Starting a ketogenic diet is the dietary equivalent of skydiving—every “cool” person you know already knows what it’s like to jump out of a plan and plummet towards the Earth uncontrollably; frankly, it seems scarier than hell, and your friends/family think you’re insane for even trying it.
Nevertheless, after you take that initial jump out of the plane, you get a crazy rush of adrenaline and before you know it, you’re skydiving every weekend. Or in this case, you’re loading up your social media wall with images of tortilla-less Chipotle burrito bowls.
Better yet, nothing about the ketogenic diet is difficult to follow. If anything, it’s easier than carb-based diets.
Keto Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
At its core, the keto diet is supposed to train your body and brain to draw its energy from fat and ketone bodies by harnessing a physiological pathway known as ketosis. Essentially, ketosis is the result of your body adapting to dietary fat and body fat as fuel sources rather than sugar/glucose.
No big deal, though, right? Wrong. Keto lovers and research suggest that cutting out the carbs is one of the best ways you can eat and live a healthy life. Low-carb keto recipes are much tastier than you’d first imagine; not only do you get to consume as much ribeye steak, fried eggs, and butter as you crave, but it will also help you burn off tons of body fat. That’s right; keto diet recipes are about as delicious (and healthy) as it gets!
Crazily enough, this is all supported by science, too: Many keto recipes substantially reduce psychological hunger signals, such as ghrelin, as exemplified by a study found in a recent issue of Frontiers in Psychology. Basically, you’ll stay more satisfied when you’re on a keto diet.
Now, the main question is, “Are you prepared to make some awesome keto recipes?” Hopefully you are, because this article is going to provide a bounty of easy keto recipes; everything you can imagine, savory keto recipes, vegan keto recipes, low carb keto recipes, and anything in-between. All you have to do is ditch the carbs and get creative in the kitchen.
We recommend checking out our Keto Diet 101 article if you want to learn more about how many carbs you should eat on a keto regimen. For now, it’s pertinent to understand that keto recipes are inherently very low in carbs while being high in fat and protein.
Cutting carbs is a big switch in lifestyle, especially if you’re new to the keto world. However, change can be a good thing, and these easy keto recipes are sure to make the transition to low-carb life more enjoyable. In fact, when you simplify low-carb keto recipes down to their fundamentals, they are the easiest dishes you can make. You might even get compliments from friends and family. (No guarantees on that, though!)
CACAO KETO SMOOTHIE (VEGAN)
Healthy smoothies are the ultimate on-the-go treat, especially in the morning when you’re in a pinch for time. Unfortunately, most smoothies you find at a juice bar are loaded with sugar. However, with a little creativity you can enjoy the same sweet and decadent smoothie taste without all the unnecessary added sugar. These two keto-friendly smoothies pack the ultimate nutrient punch as well. The base provides MCTs from coconut milk, and you get plenty of protein, fiber and heart-healthy fats from the protein powder, chia seeds, almond butter, berries, and avocado.
Recipe Ingredients
● 8 oz full-fat coconut milk
● 2 Tbsps cacao powder
● ½ avocado
● 2 Tbsps almond butter
● 1/2 Tbsp chia seed (let sit in 1 oz of water for ten minutes)
● 2 scoops soy protein powder (or pea protein)
● 1 Tbsp coconut oil
● ½ cup ice (crushed or cubed)
● Optional add-ins: Cinnamon, cacao nibs, berries
● 2 oz water
Preparation
● Place each ingredient into a blender.
● Blend on fast setting until smooth and ice is broken down.
● Top with cinnamon, cacao nibs, and berries of choice.
● Drink up!
Macros for Entire RecipeMacros for Entire Recipe
- Protein: 55g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 13g
Chocolate Energizing Breakfast Smoothie (VEGAN)
Recipe Ingredients
● 8 oz full-fat coconut milk
● 1 medium avocado (no pit)
● 2 scoops soy protein powder (or pea protein)
● 1 Tbsp MCT oil
● 2 Tbsps cacao powder
● ½ cup ice (crushed or cubed)
● ½ cup fresh cherries (no pits)
● Toppings (Optional): Cacao nibs
Preparation
● Place each ingredient into blender.
