8 Low-Carb Dinners That Aren't Salads

Apr 15 2016
We're all about reducing our starchy carb intake, but that doesn't mean we're always in the mood for a bowl of leafy greens. Enter these hot 'n hearty recipes. Featuring some of our very best starch swaps, each one has less than 30g carbs per serving. Majorly mealworthy!



Cheesy Chicken Broccoli & Cauliflower Rice Casserole

1/6th of recipe: 227 calories, 6.5g total fat (3g sat. fat), 386mg sodium, 14.5g carbs, 4.5g fiber, 5.5g sugars, 27.5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 4*

Ah, the suppertime superstar that is the mighty casserole. We've made over the traditionally heavy comfort food with cauliflower rice, lean chicken, and light cheese. This dish is terrific for a family dinner. Or make it on a Sunday, and enjoy leftovers for days!

Shrimp & Avocado Lettuce Tacos

Entire recipe: 257 calories, 10g total fat (1.5g sat. fat), 276mg sodium, 15.5g carbs, 5g fiber, 7.5g sugars, 28.5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 4*

Craving shrimp tacos, but not those carby tortillas? We've been there, which is why this recipe exists. The fruit, veggies, and protein paired with the healthy fats from the avocado make this meal totally satisfying. For a fresh take-along lunch, just pack the filling and lettuce leaves separately, and assemble the tacos at lunchtime!

Italian-Style Chicken Bake

1/4th of recipe (about 1 cup): 258 calories, 8g total fat (2.5g sat. fat), 828mg sodium, 12.5g carbs, 4.5g fiber, 3g sugars, 32.5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 4*

Is it just us, or do the rest of you also occasionally ask, "Why don't I eat artichokes more often?" This one-pan meal puts 'em to good use. It's bursting with delicious flavor: cheese, tomatoes, basil... YUM.

Zucchini Spaghetti with Shrimp

Entire recipe: 290 calories, 12.5g total fat (2.5g sat. fat), 735mg sodium, 19.5g carbs, 5g fiber, 11.5g sugars, 28g protein -- SmartPoints® value 5*

Are you on the z'paghetti -- a.k.a. zucchini spaghetti -- bandwagon yet? There's plenty of room to hop on. And this recipe is a terrific introduction; it's simple, it's yummy, and it's completely crave-worthy. Did we happen to mention it's all-natural? Devour...

Cauliflower Rice Paella

1/4th of recipe (about 1 3/4 cups): 251 calories, 2.5g total fat (0.5g sat. fat), 771mg sodium, 22.5g carbs, 7g fiber, 9.5g sugars, 33.5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 3*

Ready to get a little schmancy with your cauliflower rice? Check out this way-tasty Spanish-style dish. Complete with seafood and poultry, you could serve this recipe for company -- it's easier to whip up than you might think! Yeah, this is definitely one to make if you wanna show off a little.

Naked Chicken & Eggplant Parm

1/4th of pan (one 4" X 4" piece): 350 calories, 12g total fat (5.5g sat. fat), 814mg sodium, 14.5g carbs, 6g fiber, 7.5g sugars, 45.5g protein -- SmartPoints® value 6*

One word we'd use to describe this dish: hearty! Another: healthy. Another still: Mouthwateringly delicious! OK, that last one was two words, but you get the point. And just when you thought things couldn't get any better, dig this: Only five main ingredients!

Hawaiian Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice

1/4th of recipe (about 2 cups): 300 calories, 6.5g total fat (1g sat. fat), 716mg sodium, 26g carbs, 6g fiber, 13g sugars, 34g protein -- SmartPoints® value 4*

Sometimes, the temptation to order takeout is overwhelming -- the food is delicious and soooo convenient. Be strong, and reward yourself with carb-slashed fried rice. Seriously, this sweet & savory meal is so delicious, you'll be happy you put in the extra effort. Plus, just look at those skinny stats!

Zucchini So Low Mein with Chicken

1/2 of recipe (about 2 1/4 cups): 277 calories, 6.5g total fat (1g sat. fat), 633mg sodium, 24g carbs, 5.5g fiber, 15.5g sugars, 34g protein -- SmartPoints® value 4*

And while we're on the topic of Chinese restaurant faves, this recipe is a must-make, especially if you're more into noodles than rice. We're so in love with our veggie spiralizers (yeah, we've got multiple) that we highly urge you to pick one up and follow us to even more veggie-noodle recipes...

Chew on this:

We're halfway through April, a.k.a. National Soyfoods Month. Looking for a fun way to get acquainted with tofu? This stir-fry is a must-try.

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