69 Low-Carb Recipes Ready in 30 Minutes

Baked Salmon

I often make this very moist and flavorful oven-baked salmon for company because I can have it ready in less than half an hour. This baked salmon with lemon is well complemented by rice or a green vegetable and a tossed salad. —Emily Chaney, Penobscot, Maine

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Quick Coq au Vin

This quick coq au vin recipe is really fabulous served with rice. I love being able to fix this gourmet dish in 30 minutes and still have it turn out so delicious. To reduce fat, I use chicken tenderloin pieces or skinless chicken breasts. —Judy VanCoetsem, Cortland, New York

Zucchini and Summer Squash Side Dish

I’m trying to cut my risk for cardiac disease by changing the way I eat. This colorful sauteed zucchini and summer squash side dish is packed with as much nutrition as fresh-picked flavor! —Marlene Agnelly, Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Pomegranate Guacamole with Feta Cheese

Want to add a little festive flair to your dip? Try this pomegranate guacamole. Since the cheese is so briny, we recommend cutting back on the amount of salt you use, or opting for reduced-sodium tortilla chips. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Down-Home Pork Chops

Zippy sauce adds personality to these otherwise straightforward brown sugar pork chops. —Denise Hruz, Germantown, Wisconsin

Cucumbers with Dill

Sprinkling cucumber slices with salt and letting them stand in a colander draws out excess water so they stay crisp when set on a barbecue buffet. Try this cucumber dill salad alongside any grilled entree. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Quick Roasted Red Pepper Spread

This red pepper spread is easy to make and can be used in many ways! It’s amazing on top of grilled meats, mixed into a hearty stew for extra flavor, stirred into cream to make a rich pasta sauce, or combined with mayonnaise as a sandwich condiment. I always keep this spread on hand: By freezing it in small portions, I can remove exactly the amount needed for each use. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

Deviled Chicken Thighs

I make this dish when I invite my next-door neighbor over for supper. It's just enough for the two of us. The tasty chicken is tender and moist with a bit of crunch from the cashews. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri

Asian-Style Salmon Packets

My husband and I love salmon, so I'm always looking for fun ways to change it up. We both love the blend of heat and citrus, plus the foil packet makes for easy cooking and cleanup! —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Strawberry Arugula Salad with Feta

The combination of peppery arugula, sweet strawberries and robust feta cheese may sound unusual, but one bite wins over taste buds.—Carala Horne, Meridian, Mississippi

Zucchini & Cheese Roulades

My husband enjoys this recipe so much that he even helps me roll up the roulades! You can change the filling any way you like—I have used feta instead of Parmesan, or sun-dried tomatoes in the place of the olives. —April McKinney, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Crab-Topped Tomato Slices

When camping, my wife and I top large beefsteak tomatoes with spicy chunks of crab. Then we warm this summer treat over the fire. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Pork Chops & Mushrooms

My mother-in-law gave me this recipe years ago, and I have used it ever since. My family loves the sweetness with a little kick.—Hilary Rigo, Wickenburg, Arizona

Cauliflower Mash

This quick and easy mashed cauliflower is a wonderful alternative to same-old mashed spuds, and it's healthier, too! —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

Sausage Cobb Salad Lettuce Wraps

I substituted sausage for the bacon to make a lettuce roll-up your family and friends will adore. It’s flavorful, crunchy and pretty on the plate. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

Cajun Sirloin with Mushroom Leek Sauce

In 30 minutes you‘ll have a restaurant-quality steak with a bold Cajun flair. The best part? You can skip the drive, the wait and the bill! —Joshua Keefer, Delaware, Ohio

Radish Asparagus Salad

Lemon zest and mustard in the dressing add the perfect punch to crisp asparagus and crunchy radishes in this fresh spring salad. My family loves it! —Nancy Latulippe, Simcoe, Ontario

Walnut and Oat-Crusted Salmon

I think this recipe gives you the most omega-3 fatty acid bang for your buck! —Cristen Dutcher, Marietta, Georgia

Shrimp and Cucumber Canapes

These cute stacks really stand out in a holiday appetizer buffet. Tasty, cool and crunchy, they come together in a snap. —Ashley Nochlin, Port St. Lucie, Florida

Old Bay Cauliflower

Ready in 10 minutes, this bowl of veggies has three ingredients and a whole lot of flavor. It's the perfect cauliflower side dish. —Elizabeth Bramkamp, Gig Harbor, Washington

Vegetable, Steak and Eggs

Low-carb doesn't have to mean skimpy—here's a lighter take on steak and eggs. I love cooking with squash, but feel free to toss in any vegetable combination you like. —Robert Deskin, Plantation, Florida

