13 Low-Carb Recipes That Will Make You Want to Fire Up the Grill
If you're trying to lose weight, but your warm-weather weekends are packed with barbecues and family gatherings, you know you need to have a game plan. Fortunately, the recipes here all have two things in common: they can be made on the grill, and they won't sabotage your low-carb diet. Whether you like chicken, seafood, or beef — or you're cutting carbs as a vegetarian — you'll find something on this list to satisfy those Summer cravings. Pair your protein with one of the healthy sides here, or try an equally low-carb cold dish, like lightened-up "pasta" salad or coleslaw.
Grilled Chicken Kebabs With Red Pepper Cilantro Pesto
If you've only had green pesto, you have to try the smoky, nutty, garlicky flavor of this red-pepper-based marinade.
Get the recipe: grilled chicken kebabs with red pepper cilantro pesto
Grilled Lemon Garlic Zucchini
Swap starchy corn for a vegetable that's lower in carbs, like this crisp-tender zucchini.
Get the recipe: grilled lemon garlic zucchini
Grilled Buffalo Shrimp
Pair this tasty shrimp and blue cheese dip with a low-carb beer. It's the perfect addition to any barbecue or tailgate.
Get the recipe: grilled buffalo shrimp
Grilled Jalapeño Poppers
Stuffed with bacon, cream cheese, and pepper jack cheese, these jalapeño poppers are the definition of indulgence.
Get the recipe: grilled jalapeño poppers
Balsamic Portobello Burgers
For a vegan or vegetarian option, grill thick slices of portobellos to eat in place of beef. Serve on whole grain bread or wrapped in lettuce.
Get the recipe: balsamic portobello mushrooms
Beef Satay With Curried Cashew Sauce
You'll love the flavor profile of these Indian-inspired beef skewers. If you've nearly reached your daily limit of carbs, just go easy on the sauce, since it contains a small amount of honey.
Get the recipe: beef satay with curried cashew sauce
Yogurt and Lemon Marinated Grilled Chicken
This juicy dish puts bland, dry chicken to shame. The recipe calls for thinner plain yogurt, instead of Greek yogurt — which contains less sugar — so check the label and choose a yogurt with as few carbs as possible.
Get the recipe: yogurt and lemon marinated grilled chicken
Vegetable Kebabs
These colorful skewers are loaded with nonstarchy vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Serve them in place of potatoes.
Get the recipe: vegetable kebabs
Mobile-Style Oysters
Butter isn't exactly a healthy fat, but there's never been a yummier way to eat it than in these buttery, cheese-filled oysters.
Get the recipe: Mobile-style oysters
Postgrill Marinated Skirt Steak
Hate when the herbs and seasoning get burnt onto your steak? Try this genius trick, marinating the beef after grilling to add bright and bold flavor.
Get the recipe: postgrill marinated skirt steak
Spicy Shrimp and Chorizo Skewers
Surf and turf gets a delicious upgrade with flavorful shrimp tossed in garlic, chili powder, and caraway seeds.
Get the recipe: spicy shrimp and chorizo skewers
Grilled Asparagus
Asparagus is another low-carb side that's perfect for grilling season. Just buy thicker stalks, so they're less likely to slip between the grates.
Get the recipe: grilled asparagus
Fajita Chicken Kebabs
You'll want to build your entire menu around these pretty kebabs. (Guacamole, salsa, sour cream — yum!)
Get the recipe: fajita chicken kebabs