13 Easy Low Carb Low Calorie Recipes For Weight Loss

Are you tired of weight loss diets that feel like a punishment? The endless cycle of bland chicken, steamed broccoli, and feeling constantly hungry can make anyone want to quit before they even see results. It’s a common struggle: you want to lose weight and be healthier, but you don’t want to sacrifice flavor and satisfaction.

The good news is, you don’t have to. You can achieve your weight loss goals without feeling deprived. The secret isn’t about eating less; it’s about eating smarter. This means choosing meals that are not only low in calories but also low in carbohydrates, packed with flavor, and genuinely satisfying.

This curated list of 13 easy low carb low calorie recipes, updated for 2025, will show you exactly how. A low-carb, low-calorie diet can lead to effective weight loss by reducing insulin spikes and making it easier to manage calorie intake. This approach utilizes lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich, non-starchy vegetables to create filling, flavorful meals that keep you satisfied and on track.

Tired of Weight Loss Diets That Feel Like a Punishment?

For many, the phrase “weight loss diet” brings to mind images of deprivation and boring food. But what if you could lose weight while eating delicious, easy-to-prepare meals that your whole family would enjoy? That’s the power of combining a low-carb and low-calorie approach. This isn’t a restrictive punishment; it’s a sustainable lifestyle shift that focuses on nourishing your body with high-quality, flavorful ingredients.

The recipes you’ll find here are designed to be simple, quick, and satisfying. Forget complicated instructions and hard-to-find ingredients. We’re focusing on accessible, tasty carb smart recipes that will help you effectively lose weight with a low-carb diet. By focusing on lean proteins like chicken and fish, and non-starchy vegetables like green beans and cauliflower, you create meals that are naturally filling and delicious.

Why Combining Low Carb and Low Calorie is a Game-Changer for Weight Loss

Combining low-carb and low-calorie eating helps you lose weight by keeping you full with protein and fiber, preventing blood sugar crashes that cause cravings, and naturally encouraging your body to burn stored fat for energy. It’s a powerful one-two punch for effective and sustainable weight management.

Here’s the deal on why it works so well:

Enhanced Satiety: Meals rich in protein (like chicken or salmon) and healthy fats (like avocado) take longer to digest than carbohydrates. This means you feel fuller for longer, which naturally helps you manage your calorie intake without feeling hungry.
Stable Blood Sugar and Reduced Cravings: When you eat fewer carbohydrates, your body produces less insulin. This prevents the sharp spikes and subsequent crashes in blood sugar that often lead to intense cravings for sugary or carb-heavy foods. Stable energy levels make sticking to your plan so much easier.
Easier Calorie Control: The foundation of this diet—lean proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and healthy fats—are naturally less calorie-dense than processed carbs and sugars. You can eat a satisfying volume of food while still maintaining the calorie deficit needed for weight loss. Your body also shifts into a metabolic state where it more readily burns stored fat for fuel.

13 Easy Low Carb Low Calorie Recipes For Weight Loss (Under 30 Minutes!)

The best recipes are the ones you’ll actually make, especially on a busy weeknight. This list is packed with quick and easy low-carb dinner recipes designed for real life. Most of these high protein low carb low calorie meals are ready in 30 minutes or less, use simple ingredients, and are bursting with so much flavor that they’re truly family-friendly. To help you stay on top of your health goals, we’ve focused on one-pan meals and simple steps.

Here are 13 of the best low carb low calorie recipes to get you started: 1. Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans, 2. Chili Lime Shrimp, 3. Rosemary Salmon with Vegetables, 4. Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce, 5. Naked Fish Tacos, 6. Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice, 7. Lettuce-Wrap Burgers, 8. Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles, 9. Mushroom-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin, 10. Spicy Fennel Shrimp, 11. Baked Cauliflower Tots, 12. Healthy Cauliflower Rice, and 13. Grilled Salmon and Pineapple with Avocado Dressing.

1. Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans

This one-pan chicken dinner is the ultimate 20-minute meal. Thin chicken cutlets cook in a flash, and the bright flavors of lemon and garlic make this simple low carb chicken recipe feel gourmet.

Ingredients:
* 2 thin-sliced chicken cutlets
* 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
* 2 cloves garlic (minced)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* Juice of 1/2 lemon
* Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
3. Add green beans and garlic to the same skillet, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, squeeze lemon juice over everything, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: For a deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in the lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of dried oregano for 15 minutes before cooking.

Pin this 20-minute dinner for your next busy weeknight!

2. Chili Lime Shrimp

Ready in under 30 minutes, this zesty and dairy-free chili lime shrimp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The smoky chili powder and tangy lime create a perfect flavor combination that’s incredible over cauliflower rice.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp chili powder
* 1/2 tsp cumin
* 2 cloves garlic (minced)
* Juice of 1 lime
* Salt and pepper
* For serving: cauliflower rice or mixed greens

Instructions:
1. Pat shrimp dry and place in a bowl. Add olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer.
3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
4. Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Serve immediately over cauliflower rice.

Pro-Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the shrimp. Cook in two batches if necessary to ensure they get a nice sear instead of steaming.

Save this zesty shrimp recipe for your next taco night alternative!

3. Rosemary Salmon with Vegetables

This healthy salmon recipe is elegant enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight. Baking the salmon and vegetables together on one sheet pan makes for a high-protein meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:
* 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 sprig fresh rosemary (chopped)
* 1 small zucchini (sliced)
* 1 cup small cauliflower florets
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a baking sheet, toss zucchini and cauliflower with half the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub salmon fillets with the remaining olive oil, chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper.
4. Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet amongst the vegetables.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Pro-Tip: For perfectly cooked salmon, check for doneness by gently pressing on the top. If it flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready. Overcooking can make it dry.

Love healthy fats? Pin this elegant Rosemary Salmon recipe now!

4. Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce

This isn’t your average low calorie chicken and broccoli. A fresh, creamy dill sauce made with Greek yogurt elevates this classic lean protein recipe into something special, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
* 1 large head of broccoli (cut into florets)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* For sauce: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped), 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 clove garlic (minced), salt, and pepper

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients together. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
3. Add broccoli florets to the skillet with 2 tbsp of water. Cover and steam for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Remove from heat and drizzle with the dill sauce. Toss to combine.

Pro-Tip: For a creamier, richer sauce without adding significant calories, use full-fat Greek yogurt. The fat content helps with satiety.

Looking for a fresh take on a classic? Save this Chicken & Broccoli recipe!

5. Naked Fish Tacos

Get all the zesty flavor of your favorite fish tacos without the carbs. This healthy tilapia recipe is served as a “taco bowl” over a crunchy cabbage slaw for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Ingredients:
* 2 tilapia fillets
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1 tsp chili powder
* 2 cups shredded cabbage
* 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
* 1 avocado (diced)
* Juice of 1 lime
* Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:
1. Season tilapia with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook fish for 3-4 minutes per side, until opaque and flaky.
3. In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, red onion, and half the lime juice.
4. Flake the cooked fish with a fork.
5. To serve, create a bed of the cabbage slaw, top with the flaked fish, diced avocado, a squeeze of the remaining lime juice, and fresh cilantro.

Pro-Tip: Any light, flaky white fish works well here. Try cod or haddock for a slightly different flavor profile.

Ditch the tortilla, not the flavor! Pin these Naked Fish Tacos.

6. Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice

This keto fried rice delivers a huge punch of flavor thanks to spicy, fermented kimchi. It’s a fantastic vegetarian low carb meal that comes together quickly and tastes even better than takeout.

Ingredients:
* 1 bag (12 oz) cauliflower rice
* 1 tbsp sesame oil
* 1 cup chopped kimchi
* 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
* 2 scallions (sliced)
* 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari)
* Optional: cooked bacon or tofu

Instructions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add cauliflower rice and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until it starts to soften.
3. Push the rice to one side of the pan. Add the beaten eggs to the empty side and scramble until just cooked.
4. Mix the scrambled eggs back into the rice. Stir in the chopped kimchi and soy sauce.
5. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through. Stir in scallions and serve.

