41 Easy and Healthy Low-Carb Lunch Ideas for 2025
With the rise of low-carb and keto lifestyles, there are now more options than ever when it comes to low-carb lunch ideas. Whether you're aiming to support weight loss, balance blood sugar levels or you just crave midday meals that don't revolve around bread, there's a whole world of low-carbohydrate lunch ideas out there to choose from.
According to the Missouri State Medical Association, the keto diet was the most Googled eating plan in the United States in 2020. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that the number of people searching for low-carb meal ideas has also exploded in recent years.
If you’re one of those people wondering, “Can low-carb lunch ideas be both filling and genuinely delicious?” The answer is a resounding yes, and this list is here to prove it.
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The 41 Best Low-Carb Diet Lunch Ideas
1. Lemon Kale Salad
Craving a bright and nutrient-rich boost at lunchtime? Lemon kale salad is one of the freshest low-carb diet lunch ideas out there. First, nutty lacinato kale is massaged with lemon juice and olive oil, then the salad is topped with buttery pine nuts and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
It's one of those low-carb lunch ideas that’s hearty enough to last in the fridge for a couple of days, making it perfect for on-the-go lunches. Adding extra superfoods like grilled salmon or a handful of edamame beans on top makes it a more complete, protein-forward meal.
2. Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua)
Looking for low-carb lunch ideas that are a little different from the usual sandwiches made with low-carb bread? If so, this Thai beef salad (yum nua) is all you need.
This bold, spicy and refreshing Thai food dish is made from tender beef, fresh cucumber, fragrant herbs and a fiery chile-lime dressing that wakes up your taste buds.
The dish is high in protein while still being low in carbohydrates, which means it’ll help you feel fuller for longer. If you’re following a keto lifestyle, just add some avocado slices for an extra dose of healthy fats.
3. Blackened Shrimp
There are few low-carb lunch ideas as quick to prepare as blackened shrimp. You can choose whether to crank up the heat or keep it mild, but either way, these seared shrimp are ready in minutes.
Add them on top of your WFH salad, bring them to the office pre-cooked and ready to wrap in lettuce leaves or enjoy them in a bowl with keto guacamole and cauliflower rice for a low-carb and high-protein meal.
4. Broccoli Bacon Salad
Crunchy, creamy and savory; salad-forward low-carb lunch ideas don’t get better than this! Simply featuring cooked broccoli florets tossed with crisp bacon, toasted almonds, sweet craisins and a rich blue cheese dressing, broccoli bacon salad strikes the ideal balance between indulgence and health.
To make low-carbohydrate lunch ideas like this one even more filling, you can easily add shredded chicken or sliced boiled eggs and simply omit the craisins to make the recipe keto-friendly.
5. Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers
Bring color, texture and plenty of nourishment to your lunch with keto stuffed bell peppers. These stuffed peppers are packed with protein from the filling, while also being rich in iron and fiber from the bell peppers.
This dish is one of those low-carb lunch ideas that balances flavor and nutrition effortlessly and each pepper serves as a natural vessel for your favorite savory filling, making portioning simple and ideal for meal prep.
6. Crack Slaw (Egg Roll Bowl)
When you want all the flavor of your favorite takeout but without the carbs, turn to low-carb lunch ideas like crack slaw (egg roll bowl). Made with stir-fried cabbage, ground meat and plenty of seasonings, crack slaw delivers all the savory goodness of an egg roll minus the wrapper.
As one of the best low-carb lunch ideas for busy days, this bowl is ready in under 30 minutes and works well for meal prep. Just top it with a fried egg for even more texture and nutrition.
7. Keto Burger
Ditch the bun at lunchtime and turn up the indulgence with a bacon-wrapped keto burger. As one of the more decadent low-carb lunch ideas, this no-bun burger is packed with protein and fats to keep you full and energized. Plus, the melty cheese combined with avocado and bacon gives you all the flavor without the carbs.
Serve your keto burger alongside a leafy salad for a balanced and satisfying low-carb fast food experience. You could even air-fry the burger patty for more convenience.
8. Keto Chicken Salad
Creamy, herby and endlessly customizable, keto chicken salad is a must for fuss-free low-carb lunch ideas. A tarragon-laced dressing brightens up tender shredded chicken and it’s the perfect salad for tucking into lettuce wraps or scooping up with sliced cucumbers.
