12 high-protein low-carb meals
Whether you're following the keto diet or looking to eat more high-protein, low-carb foods, we've picked recipes to keep you feeling full and energised
Whatever your health and fitness goals, we've got plenty of recipes to help you increase your protein intake and cut back on carbohydrates. However, before you do you may want to read up on low-carb diets and why they may not be as healthy as you think.
Restrictive diets are not proven to be conducive to long-term health and should be discussed with your GP or health professional before you start.
Next, check out everything you need to know about protein, high-protein breakfast recipes, low-carb dinner recipes and keto chicken recipes. Plus, read the top 10 keto diet foods to try.
High-protein low-carb recipes
1. Baked salmon & leek parcel
A simple salmon dish, parcelled up to seal in the flavours. With creamy mascarpone and fresh leeks, this keto-friendly fish supper is easy and rich in omega-3. Serve with a side of spinach for a good dose of iron.
5g carbs, 32g protein
For more like this, see our keto dinner recipes.
2. Keto pizza
Make a keto version of pizza with a crust made using cauliflower rice, coconut flour and flaxseed. Top with parmesan, tomatoes, rocket and olives for a flavourful meal. We've kept this one veggie but you could add cooked chicken or ham for extra protein.
8g carbs, 18g protein
Next up, treat yourself to keto brownies.
3. Tarragon, mushroom & sausage frittata
Serve up this filling frittata in just 20 minutes. With tarragon and mustard to boost the flavour and asparagus to top up your greens, it's also rich in folate. It packs up well, making it a great one for weekly meal prep.
8g carbs, 25g protein
For more ideas, browse our filling frittata recipes.
4. Peanut butter chicken
Two high-protein ingredients combine to make this peanut butter and chicken dish. It's super easy to make and any leftovers freeze well and make a handy lunch.
11g carbs, 33g protein
Have a look at our healthy chicken recipes to add more meals to your weekly repertoire.
5. Keto pancakes
Make these low-carb keto pancakes with almond flour instead of regular wheat flour, or blitz ground almonds until fine if you can't get hold of it. Serve with blueberries and keto-friendly syrup for a protein-packed start to the day.
7g carbs, 38g protein
Fancy dessert? Try our keto vanilla ice cream.
6. Curried cod
An easy-to-prepare one-pot with cod fillet, chickpeas, ginger and spices – it's low-calorie and packed with iron, too. Small amounts of pulses shouldn't stack up your carbs, but they do provide your body with good amounts of fibre.
22g carbs, 34g protein
There's plenty more dishes like this in our keto fish recipes.
7. Prawn, avocado & cucumber salad
A simple prawn salad to make the most of your spiralizer. Slices of chunky avocado and ribbons of cucumber make a great mix of textures and flavours, as well as giving your body a hit of good fats and hydration.
5g carbs, 18g protein
Make a meal plan for the week and pick some favourites from our keto lunch recipes.
8. Spanish chicken traybake with chorizo & peppers
To make this easy dinner, simply pop chicken thighs into a roasting tin with herby, colourful veg and spicy sausage. To make this keto-friendly, serve with keto bread.
12g carbs, 28g protein
For more nutritious, minimal effort meals, browse our healthy traybake recipes.
9. Tofu curry
If you're vegetarian or vegan, make sure you're getting enough protein with this fragrant tofu and spinach curry. It's quick to make and even the tofu-haters will be asking for the recipe. Serve with lime wedges and wholemeal chapatis.
8g carbs, 22g protein
Discover our top high-protein vegan recipes.
10. Creamy spinach chicken
Enjoy our creamy spinach chicken with plenty of sauce and rice or potatoes on the side. Serving four, it's an ideal midweek dinner for a family.
2g carbs, 43g protein
If it's chicken recipes you want, check out our healthy chicken recipes.
11. Saag paneer
This lighter take on an Indian favourite is rich in calcium and folate, thanks to the spinach. Plus, it's packed with meat-free protein.
4g carbs, 22g protein
Never struggle to find low-carb, meat-free meals again with our keto vegetarian recipes.
12. Grilled courgette & halloumi salad with caper & lemon dressing
For a light low-carb lunch, enjoy this courgette and halloumi salad. Dressing while everything is still fairly warm means the courgettes soak up the delicious lemony, caper dressing.
4g carbs, 16g protein
Discover our colourful, crunchy and healthy salads.
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