13 Low Carb Dinners So Satisfying You Will Not Miss the Bread

If cutting back on bread and pasta has left you feeling hungry and bored, you are not alone. The secret is cooking meals that are full of flavor, protein and color. These low carb dinners are hearty enough for the whole family and every slide includes an easy recipe. Want a treat later? Browse our dessert galleries..

Low Carb Dinners Can Look This Good

This crispy skin salmon is proof that low carb dinners can be the most exciting meal of the week. Golden, crackly skin, tender flaky fish and bright green asparagus come together in about 20 minutes. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of pomegranate make it look like it came from a restaurant. You will not miss the rice at all..

You will need: 4 salmon fillets with skin, 1 bunch asparagus, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons butter, fresh dill and salt and pepper.

How to make it: Pat the salmon dry and season well. Roast the asparagus with oil and salt at 425°F for 10 minutes. Sear the salmon skin side down in a hot oiled pan for 5 minutes without moving it, then flip, add butter and cook 2 minutes more. Serve over asparagus with lemon and dill.

Grilled Steak Salad

A steak salad is the perfect answer when you want something hearty and fresh at the same time. Juicy slices of grilled steak sit on crisp greens with tomatoes, cucumbers and a creamy dressing. It feels like a steakhouse dinner without the heavy sides. It is one of the most filling low carb dinners you can make in 20 minutes.

You will need: 1 pound sirloin steak, 6 cups mixed greens, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1/4 red onion, 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese and ranch or balsamic dressing.

How to make it: Season the steak and grill over high heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Rest for 10 minutes and slice thinly against the grain. Toss the greens with tomatoes, cucumber and onion. Top with steak and blue cheese and drizzle with dressing.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

A good chicken caesar salad is pure comfort in a bowl. Crisp romaine, juicy grilled chicken and shaved Parmesan get tossed in a creamy, garlicky dressing. Skip the croutons or swap them for toasted nuts to keep it low carb. It is a classic that never gets old, perfect for busy weeknights.

You will need: 2 chicken breasts, 2 heads romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan, 1/3 cup caesar dressing, 1 lemon and black pepper.

How to make it: Season and grill the chicken for 6 minutes per side until cooked through, then slice. Chop the romaine and toss with dressing and a squeeze of lemon. Top with chicken and Parmesan and finish with plenty of cracked pepper.

Classic Cobb Salad

The Cobb salad was invented at a Hollywood restaurant in the 1930s, and it is still a crowd favorite. Neat rows of chicken, bacon, egg, avocado, tomato and blue cheese sit on top of crisp lettuce. It is colorful, filling and naturally low in carbs. Serve it family style and let everyone build their own bowl.

You will need: 4 cups chopped lettuce, 2 cooked chicken breasts, 6 slices bacon, 3 hard boiled eggs, 1 avocado, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup blue cheese and red wine vinaigrette.

How to make it: Arrange the lettuce on a large platter. Chop the chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado and tomatoes. Lay each topping in its own row across the lettuce. Sprinkle with blue cheese and drizzle with vinaigrette right before serving.

Herb Crusted Lamb Chops

Lamb chops feel like a special occasion, but they cook in less than 10 minutes. A simple rub of garlic, rosemary and olive oil gives them a fragrant crust while the inside stays pink and tender. Serve them with roasted vegetables or a big green salad for an elegant low carb dinner.

You will need: 8 lamb rib chops, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon thyme and salt and pepper.

How to make it: Mix the oil, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper and rub over the chops. Let them sit for 20 minutes. Sear in a very hot skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Rest for five minutes before serving.

Garlic Lime Shrimp Skewers

Shrimp skewers are summer on a stick. Plump shrimp soak up a quick garlic and lime marinade, then hit the grill for just a few minutes until pink and charred. Thread on peppers and onion for color. They are light, juicy and fast, which makes them one of the best low carb dinners for hot nights.

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, 3 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 2 limes, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon chili flakes, 1 bell pepper and 1 red onion.

How to make it: Mix the oil, lime juice, garlic and chili flakes and toss with the shrimp. Marinate for 20 minutes. Thread the shrimp onto skewers with chunks of pepper and onion. Grill over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink.

