Are you tired of sacrificing flavor for a healthy diet? Do you struggle to come up with new and exciting keto lunch ideas that fit your busy schedule? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 delicious keto lunch recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you on track with your dietary goals. From classic favorites like cheese and bacon to more innovative creations featuring ingredients like cauliflower and zucchini, we’ve got a little something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy meal to take on-the-go or a heartier option that’s perfect for lunch at the office, these keto lunch recipes are sure to hit the spot. So what are you waiting for? Dive in and get ready to spice up your lunch routine with these mouthwatering and nutritious ideas!
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Cheesy Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad
A creamy and savory salad that combines the flavors of crispy bacon, ripe avocado, and juicy chicken.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and diced avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Add the dressing to the chicken mixture and stir until coated.
4. Divide the mixed greens among four serving plates or bowls.
5. Top each plate with the chicken-avocado mixture, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Zucchini Noodles
Elevate your mealtime with this flavorful and nutritious recipe, featuring tender steak bites smothered in garlic butter and served atop zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup zucchini noodles (zoodles)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic until well combined.
3. Season steak bites with salt and pepper.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic butter mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add steak bites to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired level of doneness.
6. Meanwhile, cook zucchini noodles according to package instructions or by sautéing in a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes.
7. Serve steak bites atop zucchini noodles and garnish with chopped parsley or thyme if desired.
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Shrimp
Savor the rich flavors of Italy with this succulent shrimp dish, infused with garlic and cream.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Add butter to the skillet and melt. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic butter mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked shrimp back into the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top and serve hot. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice with Chicken
A low-carb twist on the classic Chinese dish, this cauliflower fried rice recipe is a game-changer for keto dieters. This flavorful and filling meal combines crispy chicken with a cauliflower “rice” base that’s surprisingly similar to the real thing.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup of coconut oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of soy sauce (make sure it’s sugar-free)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
3. Cook chicken breasts with coconut oil, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until cooked through.
4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil over medium-high heat. Add the cauliflower “rice” and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender and lightly browned.
5. Combine cooked chicken with cauliflower “rice” and stir-fry until well combined.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Chicken
Elevate your chicken game with this bold and flavorful recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with a spicy jalapeño popper filling, then baked to perfection.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff each chicken breast with the popper filling, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
4. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
A twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak, this recipe fills bell peppers with tender steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese for a flavorful and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 lb flank steak, sliced into thin strips
– 1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook the steak over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with cooked steak, onions, and grated cheese.
6. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Beef and Ricotta
A twist on the classic lasagna, this recipe combines ground beef, ricotta cheese, and zucchini for a delicious and healthy alternative. This flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent.
4. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble lasagna by spreading marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, followed by layers of zucchini slices, meat mixture, and ricotta mixture.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Keto Taco Salad with Avocado Lime Dressing
A refreshing twist on traditional taco salad, this recipe combines the flavors of grilled chicken, crunchy veggies, and creamy avocado lime dressing, all while staying within keto guidelines.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1/2 cup chopped romaine lettuce
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup crumbled bacon
– 1/2 avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions:
1. Grill chicken breast for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
2. Chop lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped veggies, crumbled bacon, and diced avocado.
4. Slice grilled chicken into strips and add to the bowl.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice and olive oil for dressing.
6. Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
7. Top with cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Asparagus
This recipe combines the bright flavors of lemon and garlic with the richness of butter, all wrapped up in a tender salmon fillet and paired with crisp asparagus. It’s a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, garlic, and butter until well combined.
5. Spoon the lemon-garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
7. Toss the asparagus with salt and pepper to taste. Spread on a separate baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes or until tender.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed mushrooms, this recipe combines the spiciness of buffalo chicken with the earthy goodness of portobellos.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed and caps cleaned
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together chicken, buffalo wing sauce, and blue cheese.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the chicken mixture, dividing it evenly among the four mushrooms.
