30 Incredible Keto Side Dishes

What are the benefits of a keto diet?

• Reduces blood sugar and insulin levels. Ketogenic diets can benefit individuals who are diabetic or insulin-resistant. Since carbs are the main reason for blood sugar spikes, cutting them out can reduce insulin dosage drastically.

• Supports weight loss. A keto diet can aid in weight loss. The higher protein and fat meals can make you feel fuller for longer, reducing the amount of snacking. Plus, fatty foods take a longer time to break down in the body.

• Improves PCOS symptoms A low-carb diet can aid in weight loss and hormone balance, which are two common symptoms of PCOS.

• Eating more healthy fats, like in the keto diet, can lead to higher HDL levels (high-density lipoprotein). These higher levels of "good cholesterol" can reduce your risk of heart disease.

1.Cauliflower mac and cheese

You can still enjoy your favorite comfort dishes while following a keto diet. This cauliflower mac and cheese is gooey, buttery, and cheesy, and only takes 45 minutes to make over the stove. Pair this delicious veggie-filled mac and cheese with steak or chicken for the perfect high-protein meal.

2. Smashed cauliflower

Smashed cauliflower serves as an excellent substitute for potatoes. It's gluten-free, vegetarian, and only contains five ingredients. The boiled cauliflower is combined with salt, pepper, sour cream, and fresh chives, creating a delectable side dish.

3. Artichoke and burrata salad

This quick and easy artichoke salad calls for less than 10 ingredients and takes only 15 minutes to make. It uses spinach, char-grilled artichokes, tomatoes, and fresh burrata cheese, and is served with a simple vinaigrette dressing. Pair this salad with salmon or tilapia for a refreshingly light meal.

4. Broccoli and bacon salad

This broccoli and bacon salad is so creamy and flavorful, you might just forget that you're eating vegetables. It combines broccoli florets with smoked bacon lardons, sunflower seeds, red onion, cheddar cheese, and mayo. The salad only takes 20 minutes to make and contains five grams of net carbs per serving.

5. Cheesy garlic asparagus

This cheesy garlic asparagus is a great easy keto side dish recipe that pairs well with any protein. Tender asparagus is roasted in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper then topped with smoked cheddar and mozzarella cheese. You can even go above and beyond and add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

6. Creamed spinach

This creamed spinach recipe may convert any spinach hater into a fan. The key to nailing this dish is to not overcook the spinach - and use plenty of cream. Add fresh garlic and spices and within 15 minutes you'll have a rich side filled with flavor.

7. Keto risotto with bacon

You might be surprised to discover this rich and creamy risotto is both dairy and gluten-free. Instead of using risotto, this recipe calls for hearts of palm rice, a light and fluffy, low-carb substitution. Combine the rice with bacon, ghee, white wine, nut pods, and romanesco to create a delicious and savory dish that contains 10 grams of protein and nine carbs per serving.

8. Bacon brussel sprouts

Upgrade your basic brussel sprouts recipe for this bacon-filled garlicky side dish. This recipe contains simple ingredients and requires minimal effort, yet has restaurant-quality flavor and texture.

9. Roasted buffalo cauliflower bites

Whether you're hosting a game day or want a fun snack, these buffalo cauliflower bites are sure to be a hit. They're just as flavorful and spicy as wings but are easier to eat and lower in calories. Serve with blue cheese dressing or ranch for extra flavor.

10. Cauliflower 'potato' salad

This keto-friendly potato salad uses the same traditional ingredients and baking techniques, but the key ingredient is cauliflower instead of potatoes. The cauliflower is roasted and combined with mayo, mustard, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and green onion. It's a delicious lighter version of a summertime classic and makes the perfect side dish for your next grill out.

11. Avocado-chopped salad

If you're craving something light and refreshing, try this avocado-chopped salad recipe. All you need to do is chop and combine your avocado, bell peppers, cucumber, zucchini, and tomatoes, and assemble your vinaigrette dressing. It takes about 10 minutes and requires minimal cleanup.

12. Parmesan green beans

Roasted green beans with parmesan cheese are an easy and delicious side that family members of all ages can enjoy. It only requires a few ingredients and a little prep time, making it a great no-fuss option. All you need is green beans, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oil or butter, and cheese - it's that simple.

13. Spinach and ricotta stuffed mushrooms

If you're a fan of portobello mushrooms, you'll love this recipe. It's quick and easy, only containing five ingredients. The plump portobello mushrooms are oven-baked with a creamy filling of ricotta cheese, mozzarella, spinach, and fresh garlic. For a higher protein option, you can swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese.

14. Keto mug bread

This keto bread is light, fluffy, and made in just 90 seconds. For this recipe, you'll need almond flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and an egg - that's it. Melt the butter first, then combine the rest of the ingredients and microwave. This recipe contains only 10 carbs and 15 grams of protein per serving.

15. Jalapeno poppers

These jalapeno poppers are the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and salty. The jalapenos are cut and filled with cream cheese, then wrapped in bacon. Pop them into the air fryer for 10 minutes, then serve. One popper contains 13 grams of fat and five grams of protein. Pair this dish with steak or a bun-less burger.

