbs per serving: 8.8 grams
Calories per serving: 77

45
Cucumbers With Ranch Greek Yogurt Dip
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Cucumbers With Ranch Greek Yogurt Dip

Skip the processed powder and chop up chives, parsley, and garlic for our cucumbers with ranch Greek yogurt dip. There is so much flavor packed in these fresh herbs, only a little salt is needed.

Carbs per serving: 10 grams
Calories per serving: 93

46
Seaweed Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Seaweed Chips

There is so much goodness packed into this portable snack. These seaweed chips are cholesterol free and high in vitamin A, and a single serving is only 42 calories.

Carbs per serving: 2.5 grams
Calories per serving: 42

47
Vegan Cucumber Tofu Rolls
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegan Cucumber Tofu Rolls

Get yourself a crisp, protein-filled snack with these cucumber tofu rolls. Make a batch ahead to enjoy throughout the week — you definitely will not miss the bread.

Carbs per serving: 10.2 grams
Calories per serving: 156

48
Baked Coconut Shrimp
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Coconut Shrimp

Protein-packed coconut shrimp get a healthy makeover in this recipe, where a deep fryer is not at all needed!

Carbs per serving: 12.6 grams
Calories per serving: 214

49
Kale Chips
Flickr user ilovemypit

Kale Chips

Light, crispy, and delicious, baked kale chips are loaded with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium. They also won't last long — make sure to make a few batches!

Carbs per serving: 11.4 grams
Calories per serving: 117

50
Asparagus and Salmon Bundles
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Asparagus and Salmon Bundles

When you need a low-carb snack with a bit of a sophisticated edge, make our asparagus and salmon bundles. Don't let looks fool you; these are beyond simple to make.

Carbs per serving: 4.7 grams
Calories per serving: 104

51
Greek Salad Bites
POPSUGAR Photography | Lauren Hendrickson

Greek Salad Bites

Salad is even more appetizing — and fun! — to eat when it's served on a stick. These Greek salad bites are a cinch to prepare and will make a great appetizer for your next dinner party.

Carbs per serving: 3 grams
Calories per serving: 110

52
Roasted Edamame
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Edamame

A crunchy snack of roasted edamame will satisfy salt cravings while also upping your protein for the day. It's a great alternative to carb-heavy potato chips.

Carbs per serving: 10.5 grams
Calories per serving: 153

53
Cucumber Cups With Spicy Tapenade
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cucumber Cups With Spicy Tapenade

For something cool, light, and refreshing, try these cucumber cups with spicy tapenade. If tapenade isn't your thing, serve these low-carb cucumber cups alongside your favorite dip.

Carbs per serving: 8.3 grams
Calories per serving: 88

54
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