35 Low-Carb Vegetarian Recipes That Are Actually Tasty (2024)

Table of Contents
1. Vegan Keto Coconut Curry (10g Carbs) 2. Alison Roman’s Roasted Squash With Yogurt And Spiced Buttered Pistachios (11g Carbs) 3. Turmeric-spiced Cauliflower And Broccoli With Capers (13g Carbs) 4. Cacio E Pepe Cauliflower (9g Carbs) 5. Baked Eggs In Avocado (9g Carbs) 6. Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodles (14g Carbs) 7. Zucchini & Tomato Ragù (7g Carbs) 8. Tomato Salad With Grilled Halloumi And Herbs (8g Carbs) 9. Quiche With Gluten-free Sweet Potato Crust (15g Carbs) 10. Zoodle Stir-fry (18g Carbs) 11. Meal-prep Creamy Kale Caesar Salad (8g Carbs) 12. Mini Eggplant Pizzas (13g Carbs) 13. Pesto Zoodles (14g Carbs) 14. Sweet Potato, Tomato, Kale And Halloumi Sheet Tray (16g Carbs) 15. Vegan Keto Everything Bagels (1g Carbs) 16. Cold Lemon Zoodles (8g Carbs) 17. Vegan Spaghetti Squash With Mushroom Marinara Sauce (25g Carbs) 18. Baked Zucchini ‘ziti’ Spirals With Mozzarella (18g Carbs) 19. Charred Broccoli With Sriracha Almond Butter Sauce (25g Carbs) 20. Vegetarian Sushi Cups (25g Carbs) 21. Grilled Peach And Halloumi Salad With Lemon-pesto Dressing (21g Carbs) 22. Cauliflower Fried Rice (23g Carbs) 23. 30-minute Vegetarian Meatballs (12g Carbs) 24. Zoodles With Tomato Sauce And Mozzarella (22g Carbs) 25. Charred Cauliflower With Crunchy Garlic Chile Oil (8g Carbs) 26. One-pan Eggs With Asparagus And Tomatoes (13g Carbs) 27. Creamy Gochujang Zoodles (21g Carbs) 28. Avocado Greek Salad (12g Carbs) 29. Cauliflower ‘potato’ Salad (9g Carbs) 30. Keto Instant Pot Greek Cauliflower Rice (6g Carbs) 31. Cauliflower Tortillas (5g Carbs) 32. Mexican Zucchini Boats Ingredients (24.5g Carbs) 33. Baby Vegetables With Orange And Thyme (14g Carbs) 34. Crispy Tofu Bites (10g Carbs) 35. Rainbow Vegetable Skewers (3g Carbs) Shop Kitchen Picks: Senior Food Editor FAQs References

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35 Low-Carb Vegetarian Recipes That Are Actually Tasty (1)

By Katherine Gillen

Published Mar 9, 2021

A lot of low-carb diets (which, FYI, the American Academy of Family Physicians defines as an intake of 20 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per day) rely heavily on meat. But don’t fret, vegetarians. Plenty of plant-based options are light on carbs but still filling, thanks to tofu, healthy fats, fiber-rich veggies and legumes. Need some inspiration? Here are 35 low-carb vegetarian recipes we love.

RELATED

18 Big-Batch Vegetarian Dinners That Serve the Whole Family

Helene Dujardin/The Essential Vegan Keto Cookbook

1. Vegan Keto Coconut Curry (10g Carbs)

Even if you’re not jumping on the keto train, this flavorful dish will satisfy your cravings. The tofu soaks up the sauce in a way that can only be described as *chef’s kiss.*

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Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott/Nothing Fancy

2. Alison Roman’s Roasted Squash With Yogurt And Spiced Buttered Pistachios (11g Carbs)

You could serve this hearty caramelized squash as a side, but it also makes a mean main course for fewer people. (Don’t get us started on that yogurt sauce.)

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Eric Wolfinger/The Mexican Keto Cookbook

3. Turmeric-spiced Cauliflower And Broccoli With Capers (13g Carbs)

The best part about this sunny dish? You just toss everything together and pop it in the oven. Twenty-five minutes later, a star is born.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

4. Cacio E Pepe Cauliflower (9g Carbs)

It’s so luscious and cheesy, we might need to eat it in private.

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Eric Wolfinger/The Mexican Keto Cookbook

5. Baked Eggs In Avocado (9g Carbs)

There are boring healthy breakfasts (oats), unhealthy breakfasts (sticky buns) and exciting, filling, magical breakfasts (this guy).

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

6. Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodles (14g Carbs)

Pick up a package of marinated, baked tofu at the store and dinner is already halfway done. Did we mention how much we love the tangy soy-vinegar dressing?

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Helen Cathcart/Tuscany

7. Zucchini & Tomato Ragù (7g Carbs)

When you’re working with in-season vegetables, simple is almost always best. Top this 20-minute sauce with a poached egg and you’re good to go.

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Aubrie Pick/Great Tastes

8. Tomato Salad With Grilled Halloumi And Herbs (8g Carbs)

Who needs a giant steak when you have gooey grilled cheese?

