Jan 12, 2022
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If you are trying to follow a low-carb diet, but don’t know what else to serve at dinner other than steamed broccoli or green beans, these low-carb side dishes are just what you need!
They’re delicious family-friendly options you can easily prepare for a balanced meal, and some of them taste so good, you’ll find it hard to believe it’s low-carb!
To make it easier on you, I’ve grouped the recipes by net carb count. You’ll find a variety of options for side dishes with less than 5, 10, and 20 grams of net carbs that you can select according to your macro goals.
Low Carb Sides
Sometimes it’s easy to find a healthy, low-carb dinner idea that works for your family but not as easy to find a delicious side option to go along that isn’t full of carbs or slathered with melted cheese and butter.
However, with these delicious low-carb sides below, you get recipes that are easy to prepare and serve alongside any entreé. Everything from roasted vegetables to an epic Avocado Salsa, grain-free biscuits, and of course, simple recipes for cauliflower rice and baked spaghetti squash, there’s something for everyone.
If making a well-balanced meal each night is something you want to make a regular thing at your house, you won’t have to guess what to serve with the Family Kickstart Program.
With it, you’ll have delicious and healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, and snacks taken care of, just like the options above. It’s everything you need to eat better as a family in a 4-week plan.
Low Carb Side Dish Recipes
Although these low-carb side dish recipes are veggie-packed, they go beyond the usual side salad and steamed veggies. With the right seasoning and preparation, these options make healthy eating easy and more enjoyable for kids and adults.
The net carb count below each recipe is based on per serving and is calculated by subtracting the amount of fiber from total carbs.
Low Carb Sides Under 5 Grams Net Carbs
The side dishes featured below offer less than 5 grams of net carbs per serving. While these are options are delicious and suitable for everyone, they are perfect for anyone on a strict low-carb/keto diet.
1. Roasted Asparagus with Lemon
Net carbs = 2 grams
Steamed asparagus is no comparison to these tender roasted asparagus with bright flavor from the lemon. It’s an impressive side dish that takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
2. Avocado Salsa
Net carbs = 3 grams
Creamy avocado diced and tossed with sweet shallots and citrusy flavor from lime juice and cilantro- it’s everything you love about guacamole but a little more bite! Use it as a low-carb side or topping for grilled chicken and fish.
3. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Net carbs = 4 grams
The combination of oven-roasted flavor with smoky buffalo sauce is enough to make these cauliflower bites your favorite veggie dish. Serve them as a side for dinner or as a party appetizer and watch them disappear.
4. Almond Flour Biscuits
Net carbs = 5 grams
A delicious, grain-free biscuit recipe that’s easy to make. Serve them for breakfast or whenever you need something to sop up the last bit of gravy.
5. Cauliflower Rice
Net carbs = 5 grams
Making your own cauliflower rice is one of the easiest ways to bring back dishes you miss like fried rice, stir-fry, and burrito bowls. An entire head of cauliflower yields twice the amount you’d get from pre-packaged cauliflower rice.
6. Roasted Cauliflower Rice
Net carbs = 3 grams
Roasting the cauliflower rice gives this simple veggie a mouthwatering toasty and nutty flavor. It’s easy to prepare and always hits the spot.
7. Roasted Radishes and Carrots
Net carbs = 4 grams
The most underrated veggies: carrots and radishes, get a delicious oven-roasted makeover. Roasting makes the veggies tender and gives them a pleasant and slightly sweet flavor.
8. Baked Parmesan Zucchini
Net carbs = > 1 gram
An easy and tasty way to turn zucchini into an addictive dish the kids will love! These are seasoned with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, but you could swap those for any of your favorite seasoning blends.
9. Zucchini Au Gratin
Net carbs = 3 grams
This au gratin is a lightened-up version made without the heavy cream sauce and topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. Everyone will be asking for seconds.
10. Parmesan Green Bean Fries
Net carbs = 5 grams
If you’re tired of bland steamed green beans, try this recipe for cheesy baked green bean fries. They’re super easy to make and great for dipping with Ranch or hummus.
11. Air-Fryer Zucchini Chips
Net carbs = 3.5 grams
Salty and savory zucchini chips you can make in an air-fryer fast! These are super light and can be served with sandwiches, salads, or if you need a different idea to use up an abundance of zucchini.
