If you're on a low-carb diet [1], but you ran out of meal-prep ideas [2] months ago, you've come to the right place. Going low-carb is an effective way to lose weight [3], and can even help lower your blood sugar, but if your meals are more dull than delicious, you aren't likely to stick with it for long.
Instead of the same old chicken and broccoli, we've rounded up low-carb meal-prep recipes [4] that bring a little something extra to the dinner (or lunch) table. Each of these meals has knockout flavors and a variety of proteins and veggies, while still helping you stay on track with your goals.
— Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes
Ranch Chicken Jar Salad
Jar salads are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner during the work week. This recipe makes four servings and stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days, so you'll always have one at the ready.
Get the recipe: ranch chicken jar salad [6]
Baked Meatballs With Spaghetti Squash
If you've never tried spaghetti squash, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how closely the taste and texture resembles spaghetti noodles. This recipe tops the squash with baked meatballs and a rich tomato sauce for a no-fuss dinner.
Get the recipe: baked meatballs with spaghetti squash [7]
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Egg Skillet
This ooey, gooey, cheesy skillet meal makes six servings and keeps in the refrigerator for up to five days. Did we mention the cheese?
Get the recipe: cheesy chicken broccoli and egg skillet [8]
Sheet-Pan Sweet and Sour Pork
Sheet-pan meals [9] are easy to assemble and even simpler to clean up. This one — made with pork, bell peppers, chopped onion, and a delicious sweet and sour sauce — contains only 10 grams of carbs per serving, and you'll be happy to repeat it throughout the week.
Get the recipe: sheet-pan sweet and sour pork [10]
Green Frittata
You'd be hard-pressed to pack more greens into this low-carb frittata — it's filled with herbs, green onions, and arugula for a bright, colorful meal. For fresh-cooked flavor, reheat your frittata in the oven instead of the microwave.
Get the recipe: green frittata [11]
Vegan Spring Roll Bowls
These Asian bowls are vegan (or vegetarian [12]) done right. You'll simply swap out chicken or pork for tofu.
Get the recipe: vegan spring roll bowls [13]
Taco Zucchini Boats
One flour tortilla can add up to 20 grams of carbs to your meal, and who eats just one taco? This genius recipe puts those tasty taco toppings into a zucchini boat instead.
Get the recipe: taco zucchini boats [14]
Chicken Salad
This creamy, crunchy, fruity chicken salad makes six servings and can be served over greens or on a piece of whole-grain bread [15] to keep things from getting boring.
Get the recipe: chicken salad [16]
Paleo Chicken Teriyaki
Teriyaki sauce can be high in sugar, but this Paleo version is sweetened with apple juice to deliver teriyaki flavor without the extra carbs. Serve it atop cauliflower rice or roasted broccoli.
Get the recipe: Paleo chicken teriyaki [17]
Sesame Ginger Beef and Zucchini Noodles
With flavorful recipes like this zesty ginger beef, you'll never be tempted to abandon your plan midweek.
Get the recipe: sesame ginger beef and zucchini noodles [18]
Thai Baked Turkey Meatballs
Meatballs are a meal-prep staple because you can make a large batch and use them in different ways throughout the week. This Thai-inspired recipe can be served with zucchini noodles, salad, or cauliflower rice.
Get the recipe: Thai baked turkey meatballs [19]
Citrus Chicken Salad
If you're obsessed with Trader Joe's [20], you'll love this copycat version of the store's citrus chicken salad. One batch will take care of lunch for most of the week.
Get the recipe: citrus chicken salad [21]
Instant Pot Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Who knew you could make a casserole [22] in the Instant Pot? Naturally low-carb sausage, eggs, and cheese are typically served for breakfast, but you'll want to eat this dish for every meal.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot sausage breakfast casserole [23]
Wasabi Grilled Salmon Bowls
You may not think of salmon as a good candidate for meal prep, but cooked salmon is actually safe to eat for up to four days. It's a good thing, too, because you'll want seconds (and thirds) of this spicy dish.
Get the recipe: wasabi grilled salmon bowls [24]
Lemon Garlic Chicken Drumsticks
Sure, you could bake boring chicken breasts, but adding a little seasoning takes no time at all and will make your meals so much better. These mighty drumsticks are covered in lemon, parsley, butter, salt, and pepper; serve with salad or roasted vegetables to make it a meal.
Get the recipe: lemon garlic chicken drumsticks [25]
Mexican Vegetable Soup
This cozy, veggie-packed broth will warm you up on days your house is way too cold.
Get the recipe: Mexican vegetable soup [26]
BBQ Meatloaf Bowls
These perfectly portioned meatloaf muffins are great for meal prep. If the Cajun sweet potato mash doesn't fit within your daily budget for carbs [27], swap in cauliflower mash or another low-carb veggie.
Get the recipe: BBQ meatloaf bowls [28]
Indian Chicken Skillet
If what you want is flavor, you'll get tons of it from the cumin, coriander, curry powder, and garam masala in this recipe. One batch is enough for four meal-prepped lunches.
Get the recipe: Indian chicken skillet [29]
Roasted Tofu, Cauliflower, and Broccoli
High in protein and low in carbs, this one-pan meal isn't lacking in flavor, thanks to garlic powder and ground cumin.
Get the recipe: roasted tofu, cauliflower, and broccoli [30]
Meatball Burrito Bowls
With only 5 grams of net carbs [31] per serving, who can say no to these meatballs? They're served with a refreshing pico de gallo, cauliflower rice, cheese, and creamy sour cream.
Get the recipe: meatball burrito bowls [32]