“Tantalize your taste buds with these scrumptious High Protein Low Carb Sides!”
You’re in luck if you want to reduce carb intake but don’t want to skip on flavor. Eating low-carb doesn’t have to mean boring side dishes anymore.
With some creativity, you can create delicious, high-protein, and low-carb sides that will make the protein-packed meals even more satisfying.
Whether you’re trying to watch your carb intake for health reasons or just trying out a low-carb lifestyle for a few days, look no further for some delicious and nutritious side dishes.
High protein low carb sides are ideal for those looking to add more plant-based proteins to their meals without compromising on taste.
Not only that, but these sides can be incorporated into almost any dinner recipe, whether you’re cooking chicken, pork chops, burgers, or fish.
There is something for everyone, from traditional cauliflower tots to the more exotic Turkish-style Borlotti beans and edamame mango salad.
So, be ready to Say goodbye to carb-heavy sides and hello to these delicious, protein-packed dishes.
8 Mouth-Watering Low-Carb Sides
Here are eight sides that can be incorporated into any meal.
From cauliflower tots and cauliflower rice to bacon avocado fries and cheesy scalloped Zucchini, you’ll have plenty of savory options to keep your plate full of flavor while still taking care of your waistline.
Protein-packed and low-carb, these dishes are a win-win for your body.
#1. Cauliflower Tots
Cauliflower tots are one of the best and most nutritious High Protein Low Carb Foods dishes for chicken that adds variety to everyday dinners.
Made from finely grated cauliflowers, this recipe is also ideal for those with diabetes since it contains significantly fewer carbohydrates than the potato-based counterpart.
Ingredients | Quantity |
Cauliflower, cut into florets and steamed until tender | 1 medium |
Lightly beaten egg | 1 |
Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese | 1 cup |
Panko breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
Freshly chopped chives | 2 tablespoons |
Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Ketchup | 1/2 cup |
Sriracha | 2 tablespoons |
Directions:
- Preheat an oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mash the steamed cauliflower with a potato masher or fork until it resembles rice.
- Add the beaten egg, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, chopped chives, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small tots and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tots are golden brown and crispy outside.
Serve them with ketchup and sriracha sauce, or add some cheddar cheese to the mix before baking to make them extra tasty.
#2. Cauliflower Rice
Cauliflower rice has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional rice among health-conscious individuals and those following low-carbohydrate or gluten-free diets.
It is made by grating cauliflower into small pieces that resemble rice grains. If you’re looking for some Low-Carb Side Dishes for Diabetics, this can be a perfect choice.
Ingredients | Quantity |
Cauliflower, cut into florets | 1 head |
Extra-virgin olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Chopped parsley | 1 tablespoon |
Chopped rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
Thyme leaves | 1 teaspoon |
Kosher salt | To taste |
To taste | To taste |
Instructions:
- Start by adding the cauliflower florets to a food processor and pulse until they resemble rice grains.
- Add the olive oil to a skillet and swirl to coat the bottom. Now add the cauliflower rice and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes on medium heat until slightly softening.
- Add the chopped parsley, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute until the herbs are fragrant and the cauliflower is fully cooked.
- Serve hot as a side dish, or use it as a base for stir-fries, curries, or bowls.
You can also use this as a base for grain-free sushi rolls or a filling for burritos or tacos.
#3. Bacon Avocado Fries
For people hunting for low-carb side dishes that aren’t vegetables, Bacon and Avocado fries should be at the top of their lists.
These fries are a fun, protein-rich side dish that won’t break the carb bank. To make them, you’ll need a few simple components.
Ingredients | Quantity |
Ripe avocados | 2 |
Bacon | 6-8 strips |
Ranch dressing | For serving |
Salt and pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Preheat an oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each half of avocados into thin slices lengthwise, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut each bacon strip into thirds, and wrap each avocado slice with a piece of bacon. Secure with a toothpick.
- Place the bacon-wrapped avocado slices on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bake in the oven for 15-18 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the avocado is slightly browned.
Serve these fries as a side to almost any main dish – they pair especially well with pork chops or burgers!
#4. Keto Broccoli Salad
There are numerous low-carb sides for dinners. Amongst them, Keto Broccoli Salad is the most nutritious recipe.
This dish is fast to make and packs in plenty of flavors. The combination of elements creates texture and flavor that makes this salad a go-to side dish for any dinner.
Ingredients | Quantity |
Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Cheddar, shredded | 1 cup |
Red onion, thinly sliced | 1/4 cup |
Broccoli | 2 heads |
Toasted sliced almonds | 1/4 cup |
Cooked and crumbled bacon | 4 slices |
Chopped chives | 2 tablespoons |
For the Dressing:
Ingredients | Quantity |
Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
Apple cider vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
- Mix the broccoli, cheddar, red onion, toasted almonds, crumbled bacon, and chives in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, Kosher salt, and black pepper to make the dressing in a separate bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to mix well.
Enjoy your delicious Keto Diet aka Broccoli Salad!
#5. Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini
Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini is a delicious and healthy dish, rich with flavor and texture.