5. Drizzle tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Keto Cobb Salad with Creamy Ranch Dressing
A classic salad gets a low-carb twist with this keto-friendly cobb salad recipe, featuring crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy ranch dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– Creamy Ranch Dressing (see below)
Creamy Ranch Dressing:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, chicken breast, bacon, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
2. Drizzle Creamy Ranch Dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
3. Top with crumbled blue cheese (if using) and serve immediately.
Cook Time: None
Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops with Green Beans
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this easy and flavorful recipe, featuring crispy Parmesan crusted pork chops paired with blanched green beans.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops (1-1.5 lbs)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
4. Dip each pork chop in olive oil, then coat in breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Place coated pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast pork chops for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
7. While pork is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch green beans for 4-5 minutes or until tender.
8. Serve Parmesan crusted pork chops with blanched green beans.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Eggplant Pizza Bites with Pepperoni and Mozzarella
Transform your favorite pizza into bite-sized eggplant treats, perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup pizza sauce
– 8-10 slices pepperoni
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce onto each eggplant slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Top with a few slices of pepperoni and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Keto Chicken Alfredo with Spaghetti Squash
This recipe combines the rich flavors of traditional chicken alfredo with the nutritious goodness of spaghetti squash, making it a perfect fit for a keto lifestyle.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 1 medium spaghetti squash (about 2 lbs)
– 6 oz heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the squash for 45 minutes or until tender.
4. Cook chicken breast with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat; add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
6. Combine cooked chicken and sauce; toss with roasted spaghetti squash.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
A classic combination of tender asparagus and crispy bacon, elevated by a rich and creamy hollandaise sauce.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 asparagus spears
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup egg yolks
– 1/2 cup lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Wrap each asparagus spear with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the wrapped asparagus on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
6. While the asparagus is cooking, make the hollandaise sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine softened butter, egg yolks, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve the bacon-wrapped asparagus with the warm hollandaise sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Avocado Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps
A refreshing twist on traditional tuna salad, this recipe combines the creaminess of avocado with the protein-richness of tuna, all wrapped up in crisp lettuce leaves.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach)
– Optional: sliced red onion, chopped hard-boiled egg, or pickled ginger for added flavor
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the avocado, tuna, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Divide the mixed greens among four lettuce leaves.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the tuna-avocado mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
5. Add any desired toppings (sliced red onion, chopped hard-boiled egg, or pickled ginger).
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required! This recipe is ready in just a few minutes.
Keto Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry
A classic combination of beef and broccoli gets a keto twist with this simple and flavorful stir-fry recipe. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, this dish is low in carbs and rich in nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye), sliced into thin strips
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1/4 cup coconut oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce (make sure it’s sugar-free)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the broccoli and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
4. Return the beef to the skillet and stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
5. Cook for an additional minute, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and impressive main course, featuring tender chicken breast stuffed with a savory blend of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Close the incision and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
6. Place stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Low-Carb Turkey Club Lettuce Wraps
Get ready to experience the flavors of a traditional club sandwich, minus the carbs! This recipe uses crispy lettuce leaves as wraps, filled with savory turkey, creamy avocado, and tangy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 4 large lettuce leaves
– 2 slices cooked turkey breast
– 1/2 avocado, sliced
– 4 slices cooked bacon
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the ingredients by slicing the turkey, avocado, and bacon.
2. Lay a lettuce leaf flat on a plate or cutting board.
3. Arrange 1/4 of the sliced turkey, avocado, and bacon in the center of the lettuce leaf.
4. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise over the filling.
5. Fold the lettuce leaves over the filling to create a wrap.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None required! Simply assemble the wraps and serve.
Keto Sausage and Peppers Skillet
Savor the flavors of a classic sausage and peppers dish, adapted to fit your ketogenic lifestyle. This hearty skillet meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb keto-friendly sausage (such as chicken or pork), sliced
– 2 large bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage slices and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the sliced peppers and onions to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cooked sausage back into the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Enjoy your delicious Keto Sausage and Peppers Skillet!
Summary
Get ready for a flavorful and satisfying keto lunch with these 20 delicious recipes! From classic combinations like cheesy bacon avocado chicken salad to innovative twists like eggplant pizza bites, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy garlic butter steak bites with zucchini noodles, creamy tuscan garlic shrimp, or spicy jalapeño popper stuffed chicken. Plus, discover creative takes on old favorites like keto taco salad and low-carb philly cheesesteak stuffed peppers. Whether you’re in a rush or have time to spare, these recipes will keep your taste buds and macros satisfied.
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