Low on carbs and high on flavor, these low-carb side dishes will make you forget all about your beloved mashed potatoes.
39 Low-Carb Side Dishes to Make Tonight
Updated on Sep. 15, 2023
Grilled Vegetable Platter
The best of summer in one dish! These pretty veggies are the perfect low carb side dish for a group. Grilling brings out their natural sweetness, and the easy marinade really perks up the flavor. —Heidi Hall, North St. Paul, Minnesota
1/39
2/39
Mashed Cauliflower with Parmesan
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit—until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it. —Meredith Howard, Franklin, Kentucky. If you like this, then try our favorite low-carb cauliflower recipes.
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
3/39
Sauteed Zucchini
Total Time
10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I plant many vegetables to use in cooking. Zucchini is among our favorites and usually grows in abundance. This zucchini stir-fry is always a hit at our house. —Deborah Elliot, Ridge Spring, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 77 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 299mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
4/39
Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
"Guests always ask for the recipe whenever I serve these vegetables," confesses Erika Anderson of Wausau, Wisconsin. "And because this dish is so easy to prepare, I have plenty of time to finish up the rest of our dinner."
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 244 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 648mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 10g protein.
5/39
Spinach-Parm Casserole
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For those who ignore Popeye and won’t eat their spinach, I find that spinach with garlicky butter and Parmesan helps change their minds. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 239 calories, 21g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 10g protein.
6/39
Summer Squash Mushroom Casserole
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 234 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 564mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
7/39
Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Fresh green beans are wrapped in bacon and covered in a sweet sauce in this fast and simple side dish. Every time I take these bacon-wrapped green beans to a luncheon or family dinner, people beg me for the recipe. —Julie Hewitt, Union Mills, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 bundle: 196 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 355mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein.
8/39
Grilled Broccoli
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 107 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
9/39
Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Saute
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish is full of flavor and so quick to put together. The cherry tomatoes and mozzarella are perfect alongside almost any main dish you can think of. —Summer Jones, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 127 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
10/39
Skillet Cabbage
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I use this low carb side dish often when the schedule gets tight and I need a hurry-up vegetable to cook. It adds plenty of substance to a simple meal. —Charmaine Fricke, St. Charles, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 100 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
11/39
Oven-Roasted Carrots
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My seven children and 15 grandchildren really look forward to these oven-roasted carrots. As a cook at our local school, I serve two generations of my family, plus relatives and friends from all over our area. —Marlene Schott, Devine, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 88 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
12/39
Cheesy Baked Asparagus
Total Time
45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This cheesy baked asparagus is an ideal fresh asparagus recipe with a rich, creamy sauce and cashews. It’s a favorite vegetable dish that is easy to prepare. —Jerry Gulley, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 261 calories, 21g fat (10g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 447mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
13/39
Marinated Cucumbers
Total Time
10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dressed with a light, tangy oil-and-vinegar mixture and seasoned with herbs, these cucumber slices make a cool summer side dish. The refreshing salad is perfect alongside sandwiches and a variety of meats.—Mary Helen Hinson, Lamberton, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 48 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 106mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
14/39
Roasted Rosemary Cauliflower
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Roasting the cauliflower really brings out its flavor in this low carb side dish. Even folks who aren’t cauliflower lovers like it this way. —Joann Fritzler, Belen, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 65 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 226mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
15/39
Cabbage Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I received this fried cabbage and noodles recipe from a friend of Hungarian descent. Some folks turn up their noses when it is presented, but after one taste, they always come back for seconds...and thirds! —Jeanie Castor, Decatur, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 112 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 244mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
16/39
Chinese-Style Zucchini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A quick side, this fresh-tasting dish is a good pair with salmon. The toasted sesame seeds really bring out the flavor. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 67 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 316mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
17/39
Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Cauliflower
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandkids were never huge fans of cauliflower, but the bacon makes a big difference in this dish. They like it even more with golden cauliflower instead of white. — Patricia Hudson, Riverview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 137 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 221mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
18/39
Sauteed Mushrooms
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These tasty garlic butter mushrooms are so delicious served with steak, chicken or pork. The sauteed garlic is the secret! —Joan Schroeder, Mesquite, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 109 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
19/39
Roasted Asparagus
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Since asparagus is so abundant here in spring, I like to put it to use with this tasty roasted asparagus recipe. Not only does it come together quickly, but it calls for just a handful of items. We all look forward to this side dish each year. —Vikki Rebholz, West Chester, OH
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 122mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/39
Bok Choy and Radishes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is such a great-tasting, good-for-you bok choy recipe. The simple dish capitalizes on the flavors of spring. —Ann Baker, Texarkana, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 59 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/39
Oven-Fried Squash
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Baked yellow squash is beautifully crispy. You don’t have to turn the pieces, but do keep an eye on them. — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 137 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 346mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
22/39
Italian Mushrooms
Total Time
4 hours 10 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Only four ingredients create a rich and flavorful low carb side dish that we love to eat with beef and mashed potatoes. —Kim Reichert, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 99 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 281mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
23/39
Spaghetti Squash with Tomatoes and Olives
Total Time
5 hours 30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This squash is outstanding as a low carb side dish, but you can also top it with canned tuna to create a simple, healthy main dish. It’s easy and so tasty! I like to use my own canned tomatoes for the best flavor. —Carol Chase, Sioux City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 95 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 464mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
24/39
Spinach Souffle
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You just can't make an easier, more delicious side dish than this. It's great with beef, pork and lamb, and I especially like serving it for a festive occasion like New Year's Eve. —Bette Duffy, Kenmore, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 375 calories, 33g fat (20g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 630mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein.