● Blend on fast setting until smooth and ice is broken down.
● Drink up!
Macros for Entire Recipe (without optional ingredients)
- Protein: 55 g
- Fat: 45 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fiber: 12 g
SIMPLE ZOODLES (VEGAN)
Pasta is often thought to be a no-go while on the keto diet, but thanks to the wonders of Summer squash, you can make your own zucchini noodles (zoodles). Try this easy keto recipe featuring a flavorful vegan-friendly sauce.
Recipe Ingredients
● 2 whole zucchinis (yellow or green)
● 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
● 4 garlic cloves (diced)
● A few dashes of garlic salt
Preparation
● Utilize a spiralizer to spiral zucchinis into long noodle shape.
● Heat skillet or frying pan on medium heat, add diced garlic and extra-virgin olive oil
● Add zucchini to frying pan
● Coat zucchini with a few dashes of garlic salt
● Cook for three minutes, then remove
Macros Per Serving (Recipe Makes 4)
- Protein: 11 g
- Fat: 69 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fiber: 6 g
Cilantro Pesto Sauce
Recipe Ingredients
● 8 oz chopped walnuts
● 1 oz water
● 4 oz olive oil
● 4 garlic cloves
● 2 cups spinach
● ¾ cup cilantro
● 1 Tsp pink Himalayan sea salt
Directions
● Add sauce ingredients to a food processor
● Blend until pureed
KETO CHICKEN SALAD WRAP
Utilize your leftover chicken with this simple keto take on classic chicken salad. We recommend trying straight from a bowl, or if you’re feeling extra creative, with a lettuce wrap! Bear in mind that this keto recipe has black beans, which contain fibrous carbs. You can omit those if you are trying to strictly limit all carb intake.
Recipe Ingredients
● 16 oz skinless chicken thighs (grilled)
● 4 stalks of celery
● 1/2 cup dill
● 8 oz black beans (cooked)
● 1 oz water
● ½ cup mayonnaise
● ¼ cup honey mustard
● 2 tsps garlic powder
● 2 tsps salt
Preparation
1. Cut chicken up into cubes
2. Dice celery
3. de-stem and dice dill
4. Rinse and drain beans from can
5. Place all ingredients in platter or bowl
6. Mix all together until well blended
7. Top with spices
Macros Per Serving (Recipes Makes 4)
- Protein: 20 g
- Fat: 40 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
KETO PANCAKES
Among the few things that individuals on the keto diet miss is the joy of airy, warm pancakes in the early morning. Indulge your taste buds without ruining your keto efforts with this delicious low-carb keto recipe.
Recipe Ingredients
● 1/4 cup melted butter (or ghee)
● 2 oz heavy whipping cream
● 4 whole eggs
● 1 oz coconut flour (ground)
● 1/2 Tsp baking powder
● 1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
● 1/4 Tsp sea salt
● Stevia (as necessary)
Preparation
1. Whisk melted butter/ghee, whipping cream, stevia, eggs, sea salt, and vanilla extract together.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the coconut flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to liquid ingredients. Let mixture sit until thick consistency is reached.
3. Coat warm skillet with coconut or macadamia nut oil. Turn heat to medium-high.
4. Spread several tablespoons of batter onto skillet to make pancakes roughly three inches in diameter.
Macros Per Serving (Recipes Makes 2)
- Protein: 15 g
- Fat: 50 g
- Carbs: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
SIMPLE TRAIL MIX (VEGAN)
Simple trail mix is a fantastic keto treat, whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a trying to satisfy a late-night sweet tooth, this easy keto recipe won’t jolt your blood sugar through the roof like most trail mixes.
