20 Easy Delicious Keto Recipes That Are Low in Carbs and Under 500 Calories
The ketogenic (keto) diet has gained widespread popularity due to its focus on reducing carbohydrate intake and encouraging the consumption of healthy fats and proteins.
If you’re trying to stay in ketosis while also managing your calorie intake, it can feel tricky to find meals that fit both requirements. But don’t worry! I’ve compiled 20 tasty keto recipes that are both low in carbs and under 500 calories per serving.
1. Keto Chicken Stir-Fry
1
serving10
minutes10
minutes300
kcalThis simple yet flavorful stir-fry is packed with lean protein and colorful veggies. Sauté chicken breast, zucchini, and bell peppers in olive oil with soy sauce and garlic for a quick, satisfying meal that won’t break your calorie bank.
Ingredients
1 chicken breast (sliced thin)
1 bell pepper (sliced)
1 zucchini (sliced)
2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
Directions
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook until browned on both sides.
Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Add zucchini and bell pepper. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender.
Pour in soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
Serve hot.
2. Avocado Egg Salad
1
serving10
minutes250
kcalA creamy, filling lunch or snack! This egg salad combines the richness of avocado with protein-packed hard-boiled eggs. Mix in some mayonnaise and green onions for extra flavor.
Ingredients
2 avocados (diced)
4 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp mustard
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a bowl, mash the avocados.
Add chopped eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and green onions.
Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
Serve as a salad or on lettuce wraps.
3. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
1
serving10
minutes5
minutes320
kcalZoodles are a keto staple. Toss your zucchini noodles with a homemade or store-bought basil pesto and sprinkle on Parmesan cheese. Add some pine nuts for texture.
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis (spiralized into noodles)
2 tbsp basil pesto
2 tbsp pine nuts
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the pesto and toss to coat.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan and pine nuts before serving.
4. Cauliflower Fried Rice
1
serving5
minutes7
minutes200
kcalCauliflower makes a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Fry it up with eggs, green onions, and a splash of soy sauce for a satisfying dish under 200 calories.
Ingredients
2 cups cauliflower rice
2 eggs (beaten)
2 green onions (chopped)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
1 garlic clove (minced)
Directions
Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add cauliflower rice and sauté for 3 minutes.
Push the rice to one side and scramble the eggs on the other side.
Mix eggs with the cauliflower rice and add soy sauce and garlic.
Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
Garnish with green onions and serve.
5. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp
1
serving5
minutes6
minutes400
kcalSucculent shrimp cooked in a garlic butter sauce with a touch of heavy cream. This dish is rich, indulgent, and perfect for seafood lovers on a keto diet.
Ingredients
12 medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Directions
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2–3 minutes per side.
Pour in heavy cream and cook until sauce thickens slightly.
Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
6. Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
1
serving5
minutes10
minutes400
kcalA warm, cheesy soup is always comforting. This version combines fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cream to create a rich, low-carb soup.
Ingredients
2 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup chicken broth
1 clove garlic (minced)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Steam or boil broccoli until tender.
In a saucepan, heat chicken broth and garlic over medium heat.
Add broccoli and cook for 2 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese.
Simmer until cheese is melted and soup thickens.
Blend slightly if desired and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
1
serving5
minutes15-20
minutes180
kcalA quick and easy appetizer or side dish! Wrap fresh asparagus in crispy bacon, drizzle with olive oil, and bake to perfection.
Ingredients
12 asparagus spears
6 strips of bacon
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Wrap each asparagus spear with half a strip of bacon.
Place on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until bacon is crispy.
Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Blend slightly if desired and season with salt and pepper.
8. Keto Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce
1
serving5
minutes10
minutes450
kcalThis elegant yet simple salmon dish is cooked in a rich lemon butter sauce. Serve with sautéed greens for a complete, keto-friendly meal under 500 calories.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
Heat butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
Cook salmon for 4–5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
Remove from heat and add lemon juice and parsley to the pan.
Spoon the sauce over the salmon and serve.
9. Keto Chicken Caesar Salad
1
serving10
minutes10
minutes350
kcalThis classic salad is perfect for a keto-friendly lunch. Grilled chicken breast atop crisp romaine lettuce, drizzled with creamy Caesar dressing, and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
1 chicken breast (grilled and sliced)
4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
2 tbsp Caesar dressing (keto-friendly)
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shaved)
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
Grill or sauté the chicken breast until fully cooked.
In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.
Add sliced chicken and top with Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately.
10. Avocado and Bacon Lettuce Wraps
1
serving5
minutes5
minutes280
kcalAvocado and crispy bacon wrapped in large lettuce leaves make for an easy, flavorful meal or snack. You can add some mayo for extra creaminess.
Ingredients
1 avocado (sliced)
4 strips of bacon (cooked)
4 large lettuce leaves
2 tbsp mayonnaise
Directions
Lay the lettuce leaves flat and spread a little mayonnaise on each one.
Add avocado slices and bacon strips to each leaf.
Roll up the lettuce leaves and serve as wraps.
