Welcome to the Sideshow. I know that I’m celebrating when there are keto side dishes on my table… Especially after the last few years of One-Pot-Dinners-for-Two… Something about sharing a side just makes dinner feel more family-style. I’m just as excited to serve to a full table as I am to see some of these low carb side dishes again. Let me reintroduce you!
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Best Supporting Role
Side dishes are like sidekicks. They’re here to support the main course… but c’mon, sometimes the sidekick is just a little more lovable. Mix and match your favorites to compliment your star dish (and suit your celebration!!) Or skip the main altogether and let the sides rule the plate.
If you can dish it out, you better be able to take it…
Top 5 Keto Side Dishes
Here are our family’s top 5 favorite keto sides:
- No BBQ is complete without this keto coleslaw recipe. We substitute sugar for erythritol in my Mom’s classic recipe, and of course, I add a little pickle juice and grated onion.
- You wouldn’t believe there’s no corn in these cheddar jalapeno keto cornbread muffins if I hadn’t told you.
- Once upon a time, I downed the whole platter of fried green beans from The Habit (a CA burger joint), and have never loved anything fried more… until I made these keto fried green beans. Promise me you’ll dip them in ranch??
- Cauliflower mac and cheese is a lazy night staple around here. My recipe calls for bacon and crunchy pork rinds on top.
- My favorite rice substitute is this cauliflower risotto — cheesy, creamy rice with sauteed mushrooms and garlic.
Best Use of Cauliflower
I agree, cauliflower is often overdone on low carb eating plans. So, I added a special spin to each of the keto-friendly side dishes below… Here are four keto side dish recipes using cauliflower that are anything but ordinary:
- This is the low carb version of a recipe that has been passed down in my family for generations. Cauliflower tabbouleh and totally light refreshing.
- This cauliflower potato salad is just as creamy, bacon-y, and herbaceous as the one you love, just without the carbs.
- Confession: this cauliflower stuffing is very different than traditional stuffing because no matter how much manifesting you do, cauliflower will never taste like a slice of toasted bread. However, this keto stuffing is an amazing substitute!
- The secret ingredients in the mashed cauliflower include sour cream AND cream cheese!
French Fries (+ Other fried sides)
Gah, I wish I didn’t like fried food so. Here’s the deal, my keto french fries are oven-baked. Now, my onions rings and pickles are fried. They’re dunked in the (perfect!!) keto tempura batter, and crisped to perfection. Both keto sides are great, so make whichever you’re craving most:
- What makes these keto zucchini fries crispy is a delicious coating of parmesan and Italian seasoning, which bakes into low carb perfection.
- Remember how I told you my tempura batter is perfect? Let these keto onion rings prove it to you!
- Seriously, if you’re looking for the closest substitute to traditional fries, give these jicama fries a try. Their high water content allows them to crisp up when baked!
- If you haven’t tried fried pickles before, these keto fried pickles are where you need to start. And dunk them in ranch, please!
Best Potato Substitutes
You know, I never believed you could substitute a vegetable for potatoes. Until I tried it. Below you’ll see 3 different low carb veggie swaps for it, that taste incredible!
- Trust me and just try it: turnips are the star of the show in this keto potato salad. Same shape, similar texture, and subtle taste that gets covered in mayonnaise for the summer salad of your dreams.
- Thinly sliced rutabaga doused in cream and gruyere, these keto scalloped potatoes are always on our holiday dinner table.
- Like a baked potato casserole, covered with all the toppings: this loaded cauliflower casserole just hits the spot.
- Simple keto side dishes like these keto potatoes are perfect for weeknight meals.
For Those That Love Rice
If you’ve read any of my articles below, you’ve already heard me rant about how much I love rice, and how finding rice substitute for all my favorite dishes was very important to me (it’s the Lebanese in me!). So I did, and here they are:
- Craving takeout? Save yourself the carb comma and make this cauliflower fried rice instead! Its got eggs for address protein, and the perfect sauce.
- This Mexican cauliflower rice is So. Good. as a side to fajitas and all the grilled meats. A quick and easy way to zest up and otherwise boring side.
Bread to Soak up Your Sauce
If you’re looking for low carb side dishes not vegetable-based, start with the classic option to soak up all your favorite sauce– keto bread. Here are a few of my favorite gluten-free bread recipes:
- This fluffy, pillowy keto naan is ready to soak up your curry, yogurt, tzatziki sauces, and dips.
- Just the right about of sweet and perfectly fluffy, serve the keto cornbread fresh-out-the-oven with a slab of butter on top.
- Keto biscuits are the ideal side dish for a decadent breakfast. They’re fluffy, buttery, and ready for your favorite spread or gravy.
How About Some Greens?
If you’re following a keto diet or low carb eating plan, I’m sure you’re tired of keto salads, sauteed spinach, and zucchini noodles. So, try some of these variations! Oven-baked, or tossed in sauce, it’s hard to get tired of these keto vegetables:
- This jalapeno coleslaw is the perfect accompaniment to a lonely steak, piece of fried chicken or a beef burger.
- For a quick, easy, and painless side to. your favorite protein, make these oven-baked keto green beans.
- Parmesan cheese adds a crispy layer on top of these smashed brussel sprouts, while the dressing is full of flavor.
- This keto green bean casserole is just like you’re used to, without the carbs. Creamy sauce, cheese, and a crunchy top make it worthy of becoming a year-round staple.
What sides can you eat on keto? (When ordering!)
Hitting the town and not sure what to order? Your best low carb bet will be a side salad or roasted/sauteed/steamed veggies. Avoid coleslaw, or vegetables tossed in sauce — often sugar is added to make them more cravable. For a full breakdown, check out my guide to keto restaurants for all the lowest carb orders.
Looking For More Round Ups? Check Out Our…
26+ Keto Side Dishes
Print Recipe Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 Large Onion cut into 1/4-inch slices
- Frying Oil (see notes below) (enough to fill your pan with 1" of oil)
- 1 Cup Whey Protein Isolate
- 2 Teaspoon Xanthan Gum
- 1 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 Cup Parmesan grated
- 6 Tablespoons Soda Water
- 1 Egg whisked
Instructions
- Heat 1" of oil on high in a heavy bottom pan (I use a skillet). I like to use a smaller pan for this so I don't need as much oil. Alternatively, you can use a deep fryer set to 365 F.
- Separate large onion (1) slices into rings and set aside.
- In a wide-mouthed bowl, combine whey protein (1 cup), xanthan gum (2 teaspoon), salt (1 1/2 teaspoon), baking powder (2 teaspoon), and grated parmesan (1/2 cup).
- Add soda water (6 tablespoons) and whisked egg (1), and stir until well combined. The combo will be wet.
- Once the oil is hot (about 375 F), use tongs to transfer the onion rings into the coating, then directly in the oil.
- Allow the onion rings to fry until golden, then transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Continue until you've fried all the onions rings.
- Serve immediately (will get soggy over time) and enjoy!
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Lindsey's Tips
- Frying Oil should have a high smoke point and mild flavor. Please keep in mind that all oils are low in carbs, but some are considered "healthier" based on polyunsaturated fats. If this is a concern to you, opt for avocado oil, or peanut oil (slightly higher). If not, vegetable or canola are great frying oils. I use peanut oil for frying.
- Xanthan Gum is necessary for binding the ingredients of this recipe together, you CAN'T SKIP OR SUB!
- Best served with homemade ranch dressing or low carb ketchup!
