Twelve home cooks cut carbs—not flavor—in these filling, feel-good recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert.
Presenting the Winners from Our Low-Carb & Lovin’ It Contest
Updated on Jan. 13, 2023
1/12
Grand Prize: Five-Spice Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With this lettuce wrap, I get all the satisfaction without all the carbs. The pickled carrots really make it feel special. Use them on other sandwiches and wraps for an extra pop of flavor, crunch and color. —Stacy Schneidmiller, Beaumont, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
2 wraps: 236 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 625mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat.
Check out our contest page to learn more about our contests and submit your own recipes for consideration.
2/12
Waffle Sandwich
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love the sweet, smoky flavor of these morning sandwiches. I use store-bought frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle maker to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich (calculated without syrup): 511 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1163mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
3/12
2nd Place: Zucchini Fries
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These aren’t anything like potato fries—in the best way imaginable! They’re air-fried to crisp and oh, so flavorful perfection. Don’t have an air fryer? Try baking in a convectional oven using the convection setting for about the same amount of time. —Jen Pahl, West Allis, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 91 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
4/12
3rd Place: Zucchini-Wrapped Chicken Enchiladas
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thin planks of zucchini are the perfect low-carb substitute for tortillas when making enchiladas. —Donna Kelly, Lehi, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2 enchiladas: 590 calories, 33g fat (18g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 957mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 5g fiber), 53g protein.
5/12
Most Innovative: Low-Carb Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love this recipe because you don’t miss the pasta in the lasagna. It looks, smells and tastes like the real deal! You can add ricotta cheese or any other kind of cheese you like for variation. —Tammy Kirk, Raleigh, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 419 calories, 32g fat (13g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 1106mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
6/12
Runner-Up: Three-Cheese Keto Cauliflower Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My three-cheese cauliflower casserole sacrifices carbs but not taste. If you’re missing mac and cheese in your effort to eat healthier, this will hit the spot! —Adrianna Cauthen, Decatur, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 550 calories, 46g fat (26g saturated fat), 130mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
7/12
Runner-Up: Low-Carb Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These cheesecake bars have four delectable layers: a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, chocolaty morsels and a crumbly topping. It’s sugar free—and guilt free. You’ll get nothing but compliments on this dessert. —Rachel Sanders, Salem, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 bar: 293 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
8/12
Runner-Up: Chorizo Burgers with Green Chile Aioli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chorizo does all the work seasoning these burgers, and the aioli comes together in minutes. Wrap the juicy patties in lettuce for a keto version. Don’t worry—the carb lovers in your home can still enjoy them on buns. —Becky Woollands, North Ridgeville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 677 calories, 56g fat (19g saturated fat), 145mg cholesterol, 1225mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
9/12
Runner-Up: Green Shakshuka
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Green veggies bring the nutrition, and eggs and feta pile on the protein. My secret is to stir up this breakfast recipe with lemon-infused olive oil. If you can find it, I highly recommend! —Carrie Dault, Baxter, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 egg with 1 cup vegetable mixture: 209 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 190mg cholesterol, 756mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
10/12
Runner-Up: Muffuletta Frittata
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a sucker for Italian sub sandwiches and olives. I wanted those flavors but in a low-carb dish, so I created this frittata. Use fresh spinach in place of the arugula if you don’t love arugula’s peppery flavor as I do. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece with 1/4 cup olive salad: 384 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 323mg cholesterol, 1391mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein.
11/12
Runner-Up: Ketolicious Cheesy Biscuits with Turkey Sausage
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you are craving serious comfort food, this hearty sandwich is for you. The keto-friendly breakfast of homemade biscuits and turkey sausage checks all the boxes. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 546 calories, 37g fat (12g saturated fat), 211mg cholesterol, 806mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
12/12
Runner-Up: Low-Carb Shrimp Sushi Bowl
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sushi is a special treat for my family. This easy-prep recipe is on the table in less than 30 minutes. If you don’t like shrimp, sub in shredded cooked chicken or firm tofu. And don’t be shy with the spice! —Kristyne McDougle Walter, Lorain, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 bowl: 460 calories, 31g fat (5g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 783mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein.
