11 Super Satisfying Low Carb Vegetarian Recipes

It’s a myth that low-carb meals have to lean on meat to be satisfying. You can enjoy low-carb meals that are also vegetarian, and delicious and satisfying, too, with a few easy swaps and some creativity. We found 11 recipes with fewer than 20 grams of carbs per serving; add these to your rotation and get ready for tasty, nourishing meals at all times of the day.

Related: Sign up to receive delicious recipes, expert advice, and shopping tips in your inbox!

You asked: What vegetarian foods are low carb? 

Plenty of vegetables are low carb: Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, as well as leafy greens, summer squashes, asparagus, radishes, and many others. Proteins like eggs, tofu, and dairy products are low in carbs, as are most nuts and seeds.  There are so many choices for low-carb vegetarian foods — and when you factor in herbs and spices, there are endless ways to make satisfying meals.

Here are 11 healthy and delicious low carb vegetarian recipes to add to your weekly menu.

1. Low Carb Cauliflower Rice

Courtesy of Live Eat Learn

Fried rice gets the low-carb treatment with cauliflower. Pulse florets in a food processor to “rice” the cauliflower, or save a step and look for premade cauliflower rice in the freezer section. Pan-fry the cauli rice with chopped vegetables, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil for that fried rice flavor. Add some fried egg or pan-seared tofu for a protein-packed meal.

Total carbs: 7.9 grams

Try this recipe from Live Eat Learn.

2. Cinnamon Faux Crunch

Courtesy of I Breathe I’m Hungry

Making your own cereal from scratch sounds complicated, but it’s actually pretty simple. This take on the childhood favorite breakfast item calls for flaxseed, hemp, coconut oil, cinnamon, and apple juice (we might add a pinch of salt or two). Enjoy it with your milk of choice, or sprinkled over plain yogurt.

Total carbs: 18 grams

Try this recipe from I Breathe I’m Hungry.

3. Keto Creamy Avocado Pasta 

Courtesy of Happy Keto

Avocado makes for a pretty dream base for a sauce, along with some heavy cream and pantry spices. The pasta dish stays low in carbs thanks to hirataki, translucent Japanese noodles made from the konjac plant. If these low-carb noodles aren’t available in your local store, swap in zucchini noodles instead.

Total carbs: 16 grams

Try this recipe from Happy Keto.

4. Air Fryer Turnip Fries

Courtesy of Keto & Low Carb Vegetarian Recipes

For a lower-carb swap for potatoes, we love these turnip fries. They’re starchy and crunchy, but without the carb hit — just douse them with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for tons of flavor. And, of course, we’re always interested in another reason to use our air fryer.

Total carbs: 5 grams

Try this recipe from Keto & Low Carb Vegetarian Recipes.

5. Egg Roll in a Bowl

Courtesy of Eating Bird Food

This deconstructed egg roll is so simple thanks to easy ingredients, including ground turkey or chicken, a bag of coleslaw mix, scallions, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. It cooks quickly, and the flavors are fantastic.

Total carbs: 14 grams

Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food.

6. Parmesan Cauliflower Steak 

Courtesy of Hey Keto Mama

Cauliflower is definitely a popular item for low-carb eaters, who have turned it into rice, pizza crust, and now: “Steak.” Just cut the cauli into thick slices, brush it with melted butter, add a few seasonings, bake, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.  

Total carbs: 14 grams

Try this recipe from Hey Keto Mama.

7. Keto Palak Paneer

Courtesy of Keto Vegetarian Recipes

Here’s a low-carb version of Indian takeout with spinach and Indian cottage cheese, or paneer. This high-protein vegetarian dish is full of warming spices like garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and coriander. You can plate it as is, or serve it with some cauliflower rice.

Total carbs: 9 grams

Try this recipe from Keto Vegetarian Recipes.

8. Keto Cherry Whipped Cottage Cheese 

Courtesy of My Life Cookbook

Dessert doesn’t have to be off-limits if you’re following a low-carb way of eating. Whip cottage cheese until it’s light and airy, and it’s a creamy base for cherry compote (we’d swap vanilla extract for the cherry extract in the recipe). This dessert has just 6 grams of carbs per serving, and 13 grams of protein. Bonus: It comes together in about 10 minutes.

Total carbs: 14 grams

Try this recipe from My Life Cookbook.

9. Vegan Taco-Inspired Fat Bombs

Courtesy of Meat Free Keto

Energy balls or “fat bombs,” as they’re sometimes called when loaded with coconut oil or another fat, usually skew sweet, rather than savory. These are an exception. With walnuts and hemp seeds as the base, they have taco seasoning, salsa, and lime blended right in, making them a remarkable facsimile of tacos in a form you can take on the go.

Total carbs: 2.5 grams

Try this recipe from Meat Free Keto.

10. Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Courtesy of The Little Pine

Mac and cheese is a typically carb-heavy meal, but in this version, roasted cauliflower stands in for the noodles. Toss the cauli with a nice velvety cheese sauce, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake until golden on top and bubbly inside.

Total carbs: 6 grams

Try this recipe from The Little Pine.

11. Keto Fat Bombs

Courtesy of Healthy Recipes Blogs

You never need an excuse for a sweet bite after dinner, and these chocolate-forward fat bombs are the ultimate keto treat. Just blend cocoa powder, peanut butter, and a stevia-based liquid sweetener (or a bit of honey or maple syrup if you don’t mind a few carbs). Feel free to mix it up and use a different nut butter, if desired.

Total carbs: 5 grams

Try this recipe from Healthy Recipes Blogs.

Read next: 9 Low-Carb Alcoholic Drinks for a Healthy Pour