23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (2024)

By: Denise Bustard2 Comments
Posted: 11/12/21Updated: 11/12/21

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23 Low carb lunch recipes that work great for meal prep, with net carbs listed so you don't have to track them down. With healthy fats, protein, and vegetables to keep you feeling full, these recipes are easy to prep ahead and portable for a convenient worklunch.

Just like our popular lunch meal prep ideas, these recipes will have you looking forward to lunchtime (no boring sandwiches)!

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (1)

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Meal prep is one of the most effective ways to help you stick to your healthy eating goals. These low-carb lunch recipes are filled with healthy vegetables, protein and fats to keep you feeling full throughout the afternoon. Including portable lunches and snack options, these are great for prepping ahead!

There are so many options here - from meal prep bowls to soup, salad, snacks, and even a few breakfast recipes (which are great for either lunch or to pack as snacks)! Whether you’re following a low carb diet or not, these low carb lunch recipes are easy, delicious, and filled with nourishing ingredients.

Reasons You'll Love These Recipes

  • they are low carb, yet so delicious and satisfying
  • each one is filled with healthy, wholesome ingredients including healthy fats, protein, and low carb veggies
  • we've included the net carbs for each recipe to make things easier for you!

FAQ

How long do these low carb lunches last?

Most of these recipes will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and some are freezer friendly (see each recipe for specific details). If you want to prep lunches for the whole week, you can do a second meal prep session mid-week, or you can choose freezer-friendly recipes.

Do you have a low carb meal prep guide?

Yes! You can purchase our low carb meal prep recipes ebook here. It includes 10 of our favorite low carb meal prep lunch recipes + 2 bonus breakfast meal prep recipes!

Lunch packing tips

  • keep avocado seperate until you serve to prevent it from browning
  • store condiments and sauces separate until serving (we love these condiment containers!)
  • cook your veggies 'al dente' as they will cook a second time when reheating
  • include snacks in your meal prep so that you don't have to hit the vending machine or drive through when you get unexpectedly hungry!
  • see our how to meal prep beginners guide for more tips!

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (2)

Favorite Meal Prep Containers

Our tried and true favorite meal prep containers and jars that will keep your food fresh, help you reheat it evenly, and withstand the test of time. No more wasting your money, these are the absolute best containers out there!

Keep reading

Meal Prep Bowls

Santa Fe Chicken Low Carb Meal Prep Bowls

Santa Fe chicken low carb meal prep has cilantro lime cauliflower rice and bell peppers topped with seasoned chicken breast and cheese! 8 g net carbs.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (3)

Santa Fe chicken low carb meal prep bowls - 8g net carbs

Low Carb Satay Beef Meal Prep Bowls

With a creamy Thai peanut sauce that serves as both a marinade and dipping sauce, this satay beef meal prep recipe is not short on flavor! Serve it up with cauliflower rice and green beans for a delicious low carb lunch option.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (4)

Low carb satay beef meal prep bowls - 6g net carbs

Baked Meatball Meal Prep with Spaghetti Squash

This baked meatball meal prep with spaghetti squash is a lower carb lunch option! Save time and reduce your dishes by baking the meatballs right in your meal prep containers.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (5)

Baked meatball meal prep with spaghetti squash - 11g net carbs

Instant Pot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Instant Pot ground turkey stuffed peppers have 5 ingredients and are simple to prepare. With delicious TexMex flavor, they also work well for meal prep!

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (6)

Instant Pot ground turkey stuffed peppers - 21g net carbs

Low Carb Meatloaf & Cauliflower Mash

Low carb meatloaf and cauliflower mash meal prep is healthy comfort food. Makes five delicious servings perfect for a low carb lunch.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (7)

Low carb meatloaf & cauliflower mash - 7g net carbs

Egg Roll in a Bowl (30 min, low carb)

Egg roll in a bowl tastes just like your favorite take out and comes together quickly using a single pan. With only 7 g net carbs, this recipe has slaw, ground pork, and a delicious sauce.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (8)

Egg roll in a bowl - 7g net carbs

Perfect Cauliflower Fried Rice (with cashews!)

Cauliflower fried rice is flavored with ginger, soy sauce and sesame oil, and cooks up in one pan! Lighter, yet filling, it has soft scrambled eggs, chicken and cashews.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (9)

Easy cauliflower fried rice recipe - 14g net carbs

Low Carb Cauliflower Pizza Muffins

Low carb cauliflower pizza muffins are a sinfully cheesy snack that is going to make you feel like you are treating yo-self!

