Finding low carb side recipes that everyone enjoys can be tricky, especially if some at the table prefer higher carbs. The right side dishes can bring variety and flavor without adding extra carbs. These recipes make it easy to stick to low carb eating while keeping meals interesting. Even those who usually reach for carbs will find these sides worth trying. They can fit into any meal and help balance your plate. With these options, low carb doesn’t mean boring or limited.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes cook up crispy and golden using an air fryer. They make a quick and convenient side that pairs well with many dinners. This simple dish is a great addition when you want a tasty alternative to traditional fries. Get the recipe: Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
4 Bean Salad
This 4 bean salad brings together a variety of beans with crisp vegetables for a side that’s easy to make and holds up well for any meal. It adds a good mix of textures without being complicated. Perfect to serve alongside other low carb sides, it fits well at both family dinners and casual gatherings. Get the recipe: 4 Bean Salad
Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Broccoli salad mixed with bacon and a creamy dressing brings fresh and crunchy textures together. Cheese and nuts add more flavor and bite to this side. It’s versatile enough for barbecues, picnics, or everyday dinners. Get the recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon
Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Almond pesto gives these zucchini noodles a rich, nutty flavor while keeping the side light. This dish is quick to assemble and works well alongside grilled or roasted proteins. It’s a good way to include low carb sides that don’t feel heavy. Get the recipe: Almond Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This casserole blends Brussels sprouts with bacon for a savory, warm side dish. It balances crispy and tender textures and fits well with many main courses. The dish is straightforward to make and a solid choice for gatherings or dinners. Get the recipe: Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Broccoli baked with cheese creates a comforting, hot side that’s simple to prepare. It’s filling enough to stand beside meat dishes and can be served at family meals or parties. This casserole is a popular low carb side option. Get the recipe: Broccoli Cheese Casserole
Cabbage Au Gratin
This cheesy cabbage gratin turns a simple vegetable into a rich side dish. It’s baked to create a tender and creamy texture that pairs well with many dinners. This gratin is a straightforward way to add low carb sides to your meal. Get the recipe: Cabbage Au Gratin
Caesar Salad
A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons adds a crisp and fresh element to any plate. This version keeps the classic flavors while fitting into a low carb sides selection. It works well as a starter or side with many entrees. Get the recipe: Caesar Salad
Cheddar Chive Biscuits
Fluffy cheddar and chive biscuits bring a soft, buttery texture to the table. They work well with breakfast or dinner and can be served plain or warmed with butter. These biscuits are a solid addition to any meal featuring low carb sides. Get the recipe: Cheddar Chive Biscuits
Focaccia
This focaccia is a soft, flavorful bread that works well as a side with many dishes. Its light texture and simple seasoning make it a great addition to meals featuring low carb sides. It’s easy to prepare and adds a nice touch without being heavy. To learn more: Focaccia
Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Garlic and parmesan enhance tender asparagus in this simple side dish. It pairs well with many main courses and adds a touch of flavor without complexity. The dish is quick to prepare and fits easily into low carb sides. To learn more: Garlic Parmesan Asparagus
Green Bean Casserole
This casserole combines green beans with a creamy sauce and crunchy topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that fits well at family meals or potlucks. The dish offers a straightforward way to enjoy a vegetable side with some texture. To learn more: Green Bean Casserole
Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic
Roasted sweet potatoes with a honey garlic glaze bring a balanced sweetness to your plate. They’re easy to prepare and complement a variety of meals. This side adds a bit of flavor contrast to low carb sides. To learn more: Roasted Sweet Potatoes With Honey Garlic
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms bring together tender mushroom caps with a creamy filling for a rich side. They’re simple to prepare and fit well at dinners or as an appetizer. This dish works well in meals that include low carb sides. To learn more: Stuffed Mushrooms
Cornbread
Classic cornbread makes for a comforting side that complements a wide range of dishes. It’s a simple recipe that fits well into family dinners. This bread balances softness with a touch of crispness around the edges. Get the recipe: Cornbread
Croissants
Light and flaky croissants make an excellent side for both breakfast and dinner. Their airy texture pairs nicely with many meals and adds a touch of elegance to the table. They’re easy to enjoy with a variety of dishes. Get the recipe: Croissants
Dinner Rolls
Soft dinner rolls round out any meal with a familiar bread option that fits into low carb sides. These rolls are versatile and can be enjoyed with soups, stews, or roasted mains. Their texture is tender and pleasing without feeling heavy. To learn more: Dinner Rolls
Trina Krug is a Holistic Nutritionist, Integrative Health Coach and host of the Carbless Conversations Podcast. With a Master’s Degree in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, her single mission in life is to facilitate self-healing in herself and those around her through awareness, lifestyle shifts and low-carb eating. As a current Doctor of Science student, she continues her studies in functional nutrition.