15 Easy Low-Carb Side Dishes

Looking for low-carb side dishes that are actually easy to make? Here are 15 of my favorites, from quick weeknight options to make-ahead ideas, all built on simple, wholesome ingredients.

Every recipe on this page was checked ingredient by ingredient to make sure it is made without sugar, grains, potatoes, beans or starchy fruit. Carb counts vary with portions and brands, so adjust to your own goals.

At a Glance

  • 15 recipes in this collection
  • Typical total time: about 25 minutes
  • 7 recipes ready in 20 minutes or less
  • Quickest: How to Make Cauliflower Rice in 12 minutes
  • Calories: about 60 to 300 per serving

Low-Carb Side Dishes

1
How to make cauliflower rice shown in a white bowl with fluffy texture and fresh herbs
How to Make Cauliflower Rice
Ready in 12 minutes · 60 calories per serving.
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2
A bowl of crispy air fryer green beans with slightly charred tips and garlic seasoning.
Air Fryer Green Beans
Ready in 15 minutes · 65 calories per serving.
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3
Close-up of perfectly cooked, vibrant green air fryer asparagus spears seasoned with salt and pepper, ready to serve.
Air Fryer Asparagus
Ready in 15 minutes · 80 calories per serving.
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4
A close-up of perfectly roasted asparagus spears on a baking sheet, seasoned with salt and pepper.
Roasted Asparagus
Ready in 15 minutes · 70 calories per serving.
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5
Freshly sautéed zucchini noodles with garlic and olive oil in a skillet
Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)
Ready in 18 minutes · 65 calories per serving.
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6
Sautéed golden zucchini rounds topped with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley in a skillet
Parmesan Truffle Sautéed Zucchini
Ready in 18 minutes · 110 calories per serving.
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7
A white bowl filled with spiralized zucchini noodles, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil with a balsamic drizzle.
Zucchini Noodle Caprese
Ready in 20 minutes · 215 calories per serving.
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8
Golden brown and crispy air fryer cauliflower florets garnished with fresh parsley in a white bowl.
Air Fryer Cauliflower
Ready in 25 minutes · 85 calories per serving.
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9
Golden brown crispy air fryer brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze in a white bowl
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Ready in 25 minutes · 110 calories per serving.
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10
A bowl of smooth, creamy mashed cauliflower topped with melted butter and fresh herbs.
Mashed Cauliflower
Ready in 25 minutes · 115 calories per serving.
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11
A close-up of a skillet filled with perfectly golden and tender sautéed cabbage, garnished with fresh parsley.
Sautéed Cabbage
Ready in 25 minutes · 120 calories per serving.
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12
Close shot of crispy roasted green beans with garlic Parmesan
Roasted Green Beans with Garlic Parmesan
Ready in 25 minutes.
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13
A vibrant skillet of golden cauliflower fried rice with colorful vegetables and a fried egg on top, ready to be served.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Ready in 30 minutes · 300 calories per serving.
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14
A skillet filled with golden brown shredded cabbage, crispy bacon bits, and sautéed onions.
Fried Cabbage
Ready in 35 minutes · 185 calories per serving.
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15
Tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash in the shell with olive oil and black pepper
Roasted Spaghetti Squash
Ready in 55 minutes · 72 calories per serving.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Are all of these recipes really low-carb?

Yes. Each recipe was checked against its full ingredient list before being included here. Portions and brands vary, so check the details on each recipe card.

What is the quickest recipe in this collection?

How to Make Cauliflower Rice is the fastest, ready in about 12 minutes from start to finish.

How many calories are in these recipes?

They range from about 60 to 300 calories per serving. Nutrition is estimated per serving on each recipe card and varies with the exact ingredients you use.

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