Cutting down on carbohydrates is an ongoing trend. Numerous dieting methods such as Atkins, Paleo, and Keto have gained popularity in recent years. The possible benefits of low-carbohydrate diets include weight loss, low blood pressure, improved cholesterol levels, and lower blood sugar levels with stabilized insulin production. Many people report feeling more energetic in general after reducing carbohydrates in their daily diets. It isn’t necessary to follow a rigidly structured diet plan. Reducing carbohydrates in evening meals adds up over time. These ten recipes are great ideas for those new to low-carb dinners.
Salmon with Carmelized Vegetables
This mouth-watering one pan recipe is easy to make and clean up. Colorful vegetables such as carrots and peppers look good and contain lots of vitamins. Eggplant adds an extra pop of purple or red, and it is a good substitute for starchy potatoes.Cut vegetables into halves or quarters then toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add herbs and a slice of lemon to the salmon, then arrange vegetables around the fish in a glass baking pan.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken and Avocado Salsa
This delightful dish is full of contrasting flavors and takes only ten minutes to prepare. The immune-boosting properties of garlic and low-fat meat make this meal a perfect choice for a healthy dinner. Its speedy prep also makes it a popular weekday meal.Spread roasted garlic paste over a pair of 4-ounce chicken breasts. You can wrap bacon slices around the chicken breasts for extra flavor and protein. The salsa is made of avocado, tomato, red and green onions, and white wine for a burst of colors and vitamins.
Roasted Walnut and Cauliflower Tacos
This tasty taco filling is a treasure trove of vitamins, fiber, and protein. It is perfect for a vegan dinner. You can use this filling with cauliflower tortillas, traditional taco shells, or any wrap of your choice.The filling includes:
- 1 small head of chopped cauliflower
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- minced onion and garlic
- 1 minced and seeded jalapeno
- 1 quarter cup of tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin and oregano
Shrimp Asparagus Carbonara
This tasty skillet meal is a quick and great low-carb comfort food. Fettucine noodles are the traditional base for this recipe, but substituting either squash or zucchini noodles makes it low in carbohydrates and high in flavor. The carbonara sauce is a simple mixture of eggs, parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Try adding asparagus, shrimp, and mushrooms for complementary flavors.
Spicy Shrimp and Kale With Creamy Rutabaga
This paleo dish is a great alternative to mashed potatoes or grits. The creamy rutabaga has a pleasant golden appearance and creamy texture. Rutabaga is very filling and satisfies any craving for starchy foods on a cold night. Marinade shrimp in olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices. Add more vegetables for extra flavor or texture. Keep in mind that marinated chicken or tofu can be substituted for shrimp.
Seared Tuna Steak
Seared tuna steak contains very few carbohydrates and it is packed with protein. Tuna is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This dish is simple with only six minutes of cooking time. The marinade is a mixture of sesame oil and soy sauce. Let the tuna sit in the marinade for twenty minutes then transfer to a skillet. Cook the tuna on medium-heat for three minutes on each side.
Huevos Rancheros
This spicy dish is complex and filling enough to be the main course at dinner. The base of black beans and eggs provides ample amounts of fiber and protein. Diced tomatoes, radishes, avocado, onion, and garlic contain a wide range of nutrients. Cayenne and cumin both contain capsaicin that has cardiovascular health benefits. Crumbled feta and cilantro pull the other flavors together for a meal to impress the whole family.
Green Roll-Ups
Green roll-ups are a fun and versatile way to cut carbohydrates. Collard green leaves are thick, sturdy, and large enough to wrap around filling as substitutes for tortillas or bread. They are also full of vitamin K, calcium, and iron. The filling can be any variation of hummus, egg, chicken, or tuna salad. Drizzle the flat leaves with olive oil and salt. Pile the filling on each leaf and top with avocado, cucumbers, tomatoes, pickles, and red onions. Roll the leaf as if it were a tortilla to capture and hold the filling and vegetables.
Flavorful Tofu
Tofu is packed with nutrients and protein, while its dense substance inhibits the urge to snack for hours after a meal. The key to preparing tofu is pairing it with strong flavors. A marinade of fresh mint, cilantro, chives, scallions, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce provides a mix of distinct flavors. Cut the tofu into slices to marinate for an hour. Place the tofu in a baking pan, pour the remaining marinade over it and add a dollop of butter to each slice. This recipe can be altered easily to suit personal taste.
Kale Bowl with Lime Dressing
Kale adds a nice crisp texture to raw salads. This zesty lime dressing contains mayonnaise, grated lime, salt, garlic, pickled jalapenos, and cilantro. It has a tangy flavor and unique, pleasant aroma. This dish can be customized in many different ways. Sliced chicken, shredded cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds, avocado, and eggs turn this salad into a meal. Red or green onions, almost any variety of peppers, and radishes add more color and complimentary flavors.