Can’t seem to shake off those last 10 pounds? Maybe it’s time to look at what’s on your plate. To reach any fitness goal, you need to factor in the components of your diet. A keto diet is considered a healthy and sustainable way to lose weight. A ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet designed to induce a metabolic state called ketosis.
A low-carb diet diminishes your body’s supply of glucose, forcing it to target fat for its energy needs. Your body thus burns more fats, and as a result, you lose weight faster. Whether you’re vegan, hate vegetables, are lactose-intolerant, or simply looking for healthy and tasty meals, there’s a keto recipe here to meet everyone’s taste and preference.
#1. Keto Cheeseburger Salad
Take the buns out of an ordinary cheeseburger, and you have the ideal keto dish—little wonder that this high-protein low-carb bunless burger has broken the internet for keto recipes. It is made with 250 g of lean beef mince and some sharp cheddar cheese.
Given that cheddar has a protein content of 25g per 100g, this cheeseburger salad also meets your body’s protein requirement. Ensure you opt for low-fat cheddar cheese.
This easy-to-prepare recipe takes about 10 minutes.
#2. Cheesy Cauliflower Breadsticks
Before you get the wrong idea, there’s no bread used here. Instead, the recipe substitutes bread with cauliflower since grains and grain-based food products are a strict no-no in a keto diet.
What matters, however, is taste and these breadsticks are so delicious that you’ll not stop at one.
#3. Butternut Spaghetti
This recipe might take you by surprise since spaghetti and pasta do not usually make it to the list of keto-friendly food. But, not anymore, especially when you’re using pumpkin as a substitute. You’ll be amazed at how close the pumpkin comes to matching the texture of cooked spaghetti. And with very few carbs!
While refined spaghetti has an average carb content of 43g per 100g, pumpkin brings that down to an acceptable 19g per 100g. Use a peeler to strip your pumpkin into spaghetti strands. Once baked, this buttery, garlicky spaghetti will make you forget regular pasta.
#4. Chicken Enchilada Soup
A comfort soup for all reasons, seasons, and ages. If you’re following a targeted ketogenic diet that focuses on reducing carbs without adding too much fat, this chicken enchilada soup ticks all the boxes. It’s healthy, nutritious, and tasty.
It contains chicken breast filets, shredded cheese, and black beans—all protein-rich ingredients. While it does take some time to prepare, it’s easy enough for amateur cooks to perfect!
#5. Carrot And Kale Vegetable Saute
Nothing screams healthy like a fresh veggie dish with kale. While it does take about 35 minutes to make this recipe from scratch, you can store it in the fridge for days. The dish is mildly spicy but nutrition-dense and gets some definition and fat from the richness of pan-seared bacon strips. The best part about this salad? It fills you up and will keep you satiated for hours.
#6. Curried Tofu Scramble (Vegan)
Think it’s difficult for a vegan or a vegetarian to follow a ketogenic diet? Think again! With some planning, a vegan or vegetarian keto diet is completely doable. Plant-based foods like tofu are a good source of protein, and you can find excellent sources of healthy fats in your pantry or refrigerator.
This recipe gets our vote because it is loaded with spinach, mushrooms, and other veggies, making it nutritious and filling.
#7. Crockpot Tuscan Chicken
Loaded with cheese, parmesan sauce, butter, and cream, this Italian classic is creamy enough to give you goosebumps. The creamy texture is punctuated with the heavenly pan-seared chicken thighs, garlic, and rich tropical aromas of sundried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. This recipe will get you your money’s worth from your crockpot.
#8. Butterfly Chicken
This meal involves cooking an entire bird using a technique known as spatchco*cking or butterflying. This method of cooking chicken ensures that the meat roasts evenly and retains its juices. It’s best to use free-range organic chicken without the fat trimmed off for this dish. The chicken will be similar in texture to that of a tough pear.
Watch this video for a quick tutorial on how to butterfly a chicken.
#9. Cheesy Taco Skillet
A keto diet is a perfect excuse to give in to your cheese cravings. This quick recipe can give any Mexican takeout a run for its money. Plus, there are numerous customizations you can make to your cheesy taco skillet, with the seasoning, the combination of cheeses, and tortilla chips.
It’s a versatile recipe that lets you get extremely creative. For the best low-carb, high protein option, go for ground beef and cheddar cheese.
#10. Paleo Maple Oatmeal Pudding (Vegan)
This deliciously creamy non-oatmeal recipe uses a collection of nuts and seeds like walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, rich in healthy plant-based fats, and coconut flakes. It is nutrient-rich and also vegan-friendly since it uses almond or cashew milk. This recipe has virtually no carbs, but it is energy-rich and, therefore, the perfect meal to start your day.
#11. Garlic-Dill Deviled Eggs
Wondering how to stick to your keto diet on Easter? Not to worry! This quick and easy-to-make cold garlic-dill deviled eggs recipe will save the day without compromising on flavor or taste. And it requires only the basic ingredients. Eggs are unquestionably one of the healthiest sources of vital proteins. And with this recipe, there’s no need to step away from your diet plan, festival or not.
#12. Zucchini-Crusted Pizza
Pizzas are a strict no-no when you’re following a keto diet since about 60-70% of a pizza is pure carbs. But take the bread out of the picture, add Zucchini—and you now have a virtually carb-free base. You can barely tell the difference once the pie is baked and the cheese has melted.
It’s a great way to trick your kids into eating their greens. You can even top your pizza with the meat of your choice. Ham or pork loins align with your keto requirements since they’re rich in fat.