High in both protein and healthy fats, this is a low-carb lunch idea that’s a meal-prep dream and it keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
9. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Want low-carb lunch ideas that feel like a filling and hearty carb-loaded meal? This grilled chicken Caesar salad is exactly that. Tender, charred chicken breast is mixed with crisp romaine and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing to make a salad that delivers all the protein and crunch but without the carbs.
If you’re following a keto lifestyle or want to keep the carb count as low as possible, don’t forget to omit the croutons. For an even healthier lunch food idea, sprinkle in some toasted healthy nuts or add a soft-boiled egg to boost the healthy fat and protein content without overdoing your carb count.
10. Coconut Chicken
With Caribbean-inspired spices and a rich coconut sauce, coconut chicken brings warming and bright flavors. It's naturally gluten-free and pairs perfectly with cauliflower rice or stir-fried vegetables for a more satisfying meal and you can easily adjust the cayenne to your liking for just the right kick.
Low-carb lunch ideas like this coconut chicken are perfect when you want a hearty and filling meal that can easily be made at the beginning of the week to reheat each day at noon.
11. Burrata Salad
Whoever said low-carb diet lunch ideas are all boring was very, very wrong. This burrata salad is where elegance meets ease.
In this recipe, creamy burrata cheese is paired with citrus, arugula and truffle honey to make a dish that’s both light and deeply satisfying. Obviously, it’s worth skipping the bread included in the recipe, but it can easily be substituted for seed crackers or banting bread to bulk it up.
Low-carb lunch ideas like this are ideal for high-fat diets like the keto diet. If you’re after a little extra protein, this salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.
12. Keto Broccoli Casserole
When you need comfort food without the carb overload, keto broccoli casserole steps up as one of the best low-carb lunch ideas. It’s a cheesy and gooey medley of broccoli and rich cream sauce and this dish is packed with calcium and fiber.
To level up this recipe, add grilled chicken or sausage pieces and you’ll have an even more filling one-dish meal. This casserole is a warm and satisfying option for cooler days and it’s perfect for prepping at the beginning of the week to reheat in a rush.
13. Citrus Salad
Bring sunshine to your lunch plate with this citrus salad, one of the most refreshing low-carb lunch ideas out there. With juicy segments of grapefruit and orange, plus creamy avocado, peppery arugula and crunchy nuts, this salad is one of the most flavorful and bright low-carb lunch ideas on this list.
Enjoying this salad additionally allows you to load up on fiber, healthy fats and immune-boosting vitamins. You also get a good serving of some of the healthiest fruit out there. It can even inspire a low-carb breakfast idea for days when you want something fresh yet satisfying. While the salad is fairly light on its own, it's great served alongside grilled fish or tofu for extra protein.
14. Cheeseburger Salad
If you’re craving a burger for lunch but want to skip the bun, cheeseburger salad is one of the most satisfying low-carb lunch ideas you’ll find. With layers of crisp iceberg lettuce tucked under a sizzling burger patty and melted cheese, plus crunchy pickles, onions and a drizzle of creamy burger sauce, this salad is like your favorite drive-through meal but in a breadless bowl. To boost the fat content of low-carb lunch ideas like this for keto diets, add fresh avocado slices or a spoonful of sour cream and dig in.
15. Keto Enchiladas
Craving Mexican-inspired cheap and healthy meals? We’ve got you. These keto enchiladas bring bold flavors and hearty textures without the carbs.
They’re made from crêpe-like wraps made from eggs and almond flour that hug a spiced chicken filling. It's all topped with melty cheese and a creamy avocado sauce to rival dishes from your favorite Mexican restaurant chain.
This low-carb lunch idea feels indulgent but still aligns perfectly with keto goals. It’s also high in both protein and fat, so it's incredibly filling as a standalone lunch, though a crunchy cabbage slaw would be a great sidekick.
16. Crustless Pizza
Feeling pizza for lunch but don’t want to compromise your low-carb lifestyle? Satisfy your cravings with a flavor-packed crustless pizza. This low-carb lunch idea is loaded with melty mozzarella, vegetables and savory meats, ultimately delivering everything you love about pizza but without the carb-heavy crust.
Low-carb lunch ideas like this are perfect for a pre-prepped midday meal on the go that doesn't feel like you're missing out. To round it out, add a side of leafy greens with EVOO for an extra nutrient boost.
17. Keto Stir-Fry
When time is short but the cravings are real, turn to healthy low-carb lunch ideas like keto stir-fry to pack flavor and nutrients into your midday meal. Made with marinated chicken, a selection of healthy vegetables and an umami-loaded sauce, this stir-fry comes together in minutes.
