85 Low-Carb Recipes For Winter
Updated: Nov. 18, 2019Staying cozy during the long winter months doesn't mean you have to carb-load. Here are some delicious low-carb recipes, from apps to mains, that will get you through the coldest of days.
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Bacon-Wrapped Spam Bites
These sweet and savory bites use Spam—a favorite ingredient in Hawaii—in a fun new way. Bet you can't stop at just one! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 2 / 85
Keto Meatballs and Sauce
I have been following a keto diet for a year and a half and have lost 130 pounds. I took several recipes and tweaked them to create this recipe for keto meatballs. You won't miss the breadcrumbs at all! I like to eat these on their own, but they are also great over zucchini noodles. —Holly Balzer-Harz, Malone, New York
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Cauliflower Pizza Crust
Make your next pizza night a little healthier with our cauliflower pizza crust recipe. The herbs and cheese add a ton of flavor! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 4 / 85
Fiery Sweet Chicken Thighs
This dish combines my love of spicy hot Thai food with a sweet, almost barbecuelike sauce. —Eve Gray, Marietta, Georgia 5 / 85
Curry Carrot Dip
The flavors of sweet carrots, mustard and curry blend deliciously in this appetizing dip. Raw veggies are the perfect partners. —Louise Weyer, Marietta, Georgia 6 / 85
Easy Poached Salmon
In 46 years of marriage, we had never tasted salmon until a friend told me about poaching it in a low cooker. I tried it and got flaky, moist results with little fuss. I added some soy sauce for extra flavor. — Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona 7 / 85
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 8 / 85
Mediterranean Meatzza
Pizza night has never been the same at our house since we started making our low-carb pizza with a meat crust. It's protein-packed, filling and topped with fresh Mediterranean ingredients. — Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah 9 / 85
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 10 / 85
Cashew Butter
Once you taste how great homemade cashew butter is, you'll never go to back to store-bought. The coconut oil makes the butter just a little creamier, but you can omit it if you don't normally keep it on hand. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 11 / 85
Cauliflower Mash
This quick and easy mashed cauliflower is a great alternative to same-old mashed spuds, and it's healthier, too!—Nick Iverson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 12 / 85
Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
My daughter Sara loves spicy Buffalo chicken and deviled eggs, so I combined the two. Make and chill a day ahead so the flavors mingle. —Robin Spires, Tampa, Florida 13 / 85
Tandoori Chicken
A hand-mixed spice rub makes ordinary chicken worthy of a special occasion. Plus, it takes awhile to marinate, so you can do other things while the spicy yogurt sauce works its magic. —Dena Leigh at Amici's Catered Cuisine, Oldsmar, Florida 14 / 85
Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower
Whenever we make a time-consuming entree, we also prepare this quick broccoli and cauliflower side. The veggies are a good fit when you’re watching calories. —Debra Tolbert, Deville, Louisiana 15 / 85
Chicken Escarole Soup with Meatballs
This is an old recipe from southern Italy. My mother gave it to me when I was first married. It started out as a holidays-only dish...but my children and grandchildren love it so much that we have it every chance we get!—Norma Manna, Hobe Sound, Florida 16 / 85
Bavarian Pot Roast
Since all my grandparents were German, it's no wonder that so many Bavarian recipes have been handed down to me. Because the Midwest has such a large German population, I feel this recipe represents the area well. —Susan Robertson, Hamilton, Ohio 17 / 85
Marinated Almond-Stuffed Olives
Marinated stuffed olives go over so well with company that I try to keep a batch of them in the fridge at all times. —Larissa Delk, Columbia, Tennessee 18 / 85
Rhubarb Beef
My daughter made a trip around the world and brought home this recipe from Iran. I've served it often to many of my friends, and they always seem to savor its different, zingy taste. —Bertha Davis, Springfield, Missouri 19 / 85
Chicken Nuggets
I like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. You can also use the seasoning to cook chicken breast halves. Stack them on rustic bread with mayo, lettuce and tomato for delicious sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia 20 / 85
Beet Borscht
My mother used to make this hearty soup from her garden's bountiful crop of beets and other vegetables. —Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington 21 / 85
Mom's Roast Beef
