As part of the keto diet, it is crucial that you receive sufficient nourishment. One effective way of doing so is through including nutritious foods in your daily meal plans.
The keto diet limits carbs while emphasizing healthy fats like meat, fish, eggs, nuts and oils. Here are some keto lunch ideas to keep you on track with your goals.
Chicken Quesadillas
Converting tortillas and cheese into something truly divine makes for one of the easiest keto lunch ideas around. This decadent lunch serves as the culinary equivalent of a timeless black dress or reliable midrange jump shot–simple yet reliable every time.
Start this easy low carb keto lunch recipe by cooking chicken and prepping vegetables, before layering everything onto a tortilla and folding over to cook it all at once – creating an irresistibly tasty lunch that can even be frozen for later!
Use medium flour tortillas (we prefer soft) for optimal results, brush them with melted butter and heat in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle 3/4 cup of cheese evenly across one tortilla before topping with half the chopped chicken and diced peppers before covering with another tortilla and cheese and folding over to cook.
Chicken is an economical and flexible source of protein for any budget, making it the ideal addition to lunch recipes like Joy Filled Eats’ Chicken Fajita or Well Plated’s Low Carb Mac and Cheese using Roasted Cauliflower instead of pasta – great options that can be prepared ahead.
Zucchini Noodles
If you’re trying to cut carbs but still enjoy pasta, zucchini noodle dishes might just be what’s needed! With the use of a spiralizer, zucchini can be turned into “zoodles,” tasting similar to pasta noodles and being perfect lunch options since they’re satisfying but low on carbohydrates.
This shrimp scampi zoodle dish from Ahead of Thyme makes it simple and delicious to enjoy seafood without all of the carbs! Spiralized zucchini offers similar textures as pasta, while supporting delicious buttery sauce with succulent shrimp.
Iowa Girl Eats’ shrimp ceviche salad offers another excellent way to enjoy seafood on the keto diet while staying within its parameters. Packed full of protein-packed shrimp, crisp lettuce leaves and delicious dressing – you’re set for an enjoyable lunchtime meal on-the-go! Simply pack an airtight container when leaving home!
Try this chicken and avocado salad for a lighter lunch option. Packed with fresh ingredients, this salad makes a fantastic keto diet-compliant option or healthy meal option that keeps you full all day long. Packed with protein, fiber and vitamins for sustained energy throughout your day; its variety of flavors make it suitable for any meal time – not only does it contain chicken but it includes avocado, tomatoes and cheese for an energizing bite-size lunch to bring into work!
Chicken Fajitas
Try this delicious chicken fajita recipe for an easy low-carb lunch that can be served over lettuce for low carbs! Packed with juicy lime marinade and seared for that irresistibly crispy-charred edge, serve it up alongside onions and colourful bell pepper strips in warm tortillas or wrapped up in large lettuce leaves for even greater filling power. And why stop there – add in toppings such as cheese, guacamole, salsa or sour cream for even greater gratification.
This keto friendly chicken fajita recipe can be prepared quickly in one skillet, making it the ideal weeknight dinner and lunch the next day option. Seasoned with an easy homemade seasoning blend, chicken thighs are cooked until golden-brown on both sides to achieve maximum crunchiness.
Simply switch out the chicken for shrimp or beef for an easily customizable lunch that’s great to take to work, while switching out onions and bell peppers for portobello mushrooms or black beans for vegetarian fajitas. It makes an energizing keto-friendly lunch! Serve with side of guacamole, sour cream or salsa as the finishing touch to complete this delicious keto meal!
Smoked Salmon Avocado Salad
This simple salad recipe is an ideal way to incorporate fish and veggies into a keto diet diet while providing plenty of healthy fats for satiety. Choose either storebought wild-caught cold smoked salmon, homemade dill cured salmon filets, eggs, avocado and honey mustard dressing (you could also opt for light yogurt dressing or mayonnaise-based vinaigrette instead) to create this delectable dish!
Create this easy salad ahead of time, but remember to add the salmon and avocado shortly before eating as their crunch will diminish with age. It makes an ideal lunch option when looking for something savory without too much filling power!
Egg salad makes an excellent breakfast or lunch, and adding it as an omelet is another simple and quick way to consume it. Packed with protein and fiber-rich avocado, this recipe will keep you full until dinner time arrives!
Create this dish using various vegetables such as bell peppers, radish and green onion slices. For a more Mediterranean flare add in some kalamata olives and some feta cheese for even more delicious Mediterranean flair!
Shrimp Tacos
Keto lunch can be delightful! A combination of crispy shrimp, zesty cilantro slaw and creamy sauce create an irresistibly satisfying combination that won’t weigh you down. Perfect for satisfying drive-thru cravings without leaving you hungry afterwards!
Shrimp is an easy lean protein to prepare in under 30 minutes, making this recipe fast to put together and on the table quickly. For optimal texture, use peeled and deveined shrimp; while your shrimp cooks, prepare your slaw and avocado crema (this can even be made three days in advance!). A delicious weeknight dinner option!
Creamy shrimp taco sauce can be quickly prepared using ingredients you probably already have in your refrigerator. Just a simple whisking action of sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, lime zest and cilantro is enough to create this delectable sauce that pairs beautifully with crisp shrimp and crunchy coleslaw.
To assemble, simply layer each tortilla with 3-4 sauteed shrimp and some slaw before folding and drizzled with sauce. Finish off your wrap by garnishing it with some sriracha for extra spice and enjoy! Additionally, this dish makes a fantastic lunch on-the-go; simply combine shrimp, slaw and sauce into a plastic container along with your preferred tortilla chips (or pork rinds) and frozen nacho cheese from your pantry for quick transport!
Lettuce Wraps
These lettuce wraps stuffed with ground chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs and an Asian-inspired sauce will quickly become one of your go-to keto appetizers or main dishes! Plus they make for great meal prep; simply reheat before serving! For vegetarians: just switch out firm tofu for the ground chicken for maximum deliciousness!
This delectable low-carb potato soup recipe offers the ultimate comfort food experience! Creamy and hearty with just a hint of sweetness from cauliflower florets, it makes the ultimate single serving bowl!
Another simple lunch idea is this chaffle Reuben sandwich. With all of the delicious flavor of a Reuben but without bread, this keto-friendly option features caraway seeds to give it that authentic rye taste and makes a satisfying keto lunch option!
To assemble wraps, spoon your filling mixture onto the center of the leaf and top it off with shredded cabbage, carrots, scallions, mint and cilantro (if not allergic), chopped cashews/peanuts (if applicable) as well as cashews or peanuts (if not allergic). Boston or butter lettuce leaves work best because their cup-like shape holds all your filling, although you could also use Bibb or Romaine hearts; just ensure the lettuce is crisp and clean if possible Bibb or Romaine hearts might work too; otherwise just use curly kale/ romaine as an alternative – if available substitute sriracha/chile garlic sauce prior to serving for extra kick!