A satisfying dinner is yours for the taking with these easy low-carb weeknight dinners, each one containing 15 grams of carbs or less.
41 Easy Weeknight Dinners That are Surprisingly Low-Carb
Herbed Chicken Caesar Salad
This chicken Caesar salad looks and tastes fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. It’s my husband’s favorite dinner.—Kay Andersen, Bear, Delaware
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Turkey Wings
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This smoky turkey wings recipe includes a barbecue sauce with garlic, paprika, green onions and soy sauce. I wanted to recreate a recipe I had at a restaurant, so I came up with this zesty combination. Dare I say, it'll be your favorite turkey wing recipe? —Francis Mitchell, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 turkey wing: 280 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 307mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
3/41
Mushroom Corn Chowder
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chock-full of veggies, ham and cheese in every spoonful, this thick, creamy chowder will take the chill off even the nippiest of fall evenings. Serve it with crusty French bread. —Elaine Krupsky, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 184 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
4/41
Chinese Spinach-Almond Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe combines power-packed spinach, a good source of vitamins A and K, with other veggies, lean meat and crunchy, heart-healthy almonds. Reduced-fat dressing adds a light Asian flavor and touch to each hearty serving.
Mary Ann Kieffer - Lawrence, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 244 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
5/41
Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of my favorite recipes because it is customizable. If there’s a vegetarian in the family, leave out the bacon. You can also add your favorite veggies. —Stefanie Schaldenbrand, Los Angeles, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 254 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 204mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 high-fat meat.
6/41
Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I never bring home leftovers whenever I take this creamy chicken casserole with Ritz crackers to a potluck. Its mild flavor has broad appeal. I especially like the way that the crumb topping adds a bit of crunch to each meaty serving. —Faye Hintz, Springfield, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 386 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein.
7/41
Slow-Cooker German Bratwurst
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
15 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this old-world favorite based on a dish I had during my travels. The flavorful entree is perfect for weeknights or special occasions. I like to serve this slow-cooker bratwurst with pasta. —Gerald Hetrick, Erie, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 445 calories, 35g fat (12g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1424mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
8/41
Spanakopita Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Spanakopita is the Greek name for this traditional dish featuring spinach and feta cheese. You can serve it as a side dish or meatless main dish. — Sharon Olney, Galt, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 262 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 178mg cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 21g protein.
9/41
Grilled Pork and Poblano Peppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I entertain a lot in summer, and this has quickly become the most-requested dish. I usually serve it with Mexican rice and a tossed salad.
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with 1/2 pepper: 304 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 389mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 38g protein.
10/41
Easy Italian Sausage and Peppers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My sister was hosting a birthday party and asked me to bring Italian sausage and peppers. I'd never made them before, so I altered a braised pepper recipe. Now family members request this dish often.—Jeanne Corsi, Arnold, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 224 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 657mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
11/41
Crunchy Chili Lime Shrimp
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy, quick and family friendly, this chili lime shrimp recipe is dairy free and comes together in about 30 minutes. The secret is the bright flavor-packed sauce. Serve over greens, store-bought slaw or cauliflower rice. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 230 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
12/41
Gyro Salad with Tzatziki Dressing
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you're fond of gyros, you'll enjoy this garden-fresh salad showcasing ground lamb, crumbled feta cheese, Greek olives, tomatoes and a creamy cucumber dressing. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 236 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 43mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
13/41
Lemon Herbed Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We sometimes send our Washington salmon all the way to Michigan for my sister to use in this family-favorite dish! The tasty topping can be used on other types of fish as well. Fresh thyme from your garden really sparks the flavor. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked salmon: 446 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein.
14/41
Zucchini Ricotta Bake
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I have made this lasagna-like zucchini casserole frequently over the years and shared the recipe with many people. It's a little bit lighter than other layered casseroles, making it an amazing choice for anyone trying to eat right. —Eleanor Hauserman, Huntsville, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 150 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 513mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
15/41
Broccoli-Stuffed Chicken
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was born in 1936 to a family of eight. Much of our food came from our garden and the henhouse. Mother served fried chicken every Sunday, but sometimes she surprised us with this broccoli-stuffed chicken. No arguments then as to who got what piece of chicken! —Donald Laugherty, Connellsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed chicken breast half: 324 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 822mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 43g protein.