This well-seasoned roast is Mom’s specialty. Everyone loves slices of the fork-tender roast beef and its savory gravy, and people always ask what her secret ingredients are. Now you have the delicious recipe for our favorite dish! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania 22 / 85
Roasted Chicken with Brown Gravy
Folks say this is the most delicious roasted chicken in brown sauce they've ever had. There's only one problem—there are never any leftovers! —Annie Tompkins, Deltona, Florida 23 / 85
Oven Swiss Steak
I was really glad to find this recipe since it's a great way to use round steak and it picks up fabulous flavor from one of my favorite herbs - tarragon. I am a homemaker with three children and enjoy cooking tasty dinners like this one for my family. —Lorna Dickau, Vanderhoof, British Columbia 24 / 85
Beef in Mushroom Gravy
Reports Margery Bryan of Royal City, Washington, "This is one of the best and easiest meals I've ever made. It has only four ingredients, and they all go into the pot at once. The meat is nicely seasoned and makes its own gravy-it tastes wonderful when you serve it over mashed potatoes." 25 / 85
Party Cheese Balls
These tangy cheese balls are guaranteed to spread cheer at your next gathering. The ingredients create a colorful presentation and a savory combination of flavors. —Shirley Hoerman, Nekoosa, Wisconsin 26 / 85
Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce
Just a skillet, a couple juicy steaks, fresh mushrooms and a few simple ingredients prove it doesn't take much fuss to fix a special meal for two. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania 27 / 85
Pizza Chicken Roll-Ups
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 28 / 85
Citrus Cod
We enjoy fish frequently, and this baked version has a tempting mild orange flavor. It comes out of the oven flaky and moist, and it's just the thing to make for a delightful light meal. — Jacquelyn Dixon, LaPorte, IA 29 / 85
Special Pork Chops
I work 9 hours a day, so I need delicious and simple recipes like this one. My husband thinks I work hard fixing meals, but these chops are good and easy. In summer, I can my own salsa and use some to top these chops.—LaDane Wilson, Alexander City, Alabama 30 / 85
Taco Pinwheels
These pinwheels come together quickly when you start with leftover taco meat. They make an appealing party appetizer served with salsa, or a fun lunch option with a salad on the side. —Cindy Reams, Philipsburg, Pennsylvania 31 / 85
Classic Crab Cakes
Our region is known for good seafood, and crab cakes are a traditional favorite. I learned to make them from a chef in a restaurant where they were a best-seller. The crabmeat's sweet and mild flavor is sparked by the blend of other ingredients. —Debbie Terenzini, Lusby, Maryland 32 / 85
Mini Ham Quiches
These quiches are delightful for brunch when you don’t want to fuss. Replace the ham with bacon, sausage, chicken or shrimp, or use chopped onion, red pepper or zucchini instead of olives. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon 33 / 85
Parmesan Yogurt Dip
We like to eat raw vegetables a few times a week as a side dish for a meal and this is a healthier alternative to ranch dressing for a veggie dip. —Kathleen Tribble, Buellton, California 34 / 85
Herbed Turkey Breast
Like many of you, I always serve turkey for our family's Thanksgiving meal. But instead of roasting a whole bird, I opt for a turkey breast since most of us prefer white meat. The herb butter basting sauce keeps it so moist, and it's easy to carve. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana 35 / 85
Fennel Spinach Saute
Spinach and fennel are two of my favorite veggies, so I'm always looking for new ways to use them. This is an amazing side dish, but if you slice the fennel a bit smaller, it also makes a great stuffing for chicken breasts or beef tenderloin. —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota 36 / 85
Almond-Topped Fish
A co-worker gave me this recipe, but I didn't try it until recently. What a mistake it was to wait! It's easier than dipping, coating and frying—and the flavor is outstanding. Once you've tried this tender fish, you'll never go back to fried. —Heidi Kirsch, Waterloo, Iowa 37 / 85
Baked Ham with Pineapple
I first learned the technique for cooking pineapple ham for a themed dinner my husband and I hosted. Since it was widely known as the symbol of hospitality, pineapple was the star ingredient on our menu and on this lovely baked ham. —JoAnn Fox, Johnson City, Tennessee 38 / 85
Pork Chop Dinner
Family and friends like to call me the slow-cooker queen. Of my many slow-cooked specialties, this is my husband's favorite. —Janet Phillips, Meadville, Pennsylvania 39 / 85
Crab-Topped Fish Fillets
These fillets are elegant enough for company but truly no trouble to make. Fish is abundant here in South Florida, and we like to get together with friends in the afternoon, so I often need to whip up a quick dinner when we get home. This special dish is one of my husband's favorites. —Mary Tuthill, Fort Myers Beach, Florida 40 / 85
Braised Pork Loin Chops
