32 Delicious and Satisfying Low-Carb Side Dishes
Looking for the perfect side for your main course?
Going keto doesn’t mean endless nights of cauliflower rice and sauteed vegetables.
No, the keto world is full of delicious and satisfying side dishes that you likely have never even imagined.
From cheesy cauliflower dishes to gluten-free bread recipes, this list of delicious and satisfying low-carb sides is sure to keep your taste buds happy.
Potato Side Dish Alternatives
From mashed potatoes, new potatoes, potato salad, and french fries — potatoes find their way into more side dishes than any other vegetable. While this ubiquitous root veggie doesn’t fit into a keto diet, there are plenty of alternatives to work with, so you don’t have to miss out on your favorites sides.
#1 Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
This cauli mash recipe takes the place of your traditional mashed potatoes. Some things just don’t need to be improved upon.
Recipe link here.
#2 Garlicky Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
If you like to add a little kick to your mashed potatoes, this garlic cauli mash is a creamy, garlicky delight. And coming in at only three carbs per serving, you can go up for seconds.
Recipe link here.
#3 Creamy Turnip Mashed Potatoes with Bacon
What could be better than mashed potatoes? Mashed potatoes with bacon, of course. Just like cauliflower, turnips offer a fantastic substitution to carb-heavy potatoes.
Recipe link here.
#4 No-Potato Salad
When you’re getting ready to fire up that grill, make sure to have a batch of this no-potato salad to go with your BBQ. This recipe combines egg salad with cauliflower salad to create a rich and creamy potato salad substitute.
Recipe link here.
#5 Cheesy Keto Scalloped “Potatoes”
This recipe is so rich, cheesy, and delicious you won’t even realize that the “potatoes” are actually turnips. Loaded with cream and cheddar cheese, you may not even have room for the main course.
Recipe link here.
#6 Celeriac Mash
Celeriac is one of the most under-rated root vegetables out there. Full of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, it makes an excellent substitute for carb-heavy potatoes[*].
Recipe link here.
#7 Celeriac Everything Keto Fries
There had to be a substitute for french fries out there, keto dieters searched high and low and the results: celeriac nails it. You can use any seasonings you typically add to your fries, but the everything bagel seasoning in this recipe is a must-try.
Recipe link here.
#8 Rosemary Cauliflower Mash with Keto Gravy
This mash and gravy combo is a shoe-in for Thanksgiving, but don’t hesitate to make it any time of the year. You know you want to.
Recipe link here.
#9 Balsamic Roasted Turnips
Homefries, new potatoes, call them what you want — they’re delicious. These roasted turnips come in for the win to replace potatoes in this classic side.
Recipe link here.
#10 Keto Cheese Crisps
These cheese crisps can serve as a cracker, they can be added to your soup, or you can sprinkle them on a salad. They’re versatile, crunchy, and delicious.
Recipe link here.
#11 Crispy Roasted Eggplant Chips
These eggplant chips are a great way to sneak some extra eggplant into your diet. Eggplant is a fantastic source of fiber, leaving these chips with only two net carbs per serving.
Recipe link here.
Decadent Sides
#1 Low-Carb Stuffing
Everyone loves stuffing, but it’s typically loaded with carbs, and often sugar as well. This keto stuffing recipe gives you a new twist on a classic that’ll leave you feeling satisfied but not stuffed (no pun intended).
Recipe link here.
#2 Crispy Keto Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
One of the benefits of a keto diet is that you can add bacon to pretty much anything you like. This crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus is so savory and flavorful you’ll never look at asparagus the same way again.
Recipe link here.
#3 Homemade Keto Mozzarella Sticks
Mozz sticks are back, and they’re better than ever. These keto-friendly mozzarella sticks are rich in fat and protein and low in carbs. Serve them with some keto-friendly marinara sauce.
Recipe link here.
#4 Mac & Cheese
Do you love mac and cheese? Of course, you do! If you’ve been missing this classic dish, wait no more. With only six net carbs, you can enjoy this mac and cheese to your heart’s desire.
Sprinkle it with some fresh chives for some extra flavor.
Recipe link here.
