Creative Low-Carb Side Dishes That Fully Satisfy
Low-carb doesn't mean piling your plate with nothing but protein. In fact, nutritious, delicious vegetables are always a cornerstone of any healthy low-carb diet. If you're trying to stay away from starchy, high-carb sides like potatoes and white rice, then try these veggie-heavy, low-carb sides that'll satisfy!
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Low-Carb Zucchini Boats
Enjoy a rich-tasting bite without worrying about the consequences. These delicious, creamy zucchini boats clock in at only 25 calories, but you would never know, based on the way they taste.
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Paleo Stuffing
For a refreshing take on the traditionally heavy stuffing, try making this sausage, apple, and butternut squash stuffing. The apple adds a touch of sweetness, while the sausage adds a satisfying richness to the dish.
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Kale Caesar Salad
Caesar salad gets a bad rap as one of the unhealthier salads you can order, but this lightened-up kale caesar is a vitamin-filled version that tastes just as good (if not better) than the original.
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Broccoli Slaw Pasta
This broccoli slaw pasta dish is a gluten-free spin on traditional pasta with tomato sauce. With fresh garlic and a dash of parmesan, you'll forget that this simple dish is made of vegetables.
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Detox Carrot and Cabbage Salad
If you are craving some color in your diet, this rainbow veggie salad is a simple side you can throw together in minutes that looks great and tastes even better. The colorful side is full of vitamins and fiber and will leave you feeling refreshed.
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Creamy Cauliflower Mash
If you love a bowl of rich and creamy mashed potatoes but are trying to keep an eye on what you eat, this creamy cauliflower mash is the side dish for you. This Paleo-friendly side has the creamy delicious texture of the classic potato dish, without the calories.
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Sweet and Sour Cucumbers
These sweet and sour cucumbers with fresh dill would make a perfect refreshing offering at your next barbecue, plus these low-carb veggies make for a healthy alternative to potato salad.
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Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
This recipe for shredded brussels sprouts salad is bursting with flavor; lemon, sunflower seeds, and cranberries mix together to create a low-carb yet satisfying side salad.
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Spicy Sesame Carrot Salad
Carrots don't have to be on the banned list if you're following a low-carb diet: while they contain more carbs than other vegetables, carrots also possess many essential nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamin A. Mix and mash with a low-carb root vegetable or put it front and center like in this spicy sesame carrot salad.
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Cabbage Hemp Salad
The bulk of this tart and tasty cabbage hemp salad is made with red cabbage, which not only registers just a blip on the carb scale, but is also packed with antioxidants.
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Eggplant Pizzas
When Italian cravings hit, reach for these eggplant pizzas. No need for bread with this hearty vegetable!
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Lower-Carb Mashed Potatoes
If you still need your potato fix but want to save on a few carbs, use this lower-carb mashed potatoes recipe. Blending cauliflower with the potatoes saves on calories and carbs while preserving the taste of the classic side.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A side of roasted brussels sprouts with walnuts and parmesan cheese is hearty enough to stand up to any main dish. Get the recipe here.
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Spaghetti Squash
Jazz up any main by resting it atop a bed of spaghetti squash before serving. The pasta alternative satisfies cravings without the carb load. Check out our recipe for roasted shrimp with spaghetti squash for a low-calorie, low-carb meal!
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Paleo Zucchini Pasta
For a satisfying version of zucchini pasta, toss zucchini with garlic, olive oil, and almond meal. Get the recipe for Paleo zucchini pasta here.
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Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Hold the mac, but not the cheese. Save on a few carbs with this creative cauliflower mac and cheese recipe.
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Asian Cauliflower Fried Rice
Unlike greasy Chinese takeout, this veggie-packed Asian cauliflower fried rice skips the food coma and leaves you feeling satisfied and energized at the end of your meal.
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Kabocha Squash Fries With Spicy Greek Yogurt Sriracha
Sweet and nutty kabocha squash rings are baked in the oven for just about an hour, resulting in golden-brown, crispy rings that will make boring old french fries feel so passé.