Best of all, the ingredients can be prepared ahead of time for speedy stir-frying throughout the week. This makes keto stir-fry one of the fastest low-carb lunch ideas to throw together when you need something high in protein and fiber. It’s made even better with a fried egg or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.
18. Instant Pot Broccoli Cheddar Soup
If you can’t bear the thought of eating another keto-friendly salad for lunch, Instant Pot broccoli cheddar soup swoops in as one of the best low-carb lunch ideas when you want something creamy, comforting and surprisingly easy.
With minimal prep and major flavor, this soup is one of those healthy Instant Pot recipes that doubles as a cozy pick-me-up on cold and gray days. Broccoli provides fiber and vitamin C, while the cheddar delivers richness and creaminess. To upgrade this soup into a fuller meal, simply pair it with a boiled egg or low-carb seed crackers.
19. Rachel’s Green Salad
Inspired by the salad made famous by Jennifer Aniston, Rachel’s green salad is a modern twist on the traditional Cobb. This salad is one of the best low-carb lunch ideas for work when you want something filling but fresh and it’s made with a base of crunchy lettuce, protein-packed eggs and fresh vegetables.
It’s one of the trendiest low-carb lunch ideas for those who want something satisfying and this salad goes great with grilled chicken or salmon for even more protein.
20. Churrasco Steak
Whether you eat it cold as leftovers or enjoy it freshly grilled, this churrasco steak will become one of your new favorite low-carb lunch food ideas. It’s juicy, tender and absolutely packed with flavor and it’s one of the boldest low-carb lunch ideas to add to your rotation.
Ideal for grilling or pan-searing, the steak is rich in iron and pairs perfectly with herbaceous cilantro chimichurri. It also goes great with a side of leafy greens or roasted low-carb veggies.
Conveniently, this low-carb lunch food can be cooked ahead of time. Then, simply slice and add as a high-fat and high-protein meat to your favorite pre-prepped salads throughout the week.
21. Salmon with Dill Sauce
Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat your body cannot produce on its own. Also being low in carbs, salmon is a great healthy protein to add to your midday meal.
If you need some recipe ideas incorporating this fish, salmon with dill sauce is a quick and nutritious option. The creamy, herby and bright sauce — made with lemon, dill and sour cream — has a tang that balances the richness of the fish perfectly.
This is a healthy, low-carb lunch idea that is perfect to make when you want a protein-dense meal with heart-healthy benefits. It’s even better alongside steamed green beans or a simple cucumber salad.
22. BBQ Chicken Salad
BBQ chicken salad is the ultimate mash-up of smoky, tangy flavors and light, refreshing textures, making it a must-add to your collection of low-carb lunch ideas. This barbecue-inspired salad is low in carbohydrates yet hearty enough to keep you full through the afternoon and the chicken is a fantastic source of lean protein.
Eat this salad on its own or scoop it up with lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held option — however you choose to enjoy it, this salad is one of those low-carb lunch ideas that’s just as delicious the next day as it is fresh.
23. Buffalo Chicken Salad
Craving low-carb lunch ideas with a little more heat? If so, Buffalo chicken salad is a great choice. Chicken is shredded and coated in a tangy Buffalo sauce before being layered onto a crunchy salad base and the result is a fiery bite that’s full of protein.
And if that’s not filling enough, toss in some avocado or blue cheese crumbles for richness and satiating fats. You could also break up some seed crackers for a little crunch.
24. Cucumber, Tomato and Feta Salad
Bring some Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your low-carb lunch with a cucumber, tomato and feta salad. Bright and crisp, it’s a powerhouse of freshness as well as being one of the easiest low-carb lunch ideas to throw together in minutes with any leftover protein.
The salty feta (which happens to be one of the healthiest cheeses to eat) pairs perfectly with the bright vinaigrette. This salad is made even more filling when you add grilled chicken or tuna, making it a flexible favorite for warm days or desk-side lunches.
25. Keto Salmon
There are few food pairings quite as good as salmon and dill. Baked to perfection and slathered in a fragrant dill butter sauce, keto salmon is served with crisp-tender asparagus for a balanced and satisfying low-carb lunch idea.
Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a meal that’s both light and filling. Plus, it can be prepped ahead, so all you need to do at midday is bake and dig in.