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9. Quiche With Gluten-free Sweet Potato Crust (15g Carbs)

Ditch the traditional crust and you’re left with a tasty and good-for-you go-to for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

10. Zoodle Stir-fry (18g Carbs)

You have 22 minutes to get dinner on the table. Ready? Go.

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100 Days of Real Food

11. Meal-prep Creamy Kale Caesar Salad (8g Carbs)

This creamy homemade dressing beats anything you’ll find in the grocery aisles. It also takes like two seconds to make—a win-win.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

12. Mini Eggplant Pizzas (13g Carbs)

Not only are they low-carb and damn cute but they’re also way easier to make than whipping up a homemade pie.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

13. Pesto Zoodles (14g Carbs)

And the category is “freshly grated Parm.”

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Laura Edwards/The Yoga Kitchen Plan

14. Sweet Potato, Tomato, Kale And Halloumi Sheet Tray (16g Carbs)

When you want a homemade dinner but don’t actually feel like cooking, the baking sheet is your best friend. Plus, there’s almost no cleanup after.

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Helene Dujardin/The Essential Vegan Keto Cookbook

15. Vegan Keto Everything Bagels (1g Carbs)

Make ’em on Sunday night so you can grab and go all week long.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

16. Cold Lemon Zoodles (8g Carbs)

Get this: No actual cooking is required. Genius, right?

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

17. Vegan Spaghetti Squash With Mushroom Marinara Sauce (25g Carbs)

It might not be exactly like your nonna’s version, but considering it tastes like it simmered all day, we feel confident it would still make her proud.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

18. Baked Zucchini ‘ziti’ Spirals With Mozzarella (18g Carbs)

We’ll always have a soft spot for decadent, carb-y traditional baked ziti, but this equally cheesy version is doing a good job of filling in.

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19. Charred Broccoli With Sriracha Almond Butter Sauce (25g Carbs)

We’d like to eat this riff on Thai peanut sauce with a spoon.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

20. Vegetarian Sushi Cups (25g Carbs)

Wrapping up raw fish at home? Sounds like a lot of work. Chopsticks are optional for these cuties, but encouraged.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

21. Grilled Peach And Halloumi Salad With Lemon-pesto Dressing (21g Carbs)

A salad that’s filling enough to be a meal? You can thank our BFF halloumi for that.

Get the recipe

RELATED

40 Easy Vegetarian Dinner Ideas You Can Make in 30 Minutes or Less

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

22. Cauliflower Fried Rice (23g Carbs)

Instead of making you feel bloated and greasy (ahem, takeout), this 25-minute dish will fill you up in the best way possible. And when in doubt, put an egg on it.

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23. 30-minute Vegetarian Meatballs (12g Carbs)

If we’re being honest, we were hooked at “masala sauce,” but the freezability of the meatballs is another strong selling point.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

24. Zoodles With Tomato Sauce And Mozzarella (22g Carbs)

Sorry, spaghetti. We’re breaking up with you and running away with this Italian-inspired number. (Fresh basil, on the other hand, we’ll never get tired of.)

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Emily Dorio/The Saltwater Table

25. Charred Cauliflower With Crunchy Garlic Chile Oil (8g Carbs)

Meat need not apply: This side is spicy, sweet, crunchy and just as satisfying as any chicken dinner.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

26. One-pan Eggs With Asparagus And Tomatoes (13g Carbs)

A 30-minute meal that works for breakfast, lunch or dinner—huzzah.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

27. Creamy Gochujang Zoodles (21g Carbs)

We’ll never get tired of zucchini noodles, especially when they’re smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce.

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35 Low-Carb Vegetarian Recipes That Are Actually Tasty (29)

Cafe Delites

28. Avocado Greek Salad (12g Carbs)

You totally have 15 minutes to spare.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

29. Cauliflower ‘potato’ Salad (9g Carbs)

When the carb cravings hit, cauliflower is here to sub in for potatoes! And yes, it works.

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Leslie Grow/Keto In an Instant

30. Keto Instant Pot Greek Cauliflower Rice (6g Carbs)

Plain cauliflower rice is just fine. But this Greek cauliflower rice, from Jen Fisch is even better.

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Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

31. Cauliflower Tortillas (5g Carbs)

Call all your keto friends! Taco Tuesday is super low-carb again!

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35 Low-Carb Vegetarian Recipes That Are Actually Tasty (33)

Food Faith Fitness

32. Mexican Zucchini Boats Ingredients (24.5g Carbs)

Possibly the easiest dinner you’ll ever make.

Ola Smit/Dinner's In the Bag

33. Baby Vegetables With Orange And Thyme (14g Carbs)

It’s flavorful and easy, with pretty much no cleanup.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

34. Crispy Tofu Bites (10g Carbs)

You'll want it on hand for those times when you're craving a nibble but also want to keep it healthy-ish.

Get the recipe

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

35. Rainbow Vegetable Skewers (3g Carbs)

These rainbow vegetable skewers contain one ingredient each, so they’ll grill to perfection.