25/39
Lime and Sesame Grilled Eggplant
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I lived in Greece, I fell in love with eggplant. My recipe's seasonings have an Asian theme, but the dish still makes me think Greek. —Allyson Meyler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 50 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
26/39
Garlic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Sauce
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Don’t be afraid to bring out the roasted Brussels sprouts. Mellowed with mustard sauce, they may just delight even the most skeptical folks. —Becky Walch, Orland, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 167 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein.
27/39
Roasted Cauliflower & Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This deeply delicious recipe is a surefire way to get my husband to enjoy Brussels sprouts. Between the roasted flavor of the veggies and smoky, crisp bacon, it will convert even the pickiest eater. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 192 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 535mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein.
28/39
Grilled Veggies with Mustard Vinaigrette
Total Time
35 min
Servings
10 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this healthy and inviting side dish whenever friends come over for a cookout. The honeyed vinaigrette lets the veggies shine. —Shelly Graver, Lansdale, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 155 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
29/39
Shredded Gingered Brussels Sprouts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who normally don't care for Brussels sprouts will ask for a second helping of these. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 56 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 214mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
30/39
Slow-Cooked Broccoli
Total Time
2 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This family-favorite side dish is quick to fix and full of flavor. Because it simmers in a slow cooker, it frees up my oven for other things. That's a tremendous help when I'm prepping a big meal at home. —Connie Slocum, Antioch, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 159 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 431mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
31/39
Tex-Mex Summer Squash Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mild-flavored yellow squash gets a big boost from flavor-packed chiles, jalapenos and red onion. This low carb side dish also works with zucchini. —Tommy Lombardo, Euclid, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 143 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
32/39
Cauliflower Gratin
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a lower-carb side dish that pairs well with pork, ham or beef. It's so creamy and delicious! If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle buttered bread crumbs over the top for the last five minutes in the oven. — Mary Zinchiak, Boardman, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 196 calories, 14g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 291mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
33/39
Pepper Parmesan Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A colorful mixture of peppers and green beans gets an Italian treatment with basil and Parmesan cheese in this delightful vegetable dish. The garlic adds a savory zip. —Marian Platt, Sequim, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 107 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
34/39
Cheesy Zucchini Saute
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Although I no longer have a garden of my own, friends and neighbors keep me amply supplied with squash. As a thank-you, I tell them how to make this refreshing low carb side dish. It’s quick, easy and oh, so tasty! —Doris Biggs, Felton, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 157 calories, 13g fat (9g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 416mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
35/39
Grilled Eggplant with Feta Relish
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this impressive low carb side dish for my vegetarian friends. It’s easy, fast and a standout recipe for company. —Amanda Dekrey, Fargo, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 eggplant slice with 3 tablespoons relish: 105 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 499mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
36/39
Eggplant Fries
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love this snack—and I like that it's healthy. Coated with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and garlic salt, these veggie sticks are broiled, not fried, so there's no guilt when you crunch into them. —Mary Murphy, Atwater, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 135 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 577mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch.
37/39
Ginger Broccoli Stir-Fry
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Are you looking for an appetizing way to enhance a nutritious vegetable? Try this eye-catching stir-fry. The broccoli keeps its bright color and crispness, while ginger and soy sauce help to spice it up nicely. —Marie Rossey, Creston, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 41 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 70mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
38/39
Spring Asparagus
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This fresh and colorful low carb side dish is delicious served warm or cold. I get lots of compliments on the homemade dressing. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
39/39
Rosemary Root Vegetables
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This heartwarming low carb side dish is sure to get rave reviews! Although the ingredient list may look long, you’ll soon see that this colorful fall medley is a snap to prepare. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 78 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 137mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