26. Harvest Salad
If you’re eating seasonally but don’t have many low-carb lunch ideas that utilize the produce currently available to you, consider making a harvest salad. It’s a celebration of the best fall produce and combines crisp apples, juicy pears, spicy persimmons and tart pomegranate seeds with peppery arugula to make a salad that’s fresh, colorful and full of antioxidants.
Low-carb lunch ideas like this salad are a great light option on their own, but you can also add goat cheese, bacon bits or grilled chicken to make it even heartier.
27. Spanish Cauliflower Rice
Who said your low-carb lunch ideas can’t involve rice? Spanish cauliflower rice is a flavorful, veggie-forward alternative to traditional rice dishes. Along with riced cauliflower, it includes chicken stock, garlic, onion and Spanish paprika, which gives it that signature paella-inspired amber hue.
This cauliflower rice dish is a fantastic source of fiber and coupled with grilled shrimp, chorizo, chicken or smoked tempeh, it’s a balanced, low-carb lunch idea that can be adapted to suit all your cravings.
28. Keto Beef and Broccoli
As far as speedy low-carb lunch ideas go, making keto beef and broccoli is a great way to get a taste of takeout from your favorite Chinese restaurant chain at home in only a matter of minutes. Marinate the steak and prep the broccoli at the start of the week, then all that’s left to do is heat a pan and get stir-frying.
This keto-friendly dish is high in both protein and iron, which is great for a midday energy boost, and it’s both deeply satisfying and easy to reheat. Swap in your favorite protein like chicken or tofu or trade out the broccoli for whatever veg is lurking in the back of your fridge and you’ve got a versatile and reliable low-carb lunch idea.
29. Cucumber, Tomato and Avocado Salad
Full of heart-healthy fats and plenty of fiber, a cucumber, tomato and avocado salad is a fresh pick among low-carb lunch ideas that can be made for sunny days and easy meals.
While this simple dish is nutrient-dense already, pairing it with grilled fish or lean meat can give you a more complete meal with added protein. When you need low-carb lunch ideas that can be built upon depending on the protein sources in your fridge, this salad is an excellent choice.
30. Grilled Chicken Margherita
When you need protein-packed low-carb lunch ideas, grilled chicken Margherita comes in clutch. It’s inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, so you’ll find plenty of herbs, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and a tangy balsamic glaze in this recipe.
Each bite is satisfying and refreshing and paired with a leafy salad on the side, you’ve got yourself a complete meal that’s packed with nutrients. It’s truly one of the best low-carb lunch ideas for keeping things light without sacrificing flavor.
31. Portobello Mushroom Pizza
Crusts? Who needs them! Portobello mushroom pizza has all the cheesy, saucy, pepperoni-topped joy of a classic pizza but with none of the gluten. Plus, with no dough needing to rest, low-carb lunch ideas like this mini pizza come together in half the time but with all the flavor.
Portobello mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins, potassium and selenium. They’re also the ideal low-carb pizza base that won’t be defeated by all the toppings you load onto them. Plus, out of all the low-carb lunch ideas on this list, this mini pizza is one of the best recipes to turn to when you need finger food ideas for your low-carb guests.
32. Bruschetta Chicken
Transform a classic Italian appetizer into one of the most delicious and low-carb, easy lunch ideas with this bruschetta chicken. Grilled chicken serves as the base instead of the traditional crusty bread and it’s adorned with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, creamy avocado, a hint of garlic and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to make a meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
The dish is a great source of protein and healthy fats and with so many fresh ingredients, it’s ideal for serving as a midday summertime treat that feels indulgent while still being low-carb.
33. Blackened Mahi Mahi
Blackened mahi mahi is a spicy, smoky and decadent low-carb lunch idea. The firm, flaky fish is seared with a bold blend of spices. When you need a reliable and delicious source of protein to enjoy at midday, this is a fantastic low-calorie option that’s perfect with a simple salad, cauliflower rice or grilled seasonal vegetables. Low-carb lunch ideas like this are not only delicious but also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
34. Yogurt-Marinated Chicken
Bring juicy and grilled flavors to your list of easy low-carb lunch ideas by making yogurt-marinated chicken. By marinating the chicken in yogurt ahead of time, the meat is tenderized and flavored, which results in a juicier bite.
These skewered chicken bites are full of protein and are perfect for meal prep. They also make a great barbecue or picnic food idea. Combine with a cucumber salad or cauliflower tabbouleh for a nutrient-packed meal.