#5 Sheet Pan Brussel Sprouts with Bacon
These sheet pan brussels sprouts only have four ingredients, making them an incredibly easy side dish, but they’re bursting with flavor. You’ll never want to eat your brussels sprouts without crispy bacon again.
Recipe link here.
Classic Side Dishes
#1 Egg Salad
Eggs are not only the perfect protein, but they’re a great source of antioxidants and brain supportive nutrients. This egg salad recipe is creamy, filling, and delicious[*][*].
Recipe link here.
#2 Chicken Salad
When you see chicken salad on the menu you really never know what you’re going to get. Many people add fresh or dried fruit, or other hidden sources of carbs. This chicken salad keeps things simple, delicious, and sugar-free.
Top it with some pecans for an extra crunch.
Recipe link here.
#3 Keto Coleslaw
This coleslaw is the perfect keto side dish. Packed with fresh veggies and creamy mayo and cheese, you’ll want to save room for seconds.
Recipe link here.
#4 Keto Avocado Deviled Eggs
Keto or not, deviled eggs are always a fan favorite. And the addition of avocado makes these eggs extra creamy and satisfying.
Recipe link here.
#5 Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Get an extra kick of greens by pairing this asparagus dish with lemon herb vinaigrette, complete with Perfect Keto Micro Greens Powder
Recipe link here.
Dip Recipes
Dips are a classic go-to for get-togethers. They’re often served as an appetizer before dinner, but many dips can actually make a perfect pairing with your main dish.
#1 Keto Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is a steak house staple. Try this recipe with a big piece of juicy steak or chicken.
Recipe link here.
#2 Creamy Crab Dip
Crabmeat is high in both selenium and vitamin C. These two antioxidants play a wide range of roles in your body, from supporting thyroid health to boosting immunity[*][*]. Serve this crab dip as is, or pair it with some keto crackers.
Recipe link here.
#3 Cheese Dip
With only four ingredients, this delicious cheese dip is easy to make and will add a creamy finish to any meal. And with only 1.5 grams of carbs per serving, you can load it on.
Recipe link here.
#4 Chunky Avocado Salsa
This chunky salsa recipe takes all the rich tomato flavor of traditional salsa and adds the creaminess of guacamole. You can even throw the whole thing in a blender to make a smoother consistency.
Recipe link here.
#5 Buffalo Chicken Dip
Forget the buffalo chicken wings, who’s got time for bones? This buffalo chicken dip is so rich and creamy it could be a meal all its own.
Recipe link here.
#6 Keto Guacamole
Okay, so most guacamole is already keto, but this guacamole has all the right ingredients in all the right proportions. Add a little extra jalapeno if you want to kick it up a notch.
This makes the perfect side for your keto tacos or taco salad. Or you can slice some radishes, zucchini, or bell peppers to dip.
Recipe link here.
#7 Spinach & Artichoke Dip
Spinach and artichoke dip might be one of America’s favorite dips. Do you know anyone who doesn’t like a good spin dip? Pair with some keto crackers, chopped carrots, green beans, or snap peas.
Recipe link here.
Bread Recipes
#1 Keto Biscuits
What’s a side of gravy without some biscuits to pour it on? If you thought your biscuit days were over, think again. With shredded mozzarella and butter in place of excess carbs, you get the warm, comforting mouthfeel without the blood sugar spike.
Recipe link here.
#2 Low-Carb Flatbread
Flatbread pairs perfectly with soups and salads, and can even be made the main course with some cheese and meat — flatbread pizza anyone?
Recipe link here.
#3 Keto Naan
Anyone who truly loves Indian food knows that it’s not a complete meal with the naan. Going keto, however, means you have to pass on that soft and chewy flour bomb. But not anymore, this keto naan is the perfect replacement for dipping, chewing, and getting all the warming flavors out of your meal.
Recipe link here.
#4 Garlic Keto Breadsticks
Finally, your Italian meal is complete. These garlic breadsticks will leave you wanting for nothing. Savory, chewy, and only five grams of net carbs per serving.
Recipe link here.
Takeaway
Don’t let your favorite keto meal go without a fantastic side dish.
You won’t find these recipes in your mother’s cookbook, but there’s no shortage of low-carb side dish recipes out there.