Asian-Style Green Beans

These Asian-style green beans are a tasty addition to any meal. The flavors of sesame oil and soy sauce work so well together! —Susan Bickta, Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Pork Medallions in Mustard Sauce

I like pork medallions with apricot preserves and wondered how else I could dress them up. I played around with different flavors until I found this combo. Wows every time. —Tahnia Fox, Trenton, Michigan

Dreamy Fruit Dip

Everyone will love this thick cream cheese fruit dip. Serve it alongside apple wedges, pineapple chunks, strawberries and grapes. —Anna Beiler, Strasburg, Pennsylvania

Sassy Chicken & Peppers

This quick and healthy chicken and peppers recipe tastes like a naked taco and is bursting with fresh flavors. And it can all be prepared in the same pan for easy cleanup—it's a win-win! —Doris Heath, Franklin, North Carolina

Artichoke Caprese Platter

I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California

Cod and Asparagus Bake

The lemon pulls this flavorful and healthy dish together. You can use grated Parmesan cheese instead of Romano if you'd like. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

Italian Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

For an Italian twist on salad, I mix greens with red onion, mushrooms, olives, pepperoncini, lemon juice and Italian seasoning. Add tomatoes and carrots if you'd like. —Deborah Loop, Clinton Township, Michigan

Creamy Dijon Chicken

This chicken dish is extremely fast and economical. It makes a nice sauce that works well over brown rice or wide noodles. If you want extra sauce for leftovers, double the recipe. —Irene Boffo, Fountain Hills, Arizona

Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds

I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They're easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California

Sauteed Radishes with Green Beans

I’ve heard radishes are the only vegetable you don’t cook, but a cookbook from the 1950s disagrees. Green beans and wax beans round out this dish. —Pam Kaiser, Mansfield, Missouri

Blue Cheese Pork Medallions

This comforting pork dish feels fancy, thanks to the creamy sauce kicked up a notch by blue cheese. Guests go crazy over it, and would never guess how quickly it all comes together. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, CA

Blackened Tilapia with Zucchini Noodles

I love quick and bright meals like this one-skillet wonder. The way it tastes, you'd think it takes a lot more effort, but it goes from prep to dinner table in half an hour. The recipe works well with any light fish, or even shrimp. —Tammy Brownlow, Dallas, Texas

Lemon-Parmesan Broiled Asparagus

These special spears are packed with flavor, thanks to the lemon-garlic dressing they're tossed in before roasting. It's a simple, quick side that goes with almost anything. —Tina Repak, Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes

I created this recipe for my family because they love grilled shrimp. I love it because it's quick, delicious and good for us. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida

Goat Cheese Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are superstars in the hot appetizer category. I use baby portobello mushrooms and load them with creamy goat cheese and sweet red peppers. —Mike Bass, Alvin, Texas

Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets

Grilling in foil is an easy technique I use with foods that cook quickly, like fish, shrimp, bite-sized meats and fresh veggies. The options are endless—and the cleanup is easy. —A.J. Weinhold, McArthur, California

Nutty Stuffed Mushrooms

Basil, Parmesan cheese and mushroom blend together well, while buttery pecans give these treats a surprising crunch. Our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren always ask for them! —Mildred Eldred, Union City, Michigan

Bacon-Garlic Chicken

Help yourself to my wonderful Italian stovetop chicken. It can be thrown together in minutes but tastes like you made a big fuss. —Yvonne Starlin, Westmoreland, Tennessee

Thymed Zucchini Saute

Simple and flavorful, this recipe is a tasty and healthy way to use up all those zucchini that are taking over your garden. It's ready in hardly any time! —Bobby Taylor, Ulster Park, New York

Ginger Halibut with Brussels Sprouts

I moved to the United States from Russia and love cooking Russian food for family and friends. Halibut with soy sauce, ginger and pepper is a favorite. —Margarita Parker, New Bern, North Carolina

Chicken & Goat Cheese Skillet

My husband was completely bowled over by this on-a-whim goat cheese and chicken skillet meal. I can't wait to make it again very soon! —Ericka Barber, Eureka, California

Tarragon Tuna Salad

It's surprising how a few herbs can brighten up tuna salad. Made with reduced-fat mayonnaise, this version gets its zip from mustard. It makes a terrific light lunch or Sunday brunch dish. —Billie Moss, Walnut Creek, California

Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes

Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

Tequila Lime Shrimp Zoodles

This tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois

Parmesan Pork Medallions

Here's one of the best pork medallion recipes I've found. With my own special tweaks, I have served this tender pork countless times for family and friends. It takes very little prep time and adapts easily to serve any number. —Angela Ciocca, Saltsburg, Pennsylvania