Crispy Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Pizza night does not have to end when you cut carbs. A crust made from cauliflower, egg and cheese bakes up golden and sturdy enough to hold your favorite toppings. Load it with sauce, mozzarella, peppers and olives. Kids and adults both love it, and nobody feels like they are missing out.

You will need: 1 medium head cauliflower, 1 egg, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, pizza sauce and toppings.

How to make it: Rice the cauliflower and microwave for five minutes. Wrap in a towel and squeeze out all the liquid. Mix with egg, cheeses and seasoning. Press thin onto parchment and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes. Add sauce and toppings and bake 10 more minutes.

Juicy Turkey Burgers

Turkey burgers often turn out dry, but this recipe fixes that. A little grated onion and Worcestershire keep them juicy and full of flavor. Serve them on a lettuce leaf or over a salad instead of a bun. Pile on tomato, pickles and avocado, and you will not even notice the bread is missing.

You will need: 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey, 1 small grated onion, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper, lettuce leaves and burger toppings.

How to make it: Gently mix the turkey with onion, Worcestershire, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Shape into four patties and press a dent in the center of each. Grill or pan sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through. Serve on lettuce with toppings.

Hard Boiled Egg Power Bowl

This easy power bowl turns pantry staples into a fresh, filling dinner. Crisp greens, creamy hard boiled eggs, crunchy vegetables and a tangy dressing come together in minutes. Eggs bring protein that keeps you satisfied for hours. Add leftover chicken or salmon for an even heartier low carb dinner.

You will need: 6 cups mixed greens, 4 hard boiled eggs, 1 cucumber, 1 avocado, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup feta and lemon olive oil dressing.

How to make it: Hard boil the eggs for 10 minutes, cool and halve. Divide the greens into bowls. Add sliced cucumber, avocado and eggs. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds and feta. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper and drizzle over the top.

Cheesy Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Zucchini boats are a fun way to turn a garden vegetable into dinner. The halves are hollowed out and stuffed with seasoned sausage, tomato sauce and melted cheese, then baked until bubbly. They taste like lasagna without the pasta. Make them in summer when zucchini is everywhere and cheap.

You will need: 4 medium zucchini, 1 pound Italian sausage, 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup Parmesan and fresh basil.

How to make it: Halve the zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the centers. Brown the sausage with the chopped zucchini flesh, then stir in marinara. Fill the boats, top with cheeses and bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and golden. Garnish with basil.

Fresh Asian Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are crunchy, fresh and so much fun to eat with your hands. Savory ground chicken or pork cooks with garlic, ginger and soy, then gets spooned into crisp lettuce cups with carrots and herbs. They are lighter than takeout but every bit as satisfying. Kids love building their own.

You will need: 1 pound ground chicken, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon ginger, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 head butter lettuce, shredded carrots and green onions.

How to make it: Cook the chicken in sesame oil until browned. Add garlic and ginger for one minute, then stir in soy sauce. Separate the lettuce leaves into cups. Spoon in the filling and top with carrots, green onions and a little sriracha.

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Cauliflower fried rice tastes so much like the real thing that people often do a double take. Riced cauliflower is stir fried with egg, vegetables, garlic and soy until lightly golden. It is ready in 15 minutes and packed with flavor. Add shrimp, chicken or pork to make it one of the heartiest low carb dinners on this list.

You will need: 1 large head cauliflower riced, 2 eggs, 1 cup peas and carrots, 3 green onions, 2 cloves garlic, 3 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.

How to make it: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet. Cook the garlic and vegetables for three minutes. Push aside and scramble the eggs. Add the cauliflower and soy sauce and stir fry for 5 to 7 minutes until tender. Top with green onions.

Zucchini Noodle Salad With Feta

Zucchini noodles, or zoodles, are a light and refreshing swap for pasta. Spiralized zucchini is tossed with lemon, olive oil, herbs and salty feta for a no cook dinner that comes together in 10 minutes. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. It is perfect for hot nights when turning on the oven sounds awful.

You will need: 4 medium zucchini, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, fresh mint and salt and pepper.

How to make it: Spiralize the zucchini and pat dry with paper towels. Whisk the oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Toss the noodles with the dressing, feta, pine nuts and torn mint. Serve right away while crisp, or top with grilled protein.