Pro-Tip: For the best texture, use pre-riced cauliflower or squeeze any excess moisture out of homemade cauliflower rice with a paper towel before cooking. This prevents a soggy result.

Craving takeout? Save this healthy Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe!

7. Lettuce-Wrap Burgers

Enjoy everything you love about a juicy burger without the heavy, carb-filled bun. Using crisp iceberg lettuce as a wrap makes for a refreshing, crunchy, and satisfying keto burger experience.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb lean ground beef
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* Salt, pepper, garlic powder
* 8 large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves
* 1 tomato (sliced)
* 1/2 red onion (sliced)
* Your favorite low-carb condiments (e.g., mustard, mayo)

Instructions:
1. Gently mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Form into 4 patties.
2. Cook patties on a grill or skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or to your desired doneness.
3. To assemble, place one patty on a large lettuce leaf. Top with tomato, onion, and condiments.
4. Place a second lettuce leaf on top to act as the “top bun” and wrap around the burger.

Pro-Tip: For the sturdiest lettuce wraps, use the outer leaves of an iceberg lettuce head and double them up if needed. Chilling the leaves in ice water for 10 minutes beforehand makes them extra crisp.

Keep the burger, lose the bun! Pin this genius Lettuce Wrap idea.

8. Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

This spicy, smoky one-skillet meal is the perfect low-carb pasta alternative. Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” create a light, fresh base for the boldly flavored blackened tilapia.

Ingredients:
* 2 tilapia fillets
* 1 tbsp blackened seasoning
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 2 medium zucchini (spiralized)
* 1 clove garlic (minced)
* Juice of 1/2 lemon

Instructions:
1. Pat tilapia fillets dry and coat both sides generously with blackened seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tilapia and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until blackened and cooked through. Remove fish from the skillet.
3. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the zucchini noodles.
4. Sauté the “zoodles” for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Do not overcook.
5. Squeeze lemon juice over the zoodles, then serve topped with the blackened tilapia.

Pro-Tip: The key to perfect zoodles is to not overcook them, which makes them watery. Sauté them for just a couple of minutes so they remain “al dente.”

Miss pasta? Try this delicious Blackened Tilapia with Zoodles recipe!

9. Mushroom-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin

This stuffed pork tenderloin recipe looks impressive but is secretly simple to make. The savory mushroom and bacon filling makes this lean low carb pork recipe a perfect keto main course for a special occasion.

Ingredients:
* 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 lbs)
* 8 oz cremini mushrooms (finely chopped)
* 2 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
* 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butterfly the pork tenderloin by slicing it lengthwise, stopping before you cut all the way through, and open it like a book.
2. In a bowl, combine the chopped mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread the mushroom mixture over the inside of the pork tenderloin.
4. Roll the tenderloin up tightly and secure with kitchen twine. Season the outside with salt and pepper.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sear the pork on all sides until golden.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let it rest before slicing.

Pro-Tip: Let the tenderloin rest for at least 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result when you slice it.

Impress your dinner guests with this flavorful Stuffed Pork Tenderloin! Pin it for later.

10. Spicy Fennel Shrimp

If you’re looking for a very low carb recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this is it. The unique anise flavor of fennel seeds combined with a kick of red pepper makes this spicy shrimp dish incredibly satisfying and quick to make.

Ingredients:
* 1 lb colossal shrimp (peeled and deveined)
* 1 tbsp olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic (thinly sliced)
* 1 tsp fennel seeds (lightly crushed)
* 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
* Salt

Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the fennel seeds and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.
3. Turn the heat up to medium-high, add the shrimp to the pan in a single layer.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink and curled. Season with salt. Serve immediately.

Pro-Tip: Lightly crushing the fennel seeds with the back of a spoon before adding them to the pan helps release their aromatic oils, making the dish even more flavorful.