BBQ Chicken Bites

Chicken bites wrapped in bacon get a kick from Montreal seasoning and sweetness from barbecue sauce. We love the mix of textures. —Kathryn Dampier, Quail Valley, California

California Burger Wraps

I love the way these fresh flavors blend. It's a snap to throw these wraps together for a quick, healthy lunch. The burgers can also be served on buns if you like. —Rachelle McCalla, Atlantic, Iowa

Broccoli & Chive Stuffed Mini Peppers

There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington

Prosciutto-Pepper Pork Chops

Here's a dish that's easy, fast and most importantly, delicious. Serve these prosciutto-stuffed pork chops with pasta salad for a satisfying meal. —Donna Prisco, Randolph, New Jersey

Creamy Herb Grilled Salmon

I have a huge herb garden and love using herbs in almost everything I cook. Living in the Pacific Northwest, we eat a lot of wild-caught salmon, so I use fresh herbs in this moist and delicious grilled recipe. On cooler days, bake it instead. —Michelle Glassmeyer Wunsch, Bothell, Washington

Avocado Crab Boats

These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon

Parmesan Asparagus

Nothing could be more simple than this side dish. Since it has just four ingredients, I assemble it in no time, then pop it into the oven for about 15 minutes. It turns out perfect every time. —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Grilled Ribeye with Garlic Blue Cheese Mustard Sauce

This simple steak gets a big flavor boost from two of my favorites: mustard and blue cheese. My husband and I make this recipe to celebrate our anniversary each year! —Ashley Lecker, Green Bay, Wisconsin

Lemon and Rosemary Chicken

This baked rosemary chicken with a tangy lemon sauce is my husband's favorite, and my sister always wants it for her birthday dinner. —Laurel Dalzell, Manteca, California

Seasoned Tilapia Fillets

If you need a healthy, keep-it-simple solution to dinner tonight, you just found it. This restaurant-quality tilapia fillet recipe relies on spices you're likely to have on hand to deliver big flavor. This is how to make tilapia. —Dana Alexander, Lebanon, Missouri

Mini Zucchini Pizzas

This simple snack is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Chicken Thighs with Shallots & Spinach

What could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin

Caprese Salad Kabobs

Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California

Spiced Salmon

This delicious, moist fish is very quick and easy to prepare. It gets a little sweetness from brown sugar, but overall the seasonings are mild and give this dish broad appeal. It's a wonderful way to enjoy healthy salmon.—Donna Reynolds, Innisfail, Alberta

Spicy Crab Dip

With cayenne pepper and hot sauce (both optional), this delicious dip doubles up on the heat. Chock-full of crabmeat, this appetizer feels special, yet it only takes minutes to prepare. —Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois

Southwest Turkey Lettuce Wraps

If you're tired of the same old taco routine, give these a try. I tweaked a friend's recipe to suit our tastes and my family's loved it since. It's so tasty and low maintenance. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

My husband and I grill dinner almost every night, and I love grilling veggies for a side dish. I serve this grilled bacon-wrapped asparagus recipe with meat and sliced fresh tomatoes for a wonderful meal. —Trisha Kitts, Dickinson, Texas

Crisp Cucumber Salsa

Here's a fantastic way to use cucumbers. You'll love the creamy and crunchy texture and super fresh flavors. —Charlene Skjerven, Hoolpe, North Dakota

Skillet Cabbage

I use this dish often when the schedule gets tight and I need a hurry-up vegetable to cook. It adds plenty of substance to a simple meal. —Charmaine Fricke, St. Charles, Illinois

Watermelon Cups

This lovely appetizer is almost too pretty to eat! Sweet watermelon cubes hold a refreshing topping that showcases cucumber, red onion and fresh herbs. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Asparagus with Horseradish Dip

This is a great hot weather party dip. Serve asparagus on a decorative platter with lemon wedges on the side for garnish. A great flavor variation is to use chopped garlic in place of the horseradish. —Mildred Lynn Caruso, Brighton, Tennessee

Cheesy Zucchini Saute

Although I no longer have a garden of my own, friends and neighbors keep me amply supplied with squash. As a thank-you, I tell them how to make this refreshing zucchini saute. It's quick, easy and oh, so tasty! —Doris Biggs, Felton, Delaware

Bok Choy and Radishes

This is such a great-tasting, good-for-you bok choy recipe. The simple dish capitalizes on the flavors of spring. —Ann Baker, Texarkana, Texas