#13. Stick Lemon Drumsticks
This simple and quick recipe is ideal for chicken lovers. While chicken drumsticks are often overlooked, we personally love them because they are fatty and rich in flavor. To make the mouth-watering zesty glaze, all you need is lemonade, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, garlic cloves, and some fresh rosemary for garnish. The result is juicy, succulent chicken drumsticks that are perfect for any time of the day.
#14. Tahini Grilled Chicken (Kosher)
Here’s an exciting Middle-eastern keto recipe for those of you on a strict Kosher diet. It’s an easy recipe with a marinade so vibrant that the tastes will linger long after you’ve completed the meal.
Everything you need to make this recipe is probably already in your pantry. Although it only requires basic ingredients for the dressing, you may need to visit a Middle-Eastern store or specialty store to purchase some high-quality Haddar tahini. Alternatively, you could follow this video tutorial to make tahini at home.
#15. Crispy Low-Carb Almond Pancakes (Vegan)
Who doesn’t love pancakes, diet, or no diet? Typically rich in carbs, pancakes are often best avoided while on a keto diet. But this keto-friendly recipe will let you tuck into your favorite breakfast without any guilt!
Just switch butter with coconut oil and regular flour with almond flour! It gives a new twist to pancakes while adding protein to the first meal of your day. And, it’s guaranteed to hit the spot after a vigorous workout.
#16. Creamy Dijon Chicken
A quick and economical dish that fulfills the requirements of your keto diet while giving you a flavor-packed, healthy meal. Seasoned with Dijon mustard for that delectable creamy texture, the onions and fresh parsley cut through the other flavors making this dish the perfect comfort food.
#17. Thai Pork Skewers With Chili Dipping Sauce
Traditional Thai cuisine is surprisingly keto-friendly, but it is often complicated and time-consuming to prepare. But this recipe is worth every minute of the 2 hours it takes to prepare.
The meatball dish is made with pork, cooked in a gravy of breadcrumbs, curry paste, ginger, and fish sauce. It does have some carbs, which is acceptable when you’re observing your keto diet cyclically instead of clinically.
#18. Slow Roasted Halibut With Burst Tomatoes And Gremolata (Kosher)
This appetizing slow-roasted fish dances to the melody of sweet cherry tomatoes seasoned with flat-leaf parsley.
Halibut is rich in proteins and contains essential poly-unsaturated fatty acids that help decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s also rich in essential trace minerals like selenium and phosphorus that your body requires in small amounts.
Easy to prepare, this dish is a fantastic entrée when you’re having guests over.
#19. Naked Fish Tacos
Taco shells usually contain starch, which is off the list when on a keto diet. But, swap taco shells with pan-fried tilapia filets and you’re sorted. Cooked tilapia has a tender and somewhat flaky texture that goes surprisingly well with Mexican taco recipes.
The recipe also calls for Avocado, a trove of nutrients and healthy monounsaturated fat that helps lower blood cholesterol levels.
#20. Sauteed Brussel Sprouts With Bacon And Onions (Diabetes-Friendly)
Mention Brussel sprouts and it will have most people running for the door. But give the Brussel sprouts a magical twist for a dish that’s rich in fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Plus low in sugars and carbs. This highly nutritious recipe is ideal for diabetic patients and anyone watching their blood sugar levels.
Brussel sprouts have a high concentration of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and can boost the nutrition level of any dish you add them to. This recipe makes for a hearty and satisfying meal during the fall and winter months.
#21. Avocado Eggs With Bacon Sails
Loaded with proteins and fat, this is one for the family table. It’s easy to prepare and fun, too, because you get to add a splash of creativity when designing the sails with bacon strips. And it is a fast meal to prepare too. Including the cooking time for the bacon, the entire recipe only takes 25-30 mins.
Avocado and bacon contribute to healthy fats. And the tenderness of the egg elevates this dish to a gourmet level.
#22. Avocado Tomato Arugula Salad (Vegan)
Avocado is one of the best go-to’s for vegans trying to increase their intake of fats. And with this recipe, Avocado gets a rare chance to shine as the hero of a dish.
The Arugula tossed with creamy chunks of Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, Lettuce, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette dressing make for a well-balanced keto meal fit for both vegans and non-vegans. It’s a surprisingly spicy salad that’ll give you the energy needed to get through the day.
#23. Blue Cheese Pork Medallions
Experience the textures of pork like never before with this recipe. While the blue cheese casts a delightful spell on the crispy pork tenderloins, the heavy cream seasoned with Montreal steak seasoning and fresh parsley will send you over the moon. We don’t call this the best of comfort food for nothing.
#24. Mushroom Pate (Vegan)
Here’s a fun recipe for you to try over the weekend. This recipe is made with coarsely chopped cremini mushrooms that are very low in calories but are a good source of proteins.
The nutritional yeast adds vitamin B12 and a creamy, cheese-like flavor without dairy. Best enjoyed with flax or almond crackers, it’s unlike any pate you’ve ever tried before.
#25. Spanish Garlic Shrimp
Seafood is perhaps the best keto-friendly source of fats and protein. This recipe takes the best of seafood and combines them with the best aspects of Spanish cooking methods. There’s tons of garlic and plenty of olive oil, but you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste buds.
Shrimp is low in calories but rich in protein and healthy fats that aid in regulating blood pressure and preventing the build-up of cholesterol. With a recipe like this, losing weight has never been tastier.
