Low-carb doesn't mean piling your plate with nothing but protein. In fact, nutritious, delicious vegetables are always a cornerstone of any healthy low-carb diet. If you're trying to stay away from starchy, high-carb sides like potatoes and white rice, then try these veggie-heavy, low-carb sides that'll satisfy!
Low-Carb Zucchini Boats
Enjoy a rich-tasting bite without worrying about the consequences. These delicious, creamy zucchini boats [1] clock in at only 25 calories, but you would never know, based on the way they taste.
Paleo Stuffing
For a refreshing take on the traditionally heavy stuffing, try making this sausage, apple, and butternut squash stuffing [2]. The apple adds a touch of sweetness, while the sausage adds a satisfying richness to the dish.
Kale Caesar Salad
Caesar salad gets a bad rap as one of the unhealthier salads you can order, but this lightened-up kale caesar [3] is a vitamin-filled version that tastes just as good (if not better) than the original.
Broccoli Slaw Pasta
This broccoli slaw pasta dish [4] is a gluten-free spin on traditional pasta with tomato sauce. With fresh garlic and a dash of parmesan, you'll forget that this simple dish is made of vegetables.
Detox Carrot and Cabbage Salad
If you are craving some color in your diet, this rainbow veggie salad [5] is a simple side you can throw together in minutes that looks great and tastes even better. The colorful side is full of vitamins and fiber and will leave you feeling refreshed.
Creamy Cauliflower Mash
If you love a bowl of rich and creamy mashed potatoes but are trying to keep an eye on what you eat, this creamy cauliflower mash [6] is the side dish for you. This Paleo-friendly side has the creamy delicious texture of the classic potato dish, without the calories.
Sweet and Sour Cucumbers
These sweet and sour cucumbers with fresh dill [7] would make a perfect refreshing offering at your next barbecue, plus these low-carb veggies make for a healthy alternative to potato salad.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
This recipe for shredded brussels sprouts salad [8] is bursting with flavor; lemon, sunflower seeds, and cranberries mix together to create a low-carb yet satisfying side salad.
Spicy Sesame Carrot Salad
Carrots don't have to be on the banned list if you're following a low-carb diet: while they contain more carbs than other vegetables, carrots also possess many essential nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamin A. Mix and mash with a low-carb root vegetable or put it front and center like in this spicy sesame carrot salad [9].
Cabbage Hemp Salad
The bulk of this tart and tasty cabbage hemp salad [10] is made with red cabbage, which not only registers just a blip on the carb scale, but is also packed with antioxidants.
Eggplant Pizzas
When Italian cravings hit, reach for these eggplant pizzas [11]. No need for bread with this hearty vegetable!
Lower-Carb Mashed Potatoes
If you still need your potato fix but want to save on a few carbs, use this lower-carb mashed potatoes recipe [12]. Blending cauliflower with the potatoes saves on calories and carbs while preserving the taste of the classic side.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A side of roasted brussels sprouts with walnuts and parmesan cheese is hearty enough to stand up to any main dish. Get the recipe here [13].
Spaghetti Squash
Jazz up any main by resting it atop a bed of spaghetti squash before serving. The pasta alternative satisfies cravings without the carb load. Check out our recipe for roasted shrimp with spaghetti squash [14] for a low-calorie, low-carb meal!
Paleo Zucchini Pasta
For a satisfying version of zucchini pasta, toss zucchini with garlic, olive oil, and almond meal. Get the recipe for Paleo zucchini pasta here [15].
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Hold the mac, but not the cheese. Save on a few carbs with this creative cauliflower mac and cheese recipe [16].
Asian Cauliflower Fried Rice
Unlike greasy Chinese takeout, this veggie-packed Asian cauliflower fried rice [17] skips the food coma and leaves you feeling satisfied and energized at the end of your meal.
Kabocha Squash Fries With Spicy Greek Yogurt Sriracha
Sweet and nutty kabocha squash rings are baked in the oven for just about an hour, resulting in golden-brown, crispy rings [18] that will make boring old french fries feel so passé.