Keto diets can be tricky to follow, but having tasty side dishes makes it much easier. You don’t have to eat plain meat and vegetables all the time. There are many delicious low-carb options to spice up your meals.
With these 30 keto side dishes, you’ll find something to pair with any main course. The recipes include creative twists on classics like cauliflower rice and roasted veggies. You’ll also discover new favorites like creamy garlic mushrooms with bacon. These sides will add variety and flavor to your keto meals.
Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative to regular rice. It’s easy to make and versatile. You can use a food processor or grater to create rice-like pieces from a head of cauliflower.
Sauté cauliflower rice in a pan with butter or olive oil for a simple side dish. Add herbs, spices, or garlic for extra flavor. You can also use it as a base for stir-fries or casseroles.
For a pilaf-style dish, try adding sautéed onions, mushrooms, and peas to your cauliflower rice. Season with tamari sauce and lemon juice for a tasty keto-friendly side.
Broccoli tots are a tasty keto-friendly twist on classic tater tots. These crispy bites are made with finely chopped broccoli, cheese, and eggs.
To make them, steam broccoli until tender, then chop it finely. Mix it with shredded cheese, beaten eggs, and your favorite seasonings.
Shape the mixture into small oval shapes and bake them in the oven until golden brown. You can also air fry them for extra crispiness.
These tots are great for kids and adults alike. They’re perfect as a side dish or a quick snack. Serve them with a low-carb dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Garlic butter mushrooms are a tasty keto side dish. You can make them quickly and easily. Start by melting butter in a pan over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Toss in your mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The mushrooms will soften and brown as they cook. For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh thyme on top before serving. This dish goes well with many keto main courses.
You can also try roasting the mushrooms in the oven. Coat them in a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and herbs. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
Avocado salad is a tasty and easy keto side dish. You can make it in just a few minutes with simple ingredients.
Start by dicing ripe avocados. Add chopped cucumber and tomatoes for extra crunch and flavor.
Toss the veggies with a tangy dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
This salad is packed with healthy fats from the avocados. It’s low in carbs but high in nutrients. You can enjoy it as a light lunch or pair it with grilled meat for dinner.
Keto stuffed peppers are a tasty and filling side dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb diet. They’re easy to make and can be ready in about 20-45 minutes.
To make keto stuffed peppers, you’ll need bell peppers, ground beef, cauliflower rice, and cheese. Some recipes also include tomato sauce, garlic, and onions for extra flavor.
You’ll stuff the peppers with a mixture of cooked ground beef, cauliflower rice, and spices. Top them with melted cheese for a delicious finish.
These peppers are versatile and can be customized to your taste. Try adding different spices or using other low-carb vegetables in the filling.
Creamed spinach is a tasty keto side dish. You can make it easily at home. Start by sautéing garlic in butter. Then add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
For the creamy sauce, mix heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine the sauce with the cooked spinach.
This dish goes well with steak or roast. It’s rich in nutrients and low in carbs. You can add mushrooms or bacon for extra flavor. Creamed spinach is perfect for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.
Cheesy cauliflower breadsticks offer a tasty low-carb alternative to traditional breadsticks. They’re perfect for keto dieters or anyone looking to cut down on carbs.
These breadsticks use cauliflower as a base instead of flour. They’re packed with cheese and herbs for great flavor. You can make them with just a few simple ingredients.
They’re easy to prepare, taking only about 10 minutes to get ready for baking. Once done, you’ll have a cheesy, satisfying side dish.
These breadsticks go well with many meals. Try dipping them in soup or using them to scoop up sauces from your main dish. They’re especially good with Italian-inspired meals.
Keto coleslaw is a tasty low-carb version of the classic side dish. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or as a quick lunch option.
To make keto coleslaw, you’ll need shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and a sugar substitute like erythritol. Some recipes add celery seeds or dill pickles for extra flavor.
Mix the dressing ingredients in a bowl, then toss with the cabbage. Let it chill in the fridge for the flavors to blend.
You can customize your coleslaw by adding shredded carrots or chopped bell peppers. For a mayo-free version, try a vinegar-based dressing instead.
Keto coleslaw pairs well with grilled meats or can be used as a topping for pulled pork sandwiches. It’s a versatile side dish that fits easily into your keto meal plan.
Roasted Brussels sprouts make a tasty keto side dish. To prepare them, preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the sprouts in half and place them in a bowl.
Drizzle olive oil over the Brussels sprouts. Add salt and pepper to taste. Toss them until evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 30-35 minutes until tender and crispy on the outside.
For extra flavor, try adding crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving. This simple side dish pairs well with many keto main courses.
