13 Low-Carb Recipes That Will Make You Want to Fire Up the Grill

Updated on 7/28/2019 at 11:25 AM

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