The dish is a great way to use up an abundance of Zucchini from your garden or local farmers market, and it’s perfect for a side dish or a light meal.
One thing that makes Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini so delicious is the combination of flavors and textures.
The Zucchini is tender and slightly sweet, while the cheese sauce is rich and creamy, with a slightly tangy flavor from adding Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients | Quantity |
All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Whole milk | 1 cup |
Shredded Gruyère cheese | 1 cup |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Ground black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Nutmeg | 1 Pinch |
Crosswise sliced zucchini | 2 medium |
Chopped thyme | 1 tablespoon |
Chopped parsley | For garnish |
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Melt the butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Add the flour and whisk until the mixture turns golden brown, about 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Whisk together 3/4 cup of the shredded Gruyère cheese, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the mixture is smooth.
- Place the zucchini slices in a large baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the Zucchini, coating each slice evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese over the top of the Zucchini.
- Bake the Zucchini in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the Zucchini is tender.
- Garnish with chopped thyme and parsley before serving.
This tasty side dish is both healthy and delicious! Enjoy it alongside your favorite proteins for an easy weeknight dinner to please everyone at the table!
#6. Turkish Style Borlotti Beans
Turkey-style Borlotti beans, also known as Barbunya pilaki in Turkish, have a distinct taste that makes it one of the most delicious and nutritious low-carb sides for burgers for everyday dinners.
When cooked in the Turkish style, the beans take on a rich and savory flavor that is tangy and sweet, with a hint of earthiness from the herbs and spices used.
Ingredients | Quantity |
Cooked borlotti beans | 1 can |
Onion, diced | 1 |
Carrot, sliced in a half-moon shape | 1 |
Finely chopped garlic | 2 cloves |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
Vegetable stock or water | 2 cups |
Chopped parsley | For garnish |
Lemon slices or wedges | For garnish |
Directions:
- In a pot, heat the virging olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
- Add the garlic to the pot and cook for another minute.
- Add the tomato paste, salt, and sugar to the pot and stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste has darkened in color and is fragrant.
- Add the can of borlotti beans (including the liquid) to the pot and stir well to combine.
- Pour the vegetable stock or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the beans are heated and the flavors melded together.
- Serve the borlotti beans hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices or wedges.
Overall, Turkish-style Borlotti beans are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can add depth and richness to a wide variety of dishes.
#7. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters can be the best pick if you want some low-carb sides for pork chops. The texture of the fritters is slightly crunchy, owing to the shallow frying in oil and the use of flour in the batter.
This grated Zucchini adds a slight crunch to the texture, making each bite an enjoyable experience. Overall flavor is mild, and the Zucchini provides a fresh and earthy taste that is unique to this dish.
Ingredients | Quantity |
Grated Zucchini | 2 cups |
Coconut flour | 1/2 cup |
Eggs | 2 |
Egg white | 1 |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
Finely chopped onion | 1/2 cup |
Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions:
- Combine the coconut flour, eggs, egg white, garlic powder, chopped onion, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until smooth.
- Add the grated Zucchini to the mixture and stir until well combined. The mixture should be thick and hold together well.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture into the skillet and flatten with a spatula to create a fritter.
- Cook until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the entire mixture.
- Once all the fritters are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
Serve hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream or tzatziki sauce, and enjoy a tangy and creamy taste that complements the mild flavors of the fritters perfectly.
#8. Edamame Mango Salad
Edamame Mango Salad is a unique combination of savory and sweet flavors that creates a refreshing dish.
The nutty taste of edamame beans is complemented by the juicy sweetness of fresh mango, while the dressing brings everything together with a burst of flavor.
Ingredients | Quantity |
Cooked and drained edamame | 2 cups |
Diced cucumber | 1 large |
Peeled and diced mangos | 2 |
Red onion, diced | 1 |
Black beans, drained | 1 can |
Drained and well-rinsed corn | 1 can |
Chopped basil | 1/4 cup |
Garlic, finely chopped | 2 cloves |
Red wine vinegar | 3 tablespoons |
Virgin olive oil | 1/4 cup |
Sea salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
Fresh lemon or lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
Avocado, sliced (optional) | 1 |
Instructions:
- Combine the edamame, cucumber, mangos, red onion, black beans, corn, and basil in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and lemon or lime juice until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve chilled with sliced avocado on top, if desired.
The salad is flavorful and packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and satisfying meal option. Overall, These delightful dishes are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Enjoy guilt-free indulgence with these flavorful High Protein Low Carb Sides!
Experiment with different flavor combinations and cooking methods to find the perfect high protein, low carb sides that work for you and your dietary preferences.
There are plenty of healthful and delicious sides to choose from, including cauliflower tots, edamame mango salads, and more.
Whether you’re looking for something to pair with burgers, chicken dishes, pork chops, or diabetes-friendly meals, these low-carb, high-protein sides can help you make healthy, balanced meals without sacrificing flavor.
Satisfy your hunger and fuel the body with these high protein, low carb sides.