It's no secret that staying within the limits of the keto diet can be super hard. In order to kickstart ketosis, where your body burns fat instead of carbs for fuel, you can only have 20 to 50 grams of carb a day. And cooking for yourself at home can make the process so much easier (though there are some solid takeout and dining options out there too when you're in a pinch). If you're tired of eating the same things over and over, you can try mixing it up with different keto side dishes.
You may need to rethink traditional add-ons that you make for a meal, though. "Pasta salads, certain vegetables, fruits, and grains are often served as side dishes," says Amber Pankonin, RD, a certified executive chef and the owner of Stirlist. "They are easy to prepare, affordable, and ingredients are fairly accessible. However, they can be high in carbohydrates."
Low-carb veggies, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower prepared with fats such as avocado, olive oil, and nuts are your best bet, according to Amy Davis, RDN, a nutritionist with Fresh Communications. "These ingredients are nutrient-dense options that supply gut-friendly fiber and heart-healthy fats while keeping the carb count low," she adds.
Need some inspo in the kitchen? Here are 25 keto side dishes selected by registered dietitians that will help you keep the carb count low and complete your lunches and dinners in a healthy way.
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1
Grilled Zucchini With Feta And Mint
"This Mediterranean-style zucchini side dish offers a change from the typical roasted veggies and has only six grams of carbs per serving," says Davis.
Per serving: 142 calories, 6 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 12 g fat, 4 g protein
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2
Keto "Potato" Salad With Cauliflower
Big fan of a creamy potato salad? Good news: You can still enjoy one by making this imitation version. It serves up all the delicious flavors without the carbs, per Davis.
Per serving: 157 calories, 2 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 15 g fat, 3 g protein
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3
Braised Kale With Pancetta
This combo of kale, pancetta, garlic, and onions equals yum! Plus, it has a good amount of fiber, which keto followers often lack in their diet.
Per serving: 115 calories, 12 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 6 g fat, 7 g protein
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4
Smoked Peanut Broccoli Salad
The smokiness of the peanuts combined with the broccoli and dressing make this is a delicious and filling side. "Broccoli and onions are low in carbohydrates, but the dressing provides a good source of healthy fat from the peanut butter," says Pankonin.
Per serving: 240 calories, 18 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 13 g fat, 9 g protein
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5
Avocado Chopped Salad
This salad tastes super fresh and it’s really colorful because of the bell peppers. Pankonin also loves it because it’s satisfying thanks to the healthy fats from avocado and olive oil.
Per serving: 122 calories, 12 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 7 g fat, 3 g protein
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6
Cheesy Garlic Roasted Asparagus
This asparagus recipe is super simple and easy to make. It's also low carb and gluten-free.
Per serving: 247 calories, 5 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 16 g fat, 11 g protein
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7
Creamy Cauliflower Mash With Keto Gravy
Keto. Gravy. Enough said! This cauliflower mash tastes just as good as classic mashed potatoes and gravy. It has much fewer carbs, but packs the same punch of flavor.
Per serving: 73 calories, 7 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 5 g fat, 4 g protein
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8
Keto Creamed Spinach
This classic steakhouse side is super creamy. Don't have fresh spinach on hand? You can use frozen leaves instead.
Per serving: 274 calories, 5 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 27 g fat, 4 g protein
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9
Rutabaga Fries
If you're hankering for some French fries, try this recipe that swaps potatoes for rutabaga. These little sticks of fried goodness are made with just two ingredients (plus salt and pepper).
Per serving: 96 calories, 5 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 6 g fat, 4 g protein
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10
30-Minute Keto Zucchini Beer Macaroni And Cheese
Beer?! You read that right. This baked macaroni and cheese recipe incorporates a gluten-free ale to add tons of flavor.
Per serving: 373 calories, 8 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 32 g fat, 15 g protein
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11
Keto White Wine And Cheddar Cauliflower Cheese Casserole
White wine gives this cauliflower casserole's creamy cheddar cheese sauce some major depth. The Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard also adds more zing to the flavor.
Per serving: 255 calories, 7 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 19 g fat, 14 g protein
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12
Keto Risotto With Romanesco And Bacon
One of the best things about keto is the fact you can eat bacon...and this recipe does not disappoint. The risotto is actually heart of palm rice. (And it's ready in just 20 minutes.)
Per serving: 383 calories, 9 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 32 g fat, 10 g protein
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13
Keto Kale Pomegranate And Blueberry Salad
A nice salad is the perfect side dish to any keto meal, and this kale, pomegranate, and blueberry mix packs low-carb fruit and sliced almonds for some added protein. And the homemade balsamic dressing is truly a treat for your palate.
Per serving: 246 calories, 16 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 20 g fat, 5 g protein
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14
Keto Biscuits
These keto biscuits "taste just like the biscuits at Red Lobster," the recipe creator The Girl Who Ate Everything notes. Cheesy, tangy, and, of course, low carb.
Per serving: 174 calories, 3 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 15 g fat, 7 g protein
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15
Keto Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon are always a crowd pleaser, whether your family and friends are keto or not. Smoked paprika adds some smoky flavor to this crispy side dish.
Per serving: 109 calories, 9 grams carbs, 3 grams fiber, 7 grams fat, 6 grams protein
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16
Keto Onion Rings
These crispy rings are made in a snap in an air fryer. They're coated in an almond flour breading so you get the same crunch as traditional onion rings without the carbs.
Per serving: 170 calories, 9 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 12 g fat, 9 g protein
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17
Keto "No Corn" Cornbread
A twist on a fan favorite, this "cornbread" is made with coconut flour. Get your cast iron skillet out and whip this up for the perfect keto-friendly side dish.
Per serving: 167 calories, 4 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 15 g fat, 4 g protein
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18
Keto Green Beans With Parmesan
This roasted green bean and parmesan side dish uses avocado oil. Want to add some crunch to your meal? These veggies are it!
Per serving: 99 calories, 6 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 7 g fat, 4 g protein
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19
Crock Pot Zucchini And Yellow Squash Casserole
Summer squash like zucchini and yellow squash are excellent keto veggies. Dump all the ingredients into a slow cooker, and when you get home from work, dinner is served.
Per serving: 122 calories, 5 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 10 g fat, 4 g protein
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20
Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad
Cool, creamy, and crunchy, this cucumber and dill salad has a bit of stevia for some added sweetness and to keep the carbs low.
Per serving: 94 calories, 4 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 8 g fat, 2 g protein
