9 Low Carb Side Dishes

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Out of ideas for keto side dishes? Try out some new pairings and spice things up with one of these 9 Low Carb Side Dishes!

If you're used to having rice, potatoes or some other carby side with your protein, it can be daunting to figure out how you'll fill your plate when going low carb.

Whether it's finding a crowd-pleasing side for your next BBQ or needing something that fulfills the requirements for a healing diabetic meal plan, there really is something for everyone.

What Sides Can You Eat On A Low Carb Diet?

Most vegetables are fine for a low carb diet. With the fiber present, the net carbs of most veggies are usually very low. You'll want to avoid all bread and grains and also cut out the really starchy vegetables, like white potatoes.

What Can I Eat With Steak On A Low Carb Diet?

For colder weather, something warm like the roasted cauliflower mash you can find below makes a good pairing.

For a tasty summer meal, the cooler cucumber onion salad recipe works really well.

What Can I Eat With Curry Instead Of Carbs?

The most popular low carb alternative is cauliflower rice. You'll find that this is the most common pairing with keto curries.

You can have your low carb curry without cauliflower too. Other vegetables work well too, like shredded cabbage.

1. Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Roasted garlic mashed cauliflower topped with garlic cloves and fresh rosemary in a blue bowl.

Cauliflower makes a great alternative to mashed potato. When the right spices are used and something like cream or cheese used to thicken the puree, it ends up having a luxuriously smooth texture.

Calories: 111
Carbs: 3g (net)

Find this RECIPE at Evolving Table.

2. Low Carb Creamed Spinach

Low carb creamed spinach side dish in a white bowl plate and green bowl placed on a floral kitchen towel, on a dark wooden surface.

This recipe requires only 3 ingredients - spinach, cream cheese, and cheddar. It's easy to whip up in a pinch for a weeknight dinner.

Calories: 209
Carbs: 4.6g

Find this RECIPE at My Life Cookbook.

3. Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

Roasted parmesan broccoli in a white plate placed on a wooden surface.

Broccoli is packed with vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds. Cruciferous vegetables have been shown to reduce the risk of cancer in humans, so load up!

Calories: 160
Carbs: 2g (net)

Find this RECIPE at Taste and See.

4. Zucchini Tomato Casserole

Zucchini tomato casserole low carb side in a square white baking dish on a beige surface.

This casserole is the perfect low carb comfort food side dish for a hearty meal. Both zucchini and tomatoes are high in antioxidants, which reduces your risk of heart disease and cancer.

Calories: 180
Carbs: 4g (net)

Find this RECIPE at Diethood.

5. Creamy Garlic Mushrooms with Bacon

Creamy garlic mushrooms with bacon in a gray skillet.

Mushrooms are a keto favorite since they're so low in carbs and easy to prepare. They're also rich in B vitamins, which are essential for protecting your heart.

Calories: 223
Carbs: 4g

Find this RECIPE at Diethood.

6. Low Carb Mexican Cauliflower Rice

Mexican cauliflower rice topped with fresh herbs in a white bowl places on a gray kitcen towel and surrounded by fresh herbs.

Cauliflower is a fantastic alternative to white rice, which makes it a great pairing for many different types of cuisine.

With a well-stocked spice rack, you can really transform this ingredient into a versatile side dish.

Find this RECIPE at Texas Granola Girl.

7. The Best Low Carb Keto Green Bean Casserole

Green been casserole low carb side dish in a glass baking dish.

This Thanksgiving favorite is simple to prepare and really goes well with roast chicken or steak. Green beans are good plant-based source of folate, which is important for healthy cell growth and function.

Calories: 124
Carbs: 6.3g (net)

Find this RECIPE here at Living Chirpy.

8. Cucumber Onion Salad

Cucumber onion salad in a white bowl placed on a yellow kitchen towel on a dark wooden surface.

This cool cucumber and onion salad is perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Cucumber (which is actually a fruit!) promotes hydration, which helps you to meet your daily fluid needs.

Calories: 82
Carbs: 4g (net)

Find this RECIPE here at Living Chirpy.

9. Low Carb Fried Cabbage With Bacon

Fried cabbage with bacon low carb side dish in a beige bowl with a gray background.

This tasty side dish needs only 4 ingredients (not including salt + pepper)! Cabbage has been shown to improve digestion and also lower blood pressure. It's a versatile vegetable that can also be used an an alternative to rice when shredded.

Calories: 171
Carbs: 3.9g

Find this RECIPE at The Best Keto Recipes.

In Conclusion:

Low carb side dishes don't need to be complicated! A lot of the time you only need a single ingredient and just spice it very well and/or add some cream or cheese to really bring out the flavor.

Did You Make One Of These Low Carb Side Dishes?

If you made one of these yummy recipes that we rounded-up for you – please let us know in the comments how it turned out for you! If you have any improvements or other low carb side dishes of your own – let us and other readers know as well!

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