11. Keto Egg Muffins
6
muffins10
minutes20
minutes150
kcal per muffinEgg muffins are a great make-ahead breakfast or snack option. Fill them with spinach, cheddar cheese, and bacon for a tasty treat that’s just 150 calories per serving.
Ingredients
6 large eggs
1 cup spinach (chopped)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
4 strips of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
Stir in the chopped spinach, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
Pour the egg mixture evenly into the muffin tin.
Bake for 20 minutes or until the muffins are set and lightly golden.
Let cool slightly before removing from the tin. Serve warm or store in the fridge for a quick breakfast or snack!
12. Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir-Fry
1
serving10
minutes15
minutes150
kcalGround beef and cabbage are stir-fried together with soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of ginger for a hearty and delicious keto meal.
Ingredients
1/2 lb ground beef
2 cups shredded cabbage
2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 tsp ginger (minced)
1 tbsp olive oil
Directions
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Add garlic, ginger, and cabbage. Cook until cabbage is tender.
Stir in soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
Serve hot.
13. Cheesy Cauliflower Mash
1
serving5
minutes15
minutes200
kcalMashed cauliflower is a low-carb substitute for mashed potatoes. Mix in cheddar cheese, butter, and cream cheese to create a comforting, cheesy dish that’s just 200 calories per serving.
Ingredients
2 cups cauliflower florets
1/4 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp cream cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Steam or boil cauliflower until tender.
Mash the cauliflower with butter and cream cheese until smooth.
Stir in cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper.
Serve warm.
14. Keto Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs
1
serving5
minutes15
minutes450
kcalCrispy chicken thighs cooked in a fragrant garlic butter sauce make for a hearty and satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
2 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp thyme (dried)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until skin is crispy, about 7–8 minutes.
Flip the chicken and add garlic. Cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked.
Serve with garlic butter drizzled over the chicken.
15. Creamy Avocado Cucumber Salad
1
serving10
minutes250
kcalThis refreshing salad combines creamy avocado with crisp cucumber, all tossed in sour cream and fresh dill for a cool, tangy side dish.
Ingredients
1 cucumber (sliced)
1 avocado (diced)
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp fresh dill (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a bowl, mix sour cream with fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
Add cucumber and avocado, and toss gently to coat.
Serve chilled.
16. Keto Pork Chops with Garlic Mushrooms
1
serving5
minutes15
minutes500
kcalTender pork chops cooked with buttery garlic mushrooms are a perfect keto-friendly main dish. The savory combination stays well within your 500-calorie limit.
Ingredients
2 pork chops
1 cup mushrooms (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook pork chops for 4–5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
Remove pork chops and add mushrooms and garlic to the same skillet.
Sauté mushrooms until golden brown, and serve with the pork chops.
17. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
1
serving10
minutes30
minutes150
kcalSpicy buffalo cauliflower is an excellent low-carb snack or appetizer. Toss roasted cauliflower in hot sauce and butter, and serve with a side of blue cheese dip.
Ingredients
1 small cauliflower (cut into florets)
2 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp butter (melted)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, until tender and golden.
Mix melted butter with hot sauce.
Toss roasted cauliflower with the Buffalo sauce.
Roast for another 5–10 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
18. Tuna Stuffed Avocados
1
serving10
minutes300
kcalTuna salad gets a keto twist with avocados! Scoop out avocado halves and fill them with a simple tuna salad made with mayonnaise and lemon juice.
Ingredients
2 ripe avocados (halved and pitted)
1 can tuna (drained)
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp red onion (finely chopped)
1 tbsp celery (chopped, optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Directions
In a bowl, mix the drained tuna with mayonnaise, lemon juice, red onion, and celery (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits.
Scoop the tuna salad into the avocado halves.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
19. Baked Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
1
serving10
minutes25
minutes180
kcalThinly sliced zucchini rounds coated with Parmesan cheese and baked to crispy perfection. These make for a great side dish or snack under 200 calories.
Ingredients
2 medium zucchinis (sliced into rounds)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/4 cup almond flour (optional for extra crispiness)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, almond flour (if using), garlic powder, and paprika.
Press each zucchini slice into the Parmesan mixture, ensuring both sides are coated.
Arrange the coated zucchini rounds in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the zucchini is golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and serve hot as a snack or side dish.
20. Keto Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers
1
serving10
minutes25
minutes450
kcalSwap the bread for bell peppers to make this keto-friendly Philly cheesesteak. Fill the peppers with seasoned steak, sautéed onions, and melted provolone cheese.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (halved and seeds removed)
1/2 lb thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin)
1 small onion (sliced)
1 small green bell pepper (sliced)
6 slices provolone cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add butter, onions, and sliced green bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Place the halved bell peppers on a baking sheet.
Fill each pepper half with a portion of the cooked steak and sautéed vegetables.
Place a slice of provolone cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and serve hot.
These 20 keto recipes are not only low in carbs but also fit perfectly into a calorie-conscious lifestyle, offering a variety of flavors and textures to keep your meals exciting. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing like the avocado egg salad, or something more indulgent like creamy garlic butter shrimp, these recipes prove that eating keto doesn’t have to be restrictive or boring.
Happy cooking! 👩🏻🍳
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