Need flavor AND low carbs? This Spicy Fennel Shrimp is for you. Save it!

11. Baked Cauliflower Tots

This cauliflower tots recipe is the healthy alternative to tater tots you’ve been dreaming of. Baked instead of fried, they make a fantastic low carb snack or keto appetizer that’s cheesy, crispy, and delicious.

Ingredients:
* 1 medium head of cauliflower (riced)
* 1 large egg
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup almond flour
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* Salt and pepper

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Steam the cauliflower rice until tender. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This is a critical step!
3. In a bowl, combine the dried cauliflower, egg, cheddar cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Form the mixture into small “tot” shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip squeezing the water out of the cauliflower. In my experience, if it’s too wet, your tots will be mushy and fall apart instead of getting crispy.

Craving something crunchy? Pin these Baked Cauliflower Tots now!

12. Healthy Cauliflower Rice

Learning how to make cauliflower rice from scratch is a game-changer. This versatile low-carb rice substitute is the perfect keto side dish and a foundational staple for so many other healthy meals.

Ingredients:
* 1 medium head of cauliflower

Instructions:
1. Wash and thoroughly dry the head of cauliflower. Remove all the green leaves.
2. Cut the cauliflower into large florets.
3. Working in batches, place the florets into a food processor. Pulse in 1-second increments until the cauliflower is broken down into rice-sized pieces. Be careful not to over-process, or it will become mush. (Alternatively, use the large holes of a box grater).
4. To cook, heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 5-8 minutes until tender.

Pro-Tip: You can make a large batch of raw cauliflower rice and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. It’s a great meal prep staple.

Master this low-carb staple! Save the simple Cauliflower Rice recipe.

13. Grilled Salmon and Pineapple with Avocado Dressing

This grilled salmon recipe tastes like summer on a plate. The sweetness from the charred pineapple perfectly complements the smoky salmon, while the creamy avocado dressing adds a dose of healthy fats to this light meal.

Ingredients:
* 2 salmon fillets
* 2 thick pineapple rings
* For dressing: 1 ripe avocado, juice of 1 lime, 1/4 cup water, handful of cilantro, salt

Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. To make the dressing, combine avocado, lime juice, water, cilantro, and salt in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side. Grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side, until charred and caramelized.
5. Serve the grilled salmon alongside the charred pineapple, and drizzle generously with the avocado dressing.

Pro-Tip: Choose a pineapple that is ripe but still firm. This will ensure it holds its shape on the grill and caramelizes beautifully without becoming mushy.

Get the taste of summer! Pin this Grilled Salmon and Pineapple recipe.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to low carb low calorie recipes

Feeling inspired? Here’s a quick recap of the most important principles to remember on your journey.

Focus on Protein & Veggies: Base your meals on lean protein (chicken, fish, shrimp) and non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, zucchini, leafy greens) to stay full and nourished.
Embrace Smart Swaps: Use cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, and lettuce wraps to slash carbs without sacrificing the satisfaction of your favorite meals.
Flavor is Key: Don’t be afraid to use herbs, spices, garlic, and citrus to make your meals delicious and exciting. Bland food is not sustainable.
Quickest Meal: For a dinner in under 20 minutes, choose the Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans.
Best for Meal Prep: Make a large batch of Healthy Cauliflower Rice to use as a base for meals all week.

Final Thoughts

Eating for weight loss doesn’t have to be a chore, and it certainly shouldn’t be bland. As these 13 recipes prove, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-make meals while still crushing your health and wellness goals. By focusing on whole foods, lean proteins, and smart vegetable swaps, you can build a sustainable lifestyle that you actually enjoy.

Which one of these recipes are you excited to try first? Let us know in the comments below

13 Easy Low Carb Low Calorie Recipes For Weight Loss

Tired of Weight Loss Diets That Feel Like a Punishment?

Why Combining Low Carb and Low Calorie is a Game-Changer for Weight Loss