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35 Low-Carb Vegetarian Recipes That Are Actually Tasty (39)

Katherine Gillen

Senior Food Editor

Katherine Gillenis PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City...

read full bio

35 Low-Carb Vegetarian Recipes That Are Actually Tasty (2024)

FAQs

35 Low-Carb Vegetarian Recipes That Are Actually Tasty? ›

This includes almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts and pumpkin seeds. Soy: Foods like tofu and tempeh are high in protein and fat, but low in carbs. This makes them acceptable on a low-carb vegetarian/vegan diet. Legumes: Some legumes, including green beans, chick peas and others.

What vegetarian foods are low-carb? ›

This includes almonds, walnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts and pumpkin seeds. Soy: Foods like tofu and tempeh are high in protein and fat, but low in carbs. This makes them acceptable on a low-carb vegetarian/vegan diet. Legumes: Some legumes, including green beans, chick peas and others.

What are tasty low-carb foods? ›

To ensure they meet their calorie and nutrition needs, people can prioritize low carb foods such as:
  • lean meats, such as sirloin, chicken breast, or pork.
  • fish.
  • eggs.
  • leafy green vegetables.
  • nuts and seeds, including nut butter.
  • low carb fruits, such as apples, blueberries, and strawberries.

What are 5 foods to avoid on low-carb diet? ›

Specifically, try to eliminate whole and refined grains, baked goods, fruits, milk, yogurt, beans, legumes, pasta, bread, sugar-sweetened beverages, and starchy vegetables like peas and corn. Food and drinks allowed on a no-carb diet include meat, fish, eggs, cheese, butter, oils, water, and plain coffee or tea.

What is the most filling low carb food? ›

Lean meats such as turkey breast, sirloin, flank steak and chicken are great sources of protein to fuel and fill up your body in a low carb way. If you're looking for meals made with lean meats, we've got you covered with our recipes for Shredded Chicken Chili and Easy Chicken Parmesan!

What is the most filling low carb snack? ›

  • Avocado. A whole avocado has about 15 grams of carbs, but you're unlikely to eat the entire thing in one sitting, so it's more realistic that you'll get 4 or 5 carbs in one meal or snack. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Coconut oil. ...
  • Eggplant. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Grapefruit. ...
  • Greek yogurt. ...
  • Green beans.
Mar 20, 2024

What foods are surprisingly low in carbs? ›

Meat, eggs, and seafood are low in carbs. You can also eat certain vegetables, including broccoli and eggplant, as well as fruit, such as avocado and apricots, on a low carb diet. Many people follow a low carbohydrate diet to lose weight, lower blood sugar levels, or treat certain diseases.

How to get 30g of protein each meal vegetarian? ›

High protein vegetarian meals
  1. Homemade ricotta gnocchi – 25.9g protein per portion.
  2. Warm lentil and halloumi salad – 36.7g protein per portion.
  3. Vegan katsu curry – 32.9g protein per portion (plus sides)
  4. Avocado and halloumi wraps – 28.9g protein per portion.
  5. Creamy garlic mushroom tagliatelle – 27.2g protein per portion.
Jan 12, 2021

How to get 120g protein a day vegetarian? ›

Plant-based proteins: 100 g of nuts like almonds (21 g of protein) or cashews (17 g), 100 g of chia seeds (16.5 g), 100 g of pumpkin seeds (30 g), 100 g of sunflower seeds (20.8 g), 100 g of lentils (24.6 g), 100 g of black beans (6 g), 100 g canned chickpeas (7 g), 100 g of tofu (18.8 g), 100 g of peanut butter (24 g) ...

What are six 6 vegetarian food sources for protein? ›

6 Best Protein Sources for Vegetarians
  • Cottage Cheese (Paneer)
  • Amaranth (Rajgira)
  • Yellow Split Pigeon Peas (Toor Dal)
  • Soybean.
  • Flax seeds (Alsi)
  • Peanuts (Mungphali)
Oct 6, 2021

Can you be vegetarian and not eat carbs? ›

Vegetarian and vegan diets can be heavy in carbs, from grains, bread, starchy vegetables, and fruits. However, following a low-carb vegetarian or vegan diet is entirely possible. The following are examples of foods rich in protein and fat, low in carbs, and free from animal products: tofu.

What are the top 10 low-carb vegetables? ›

These are the best low carb choices.
  1. Cucumbers. Cucumbers are a refreshing and nutritious addition to any salad — Greek or otherwise! ...
  2. Iceberg lettuce. ...
  3. Celery. ...
  4. White mushrooms. ...
  5. Spinach. ...
  6. Swiss chard. ...
  7. Broccoli. ...
  8. Bell peppers.

Can you be plant-based and low-carb? ›

In addition to low-carb vegetables like broccoli, lettuce, and zucchini, other low-carb plant-based options include avocados, nuts and seeds, and tofu and tempeh.

What are 3 foods low in carbs? ›

Meat, eggs, and seafood are low in carbs. You can also eat certain vegetables, including broccoli and eggplant, as well as fruit, such as avocado and apricots, on a low carb diet.

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