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.

Bok Choy on a fork

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.

Chinese Broccoli Recipe HR

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.

zaatar gileed asparagus

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.

Zaatar Crusted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe HR2

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.

salad on a fork with person smiling

Your fork is waiting.

20 Low Carb Side Dish Recipes

Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting Brussels Sprouts

5 stars
50 minutes
This step-by-step guide to roasting Brussels sprouts will show you the tips and tricks to tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts every single time!
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Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Garlic Green Beans

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15 minutes
A quick and easy veggie side dish recipe, steamed green beans are tossed with roasted garlic and fresh lemon juice.
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Easy Roasted Garlic Green Beans Recipe

Sautéed Chinese Broccoli with Hoisin

5 stars
12 minutes
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.
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Steamed Chinese Broccoli with Hoisin 1

Garlicky Bok Choy

4.34 stars average
10 minutes
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!
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Fragrant Bok Choy

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Za’atar

4 stars average
15 minutes
A fast and easy side dish recipe, asparagus is coated with lemon and za'atar and grilled until slightly charred.
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zaatar gileed asparagus

Lebanese Eggpant Salad

4.50 stars average
40 minutes
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.
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lebanese eggplant salad

Green Cabbage Asian Slaw

4.45 stars average
10 minutes
This bright and flavorful Green Cabbage Asian slaw is the perfect side dish for stir-fries or Summer grilling. Naturally mayo-free.
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Crunchy Asian Slaw Recipe 1
artichoke in a steamer basket

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

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35 minutes
A healthier version of the steakhouse classic, mushrooms are roasted in olive oil then tossed with minced rosemary and garlic. 
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Roasted Mushrooms with Garlic and Rosemary - a healthy fast side dish recipe

Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce

5 stars
40 minutes
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.
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Roasted Acorn Squash with Tahini Sauce - a healthy side dish recipe

Lebanese Hindbeh (Sauteed Greens/Spinach) with Caramelized Onions

5 stars
40 minutes
A traditional Lebanese appetizer, these Garlicky Greens with Caramelized Onions can be enjoyed warm or cold, and pair well with pita bread.
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Garlicky greens with caramelized onions

Roasted Beets with Orange and Rosemary

5 stars average
50 minutes
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.
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Roasted Beets

Chinese Mixed Vegetables Stir Fry

5 stars
25 minutes
Made with fragrant ginger and toasted sesame oil, this quick and easy Chinese veggie stir fry is ideal for using up whatever vegetables you have on hand. 
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Chinese Mixed Vegetables Stir Fry

Roasted Green Beans and Bacon

5 stars
30 minutes
Change up your favorite side dish recipe with these simple and delicious roasted green beans topped with crumbled bacon.
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Green Beans with Bacon - a simple and easy side dish recipe

Za’atar Crusted Cauliflower Steaks

4.91 stars average
25 minutes
These flavor-packed Za'atar Crusted Cauliflower Steaks are easy to make and are the ultimate vegetarian entree or side dish recipe!
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zaatar crusted cauliflower steaks

Perfectly Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

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30 minutes
A quick easy side dish recipe, this perfetly roasted parmesan broccoli is slightly caramelized and topped with lots of nutty parmesan cheese.
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Fast Roasted Broccoli Recipe

Easy Cabbage Coleslaw with Honey Lime Dressing

4.53 stars average
10 minutes
This quick and easy cabbage coleslaw with honey lime dressing is made with scallions and cilantro then tossed with a honey lime vinaigrette dressing.
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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
20 minutes
Eggplant is grilled until tender and smoky then drizzled with a creamy, tahini-lemon sauce.
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Grilled Eggplant with Tahini Sauce

Chinese Smashed Cucumbers

5 stars average
5 minutes
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.
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Chinese Quick Pickled Cucumbers Recipe 20220419 211221

Rainbow Chopped Salad with Apples and Avocados

4.67 stars average
15 minutes
A bright and colorful salad full of chopped vegetables and fresh herbs tossed in a lemon-avocado vinaigrette.
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Rainbow Chop Salad with Avocados and Apples - The Lemon Bowl

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