Summer Low Carb Recipes
Are you looking for a healthy diet plan that can help you achieve and maintain your summer body? While there are many diet plans that you can consider, one of the best options is to adopt a low carb diet. A low carb diet entails decreasing the daily carb intake while consuming more protein and fat than usual.
The reason why this diet plan works like a charm and keeps you in good shape is that carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. When you consume insufficient carbohydrates, the body burns stored fat instead. This eventually leads to weight loss. What’s more, is that the health benefits of a low carb diet go beyond weight loss. This diet has also proved to decrease risks associated with metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes. This is because it brings down the insulin level in the body.
Contents
- Summer Low Carb Recipes
- What is Considered Low Carb?
- Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
- Greek Stuffed Pepper
- Keto Reese’s Cups
- Spicy Sausage and Portobello Pizza
- Steak with Scallion-Ginger Sauce
- Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies
- Italian Herb Bruschetta Chicken
- Pan-Grilled Chicken with Chorizo Confetti
- Eggs in Purgatory
- Lemony Grilled Shrimp Salad
- Smoked Salmon Summer Squash Salad
- Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
- Coffee-Rubbed Steak with Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Sprouted Quinoa with Marinated Veggies
- Tandoori Grilled Chicken with Mint Raita
- Mango-Lime Ice
- Grilled Lemon-Dijon Chicken Thighs with Arugula Salad
- Keto Nachos
- Pineapple Pizza Bites
- Grilled Ratatouille Skewers
- Conclusion
What is Considered Low Carb?
While a definite range is not defined, anything that contains under 100-150g carbohydrates in a serving is considered to be a low carb meal. So, if you want to shed some extra pounds, you are likely to achieve your goal as long as you eat unprocessed foods and stay within this range.
Scroll down to take a look at some scrumptious quick summer low carb recipes that will make you fall in love with your new summer diet!
Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
This chicken skillet recipe is light, flavorful, and delicious – inspired by the iconic flavors of the Mediterranean. With a preparation time of less than 60 minutes, this dish is the ideal choice for weeknights. This is especially true if you are planning to cut back on carbs this summer. Loaded with the goodness of chicken and veggies, a single serving will keep you satisfied for a long time. Personally, it is one of my favorite recipes to enjoy on breezy summer nights, and the best part is that cleanup is a breeze.
Greek Stuffed Pepper
This Greek stuffed pepper recipe is so good that it’s fit for a Greek God! It is a Mediterranean twist on your average stuffed bell peppers. The lemon zest and fresh herbs work to make the dish refreshing and vibrant. Filled with ground lamb, the peppers are moist, flavorful, and delectable. However, if you are not a fan of lamb meat, you can always substitute it with ground beef or turkey. Either way, the recipe will offer a bit of fat to fuel the body as you enjoy a low carb diet. It’s time to get creative in the kitchen with this low carb recipe and find your favorite variation of the dish.
Keto Reese’s Cups
Looking for summer low carb recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth? If yes, then these Keto Reese’s cups are just what you need. These chocolate delights are made from keto-approved ingredients and are a true delight. Plus, it takes less than half an hour to prepare these delectable, low carb, low-calorie treats.
Spicy Sausage and Portobello Pizza
Spicy Sausage and Portobello Pizzas can take care of your pizza cravings without inviting troubling thoughts of excessive carbs. This recipe has only 316 calories, 8g carbohydrates, and 14g protein. This dish features baked Portobello mushrooms with yummy sausage and veggies. It is not only uber-healthy but also super delicious. Moreover, the recipe is extremely easy to follow. You can have this delicious, low carb pizza appetizer on your plate in 60 minutes.
