17 Low-Carb Recipes That Are So Simple, You'll Never Be Tempted by Takeout Again

There's nothing quite like the crush of work stress and family responsibilities to throw you off your weight-loss goals. When you need to satisfy a deadline-induced craving for a crunchy snack or throw together a weeknight dinner fast, it's essential to have simple, healthy recipes in your back pocket. These low-carb dishes will help you do just that. From make-ahead snacks like kale chips and roasted edamame to breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that require few ingredients or dishes, or very little prep time, you'll have everything you need to stay on track. Here's to a healthier, happier you — whatever the week throws your way.

01
Sheet-Pan Fajitas
POPSUGAR Photography | Erin Cullum

Sheet-Pan Fajitas

In just under 20 minutes, you can transform a boring chicken breast into the most juicy and zesty fajita filling. Serve it with cauliflower rice or low-carb tortillas.

Get the recipe: sheet-pan fajitas
Carbs per serving: 6 grams

02
Baked Eggs in Avocado
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Eggs in Avocado

This super-filling breakfast is rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, and there's nothing simpler than cracking an egg into an avocado and popping it in the oven.

Get the recipe: egg baked in an avocado
Carbs per serving: 18 grams

03
Kale Chips
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Kale Chips

Creamy vegan cashew cheese meets crunchy, zesty kale chips for this delicious low-carb snack.

Get the recipe: kale chips
Carbs per serving: 11 grams

04
Baked Buffalo Wings
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Buffalo Wings

This recipe for baked wings cuts the calories in half but doesn't compromise on texture or taste.

Get the recipe: baked buffalo wings
Carbs per serving: 5 grams

05
Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
Well Plated by Erin

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

This delicious recipe uses the spaghetti squash as its own bowl, which makes for easy clean-up.

Get the recipe: spaghetti squash lasagna
Carbs per serving: 14 grams

06
Parmesan Crusted Salmon With Roasted Broccoli
Cooking Classy

Parmesan Crusted Salmon With Roasted Broccoli

This crispy salmon dish takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, and you'll use just one pan.

Get the recipe: parmesan crusted salmon with roasted broccoli
Carbs per serving: 15 grams

07
Lemon Garlic Black Pepper Shrimp
Tasty Yummies

Lemon Garlic Black Pepper Shrimp

Your family or guests will never guess that this garlicky, buttery shrimp was ready in just 15 minutes. Serve it with zoodles, cauliflower rice, or roasted veggies for a filling meal.

Get the recipe: lemon garlic black pepper shrimp
Carbs per serving: 2 grams

08
Thai Citrus Chicken Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Thai Citrus Chicken Salad

To make this office-ready salad even more low-carb, omit the sugar in the dressing or replace it with a low-calorie sweetener.

Get the recipe: Thai citrus chicken salad
Carbs per serving: 12 grams

09
Zucchini Pizza Bites
PaleoHacks

Zucchini Pizza Bites

This saucy, cheesy snack will make you nostalgic for the pizza bites of your childhood — but they contain far fewer carbs.

Get the recipe: zucchini pizza bites
Carbs per serving: 12 grams

10
Creamy, Low-Carb Cauliflower "Potato" Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Creamy, Low-Carb Cauliflower "Potato" Salad

Cauliflower does it again in this "potato" salad dish. Prep it in the evening and let it chill overnight.

Get the recipe: creamy, low-carb cauliflower "potato" salad
Carbs per serving: 14 grams

11
Pork Stir Fry with Broccoli
Savory Tooth

Pork Stir Fry with Broccoli

You won't need to order takeout when you have this quick and easy recipe at the ready.

Get the recipe: pork stir fry with broccoli
Carbs per serving: 9.5 grams

12
Paleo Meatballs
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Meatballs

This recipe is so flavorful you won't miss the breadcrumbs that give traditional meatballs their texture. Pair them with marinara sauce and zucchini noodles, and dinner is served.

Get the recipe: Paleo meatballs
Carbs per serving: 3 grams

13
Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese

You can still indulge in this American classic thanks to spaghetti squash. One cup of traditional pasta can have up to 43 grams of carbs, while the veggie noodles are around 7 grams.

Get the recipe here: spaghetti squash mac and cheese
Carbs per serving: 17 grams

14
Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are ready in a pinch, and they're less than 300 calories per serving with a whopping 32 grams of protein.

Get the recipe: Italian-style stuffed peppers
Carbs per serving: 7 grams

15
Roasted Edamame
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Edamame

If you're craving a crunchy snack, try protein-rich edamame, roasted in olive oil, salt, and sesame seeds. Half the carbs in each serving come from fiber.

Get the recipe: roasted edamame
Carbs per serving: 11 grams

16
Low-Calorie Chocolate Almond Smoothie
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Low-Calorie Chocolate Almond Smoothie

Satisfy your chocolate cravings with this yummy smoothie — it requires just four ingredients and contains less than two grams of sugar.

Get the recipe: chocolate almond smoothie
Carbs per serving: 6 grams

17
Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowl
Savory Tooth

Shredded Chicken Burrito Bowl

Cook the chicken in a pressure cooker, then add your choice of toppings, like cheese, guacamole, corn, and salsa. One thing you won't want to skip: the spicy mayo dressing.

Get the recipe: shredded chicken burrito bowl
Carbs per serving: 9 grams

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