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (10)

Low carb cauliflower pizza muffins - 3g net carbs

Low Carb Meatball Burrito Bowls

With taco-seasoned meatballs, lime cauliflower rice, pico de gallo, cheese and sour cream, these low carb meatball burrito bowls are healthy and delicious! Prep them ahead for easy grab and go lunches with just 5 g net carbs per serving.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (11)

Low carb meatball burrito bowls - 5g net carbs

Low Carb Indian Chicken Skillet

This low carb Indian chicken skillet has incredible flavor with spiced cauliflower rice, chicken thighs and green beans. Easy to prep ahead for grab and go lunches.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (12)

Low carb Indian chicken skillet - 5g net carbs

Low Carb Cheesy Chicken and Rice Meal Prep

Low carb cheesy chicken and rice is a delicious low carb lunch option! Pan-fried chicken breast and broccoli are smothered with cheese and served over cauliflower rice. Filling but light with only 5 g carbs and 43 g of protein.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (13)

Low carb cheesy chicken and rice meal prep 4g net carbs

Low Carb Greek Turkey Meal Prep

Low carb Greek turkey meal prep is a filling lunch that is full of Greek flavors and low in carbs! With Greek seasoned ground turkey, lemon cauliflower rice, Greek salad and Greek yogurt tzatziki. Low carb, gluten-free, and easily made paleo-compliant.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (14)

Low carb greek turkey meal prep 7g net carbs

Cajun Chicken Wrap Recipe

This cajun chicken wrap recipe is perfect for meal prep! Ready in under 20 minutes, packed full of veggies, and SO delicious for lunches or dinners!

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (15)

Cajun chicken wrap recipe - 23g net carbs

Wasabi Grilled Salmon Bowls (Low Carb)

These low carb grilled salmon bowls have just 5 g net carbs per bowl and are perfect for keeping your oven off this summer! Salmon, bok choy, mushrooms and zucchini are grilled to perfection and served with spicy wasabi mayonnaise.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (16)

Wasabi grilled salmon bowls - 5 g net carbs

Low Carb Lasagna Skillet

This low carb lasagna skillet replaces noodles with spaghetti squash. So simple to throw together on a weeknight, and easy prep ahead and reheat for easy lunches!

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (17)

Low carb lasagna skillet - 9 g net carbs per serving

Sesame Ginger Beef + Zucchini Noodles

Sesame ginger beef and zucchini noodles is a delicious lower carb lunch option that is perfect for meal prep! Not only is it fast to make, but tastes delicious and only 4 g net carbs.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (18)

Sesame ginger beef zucchini noodles - 4 g net carbs

Eggplant Lasagna

Eggplant lasagna is a low carb alternative to the real thing...you won't miss the traditional lasagna noodles replaced with eggplant! Perfect to stock up the freezer for easy lunches or dinners.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (19)

Eggplant lasagna - 10 g net carbs

Soup & Salad

Crockpot Broccoli Turmeric Soup (keto, vegan)

This super healthy broccoli, ginger and turmeric soup is a powerhouse of anti-inflammatory ingredients and will warm you right up on a cold day.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (20)

Crockpot broccoli turmeric soup - 6 g net carbs

Ranch Chicken Jar Salads

These ranch chicken jar salads are made with homemade ranch dressing, baked chicken breast, shredded cheese, and lots of veggies! Low carb with 6 g net carbs, and gluten-free, they are a healthy grab-and-go lunch.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (21)

Ranch chicken salad jars - 6g net carbs

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Creamy roasted cauliflower soup is simple, healthy, and so unbelievably tasty! Loaded with veggies, low carb, vegan-friendly, and works great for meal prep.

Check out this recipe

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (22)

Creamy roasted cauliflower soup - 10 g net carbs

Breakfast + Snacks

Chocolate Chia Pudding

This chocolate chia pudding is a healthy meal prep breakfast or snack, packed with protein and healthy fats. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this meal prep recipe makes four breakfasts in under 10 minutes.

Check out this recipe

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Chocolate chia pudding - 3g net carbs

Low Carb Meal Prep Breakfast Bowls

Start the day off right with these low carb breakfast meal prep bowls! Sauteed portobello mushrooms are served with asparagus, zucchini, red onion and Italian sausage, all with just 11 g carbs.

Check out this recipe

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Low carb breakfast meal prep bowl - 8g net carbs

Meal Prep Baked Eggs

Easy meal prep baked eggs in a muffin tin! Bulk prep your eggs for easy grab-and-go breakfasts in the morning. Low carb, gluten-free, and ready in under 20 minutes.

Check out this recipe

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Meal prep baked eggs - 0 g carbs

Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

Read more...