35. Frisée Salad
Here to prove that low-carb lunch ideas don’t have to be boring is frisée salad. Frisée is a crisp and slightly bitter leafy green in the chicory family. The secret ingredient to make this salad irresistible is the addition of thick-cut bacon bits.
Coupled with slices of crunchy apples and a tangy vinaigrette, the only thing stopping this salad from being a complete meal is a little extra protein. So top it with grilled chicken, poached eggs or flaky salmon and dig in.
36. Pecan-Crusted Chicken
Got a hankering for fried chicken? Then turn to pecan-crusted chicken, which offers a great way to jazz up your low-carb lunch ideas. It’s crunchy, nutty and utterly craveable.
The pecans add plenty of healthy fats to the dish alongside their crisp texture and the chicken is a fantastic source of protein to keep you feeling full until dinner. Combined with a green salad and obligatory honey mustard dipping sauce, this is one of those low-carb lunch ideas that you’ll never stop thinking about once you try it.
37. Keto Quiche
Fancy a quiche in your weekly rotation of low-carb lunch ideas? Forget the carb-heavy crust and make keto quiche instead. The buttery almond flour base holds a rich filling of eggs, bacon and cheese and you can further customize it with all your favorite ingredients like spinach, mushrooms or basil.
This keto quiche ranks among the best low-carb lunch ideas for meal prep at the start of the week or for feeding a crowd. It’s also ideal for keto lifestyles when fat-rich, protein-packed meals are a must, and it doubles as a quick low-carb dinner idea.
38. Keto Beef Stew
When the weather is looking gray and you want low-carb, easy lunch ideas that you can simply reheat and enjoy, there’s nothing better than a bowl of keto beef stew. Chuck steak and plenty of vegetables like mushrooms, turnips and carrots come together to create a rich and flavorful stew.
If you’re worried about the root vegetables, you can easily omit them to keep this recipe within your keto-friendly carb limits. As far as filling and comforting low-carb lunch ideas go, this stew is a great recipe to keep for a rainy day.
39. Wilted Spinach Salad
When you need nutrient-dense, low-carb lunches to give you a boost of energy through to dinner, a wilted spinach salad fits the bill perfectly. Fresh spinach is wilted down and combined with juicy tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, crisp prosciutto and a bright vinaigrette.
The result is a dish that’s salty, sweet and satisfying. Plus, the vitamin C in lemon juice significantly enhances the absorption of non-heme iron (the type of iron found in spinach), so this low-carb lunch idea is just as good for you as it tastes.
40. Asian Cucumber Salad
On a hot summer day, there’s nothing quite like cooling and crunchy low-carb lunch ideas that don’t weigh you down; Asian cucumber salad is exactly that. Sliced cucumbers soak up a bold and spicy Korean-inspired sauce made with gochugaru to make a salad where each bite provides the perfect balance of spicy and refreshing.
This salad is a great choice if you’re looking for low-carb lunch ideas for work, but to make it a more substantial meal, try pairing it with grilled tofu or seared tuna for a protein-rich dish that’s still low in carbs.
41. Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
As another option among the endless low-carb lunch ideas involving cauliflower, cilantro lime cauliflower rice is a herbaceous side that pairs well with any protein like chicken, steak, fish, shrimp, black beans, tofu — the list goes on.
Fresh lime and chopped cilantro brighten up and transform the riced cauliflower into a flavorful base for burrito bowls, taco salads or stir-fries. Overall, it’s a fantastic addition to your arsenal of low-carb lunch ideas that are high in fiber and packed with flavor.
Try Cooking Healthy Low-Carb Lunch Foods
If you’re new to preparing low-carb lunch foods or you just want to level up your weekday meals, getting hands-on with your ingredients is the key to finding dishes that are both nourishing and delicious. Learning how to cook your own healthy low-carb lunches not only gives you total control over what’s going on your plate, but it’s also a smart way to save money on takeout and stay committed to your goals.
That’s where cooking classes near you and online cooking classes come in. These sessions teach everything from proper knife skills to making your favorite takeout and restaurant dishes in the comfort of your own home. With healthy online cooking classes thrown into the mix, you’ll also gain the confidence to create satisfying dishes that work for your body and taste great.
When it comes to eating smarter without sacrificing taste, this list of low-carb lunch ideas proves that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring and flavorless. So, whether you’re keto-curious or just looking to lighten up your midday meals, be sure to try some of these low-carb lunch ideas and don’t be afraid to customize them with all your favorite proteins, seasonal vegetables and dressings.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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