35 Low-Carb Vegetarian Recipes That Are Actually Tasty (2024)

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Helene Dujardin/The Essential Vegan Keto Cookbook

Even if you’re not jumping on the keto train, this flavorful dish will satisfy your cravings. The tofu soaks up the sauce in a way that can only be described as *chef’s kiss.*

Michael Graydon and Nikole Herriott/Nothing Fancy

You could serve this hearty caramelized squash as a side, but it also makes a mean main course for fewer people. (Don’t get us started on that yogurt sauce.)

Eric Wolfinger/The Mexican Keto Cookbook

The best part about this sunny dish? You just toss everything together and pop it in the oven. Twenty-five minutes later, a star is born.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

It’s so luscious and cheesy, we might need to eat it in private.

Eric Wolfinger/The Mexican Keto Cookbook

There are boring healthy breakfasts (oats), unhealthy breakfasts (sticky buns) and exciting, filling, magical breakfasts (this guy).

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Pick up a package of marinated, baked tofu at the store and dinner is already halfway done. Did we mention how much we love the tangy soy-vinegar dressing?

Helen Cathcart/Tuscany

When you’re working with in-season vegetables, simple is almost always best. Top this 20-minute sauce with a poached egg and you’re good to go.

Aubrie Pick/Great Tastes

Who needs a giant steak when you have gooey grilled cheese?

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Ditch the traditional crust and you’re left with a tasty and good-for-you go-to for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

You have 22 minutes to get dinner on the table. Ready? Go.

100 Days of Real Food

This creamy homemade dressing beats anything you’ll find in the grocery aisles. It also takes like two seconds to make—a win-win.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Not only are they low-carb and damn cute but they’re also way easier to make than whipping up a homemade pie.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

And the category is “freshly grated Parm.”

Laura Edwards/The Yoga Kitchen Plan

When you want a homemade dinner but don’t actually feel like cooking, the baking sheet is your best friend. Plus, there’s almost no cleanup after.

Helene Dujardin/The Essential Vegan Keto Cookbook

Make ’em on Sunday night so you can grab and go all week long.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Get this: No actual cooking is required. Genius, right?

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

It might not be exactly like your nonna’s version, but considering it tastes like it simmered all day, we feel confident it would still make her proud.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

We’ll always have a soft spot for decadent, carb-y traditional baked ziti, but this equally cheesy version is doing a good job of filling in.

Linda Pugliese/Just Married

We’d like to eat this riff on Thai peanut sauce with a spoon.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Wrapping up raw fish at home? Sounds like a lot of work. Chopsticks are optional for these cuties, but encouraged.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

A salad that’s filling enough to be a meal? You can thank our BFF halloumi for that.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Instead of making you feel bloated and greasy (ahem, takeout), this 25-minute dish will fill you up in the best way possible. And when in doubt, put an egg on it.

Pinch of Yum

If we’re being honest, we were hooked at “masala sauce,” but the freezability of the meatballs is another strong selling point.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

Sorry, spaghetti. We’re breaking up with you and running away with this Italian-inspired number. (Fresh basil, on the other hand, we’ll never get tired of.)

Emily Dorio/The Saltwater Table

Meat need not apply: This side is spicy, sweet, crunchy and just as satisfying as any chicken dinner.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

A 30-minute meal that works for breakfast, lunch or dinner—huzzah.

Photo: Liz Andrew/Styling: Erin McDowell

We’ll never get tired of zucchini noodles, especially when they’re smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce.

You totally have 15 minutes to spare.

When the carb cravings hit, cauliflower is here to sub in for potatoes! And yes, it works.

Plain cauliflower rice is just fine. But this Greek cauliflower rice, from Jen Fisch is even better.

Call all your keto friends! Taco Tuesday is super low-carb again!

Possibly the easiest dinner you’ll ever make.

It’s flavorful and easy, with pretty much no cleanup.

You'll want it on hand for those times when you're craving a nibble but also want to keep it healthy-ish.

These rainbow vegetable skewers contain one ingredient each, so they’ll grill to perfection.

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Senior Food Editor

Katherine Gillenis PureWow’s senior food editor. She’s a writer, recipe developer and food stylist with a degree in culinary arts and professional experience in New York City...