Kale chips are a crunchy, low-carb snack perfect for the keto diet. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.
Start by washing and drying kale leaves. Remove the tough stems and tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
Toss the kale with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Salt is a must, but you can also add garlic powder, paprika, or nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
Spread the kale on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
Kale chips are versatile and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a standalone snack. They’re packed with nutrients and satisfy your craving for something crunchy on keto.
Cucumber salad is a refreshing keto side dish perfect for summer meals. You can make it quickly with just a few ingredients.
Slice cucumbers thinly and mix with a creamy dressing. Combine sour cream, vinegar, dill, and a keto-friendly sweetener for the dressing.
Add some red onion for extra crunch and flavor. Toss everything together and chill before serving.
This salad goes great with grilled meats or fish. It’s light, crisp, and tangy – ideal for hot days. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Guacamole deviled eggs are a tasty keto-friendly twist on a classic appetizer. You can make them by mixing mashed avocado with egg yolks and spices.
Cut hard-boiled eggs in half and remove the yolks. Mash the yolks with ripe avocado, mayonnaise, lime juice, and seasonings like garlic, onion powder, and cilantro.
Spoon or pipe the creamy mixture back into the egg white halves. For extra flavor, add crumbled bacon on top. These eggs are perfect for parties or as a quick snack.
You can customize the spice level by adding jalapeño or cayenne pepper. Guacamole deviled eggs are low in carbs but high in healthy fats, making them ideal for a keto diet.
Keto cheddar biscuits are a tasty low-carb alternative to traditional biscuits. These savory treats use almond flour instead of wheat flour to keep the carb count low.
You’ll need ingredients like almond flour, cheddar cheese, eggs, and butter. Some recipes also include cream cheese for extra richness.
To make these biscuits, mix the dry ingredients first. Then add the wet ingredients and cheese. Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes.
For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder or herbs to the dough. These biscuits pair well with soups, salads, or as a side for any meal.
Buffalo cauliflower bites are a tasty keto-friendly side dish. They’re a great alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
To make them, cut a head of cauliflower into florets. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake the florets in a 400°F oven for about 25 minutes.
While they’re baking, mix hot sauce with melted butter or olive oil. You can add a bit of sweetener if you like. After the initial baking, brush this sauce over the cauliflower.
Return the cauliflower to the oven for another 20 minutes. This gives the bites a crispy texture and lets the buffalo flavor sink in.
Serve these spicy bites hot. They’re perfect for game day snacks or as a side dish with your main meal.
Zucchini fries are a tasty keto-friendly side dish. To make them, cut zucchini into matchstick shapes.
Coat the zucchini pieces in a mix of almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, and spices like garlic powder and paprika. This creates a crispy, flavorful coating.
You can cook zucchini fries in an air fryer or oven. In an air fryer, cook at 400°F for 15-17 minutes. For oven-baking, preheat to 400°F and cook on a lined baking sheet.
Make sure to space the fries apart so they don’t touch. This helps them get crispy on all sides. Zucchini fries are a great low-carb alternative to regular potato fries.
Start by cutting the chicken breasts in half horizontally. Season them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dip each piece in beaten egg, then coat it with Parmesan cheese.
Cook the chicken in a non-stick pan with oil or butter. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. The result is a delicious, low-carb main dish that pairs well with many keto sides.
For a variation, try using chicken tenders instead of breasts. You can also cook them in an air fryer for a lighter version.
Lemon garlic shrimp is a tasty keto side dish you can make in just 10 minutes. It’s packed with flavor and low in carbs.
To make it, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then add the shrimp and cook for 4-5 minutes until pink.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and sprinkle with lemon zest. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of cumin for extra flavor.
You can serve this dish hot as a side or appetizer. It pairs well with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete keto meal.
Eggplant Parmesan is a tasty keto-friendly side dish. To make it, slice eggplant into rounds and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Dip the slices in beaten egg, then coat them with a mixture of almond flour and Parmesan cheese. This replaces traditional breadcrumbs to keep it low-carb.
Layer the coated eggplant slices in a baking dish with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese melts and the dish is hot.
This keto version of Eggplant Parmesan is just as delicious as the original, but with fewer carbs. It’s a great option for a satisfying side dish on your keto diet.
Chicken avocado salad is a tasty keto-friendly dish. It’s easy to make and packed with healthy fats and protein.
To prepare, mix shredded chicken with mashed avocado. Add diced celery and red onion for crunch. Squeeze in some lemon juice to keep the avocado fresh.
Season with salt, pepper, and cilantro to taste. You can also add bacon bits for extra flavor. Serve on lettuce leaves or eat it straight from the bowl.