16. Smoked shrimp

Transform your next steak night into a surf-and-turf dinner with a side of smoked shrimp. The shrimp are lightly coated in Cajun seasoning and then coated with a delicious garlic butter sauce and cooked to perfection in the smoker. One serving of shrimp contains only one carb and 19 grams of protein.

17. Garlicky scallops

If you really want to impress your guests, pair your steak dinner with a side of scallops. This dish features a brown butter sauce with fried garlic chips and fresh basil, creating a fantastic restaurant-quality side.

18. Zucchini fries

These zucchini fries are as flavorful as the real thing but only contain four grams of net carbs. To make these fries, you only need four ingredients, including zucchini, egg whites, Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning. You can pair these fries with a spicy Cajun aioli and animal-style burgers, or enjoy with a ribeye.

19. Rutabaga fries

If you're not a fan of the flavor or texture of zucchini, you might want to try these rutabaga fries. This recipe only takes five minutes of prep time and contains just two main ingredients - rutabaga and avocado oil. Add salt and pepper for a classic fry flavor, or you can get adventurous with salt and vinegar or any other seasonings of your choice.

20. Keto chips

A homemade, two-ingredient tortilla-like chip that has only two net carbs per serving? Yes, please. The chip is made of almond flour, mozzarella cheese, and whichever spices you prefer to add. You can enjoy these chips as a snack, or pair them with carne asada and guacamole for your next taco Tuesday.

21. Braised kale and pancetta

This healthy side dish is a tasty way to get your greens - and five grams of fiber per serving. The pancetta and garlic give the dish its savory flavor. Plus, braised kale is highly versatile and pairs well with chicken or seafood dishes.

22. Kale, pomegranate, and blueberry salad

This light and tangy salad is full of low-carb fruits. It's a solid choice for you to enjoy before dinner or as a side to a protein-rich entree. Plus, it suits many diets, such as gluten-free, vegan, and whole30. All you need is kale, red cabbage, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, green onion, an apple, and sliced almonds.

23. Keto onion rings

These keto onion rings have the look, flavor, and texture of the original rings. They're perfect next to a bun-less burger and paired with sugar-free ketchup or ranch. The breading is made from almond flour and Parmesan, giving it a salty flavor and crisp texture. One serving of these rings contains seven net carbs and nine grams of protein.

24. Cornbread

This keto cornbread surprisingly has no corn in it, but still tastes like the real deal. Surprisingly, this recipe contains only seven ingredients: coconut flour, butter, heavy cream, eggs, sugar substitute, salt, and baking soda. Bake in a cast iron skillet and top with butter for a mouthwatering low-carb cornbread alternative.

25. Cucumber dill salad

A cucumber salad is a refreshing side to grilled meats and seafood dishes. It contains minimal ingredients and can be easily customized to your personal liking. All you need is cucumber, onions, a creamy base like yogurt or sour cream, acid such as lemon juice or vinegar, a keto-friendly sweetener, and fresh herbs.

26. Broccoli cheese bites

These small bites are filled with fresh broccoli and served with a tasty keto ranch dip. To create the tator-tot-like texture, you'll need to combine your broccoli mixture with almond flour and cheddar. Once all ingredients are combined, roll them into little balls and bake in the oven until light golden brown. You can enjoy these as a healthy game day snack, or pair them with keto burgers or meatloaf.

27. Chicken buffalo dip

If you're looking for a low-effort recipe that will have your guests coming back for seconds, try this crockpot buffalo chicken dip. It combines cream cheese, cheddar, chicken, buttermilk, hot sauce, flour, and spices to create a rich and spicy mixture. You can enjoy this with keto chips or veggies, or layer over chicken breasts for additional protein.

28. Citrus marinated olives

You can't go wrong with simple citrus-marinated olives. This recipe only takes 10 minutes, yet is full of fresh flavor and warm spices. With fresh lemon and orange zest, and crushed red pepper flakes, your tastebuds will be bursting with flavor.

29. Roasted eggplant

This roasted eggplant recipe is simple, easy, and comes out with perfect caramelized flavor every time. It contains minimal ingredients, requiring only eggplant, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

30. Zucchini roll-ups

These zucchini roll-ups are a delicious low-carb snack or meal option you and your whole family can enjoy. The roasted zucchini is filled with a creamy ricotta and parmesan filling, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. They take about 45 minutes to make and only contain 12 carbs per serving.

Enjoy tasteful keto dishes at Meal Village

Sometimes, you might not have the time or energy to cook a creative, nutritious, and delicious keto side dish. If this is the case, let Meal Village do the cooking for you. With Meal Village, there's no more chopping, cooking, or cleaning. Instead, they will deliver fresh, ready-to-go, heat-and-eat meals and apps right to your doorstep. Each recipe is made fresh daily right in Meal Village's Chicago kitchen and delivered within the same day. Plus, there are no commitments or subscriptions, just simply order online or over the phone. Tasty, healthy, low-carb meals and side dishes that will impress your guests just became a lot more attainable.