8 Diabetic Dinners Low in Carbs That Are Still Super Tasty

October 23, 2023

Courtesy of Haute and Healthy Living

Despite modern advances in medication, much of managing diabetes still comes down to limiting the carbs you eat. Sticking to a low-carbohydrate diet helps your body keep blood sugar in a healthy range, preventing the sky-high spikes that can be so damaging to your health. If you’ve been diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, your doctor or dietitian will likely advise you to watch your carb intake and start making some diabetic dinners.

Still, because we’re wired to crave carb-heavy foods like bread, rice, and potatoes, going low-carb presents some challenges. When you’re hankering for comfort food, it might seem like loading up on carbs is the only answer. We’re here to say that’s not quite the case. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, plenty of dinners can be both satisfying and blood sugar-friendly. Check out these diabetic dinners that are low in carbs but still super delicious.

1. Low Carb Lasagna

Is there really such a thing as a low-carb lasagna? Eating is believing with this lasagna made with zucchini and eggplant “noodles.” The recipe contains nary a speck of wheat. Its Italian heartiness comes solely from veggies, cheese, eggs, and good-quality marinara sauce. The final carb count comes to just 22 grams per serving.

Try the recipe from Well Plated.

2. Air Fryer Caprese Chicken

We all have those busy evenings that call for quick dinners. But when you’re on a low-carb diet, whipping up a meal in minutes can be a tricky prospect. (No quick-cooking pot of spaghetti to the rescue.)

Enter the air fryer! Store-bought pesto, fresh mozzarella, and a couple of tomatoes make this low-carb air-fried chicken dinner a breeze. Serve with a side of veggies or a salad to round out the carb-controlled entrée.

Try the recipe from Summer Yule Nutrition & Recipes.

3. The Easiest Low-Carb Butternut Squash Soup

On a crisp fall evening, nothing beats a seasonal soup. This recipe gets around the usual high-carb nature of creamy soups by using vegetables and coconut milk for velvety smoothness, then flavors the whole thing with earthy turmeric. Make this autumn recipe even easier by using pre-cut butternut squash chunks (like these convenient bags at Trader Joe’s).

Try the recipe from Erin Palinski-Wade.

4. Juicy Baked Pork Chops

Pork chops can get a bad rap for their high fat content when fried or sautéed. But by baking the juicy chops, you’ll keep fat to a minimum while retaining their high-quality protein. And since this hearty dinner is seasoned with only herbs and spices, it keeps carbs in check. You won’t find recipes much lower in carbs than its 1 gram per serving!

Try the recipe from The Endless Meal.

5. Antipasto Salad

Bursting with antioxidant-rich veggies like artichokes, red peppers, and tomatoes, this salad checks boxes for both a Mediterranean and low-carb diet. (You’ll get a mere 10 grams of carbs from each serving.) Since research shows that adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet can help prevent type 2 diabetes, dinners like this one are a great choice for people with blood sugar issues.

Try the recipe from Well Plated.

6. Grain-Free Tofu Sushi

With its fluffy white rice stuffing, traditional sushi can quickly land you in high-carb territory. But making your own quick and easy rolls at home lets you control the carb count. In this recipe, blended extra-firm tofu takes center stage as a chewy, satisfying filling. Toss in your favorite chopped veggies, wrap in low-carb seaweed sheets, and slice. Don’t forget to make extra and pack it for a tasty next-day lunch!

Try the recipe from Healthy Nibbles and Bits.

7. Low-Carb Chicken Fajita Casserole

Elements like flour-based sauces, refined flour noodles, and bread crumb toppings typically mean casseroles’ high-carb reputation is deserved. Fortunately, not every casserole is a carb-fest. This chicken fajita bake skips the usual tortilla structure, opting instead to amplify shredded chicken with Greek yogurt, veggies, and salsa. Per serving, it manages to keep carbs to just 9 grams. And since it’s delightfully cheesy and not too spicy, even the kids will ask for seconds.

Try the recipe from Haute and Healthy Living.

8. Light Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Lettuce wraps are an excellent way to enjoy Asian cuisine without the high carb count. This recipe maximizes flavor with a lemongrass peanut sauce woven into a mixture of shredded chicken and healthy veggies. Choose a sturdy, crispy cabbage head to hold the zingy filling, and serve with a side of steamed edamame for even more protein.

Try the recipe from Pinch of Yum.