Steak with Scallion-Ginger Sauce
Juicy and tender, Steak with Scallion-Ginger Sauce delivers flavor like none other. This recipe is low carb and low-calorie (3g carbohydrates, 375 calories). It makes scrumptious steaks that are rich in protein (31g). Quick and easy to follow, this is the ideal recipe to try on a cool summer night, especially when you are short on time. While the prep time is 11 minutes, it takes merely 12 minutes to cook the dish. All in all, following this recipe means having sizzling steaks with a yummy scallion-ginger sauce on the plate in less than half an hour!
Sheet Pan Steak and Veggies
Here’s another recipe for all the carb-conscious steak lovers out there! Soft, tender, and juicy, these steaks will simply melt in your mouth. Served with potatoes and broccoli, the steaks are perfectly seasoned and made on a single sheet pan. The best part is that they are not only delicious but also healthy, with only 24 carbohydrates per serving. The protein content is high at 72% DV per serving. All in all, this super healthy dish is perfect for your summer parties.
Italian Herb Bruschetta Chicken
Italian Herb Bruschetta Chicken is one of my favorite recipes. The chicken is loaded with flavor and tastes the same as the traditional version of the dish. However, instead of using bread, we use chicken fillets rubbed with garlic. The Italian herb seasoning and balsamic glaze will seal the deal for anyone who’s still unsure about this low carb alternative. With only 23g carbohydrates and 12g protein per serving, this take on Italian Herb Bruschetta Chicken will keep your summer body in shape. The cooking time is only 25 minutes.
Pan-Grilled Chicken with Chorizo Confetti
This summer low carb recipe can transform a boring chicken meal into an exciting and vibrant feast. The recipe uses Mexico chorizo, so if you plan on trying it, be prepared for a spicy twist on your average grilled chicken. It is going to be a surprisingly refreshing change from the ordinary grilled chicken. To upgrade your meal to the next level, serve the pan-grilled chicken with Green Salad with Simple Vinaigrette and goat cheese. The dish has some impressive nutritional value with 39.2g protein, 1.2g fiber, 0.8mg iron, 8.2g fat, and 24mg calcium per serving. Since it is a light, low carb recipe, each serving contains only 3.6g carbohydrates. The cooking time is 29 minutes.
Eggs in Purgatory
Don’t get thrown off by the name – Eggs in purgatory is a unique and incredibly tasty dish. It is believed that the poached eggs recipe is named for the spicy kick of its sauce. Before you start gathering ingredients to create this dish, it is important to know that preparing eggs in purgatory will take some time. It can take up to 8 hours to prepare the sauce on low heat and 3 – 4 hours on high heat. While some people may find the long wait incredulous for an egg dish, I find it extraordinary and worthwhile. This recipe creates a shakshuka-like version of the dish and has an extremely low carb and calorie count.
Lemony Grilled Shrimp Salad
Lemony Grilled Shrimp Salad is light and refreshing. The recipe is inspired by Mexican flavors and recreates an extraordinary main-dish salad. With 11g carbohydrates, 6g fiber, 141mg calcium, 3.8mg iron, and 26g protein, the salad is super healthy and rich in nutrients. It combines the lemony flavor of grilled shrimps with the richness of avocados, arugula, and jicama.
Smoked Salmon Summer Squash Salad
Smoked Salmon Summer Squash Salad is a must-have at park picnics, pool parties, and other summer festivities. Prepping is flexible, so you can rinse and cure the fish in advance. Grill it on the spot and serve it with creamy squash salad. The combination of grilled, smoky fish and rich, creamy sauce made of raw squash is divine! The salad is not only tasty but also healthy with 9.9g carbohydrates, 1.3g fiber, and 36g protein per serving. Curing time is 5 hours and 30 minutes and prepping time is 1 hour 45 minutes.
Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi
If you are looking for a gluten-free, low carb alternative to pasta, then spaghetti squash is your best bet. This recipe cuts down on the calories (only 24g of carbs) but still manages to deliver the garlicky flavor of shrimp scampi. With half the calories and the same buttery texture, this recipe makes the best trade-off for pasta. Keep in mind, that the secret to making the perfect Spaghetti Squash Shrimp Scampi lies in the technique rather than ingredients.