Low Carb Sides Under 10 Grams Net Carbs
These didn’t quite make the 5 grams of net carb count, but they are still perfect low-carb side dishes everyone will enjoy.
12. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Net carbs = 6 grams
Crispy Brussels sprouts with that mouthwatering bacon flavor, blue cheese, and a splash of tangy vinegar. This one makes an appearance at holiday gatherings and everyday dinners.
13. Grilled Vegetable Kabobs
Net carbs = 6 grams
Next time you fire up the grill, throw a few of these veggies kabobs on it! The easy marinade and char marks give those summer veggies extra flavor.
14. Garlic Butter Spaghetti Squash
Net carbs = 8 grams
Not only will you find three ways to cook spaghetti squash, but this post shares a simple and delicious garlic butter spaghetti squash recipe that’s perfect as a low-carb base for meatballs or your favorite pasta sauce.
15. Savory Butternut Squash with Garlic & Parmesan
Net carbs = 6 grams
Roasting gives butternut squash those caramelized edges and savory-sweet flavor that steaming can’t, add Parmesan cheese and butter to the mix, and you’ve got one incredible dish.
16. Parmesan Broccoli Tots
Net carbs = 8 grams
These Parmesan Broccoli Tater Tots are baked to perfection with a crispy outside and soft, cheesy middle. Dip them with Ranch, marinara, or any of your favorite sauces.
17. Spanish Cauliflower Rice
Net Carbs = 7 grams
Full-flavor Spanish rice with minimal carbs. This is another keto-friendly side dish that you can serve with your favorite dinners.
Low Carb Sides Under 20 Grams Net Carbs
Easy veggie side dishes that pack a ton of flavor and fewer than 20 grams of net carbs per serving. These are ideal for anyone with a moderate carb intake (less than 100 grams a day).
18. Roasted Fall Vegetables
Net carbs = 15 grams
The easiest way to turn fall vegetables into a side dish your family will love! The bright colors and delicious roasted flavor will make a veggie lover out of anyone.
19. Roasted Parsnips
Net carbs = 20 grams
If you’ve never tried parsnips, this recipe is the perfect introduction. The parsnips acquire a nutty, caramelized flavor and fork-tender texture when roasted, making them just as addictive as they sound.
20. Balsamic Roasted Beets
Net carbs = 20 grams
A splash of tangy balsamic vinegar adds a delicious contrast to the earthy flavor of beets. This recipe is a great as a healthy side dish, over a salad, or all on it’s own.
21. Spiralized Zucchini & Tomatoes
Net carbs = 12.5 grams
Another low-carb alternative to pasta that’s no less delicious and simple to toss together for a quick weeknight dinner with your favorite chicken entree or pasta sauce.
22. Super Greens Salad
Net Carbs = 9.5 grams
This Asian Kale Salad is topped with a tasty Sesame Ginger Dressing and is the perfect partner for any low-carb meal.
The Secret to Family-Friendly Low Carb Food
If making tasty low-carb meals that are family-friendly is your goal, I have good news- it’s not unrealistic. The recipes above prove you can prepare healthy foods without sacrificing flavor.
However, in order to make that goal stick and healthy eating something you can share with the entire family, having a plan is the first step, and that’s where my Family Kickstart program comes in handy.
It’s a 4-week meal plan of clean and paleo recipes made with kids and adults in mind. Each week gets its own recipes for breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, plus a done-for-you shopping list and prep guide, so you don’t have to figure out what to make and how to make it.
And if you’re curious what the recipes inside Kickstart look like, the ones in this post and these paleo meal prep ideas are what you’ll find. Delicious meals prepared with fresh ingredients in a way that’s appealing and flavorful.
With a program guide and the structured meal map and prep ahead tips, the Family Kickstart has helped parents learn the ins and outs of clean eating and prove that they can prepare healthy and delicious meals day after day. Many families have continued to follow the program’s guidelines, even after it’s completed!
And that’s my goal, to get you confident in the kitchen and make fresh eating as a family enjoyable and sustainable. Can I welcome you to join me? Check out everything Family Kickstart has to offer here.
Best Low-Carb Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1 large spaghetti squash halved and seeds scooped out
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti squash in the microwave, oven, or slow cooker.
- Once the spaghetti squash is fork-tender, shred the squash meat into a large serving bowl.
- Top with 2 tablespoons butter, garlic powder, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Toss to combine, serve, and top with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Isabel
Easy and very satisfying!