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 41 / 85
Speedy Salmon Patties
I combine seven easy ingredients for this salmon patty recipe. When I was a girl growing up on the farm, my mom often fixed these when we were late in the field. These salmon cakes are also tasty with chopped green peppers added to the mixture. —Bonnie Evans, Cameron, North Carolina 42 / 85
Sesame Chicken Bites
These bites have been a party favorite at our house for many years. You can make the sauce the night before to make day-of prep even easier. —Kathy Green, Layton, New Jersey 43 / 85
Lemon-Rosemary Pork Tenderloin
This tender pork is seasoned with a wonderful herb and lemon rub I created. Even my husband, who is a chef, thinks this dish is special enough for company. —Carol Birkemeier, Nashville, Indiana 44 / 85
Egg Drop Soup
We start many stir-fry meals with this easy egg drop soup, which cooks in just a few minutes. There are many recipe variations, but we like the addition of cornstarch to thicken the soup and give it a rich, golden color. I got the recipe from Grandma’s old cookbook. —Amy Beth Corlew-Sherlock, Lapeer, Michigan 45 / 85
Deviled Chicken Thighs
When I make this dish, I invite my next-door neighbor over for supper. It's just enough for the two of us. The chicken stays tender and moist, and the cashews add a perfect bit of crunch. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri 46 / 85
Easy Smoked Salmon
A magazine featured this recipe years ago, and it's still my favorite salmon. Just add crackers for a super simple yet elegant appetizer. —Norma Fell, Boyne City, Michigan 47 / 85
Baked Chicken and Mushrooms
I made up this dish years ago, and it still remains the family's favorite healthy baked chicken recipes. It's a fast weeknight meal, but the fresh mushrooms and sherry make it special enough for a weekend dinner party. —Lise Prestine of South Bend, Indiana 48 / 85
Chunky Blue Cheese Dip
Every time I make this quick blue cheese dip, someone asks for the recipe. It only requires a few items, so its a snap to put together. I often prepare the thick spread with Gorgonzola cheese and serve it with toasted pecans. —Sandy Schneider Naperville, Illinois 49 / 85
Fried Cabbage
When I was young, my family grew our own cabbages. It was fun to put them to use in the kitchen, just as I did with this comforting side. With potatoes, deviled eggs and cornbread, it tastes like home. —Bernice Morris, Marshfield, Missouri 50 / 85
Sauteed Garlic Mushrooms
These tasty garlic butter mushrooms are so delicious served with steak, chicken or pork. The sauteed garlic is the secret! —Joan Schroeder, Mesquite, Nevada 51 / 85
Pork Noodle Soup
My daughter created this soup when she needed to use up some leftover pork. You can use more water for a thinner soup or less water for a noodle dish. It’s good with mushroom flavored ramen noodles, too. —Eleanor Niska, Twin Falls, Idaho 52 / 85
Garlic Clove Chicken
My Greek neighbors made this chicken frequently, and I couldn’t get enough of it. If you like garlic, you’ll love this recipe. —Denise Hollebeke, Penhold, Alberta 53 / 85
Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup
A variety of winter vegetables gives the broth for this classic Jewish soup a deep flavor. You can use a few green onions instead of the leek. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 54 / 85
Mushroom and Spinach Saute
Mushrooms and spinach make a super fast combination that’s perfect for two. It’s easy to double or triple for a crowd. —Pauline Howard, Lago Vista, Texas 55 / 85
Corsican Chicken
Moist and tender chicken thighs make a delicious hot entree for winter months. Just add a salad and a lemon dessert. —Mary Bergfeld, Eugene, Oregon 56 / 85
Baked Barbecue Pork Chops
My mom used to prepare this recipe for dinner when I was growing up. Our whole family loved it. Now I enjoy preparing this same dish for my husband and our four children. They seem to enjoy it as much as I did when I was a kid. —Bonnie Schiltz, Oakley, Kansas 57 / 85
Mediterranean Chicken
As special as it is simple to prepare, this flavorful skillet creation is dressed in tomatoes, olives and capers. It’s a knockout main dish at my house. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York 58 / 85
Garlic Ranch Chicken
The simple ingredients in this recipe give it flavor the whole family will enjoy. A no-nonsense salad will round out the meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen 59 / 85
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 60 / 85
Grandma Edna's Cajun Pork
My grandma used to make this for our family on special occasions. We love to carry on the delicious tradition. —Tonya Cline, Greenville, Ohio 61 / 85
Chicken Loaf with Mushroom Gravy
Try a twist on traditional meat loaf with this chicken loaf that begins in the food processor. Here, ketchup is replaced with an easy mushroom sauce for a more upscale topping. —Keri Schofield Lawson, Brea, California 62 / 85
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower
My grandkids were never huge fans of cauliflower, but the bacon makes a big difference in this dish. They like it even more with golden cauliflower instead of white. — Patricia Hudson, Riverview, Florida 63 / 85
Gyro Soup
If you’re a fan of lamb, don’t pass up this Greek-style soup. Seasoned with classic flavors of rosemary, marjoram and mint, it will transport you straight to the Mediterranean! —Bridget Klusman, Otsego, Michigan 64 / 85
Thai Chicken Thighs
These very tender and moist chicken thighs come with a tangy peanut butter sauce that is irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 65 / 85
Savory Rubbed Roast Chicken
In general, procedures for roasting meat apply to poultry, too. That means if you use a dry rub on a steak, a dry rub will benefit a chicken. A blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne go on the skin and inside the cavity for a bright, spicy roast chicken. —Margaret Cole, Imperial, Missouri 66 / 85
Spinach Souffle Side Dish
You just can't make an easier, more delicious side dish than this. It's great with beef, pork and lamb, and I especially like serving it for a festive meal like New Year's Eve. —Bette Duffy, Kenmore, Washington 67 / 85
Smoky Cauliflower
The smoked Spanish paprika gives a simple side of roasted cauliflower extra depth. This is definitely a favorite. —Juliette Mulholland, Corvallis, Oregon 68 / 85
Haddock with Lime-Cilantro Butter
Here in Louisiana, the good times roll when we broil fish and serve it with lots of lime juice, cilantro and butter. —Darlene Morris, Franklinton, Louisiana 69 / 85
Bacon Cream Cheese Pinwheels
It's hard to resist a crescent roll, bacon and cream cheese in one bite! Kids, friends, everyone will scarf these cream cheese pinwheels down. Now I bake a double batch whenever we have a get-together. —Krista Munson, Sharpsburg, Kentucky 70 / 85
Chiles Rellenos Chicken
There’s a little math and a lot of mouthwatering flavor in this simple dinner recipe. The creamy cilantro and lime sauce would taste terrific with rice or egg noodles. —Julie De Matteo, Clementon, New Jersey 71 / 85
Grilled Red Pepper Dip
We grill peppers with rosemary and garlic, then blend them with sun-dried tomatoes for a creamy spread to pass with pita chips. —Donna Alwine, Bloomington, Indiana 72 / 85
Avocado Goat Cheese Truffles
Give guests the VIP treatment with luxurious truffles you can make in your own kitchen. The goat cheese is mild, and red pepper heats up each bite just a bit. Crackers are the perfect accompaniment. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California 73 / 85
Beef Short Ribs in Burgundy Sauce
As an Army general, my stepdad got this beef short ribs recipe from his aide, who said it was his mother's best Sunday meal. It’s a mouthwatering family favorite. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida 75 / 85
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 76 / 85
Chicken & Garlic with Fresh Herbs
The key to this savory chicken is the combination of garlic and fresh rosemary and thyme. I like to serve it with mashed potatoes or crusty Italian bread. —Jan Valdez, Lombard, Illinois 77 / 85
Tuscan Cauliflower Soup
A classic Tuscan soup has lots of potatoes, but I make mine the low-carb way with cauliflower. Turns out, it has a heartier flavor. —Heather Bewley, Bemidji, Minnesota 78 / 85
Oven-Roasted Salmon
When I’m starving after work, I want a fast meal with no-fail technique. Roasted salmon is super tender and has a delicate sweetness. It’s also an easy wowza for company. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 79 / 85
Cheesy Onion Chicken Skillet
My zesty chicken with peppers and onions is so versatile, it works when you serve it over rice, potatoes, noodles, even a hoagie bun. —Kim Johnson, Sibley, Iowa 80 / 85
Warm Crab & Spinach Dip
In Maryland, we stayed at a hotel that sent guests home with a crab dip recipe and a spice pouch. Now I’ve made my own dip that rekindles memories of that trip. —Kristina Wenner, Jamison, Pennsylvania 81 / 85
Tuscan Truffles
For holiday potlucks, I make an appetizer truffle out of prosciutto, figs and toasted pine nuts. Mascarpone and goat cheese make them melt-in-your-mouth creamy. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California 82 / 85
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 83 / 85
Garlic Asiago Cauliflower Rice
The garlic seasoning and Asiago really pack a punch, making this five-ingredient low-carb side dish a real weeknight winner. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia 84 / 85
Chicken Paprikash
Some recipes for chicken paprikash include vegetables like bell peppers and celery, but not my Grandmother Alta’s. Hers was a simple combination of chicken, onions, garlic, paprika and sour cream. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia 85 / 85
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 Originally Published: October 04, 2019
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