Coffee-Rubbed Steak with Brussels Sprouts Salad
This recipe adds a delicious oomph to your regular steak. Interesting ingredients like blue cheese and honey give a strong flavor to the salad. While, the coffee adds richness to the steak. Served together, Coffee-Rubbed Steak with Brussels Sprouts Salad makes an exceptional summertime meal. The dish comes together in around 20 minutes, which means it is perfect for weeknights or when you short on time. Moreover, the carb and calorie count for the dish is also low.
Sprouted Quinoa with Marinated Veggies
The nutritional value of Sprouted Quinoa with Marinated Veggies is unbelievable. Especially considering how simple it is to prepare the dish. It is a low carb, low-calorie, no-cook dish, yet every bite is packed with power nutrients! However, keep in mind that it can take up to 33 hours to prepare the dish. No need to worry – active time for the recipe is only about 25 minutes. The quinoa needs to be soaked in water for a long period before it can be added to the salad. You can speed up the process by using cooked quinoa instead of sprouted ones.
Tandoori Grilled Chicken with Mint Raita
If you are a fan of Indian spices, this grilled Tandoori Chicken recipe will become your summertime favorite in no time! This recipe is perfect for those who love BBQ picnics but dread excessive carbs. It boasts only 4.9g carbohydrates per serving! The tandoori chicken is served with refreshing mint raita (yogurt mix) that complements the spicy flavors.
Mango-Lime Ice
This summer, beat the heat with yummy yet healthy Mango-Lime Ice. Summer festivities are incomplete without an icy mango delight so make sure you keep this low carb treat on the menu. This naturally fat-free dessert is ideal for warm summer evenings and pool parties. The best part about Mango-Lime Ice is that it is a make-ahead dessert. So, you can prepare it for friends and family ahead of time or you can store it in the freezer and enjoy it over time. Packed with the goodness of mango and orange juice, this icy dessert provides vitamin A and C with only 37g carbohydrates per serving.
Grilled Lemon-Dijon Chicken Thighs with Arugula Salad
Grilled Lemon-Dijon Chicken Thighs with Arugula Salad is another must-try recipe for your summer BBQs. This easy to make main salad can be prepared within minutes. However, it has a high nutritional value. The great thing about this recipe is that it gives you the liberty to be creative and customize the salad. In other words, you can grill the veggies of your choice and throw them in the mix.
Keto Nachos
Whether you are following a Keto diet or simply want to cut back on carbs, these Keto Nachos will make the perfect summer snack for you. While these nachos are slightly chewy, they are extremely light and delicious. While chicharrones add a distinct flavor, meat and cheese are balanced by a creamy chipotle sauce. If you start now, you can have these scrumptious nachos in less than half an hour!
Pineapple Pizza Bites
Whether you love pineapple pizza or hate it with a passion, you must try this summer low carb recipe at least once! Pineapple pizza bites are generally served as an appetizer. They are not only delicious but also fun to make. Plus, your guests will love the tanginess of pineapple juice balanced with meat and cheese. It takes around 20 minutes to prepare these sweet and salty summer delights.
Grilled Ratatouille Skewers
Grilled Ratatouille Skewers is the ideal way to curb your high-carb craving while maintaining a low carb diet. Inspired from classic French cuisine, this dish is a simple mashup of some of our favorite summer ingredients. Complete it with a summer sauce. While low carb Grilled Ratatouille Skewers are easy to make, they look fancy enough to wow your audience. Plus, it takes less than an hour to prepare and serve this extraordinary dish.
Conclusion
The above 20 summer low carb recipes are sure to give you ideas for a low carb meals that can help you achieve and maintain a healthy figure. When you consume low levels of carbohydrates, you body burns stored fat. Combined with regular exercise, eating low carb meals will lead to weight loss. Make these yummy summer low carb recipes part of your fat burning arsenal!
