Healthy keto dinner recipes can be hard to come by when many are merely substitutes for comfort foods, not nutrient-dense meals. Keto mac ‘n’ cheese, fried chicken, and pot pies are commonplace. But they are not the foods or fuel that are going to help you feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In this article, we’ve carefully curated 14 healthy and simple keto dinner recipes to inspire your next meal. We’ve also included recommendations for modifications or cooking tips to help you make it more nutritious. But don’t worry. We did include a few extra-delicious recipes for a date night or special occasion.
Before your mouth starts watering, let’s cover some overarching suggestions. Buy organic whenever possible. You don’t want a side of pesticides with your spinach or antibiotics in your chicken. Stick to real food only–no additives, gums, preservatives, or “reduced-” such as reduced fat or sodium. And make sure to read every single ingredient on every item you purchase, unless it’s not packaged such as a tomato or grass-fed, grass-finished organic ground beef. Oftentimes, there are ingredients in premade sauces and packaged foods that are not keto nor healthy.
Comment below if you have questions! And let us know if you try any of these recipes.
Bon appétit!
Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops
Via Delish
Simplicity is key here with this juicy pork chops recipe. With just a few ingredients and not a lot of time, you can prepare an impressive-looking dish.
Recommendations: Stick to an oil that is animal based such as butter, ghee, or tallow. Animal fat has a much higher smoke point and nutritional bioavailability. If the meat has enough fat on it, you may not need to add any.
If you are plant-based, use avocado oil in place of the extra-virgin olive oil, so it doesn’t degrade the nutritional value. Extra virgin olive oil’s smoke point is somewhere around 374-405°F. This is the temperature at which an oil starts to burn and smoke. Beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals are destroyed when the oil is overheated.
Butter-Baked Salmon and Asparagus
Via Eat This
Keep it light for dinner with a delicious salmon and asparagus recipe. We recommend Primal Kitchen’s mayo because it’s made with simple ingredients including avocado oil and organic eggs. Stay away from highly processed oils like canola oil that are not made for the human body.
Grilled Halibut with Chimichurri
Via Epicurious
This halibut recipe is simple and packed with beneficial nutrients. The halibut is a good source of B vitamins, potassium, selenium, and phosphorus.
Recommendations: Opt for tallow or avocado oil when the recipe calls for vegetable oil. And, if you can find it online or in the store, look for sustainably-caught wild halibut.
Roasted Chicken and Veggies
Via Gimme Delicious
Chicken and vegetables are an easy way to eat the rainbow and good fats at dinner.
Recommendations: Do not roast the chicken and vegetables at 500 degrees. We recommend cooking it at a lower temperature like 375 for a longer period to maintain the nutrients. And try adding other vegetables that you love and are carb-conscious!
Lemon Chicken
Via Julie Blanner
This easy to make lemon chicken recipe will become a staple in your household. Add an arugula salad, asparagus, or cauliflower rice on the side for a nutritious and delicious dinner.
Recommendations: Skip the white wine in the recipe. And try chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts some time!
Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Pizza
Via EatingWell
If you’re in the mood to get fancy over pizza while staying in ketosis, check out this savory buffalo chicken cauliflower pizza recipe.
Recommendations: Make sure to get full-fat, grass-fed mozzarella cheese instead of the part-skim that they recommend. And, check all the ingredients in the hot sauce you purchase. There is usually some kind of sugar and preservative. Look for any words that end in -trose like dextrose or sucrose. Those are your sugars.
Chicken Enchiladas
Via 730 Sage Street
These chicken enchiladas are perfect to make for when you’re having company over. You can serve tortillas on the side or encourage your friends to try eating a keto dinner with you. Maybe they’ll get inspired, too!
Recommendations: If you buy pre-made enchilada sauce, make sure there are no hidden sugars. Try skin-on chicken breasts, if they’re available at the grocery store. Oftentimes, the meat department may do a custom order if you ask for skin-on chicken breasts.
Steak, Eggs and Vegetables
Via Taste of Home
You can have your steak and eggs, and eat it, too.
Sausage, Pepper and Cauliflower Fried Rice
Via EatWell101
You won’t miss traditional fried rice after you try this dish that you can whip up in about 20 minutes.
Recommendations: Be wary of the type of sausage you purchase for the recipe. Many have sugar snuck in them. And opt for the normal chicken broth as your body needs the extra sodium while in ketosis.
Meatballs
Via Delish
These meatballs are perfect for serving at a party or for dinner. Your guests may never know they don’t have grains or gluten, but their palates will be pleased.
Pad Thai
Via Hello Glow
If you’ve been missing noodles while in ketosis, look to this recipe for a delicious alternative to the traditionally carb-rich dish.
Recommendations: Skip the erythritol or stevia extract. These highly processed sweeteners may sound like a good idea, but they are not good for your gut. And be wary of store-bought Sriracha as it usually contains some type of sugar.
Beef Stew
Via Delish
This Keto Beef Stew recipe won’t leave you hungry or looking for potatoes hidden in your cabinet. Stews are a great way to cut the carbs without sacrificing heartiness.
Tuscan Butter Shrimp
Via Delish
Our mouths are watering looking at this photo of the Tuscan butter shrimp while trying to write this article. Enough said.
Stuffed Cabbage
Via Delish
We love the use of fresh ingredients in this satisfying recipe.
Recommendation: Try subbing tallow or avocado oil for the olive oil, or cooking it at a lower temperature for a longer time.
Do you have a healthy keto dinner recipe recommendation? Share it with our community below!