16/41
Pork Roast and Sauerkraut
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our children wouldn't dream of eating sauerkraut until they tasted it with this tender and juicy pork roast at a family celebration. They devoured it and went back for seconds! Now it's a mainstay in my pork recipe file. — Ronda Jay Holcomb, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 191 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
17/41
Grilled Caesar Chicken Breasts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Marinated overnight in creamy Caesar dressing, this grilled Caesar chicken recipe is juicy, tender and full of flavor. It couldn't be easier. —Marcia Wallenfeldt, Kent, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half: 318 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 100mg cholesterol, 395mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
18/41
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This delicious chicken and broccoli casserole recipe is a twist on chicken divan that came from an old boss. It’s quick, satisfying comfort food. —Jennifer Schlachter, Big Rock, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 317 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 899mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
19/41
Spicy Chili
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy chili recipe is the culmination of several years' worth of experimenting to get just the right flavor. For those who like their chili very hot, the secret is to add more jalapenos. The most I ever used in a recipe was five ... was it spicy! —Liesha Hoek, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 256 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 669mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
20/41
Italian Meat Loaf
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband doesn't even like meat loaf, but he'll always eat this one! He likes this dish because it offers a wide variety of flavors. —Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 245 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
21/41
Tomato Walnut Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomato, bread crumbs and crunchy walnuts dress up pan tilapia fillets in this favorite recipe. I serve it with cooked julienne carrots and green beans. —Phyl Broich-Wessling, Garner, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 202 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
22/41
One-Pan Sweet Chili Shrimp and Veggies
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe has everything I'm looking for in a weeknight family dinner: A quick and nutritious meal that my kids will eat! My oldest son loves shrimp and I thought it could work really well as a sheet-pan supper. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 199 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
23/41
Fontina Rolled Chicken
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Good food has a way of transporting you to faraway places. My chicken with fontina and cream cheese is like a blissful trip to Italy. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 561 calories, 32g fat (14g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 962mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 51g protein.
24/41
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 279 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 606mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
25/41
Turkey Curry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m always looking for new and interesting ways to use leftover turkey—especially around the holidays. Make this skillet meal as spicy as you’d like by varying the amount of curry powder. —Martha Balser, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 172 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 3 lean meat.
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Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the chicken roll-ups my mom made for special occasions, filled with spinach and cream cheese. My own kids wouldn't eat those, so I came up with a pizza-flavored variety the whole family enjoys. —Tanja Penquite, Oregon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll-up: 344 calories, 18g fat (9g saturated fat), 112mg cholesterol, 673mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
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Zucchini Lasagna
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We plant zucchini every year and always seem to have more than we can use! This hearty zucchini lasagna is a delicious way to use an abundant crop. —Charlotte McDaniel, Williamsville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 273 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 725mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
29/41
Crazy Delicious Baby Back Ribs
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband craves a good ribs recipe, so we cook them multiple ways. This low and slow method with a tangy sauce is the best we’ve found. —Jan Whitworth, Roebuck, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 420 calories, 33g fat (9g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein.
30/41
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband has a hearty appetite, our two kids never tire of pizza, and I grow lots of zucchini. So this tasty tomato casserole is absolutely tops with us throughout the entire year. Once you've tried the recipe, you may even decide to grow more zucchini in your own garden next summer! —Lynn Bernstetter, White Bear Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 315 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 119mg cholesterol, 855mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
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Sassy Pot Roast
Total Time
8 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love walking into my home after a long day and smelling this lovely pot roast. You can add potatoes and carrots to round out the meal, and the leftover meat makes a comforting soup for the next night. —Susan Burkett, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked beef: 243 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
33/41
Artichoke Ratatouille Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I loaded all the fresh produce I could find into this speedy chicken dinner. Serve it on its own or over pasta. —Judy Armstrong, Prairieville, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1-2/3 cups: 252 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 fat.
34/41
Green Chile Ribs
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like my food with a spicy kick; my wife does not. These ribs with green chiles suit her taste. For more firepower, add cayenne or jalapenos. —Guy Newton, Nederland, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 349 calories, 25g fat (8g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
35/41
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
36/41
Braised Pork Loin Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
An easy herb rub gives sensational taste to boneless braised pork chops that can be cooked on the stovetop in minutes. The meat turns out tender and delicious. —Marilyn Larsen, Port Orange, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 2 tablespoons sauce: 218 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 351mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat.
37/41
Cuban-Style Pork Chops
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These are like Cuban sandwiches without the bread, so they’re a bit more elegant. Let your family customize the chops with pickles, mustard and other condiments. —Erica Allen, Tuckerton, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without optional ingredients): 247 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 700mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
38/41
Juicy & Delicious Mixed Spice-Burgers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We like trying to make "street foods" at home, perfecting recipes for dishes like gyros and these spiced burgers, known as kofta. — Anne Henry, Toronto, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger: 192 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 259mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
39/41
Rosemary-Lemon Chicken Thighs
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A cooking show inspired me to create this lemony chicken. Ask your butcher to remove the bones from chicken thighs but leave the skin intact. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken thigh with 1 tablespoon sauce and 2 teaspoons cooked bacon: 286 calories, 20g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 279mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 24g protein.
40/41
Zucchini Crust Pizza
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother-in-law shared the recipe for this unique pizza with me. It's just right for brunch, lunch or a light supper. Loosen the nutritious zucchini crust from the pan with a metal spatula. —Ruth Denomme, Englehart, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 188 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 514mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 14g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
41/41
Turkey Scallopini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Quick-cooking turkey breast slices make this recipe a winner when you only have a few minutes to fix a satisfying meal. I've also used flattened boneless skinless chicken breast halves in place of the turkey of this entree. —Karen Adams, Cleveland, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked turkey: 358 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 169mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 38g protein.