Finding a main course for your keto diet is usually straightforward, but choosing side dishes that complement your meal can be a bit more challenging. Fortunately, many classic sides can be adapted into low-carb, flavorful options that will please the whole family. Below are easy, tasty keto side dish recipes you can prepare with simple ingredients and minimal effort.
Best keto side dishes
These quick and easy keto side dishes use common ingredients and come together fast. Most pair well with a range of mains and can be topped with sauces like marinara or gravy. Try them out and pick your favorites!
1. Cauliflower Rice: Grate one large head of cauliflower into rice-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet, add the cauliflower rice, cover, and cook on medium heat for 5–8 minutes until tender.
2. Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Spiralize two medium zucchinis. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30 seconds. Add the zoodles, toss for 1 minute, and finish with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan.
3. Bacon Green Beans: Cook six chopped bacon slices in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy, then remove. Reduce heat to medium, melt 1 tablespoon butter, add 1 pound fresh green beans, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 3 tablespoons water. Sauté about 8 minutes. Top with the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar, then broil 1 minute to melt the cheese.
4. Easy Spaghetti Squash: Poke a spaghetti squash several times with a fork and microwave on high 5 minutes. Cut in half and remove seeds. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with ¼ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Place a squash half in a microwave-safe dish with 1 inch water and microwave 5 minutes more, then scrape out the strands with a fork.
5. Brussels Sprouts: In a skillet, melt ½ cup butter and add 4 tablespoons minced garlic. Add 16 oz halved Brussels sprouts and sauté on medium heat until brown and crispy. Season with ¼ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
6. Jicama Fries: Peel and cut jicama into thin strips. Boil 12–15 minutes until tender, then pat dry. Toss in olive oil with ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon sea salt. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until crisp.
7. Keto Onion Rings: Line a donut pan with shredded Colby Jack cheese in each ring. Place one onion slice per circle, top with more shredded Colby Jack, and sprinkle seasoning salt. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
8. Cauliflower Mash: Boil one large chopped cauliflower head for 10 minutes, drain, and sauté 3 tablespoons butter with 6 minced garlic cloves for 1 minute. Blend the cauliflower with garlic butter until smooth, and stir in optional additions like sour cream, seasonings, and Parmesan to taste.
9. Keto Cheesy “Bread” Sticks: Slice a pack of Ranchero queso fresco into strips, brush with olive oil, and fry over medium-high heat until dark brown and bubbly on both sides.
10. Zucchini Fritters: Grate eight medium zucchinis and remove excess moisture. Combine with 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 cup grated Parmesan, 2 eggs, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Fry spoonfuls of batter in olive oil over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side until golden.
11. Keto Broccoli Salad: In a large bowl combine two chopped broccoli heads, eight chopped cooked bacon slices, 1 cup chopped red onion, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and ½ cup sunflower seeds. Whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 3 tablespoons sugar-free sweetener, then toss with the salad.
12. Cucumber Salad: Slice two large cucumbers, salt, and refrigerate overnight. Drain and dress with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 cup mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon dill weed.
13. Parmesan Lemon Broccoli (favorite): Toss 5 pounds broccoli florets with 5 tablespoons olive oil, 1.5 teaspoons sea salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, tossing occasionally. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon zest, and ⅓ cup grated Parmesan.
14. Keto Tortilla Chips: Microwave 2 cups shredded mozzarella 1–2 minutes until melted, stir in 1 cup almond flour to form a dough, roll between parchment, cut into triangles, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until crisp.
15. Egg Noodles: Mix ½ cup lupin flour with 4 egg yolks until crumbly. Melt 2 cups shredded mozzarella 1–2 minutes, add to flour mixture and form a dough. Roll between parchment and cut into strips. Refrigerate overnight to dry, then boil in water for 1 minute.
16. Creamed Spinach: Defrost 10 ounces frozen spinach, heat in a skillet, and season with ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir in 3 ounces cream cheese until smooth, then add 2 tablespoons sour cream and ¼ cup grated Parmesan until thickened.
17. Cauliflower Mac & Cheese: Toss one chopped head cauliflower with 2 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Roast at 450°F (230°C) for 15–20 minutes. Make a cheese sauce by melting 1 cup shredded cheddar with ¼ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup almond milk, and 1 tablespoon butter over low heat. Combine sauce and roasted cauliflower.
18. Tater Tots: Cook 24 ounces frozen cauliflower rice with 2 tablespoons olive oil until soft and dry. In a bowl mix with 1 egg, 1.5 cups mozzarella, and ½ teaspoon sea salt. Form 1-inch mounds, fry in 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat for 2 minutes per side until golden.
Sauces for your low carb sides
These simple low-carb sauces make great additions to the side dishes above.
1. Keto Cheese Sauce: Heat ½ cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, add 3 ounces cream cheese and stir until melted. Add 1.5 cups shredded cheddar and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, stirring until smooth.
2. Keto Gravy: In a saucepan melt 4 tablespoons butter, add ½ cup heavy cream and 2 cups beef stock, heat over low. Stir in 1 teaspoon xanthan gum and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper until thickened, then add 2 tablespoons almond flour to finish.
3. Keto Cranberry Sauce: Combine 2 cups fresh cranberries, ½ cup sugar-free powdered sweetener, and ½ cup water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the berries soften and the sauce thickens.
What side dishes can I eat on keto?
On keto you can still enjoy many comfort-food-style sides by choosing low-carb swaps. Popular options include cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, jicama fries, cauliflower mash, and spaghetti squash—each a satisfying replacement for higher-carb staples like rice, pasta, and potatoes.
What sides don’t have carbs?
Truly zero-carb sides are rare, since most vegetables contain some carbs. Zero- or very-low-carb options include pork belly chips, turkey and cheese roll-ups, hard-boiled eggs, cheese crisps, dried seaweed, pepperoni chips, olives, and simple cucumber salad.
What vegetables are keto-friendly?
Many keto-friendly vegetables grow above ground and are lower in carbs than root vegetables. Good choices include spinach, lettuce, asparagus, avocado, cucumber, tomato, cauliflower, zucchini, broccoli, green beans, peppers, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Some lower-carb root vegetables—used sparingly—are rutabaga, onion, carrot, and jicama. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are best avoided on keto.
Are these keto sides freezer-friendly?
Most of these sides freeze well, with the exceptions of cucumber salad and broccoli salad, which are best enjoyed fresh. Reheat frozen dishes in one-minute microwave increments, stirring between intervals, or reheat by the original method (oven or stovetop). Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to five days.
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