Recipe Ingredients
● 20 dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cacao)
● 1 oz of macadamia nuts
● 1 oz almonds
● 1 oz unsweetened coconut flakes
● 2 stevia packets
● 1 tsp sea salt
Preparation
1. Combine all ingredients in a Ziploc bag, seal, and shake until mixed.
2. Eat up!
Macros Per Serving (Recipe Makes 2)
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbs: 13 g
- Fiber: 6 g
SLOW COOKER BEEF AND BROCCOLI
For a simple low-carb keto recipe, a slow cooker/crock pot is ideal; this beef ribeye comfort meal has everything necessary for a satisfying keto recipe in one piece of cookware. Not to mention this keto recipe is packed with antioxidants from herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, as well as apple cider vinegar, all of which assist in the digestive process. Moreover, grass-fed ribeye is rich with protein and contains healthy fats to promote satiety.
Recipe Ingredients
● 16 oz beef ribeye, thinly sliced
● 2 oz liquid aminos
● 2 Tbsps white wine vinegar
● 2 Tbsps apple cider vinegar
● 2 Tsps coconut oil
● 2 cloves garlic (chopped)
● ½ Tsp red pepper flakes
● 1 head of broccoli (split into florets)
● 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
Preparation
1. Add all liquid ingredients to a crockpot/slow cooker.
2. Toss in garlic and spices, stir thoroughly.
3. Add in beef, coating with mixture.
4. Cover and cook at low temperature for six or seven hours.
5. Add broccoli florets to slow cooker roughly one hour before beef is finished.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds when cooking is finished.
7. Serve and enjoy!
Macros Per Serving (Recipes Makes 4)
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Carbs: 11 g
- Fiber: 5 g
KETO SALMON CAKES
Fresh salmon (or even canned) is a great fish for this heart-healthy dish including a tasty mayo sauce and a flaxseed meal crusting. Just 15 minutes is all it takes for you to have a savory keto meal.
Recipe Ingredients
● 5 oz Atlantic or Pink Salmon
● 1/4 cup mayonnaise
● 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
● 1 whole egg (softly whisked)
● 1/2 cup flaxseed meal
● Sea salt and grated black pepper
● 2 Tbsps chopped parsley
● 2 Tbsps chopped chives
● 2-3 Tbsps tartar sauce
Preparation
1. Place salmon in large bowl and flake the meat. Add mayonnaise, Dijon, and egg.
2. In a different bowl, combine fresh herbs.
3. Add four teaspoons of fresh herbs and 1/4 cup of flaxseed meal to the bowl with salmon mixture. Mix thoroughly.
4. Mold mixture into five to six salmon cakes. Sprinkle the outside of the cakes with a touch more flaxseed meal.
5. Coat skillet or frying pan with coconut oil. Add salmon cakes and fry on medium-high heat for about three minutes on each side, until brown. Drain salmon cakes on paper towels.
6. Serve with tartar sauce and garnish with leftover herb mixture.
Macros Per Serving (Recipe Makes 2)
- Protein: 21 g
- Fat: 39 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fiber: 8 g
KETO BERRY BOWL (VEGAN)
Chia seeds are packed with vital micronutrients, including calcium, iron, and magnesium. They are also a dense source of dietary fiber and great for your digestive health. Moreover, the berries in this recipe will help satisfy your sweet tooth without adding too much sugar to your keto diet.
Recipe Ingredients
● 3 Tbsps chia seeds
● 8 oz unsweetened almond milk
● 1/4 cup berries (frozen or fresh)
● 1 Tbsp unsweetened coconut
● Dash of stevia (optional)
Preparation
1. Soak three tablespoons of chia seeds overnight in 8 oz of unsweetened almond milk.
2. The following morning, add 1/4 cup berries, one tablespoon of coconut, and stevia for sweetening.
3. Dive in!
Macros for Entire Recipe
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 26 g
- Carbs: 20 g
- Fiber: 17 g
Make the Most of Your Keto Lifestyle! And if you’re still on the fence, check out these ketogenic diet reviews and see if that doesn’t help change your mind.
Have you tried any of the keto recipes in this article? We want to hear your feedback in the comments below! Which are your favorites? Which are the easiest and most convenient?