This salad is great for lunch or as a light dinner. It’s filling and satisfying without weighing you down.
To make these pancakes, you’ll need almond flour, eggs, almond milk, and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients until smooth and let the batter rest for a few minutes.
Cook the pancakes on a greased skillet over medium-low heat. Pour small circles of batter and cook until bubbles form on the edges. Flip and cook for another minute or two.
These pancakes are versatile. You can add vanilla extract or sweetener to the batter for extra flavor. Top them with sugar-free syrup or fresh berries for a delicious meal.
Keto chicken wings are a delicious and satisfying low-carb option. They’re perfect for game day snacks or as a main dish.
To keep them keto-friendly, avoid breading and sugary sauces. Instead, season the wings with salt, pepper, and herbs before baking or air frying.
For extra flavor, toss the cooked wings in a mixture of melted butter and hot sauce. Serve with celery sticks and a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing.
You can also try dry rubs with spices like garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne for a different taste. Remember to count any sauce or seasoning in your daily carb intake.
Keto mac and cheese offers a low-carb take on the classic comfort food. You can make it using cauliflower instead of pasta. Cut the cauliflower into small florets and steam until tender.
For the cheese sauce, melt butter and heavy cream in a pot. Add shredded cheddar and cream cheese. Mix until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika for extra flavor.
Combine the sauce with the cauliflower and bake until bubbly. For a crispy topping, sprinkle crushed pork rinds mixed with Parmesan cheese before baking.
This dish is rich, creamy, and satisfies your mac and cheese cravings without the carbs. You can even add bacon for extra flavor and protein.
Keto cheese chips are a tasty, low-carb snack that’s easy to make at home. You only need one main ingredient: cheese.
To make them, spread small piles of shredded cheese on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes until the edges turn golden brown.
You can add extra flavor with spices like garlic powder or herbs. Once cooled, these chips become crispy and perfect for dipping or eating on their own.
Cheese chips are high in fat and protein, making them an ideal keto-friendly side dish or snack. They’re a great replacement for regular potato chips when you’re craving something crunchy.
Pesto zoodles are a tasty low-carb alternative to pasta. You can make them using zucchini noodles and homemade or store-bought pesto.
To prepare, spiralize zucchini or use a vegetable peeler to create noodle-like strips. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook the zoodles for 2-5 minutes.
Mix your pesto with mascarpone or cream cheese for a creamier sauce. Add cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Toss the warm zoodles with the pesto sauce and top with grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is quick to make and perfect for a light keto-friendly meal.
Why Choose Keto Side Dishes?
Keto side dishes can boost your health and help you stick to a low-carb diet. They offer tasty options that fit keto goals.
Health Benefits
Keto side dishes often use veggies high in nutrients. These foods give you vitamins and minerals your body needs. Many keto sides have lots of fiber, which aids digestion.
Keto sides can help you feel full longer. This may lead to eating less overall. Some keto foods have good fats that your body can use for energy.
Eating keto sides might improve your blood sugar control. This can be good for people with diabetes or those at risk.
Low-Carb Advantages
Keto side dishes are very low in carbs. This helps you stay in ketosis, where your body burns fat for fuel. You can enjoy filling meals without worrying about carb counts.
Many keto sides use cauliflower, zucchini, or other low-carb veggies. These swap out high-carb foods like potatoes or rice. You get the same textures and flavors with fewer carbs.
Keto sides often have protein and fat. This mix keeps you feeling full and gives you steady energy. You’re less likely to get hungry soon after eating.
Tips for Preparing Keto Side Dishes
Choose low-carb ingredients and use smart cooking methods to make tasty keto sides. Plan ahead to save time and effort in the kitchen.
Ingredient Selection
Pick veggies that are low in carbs. Good choices include leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini. Avoid starchy veggies like potatoes and corn. Use full-fat dairy products like heavy cream and cheese. They add richness without extra carbs.
Opt for healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil. These fats boost flavor and keep you full. Look for high-quality proteins such as bacon, chicken, and eggs to add to your sides.
Read labels carefully. Some packaged foods may have hidden carbs or sugars. Stick to whole, unprocessed ingredients when possible.
Meal Prep Techniques
Cook large batches of keto-friendly sides on weekends. Store them in the fridge for quick meals during the week. Chop veggies ahead of time and keep them in airtight containers.
Use a food processor to make cauliflower rice quickly. Roast a big pan of mixed veggies to use in different meals. Prepare mason jar salads with leafy greens, cheese, and low-carb veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Try one-pan dishes to save time and dishes. Sheet pan meals with meat and veggies are simple and tasty. Invest in a slow cooker or Instant Pot for hands-off cooking of keto sides.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
