12 Easy Low-Carb Side Dish Recipes

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

These crispy and flavorful Brussels sprouts are a perfect low-carb side that pairs well with any main dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown.
5. Remove from oven, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and serve hot.

Cauliflower Rice Pilaf

A nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional rice pilaf.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup peas
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and bell pepper until soft.
3. Add in the grated cauliflower and peas, cooking until everything is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Zucchini Noodles with Pesto

A fresh and vibrant side dish that’s packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchinis
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Use a spiralizer to create zucchini noodles.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Sauté zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Toss with pesto, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Cheesy Cauliflower Bake

A comforting, cheesy delight that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil cauliflower until just tender and drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter and mix in cream and cheese until smooth.
4. Combine with cauliflower, pour into a baking dish, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Serve hot and gooey.

Charred Broccoli with Lemon Zest

Simple yet bursting with flavor, this broccoli dish is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Heat a skillet over high heat and add olive oil.
2. Add broccoli florets and cook until charred, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove from heat, toss with lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve warm.

Avocado and Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, no-cook side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados, diced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. In a large bowl, combine avocados, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently to combine and serve chilled.

Spaghetti Squash with Garlic Butter

Light and satisfying, this dish is a delightful pasta substitute.

Ingredients:

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut squash in half, remove seeds, and bake cut-side down for 30-40 minutes.
3. Scrape squash strands with a fork, combine with melted garlic butter, and season.
4. Serve as is or topped with your favorite herbs.

Grilled Asparagus with Balsamic Glaze

Elegant and tasty, this asparagus dish is a quick fix for dinner parties.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

Mashed Cauliflower with Chives

A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cooked and mashed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Combine mashed cauliflower with butter and sour cream.
2. Stir in chives and season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve warm with a sprinkle of extra chives.

Eggplant Fries with Spicy Aioli

Add some kick to your side dish repertoire with these crispy eggplant fries.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into sticks
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Aioli: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Cooking method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix almond flour with paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dip eggplant sticks in eggs, then coat with almond flour mix.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet, bake for 15-20 minutes.
5. Mix mayonnaise and hot sauce for aioli and serve with fries.