20 Low Carb Side Dish Recipes

These 20 low-carb side dish recipes will work great in a pinch and can be served solo or with beef, chicken, or fish.

Table of Contents

Many weight loss plans have a low or no-carb component. It is important to remember that not all carbohydrates are created equal. Carbohydrates like oats, fruits, and veggies are essential to a healthy diet.

Reducing carbs also helps your body regulate blood sugar and interestingly, reduces your appetite so you naturally eat less. This fact is one thing I discovered during my weight loss journey, and it has helped me keep the weight off for over a decade!

cooked green beans and tomatoes in a bowl low carb side dish

During all that time, I have developed many low-carb recipes that are flavorful and satisfying. I actually found that I stopped craving simple carbs when I started eating a protein and vegetable-rich diet full of flavor.

Besides creating recipes for meals that are low-carb, I’ve also been creating and compiling my favorite side dish recipes. This round up of side dishes does the hard work for you by choosing great low-carb options.

While it may feel complicated to pick which main dish you want to pair with one of these low-carb sides, many of them are versatile enough to go with anything. My Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken goes well with most of these sides, cauliflower. I also love to pair the grilled green veggie sides in this list with Teriyaki Flank Steak or Lemon Garlic Salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are carbs bad for you?

No, in fact, they’re a vital part of your diet. Carbs are not just grains like bread or pasta, they’re also in fruits and vegetables. There’s also a major difference between refined carbs and complex, whole grains.

What are simple or refined carbs?

Refined carbs, also known as simple or white carbs, are stripped of nutrients and fiber. Eating refined carbs is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Many whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are also high in complex carbs with nutrients, protein, and fiber your body needs.

Should I reduce my carb intake?

This is a great question for your doctor. You should always consult your doctor when making any significant diet changes.

What should I serve with these side dishes?

Well, that often depends on which side you choose, but generally, I like to add a protein (or two!). Some of my favorite chicken dishes include Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken or Lebanese Shish Tawook Chicken. I also enjoy fish as a lean protein main like the ever-popular Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon or Lemon Butter Baked Whitefish.

It’s pretty easy to sort through the recipes on my site by ethnic origin, protein type, or category. Looking through these recipes will help you plan your menu using these side dish ideas.

Your fork is waiting.

20 Low Carb Side Dish Recipes

Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting Brussels Sprouts

5 stars

This step-by-step guide to roasting Brussels sprouts will show you the tips and tricks to tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts every single time!

Try: Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting Brussels Sprouts

Pin Save

Roasted Garlic Green Beans

No ratings yet

A quick and easy veggie side dish recipe, steamed green beans are tossed with roasted garlic and fresh lemon juice.

Try: Roasted Garlic Green Beans

Pin Save

Sautéed Chinese Broccoli with Hoisin

5 stars

A popular Chinese side dish, steamed Chinese broccoli with hoisin couldn't be easier to make at home. Naturally gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and whole 30.

Try: Sautéed Chinese Broccoli with Hoisin

Save

Garlic Bok Choy

4.34 stars average

Ideal for any greens you have on hand, bok choy is tossed with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce until tender and fragrant. Ready in 5 minutes!

Try: Garlic Bok Choy

Pin Save

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Za’atar

4 stars average

A fast and easy side dish recipe, asparagus is coated with lemon and za'atar and grilled until slightly charred.

Try: Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Za’atar

Pin Save

Lebanese Eggpant Salad

4.50 stars average

This chilled eggplant salad is made with tender, smoky baked eggplant, green onions, garlic, and lemon juice. It's delicious on its own or served with warm pita bread.

Try: Lebanese Eggpant Salad

Pin Save

Asian Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Vinaigrette

4.43 stars average

This bright and flavorful Asian Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Vinaigrette is the perfect side dish for stir-fries or Summer grilling. Inspired by classic Asian flavors, it's healthy, delicious and filling.

Try: Asian Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Vinaigrette

Save

How to Properly Cook Artichokes

Four steps will show you how easy it is to prepare these fresh and flavorful vegetables. Don't be intimidated on how to prepare and cook artichokes!

Check out this recipe!

Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Rosemary

No ratings yet

A healthier version of the steakhouse classic, mushrooms are roasted in olive oil then tossed with minced rosemary and garlic.

Try: Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Rosemary

Pin Save

Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Rosemary - a healthy fast side dish recipe

Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce

5 stars average

A healthy and easy side dish recipe, your whole family will love this cinnamon-spiced roasted acorn squash drizzled in an addictive tahini lemon sauce.

Try: Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce

Pin Save

Lebanese Hindbeh (Sauteed Greens/Spinach) with Caramelized Onions

5 stars

A traditional Lebanese appetizer, these Garlicky Greens with Caramelized Onions can be enjoyed warm or cold, and pair well with pita bread.

Try: Lebanese Hindbeh (Sauteed Greens/Spinach) with Caramelized Onions

Pin Save

Roasted Beets with Orange and Rosemary

5 stars average

Roasted beets are easier to make than you think! My simple recipe creates tender, sweet beets with a hint of fresh rosemary and orange in the background.

Try: Roasted Beets with Orange and Rosemary

Save

Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry

5 stars average

Made with fragrant ginger and toasted sesame oil, this quick and easy mixed vegetable stir-fry is ideal for using up whatever veggies you have on hand. Ready in 15 minutes or less!

Try: Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry

Pin Save

Roasted Green Beans and Bacon

5 stars

Change up your favorite side dish recipe with these simple and delicious roasted green beans topped with crumbled bacon.

Try: Roasted Green Beans and Bacon

Pin Save

Green Beans with Bacon - a simple and easy side dish recipe

Za’atar Crusted Cauliflower Steaks

4.91 stars average

These flavor-packed Za'atar Crusted Cauliflower Steaks are easy to make and are the ultimate vegetarian entree or side dish recipe!

Try: Za’atar Crusted Cauliflower Steaks

Pin Save

Perfectly Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

No ratings yet

A quick easy side dish recipe, this perfetly roasted parmesan broccoli is slightly caramelized and topped with lots of nutty parmesan cheese.

Try: Perfectly Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

Pin Save

Easy Cabbage Coleslaw with Honey Lime Dressing

4.53 stars average

This quick and easy cabbage coleslaw with honey lime dressing is made with scallions and cilantro then tossed with a honey lime vinaigrette dressing.

Try: Easy Cabbage Coleslaw with Honey Lime Dressing

Save

Cabbage Slaw with Yogurt Lime Vinaigrette - A fast and healthy no-cook vegetable side dish recipe

Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Sauce

4.84 stars average

Eggplant is grilled until tender and smoky then drizzled with a creamy, tahini-lemon sauce.

Try: Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Sauce

Pin Save

Chinese Smashed Cucumbers

5 stars average

This quick and flavorful Chinese side dish is made with cucumbers which are lightly smashed then tossed with vinegar, sesame oil, salt and a pinch of sugar.

Try: Chinese Smashed Cucumbers

Pin Save