30 Low-Carb & Keto Side Dish Recipes

Compared to lots of other lifestyles or diets, keto is one of the easiest to follow. Thanks to its protein-rich, high-fat meals, you can usually find something that’s both filling and comforting. While meat-based main courses are pretty easy to put together, side dishes can be somewhat challenging. I mean, if you think about it, most side dishes are mostly carbs. But, with a little inspiration, you quickly realize that there are so many delicious keto side dishes to make and try. In this post, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite low carb sides. You’ll find that these are packed with low carb veggies, but also cheese, bacon, and other ingredients you and your family will love. 

What side dishes are keto-friendly?

With a little inspiration, pretty much any side dish can be made keto-friendly. You can remake some carb-rich classic recipes as I did with my cauliflower mac and cheese and in many of these Keto Comfort Food recipes.

Pasta can be substituted with spiralized veggies such as zucchini and squash. Also, let’s not forget that cauliflower can be turned into almost anything! If you don’t believe me, I was able to collect over 40 cauliflower recipes with something for every meal!

What are good side dishes that go well with chicken?

Chicken is so versatile and goes well with almost any veggie-packed side dish. Some awesome ways to eat chicken are to pair it with this Supreme Green Bean Casserole or these light, but tasty Sauteed Radishes with Vinegar and Herbs. 

What keto side dishes go well with steak and beef?

Steak and beef are very filling so it’s a good idea to go with a lighter side dish. I used my Keto Shrimp Scampi recipe along with the Ultimate Keto Surf & Turf and it was a huge hit!

Also, my Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker Pot Roast was nicely complemented by Cauliflower Rice Risotto, an easy side dish that works well with any protein main dish.

What keto side dishes go well with bbq?

I love pairing BBQ with Southern-inspired side dishes or cold sides (like the kind you get at a summer BBQ). My Keto Coleslaw and Keto Cauliflower Mac & Cheese were perfect sides for Keto BBQ Ribs, Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken Kabobs, and the tender Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork.

Types of Keto-friendly Side Dishes in this guide:

I wanted to make sure that you had a range of options, so there’s a mix of hot and cold side dishes that are prepared in a few different ways.

1. Oven-baked Sides

2. Sides Prepared on the Stove-top or Grill

3. Cold Salad Side Dishes

Oven-Baked Keto Side Dishes

These oven-baked keto side dishes have come in handy for things like Keto Thanksgiving. I love that they will practically cook themselves, so you can have the time to relax or cook other dishes. 

Cauliflower, spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, and broccoli, are all low-carb vegetables perfect for baking. Use these options to experiment a bit.

Keto Cauliflower Mac And Cheese – Dr. Davinah’s Eats

Creamy Spinach And Mushroom Gratin – Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Loaded Mashed Cheesy Pancetta Cauliflower – Sugar Free Mom

Keto Parmesan Garlic Bread Bites – Dr. Davinah’s Eats

Keto Zucchini Rollatini – I Breathe I’m Hungry

Supreme Green Bean Casserole – Low Carb Maven

Keto Mashed Cauliflower – Hey Keto Mama

Easy Keto Ham And Cheese Rolls Recipe – Sweet C’s Designs

Keto Bang Bang Cauliflower – Peace, Love & Low Carb

Easy Baked Ratatouille Recipe – Wholesome Yum

Roasted Balsamic Zucchini And Mushrooms With Feta And Thyme – Kalyn’s Kitchen

Broccoli Cheese Casserole – Diethood

Cauliflower Bake With Goat Cheese – Food, Faith, Fitness

Stovetop / Grilled Keto Side Dishes

When you’re in need of a quick and easy side dish, one-pan and grilled recipes are an excellent choice. These amazing stovetop and grilled keto side dishes prove that you can make a tasty and clean meal without too much fuss. A lot of these are meat-free, so they go well with a richer meat-based main dish.

Cauliflower Rice Risotto – Dr. Davinah’s Eats

Creamed Spinach – Dr. Davinah’s Eats

Keto Shrimp Scampi – Dr. Davinah’s Eats

Sauteed Radishes With Vinegar And Herbs – Kalyn’s Kitchen

Creamy Garlic Mushrooms With Bacon – Diethood

Cheesy Cauliflower Fritters – Kirbie’s Cravings

Keto Spanish Cauliflower Rice – Dr. Davinah’s Eats

Cabbage Rice With Indian Spices – Low Carb Yum

Bacon Green Beans – The Harvest Skillet

Keto Mexican Cauliflower Rice – Hey Keto Mama

Garlic Butter Parmesan Tuscan Mushrooms Steak House Style Side Dish – Sweet C’s Design

Grilled Cabbage Steaks With Blue Cheese And Bacon – Low Carb Yum

Cold Salad Keto Side Dishes

These salad keto sides are all tried and tested so whether you’re looking for a more substantial side or a lighter salad, options abound.

Keto Coleslaw – Dr. Davinah’s Eats

Loaded Mock Keto Potato Salad – Peace, Love & Low Carb

How To Make Cucumber Noodles – Wholesome Yum

Keto Collard Greens With Burst Cherry Tomatoes – Ketogasm

Fried Cabbage With Bacon – Blackberry Babe

Easy Mediterranean Low Carb Broccoli Salad – Food, Faith, Fitness

Keto Cucumber Salad – Seasonal Cravings