Planning healthy lunches can be challenging for many people. However, low-carb meals are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous benefits such as weight loss and improved blood sugar control. Incorporating high protein gluten-free recipes into your diet is a great way to ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you need while still enjoying delicious food. Here are five tasty ideas to try out!
1. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Grilled chicken breast makes an excellent base for this classic salad. To make it low-carb, use a cauliflower crumb “caesar” dressing instead of traditional creamy dressing. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve with some roasted vegetables on the side for added fiber and nutrition.
Ingredients:
4 oz grilled chicken breast (or turkey)
2 cups raw cauliflower florets
1/4 cup almond flour
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut cauliflower into small pieces and place in a microwave safe dish. Microwave on high for 8 minutes until tender.
3. Transfer cooked cauliflower to a blender or food processor along with remaining ingredients except chicken. Blend until smooth.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
5. Place cauliflower mixture back in the same skillet and stir constantly until it thickens slightly (about 2-3 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Divide cauliflower “parmesan” among four plates. Top each serving with a grilled chicken breast and garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories – 309 | Fats – 12g | Carbohydrates – 6g | Proteins – 24g
2. Turkey Meatball Sub
Meatball subs are always a crowd pleaser but traditional breadcrumb based meatballs can add up carbs quickly. Instead, try making these low-carb turkey meatballs using ground turkey mixed with almond flour and spices. Serve them on top of a bed of lettuce or spinach leaves rather than a bun for a light and refreshing sandwich option.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup almond flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Combine all ingredients together in a mixing bowl and mix well.
3. Using wet hands, form mixture into small balls about 1 tablespoon in size.
4. Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
5. While meatballs are cooking, prepare the rest of the sub. Layer sliced turkey, avocado, tomato, and red onion onto a plate of romaine or spinach leaves.
6. Once meatballs are done, remove from oven and serve atop the leafy greens. Drizzle with hot sauce or other condiments if desired.
Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories – 255 | Fats – 13g | Carbohydrates – 6g | Proteins – 20g
3. Baked Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
Baked shrimp is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. For a low-carb twist, replace traditional pasta noodles with zucchini spiralized thinly into long strands resembling spaghetti. Toss with garlicky lemon butter sauce made by whisking melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Ingredients:
1 pound uncooked shrimp, deveined and tail removed
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spiralize zucchini using a mandoline or spiralizer tool. Set aside.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant.
4. Add shelled shrimp to the skillet and cook until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and transfer to a baking dish.
5. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another minute until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Pour lemon butter sauce over shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Nutritional Information per Serving: Calories – 220 | Fats – 10g | Carbohydrates – 5g | Proteins – 20g
4. Low-Carb Beef Stroganoff
Beef stroganoff is a classic comfort food dish often loaded with carbs from cream and white rice. This low-carb version substitutes almond flour for a creamy texture without adding excess calories or carbs. Use sirloin steak or other lean cuts of beef for maximum flavor and tenderness. Serve alongside green beans or broccoli for extra veggie power.
Ingredients:
1 lb sirloin steak, sliced against grain into thin strips
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/4 cup unsweetened almond flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon cold water
1 tablespoon butter
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let melt completely.
2. Add sliced beef to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, combine almond milk, almond flour, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk vigorously until smooth and free of lumps.
4. Return skillet to heat and bring mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened slightly.
5. Add cooked beef back to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the gravy. Serve immediately alongside a side of green beans or broccoli.
Flo Mer