As someone who follows the keto diet, I know how important it is to find delicious and satisfying side dishes that are also low carb. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 25 best keto side dishes that are so good, you’ll forget they’re low carb. From vegetables to meat and fish, dairy and cheese, alternative flours and grains, and quick and easy recipes, there’s something here for everyone.
Introduction to the keto diet and its benefits
The keto diet is a low carb, high fat, and moderate protein diet that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It works by putting your body into a state of ketosis, which means that it begins to burn fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This can lead to weight loss, improved energy levels, and better overall health.
One of the key benefits of the keto diet is that it allows you to eat delicious and satisfying foods while still losing weight and improving your health. However, finding tasty side dishes that are also low carb can be a challenge. That’s why I’ve put together this list of the 25 best keto side dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you on track with your diet.
What are keto side dishes?
Keto side dishes are dishes that are low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein. They are designed to complement main dishes and provide additional nutrients and flavor. Some examples of keto side dishes include roasted vegetables, salads, soups, and casseroles.
When choosing keto side dishes, it’s important to pay attention to the ingredients and nutritional information. Some vegetables and fruits, for example, are higher in carbohydrates than others and may not be suitable for the keto diet. It’s also important to choose high-quality fats and proteins, such as grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and organic dairy products.
The importance of finding delicious keto side dishes
One of the biggest challenges of following the keto diet is finding delicious and satisfying foods that are also low in carbohydrates. Many traditional side dishes, such as potatoes and rice, are not suitable for the keto diet and can be difficult to replace.
However, finding delicious keto side dishes is important for several reasons. First, it can help you stay on track with your diet by providing variety and satisfaction. Eating the same foods over and over again can quickly become boring and lead to cravings and binge eating.
Second, eating a variety of keto side dishes can help ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs to function properly. Many keto-friendly vegetables, for example, are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for good health.
Top 5 keto side dishes made with vegetables
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy. Add cooked bacon pieces before serving.
- Creamy Cauliflower Mash: Steam or boil cauliflower until it is soft, then blend it in a food processor with cream cheese, butter, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Zucchini Noodles with Pesto: Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create noodles from zucchini. Sauté the noodles in olive oil until they are tender, then toss them with homemade or store-bought pesto.
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Cheese: Chop broccoli into small pieces and mix it with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dressing made from mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sugar substitute.
- Creamed Spinach: Sauté spinach in butter until it is wilted, then mix it with cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5 keto-friendly side dishes made with meat and fish
- Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap asparagus spears with bacon and roast them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Skewer chicken pieces with vegetables such as bell peppers and onions, then grill them until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garlic Butter Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in garlic butter until they are pink and cooked through. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.
- Lemon Roasted Salmon: Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then roast them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: Sauté sliced beef and broccoli in a wok or large skillet with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. Serve over cauliflower rice.
5 keto side dishes using dairy and cheese
- Creamy Garlic Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter until they are tender, then mix them with cream cheese, heavy cream, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cheesy Zucchini Casserole: Slice zucchini into rounds and mix them with shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and garlic. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: Mix boiled cauliflower florets with a sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated cheddar cheese. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Mix cooked spinach and chopped artichoke hearts with cream cheese, sour cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broccoli and Cheese Soup: Sauté chopped broccoli in butter until it is tender, then mix it with heavy cream, chicken broth, and grated cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5 keto side dishes made with alternative flours and grains
- Low Carb Garlic Bread: Mix almond flour, shredded mozzarella cheese, and garlic together to form a dough. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown.
- Cauliflower Fried Rice: Use a food processor to pulse cauliflower into rice-sized pieces. Sauté the cauliflower with vegetables and scrambled eggs, then season with soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Coconut Flour Pancakes: Mix coconut flour, eggs, almond milk, and baking powder together to form a batter. Cook the pancakes on a griddle or skillet until they are golden brown.
- Spaghetti Squash Casserole: Mix cooked spaghetti squash with ground beef, tomato sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Almond Flour Pizza Crust: Mix almond flour, shredded mozzarella cheese, and eggs together to form a dough. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, then add your favorite toppings and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
5 keto side dishes that are quick and easy to make
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers: Cut jalapeño peppers in half and stuff them with cream cheese. Wrap each pepper with a slice of bacon, then bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Caprese Salad: Layer sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Avocado Deviled Eggs: Cut hard-boiled eggs in half and remove the yolks. Mix the yolks with mashed avocado, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard, then spoon the mixture back into the egg whites.
- Cucumber Salad: Slice cucumbers into rounds and mix them with chopped red onion, dill, and a dressing made from apple cider vinegar and sugar substitute.
- Parmesan Crisps: Grate Parmesan cheese and bake it in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and crispy.
Tips for creating your own delicious keto side dishes
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor to your dishes.
- Use high-quality fats and proteins, such as grass-fed beef, wild-caught fish, and organic dairy products.
- Don’t be afraid to try new vegetables and fruits that are low in carbohydrates, such as cauliflower, zucchini, and berries.
- Learn to make your own sauces and dressings using keto-friendly ingredients such as olive oil, vinegar, and mayonnaise.
- Use alternative flours and grains such as almond flour, coconut flour, and spaghetti squash to create low carb versions of your favorite dishes.
Conclusion: Enjoying delicious and satisfying keto side dishes
Following the keto diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor and satisfaction. By choosing the right ingredients and experimenting with different recipes, you can create delicious and satisfying keto side dishes that are also low in carbohydrates. Whether you’re a fan of vegetables, meat and fish, dairy and cheese, alternative flours and grains, or quick and easy recipes, there’s something here for everyone. So go ahead and enjoy all the delicious and satisfying keto side dishes that this diet has to offer!