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Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment

  1. Jernai Harris says

    I am new to keto and meal planning. I am open for all new and helpful suggestions. I need assistance with meal preparation and planning because of my three small children (boys).

    Reply

    • Jasmine @ Sweet Peas & Saffron says

      Hi Jernai, you're in the right place for all things meal prep! You might find this step by step guide on how to meal prep helpful. Cheers! 🙂

      Reply

23 Low Carb Lunch Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Are baked beans low-carb? ›

Baked beans

One cup of canned baked beans has a whopping 54 grams of carbs. That could be your whole carb budget for one meal. You can still enjoy them, and you should, since they also give you protein and fiber. But limit yourself to a half-cup serving.

Are bananas low-carb? ›

Grapes and bananas, for instance, contain high quantities of carbs. 1 cup of grapes has approximately 26 grams and a medium banana, 24 grams of carbohydrate. As a rule, these fruits should be avoided. However, a cup of strawberries contains 8 grams and a medium orange 12 grams of carbohydrates.

Is oatmeal low-carb? ›

Oatmeal is high in net carbs, which doesn't fit the low carb, high fat strategy needed to achieve ketosis. Chia seeds, flaxseed, hemp hearts, and almonds are all possible substitutes for oatmeal, whether you make them into porridge or enjoy mixing them with other foods.

What are the best beans for a low-carb diet? ›

Green beans and black soybeans are keto-friendly bean options, each containing only 2 grams of net carbs per 1/2-cup (60–90-gram) serving. Some promising keto substitutes for beans include mushrooms, eggplant, avocado, ground meat, and boiled peanuts.

Which beans are the most low-carb? ›

Among these, black soybeans and green beans have the lowest carbs, potentially making them better for a keto diet. On the other hand, chickpeas, pinto beans, and navy beans have high carbs. You might want to avoid these if you're strictly following a keto diet.

Can I eat an apple on a low carb diet? ›

One medium-sized apple contains about 20 grams of net carbs, which can quickly add up and may not fit within the daily carb limit for those following a ketogenic diet. However, some people may still choose to include small amounts of apples in their diet while monitoring their carb intake.

Is peanut butter ok on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

What happens if I eat no carbs for a month? ›

Severe carb limits can cause your body to break down fat into ketones for energy. This is called ketosis. Ketosis can cause side effects such as bad breath, headache, fatigue and weakness.

What noodles are low carb? ›

  • Shirataki noodles (konjac noodles) and tofu shirataki noodles. If you're counting carbs and craving pasta, these are your best bet. ...
  • Zucchini noodles. Also known as zoodles, these are simply long strands that have been spiralized from whole squash. ...
  • Hearts of palm noodles. ...
  • Spaghetti squash noodles.
Oct 31, 2022

What is the lowest carb bread? ›

6 Low-Carb Breads to Try
  • Base Culture Original Keto Bread. Flaxseed, arrowroot and almond flour, and almond butter give this bread its nutty, sweet flavor. ...
  • Ezekiel 4:9 Sprouted Whole Grain Bread. ...
  • Julian Bakery Keto Thin Bread. ...
  • Simple Mills Focaccia. ...
  • Unbun Unbread. ...
  • Outer Aisle Sandwich Thin. ...
  • Cloud Bread. ...
  • Almond Flour Bread.
Nov 3, 2022

Is bacon low-carb? ›

How Many Carbs in Bacon? Bacon is a low-carb keto-friendly food. It still contains carbohydrates, but only small amounts that are well within the daily carb limits required by the ketogenic diet. A medium slice of cooked bacon (8 grams) only has 0.1 grams of carbs but 3.3 grams of healthy fats and 3 grams of protein.

Are Bush's baked beans low-carb? ›

Bush's Baked Beans (0.5 cup) contains 29g total carbs, 24g net carbs, 1g fat, 6g protein, and 140 calories.

Are Bush's baked beans keto friendly? ›

But if you're on the keto diet, know that you can't eat beans and stay in ketosis.

Which baked beans have the lowest carbs? ›

Black soybeans have a relatively low carbohydrate content, making them a suitable option for low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet.

What carb foods should I avoid for weight loss? ›

These eight foods are some of the high-carbohydrate foods that should be avoided:
  • Soft pretzel. While delicious, the soft pretzel is a nutrition-poor source of carbohydrates. ...
  • Processed sugary cereal. ...
  • Canned fruit. ...
  • Doughnuts. ...
  • Soda. ...
  • Potato chips and corn chips. ...
  • Gummy candy. ...
  • French fries.

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