Keto Made Easy: Simple, Delicious Meals For Your Diet

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It aims to drive the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body starts burning stored fat as a source of energy instead of carbohydrates. This diet is particularly beneficial for people with epilepsy, type 2 diabetes, and those looking to lose weight.

- Keto chicken salad with a creamy dressing

- Keto butter burgers

- Pan-seared cod in salsa with queso fresco

- Keto chicken pesto zoodle salad

- Asian keto chicken stir-fry with broccoli

- Keto beef stroganoff

- Philly cheesesteak lettuce wraps

- Chicken Alfredo spaghetti squash

- Keto chicken parmesan

- Keto meatballs

- Keto mac and cheese

- Keto chicken pot pie

- Keto broccoli cheddar soup

- Keto deep-dish pizza

- Keto chicken enchilada bowl

- Keto taco soup

- Keto bacon-wrapped California roll

- Keto quesadillas

Keto breakfast ideas

Breakfast is a tricky meal to get right on the keto diet, but there are plenty of options to start your day that adhere to the high-fat, moderate protein, and low-carbohydrate diet.

Eggs are a key component of a keto breakfast, and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Try them sunny-side-up on a bed of garlicky greens and tomatoes, or baked with spinach and tomato. For a more portable option, make spinach and goat cheese egg muffins, or vegetable egg bites with cheddar and bell pepper.

If you're looking for a more indulgent breakfast, try keto pancakes or waffles made with almond flour and cream cheese, topped with berries and whipped cream. You could also make a keto oatmeal from flax seeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds.

For a savoury breakfast, try a keto breakfast casserole with eggs, vegetables, sausage, and cheddar cheese. Or, for a quick breakfast, avocado on low-carb toast, or smoked salmon and eggs in pots.

For those with a sweet tooth, there are keto muffins, cookies, and smoothies, as well as keto donuts, which can be kept plain or topped with fruit, spices, or a sugar-free glaze.

Keto lunch ideas

If you're looking for some easy keto lunch ideas, look no further! Here are some delicious and satisfying options that will keep you on track with your keto diet:

• Keto Chicken Salad: A simple and healthy option with a creamy dressing. It's bursting with colour and flavour and is ready in 30 minutes or less.
• Keto Butter Burgers: Swap the bun for lettuce to make this Midwestern staple keto-friendly.
• Pan-Seared Cod in Salsa with Queso Fresco: This budget-friendly keto fish recipe is a tasty and quick option, ready in under 30 minutes.
• Garlic Steak Bite Salad with Tarragon Dressing: A hearty and flavourful salad that is perfect for lunch. Juicy steak bites are fried in garlic butter and served with fresh veggies and a delicious dressing.
• Keto Chicken Pesto Zoodle Salad: This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines chicken, basil, tomato, feta, and zoodles for a fresh and tasty lunch.
• Keto Egg Casserole with Zucchini and Ham: A great option for lunch that can also be made ahead for weekly meal prep.

With a bit of planning and preparation, sticking to your keto diet at lunchtime can be easy and enjoyable!

Keto dinner ideas

Overview

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that aims to drive the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body burns stored fat instead of carbohydrates for energy. This diet has been associated with several potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and enhanced cognitive function. Here are some delicious and easy keto dinner ideas to get you started:

Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken

A delicious and easy one-skillet meal inspired by the flavours of Tuscany. Chicken breasts are seared to perfection and smothered in a creamy garlic sauce, often served with a side of greens or tomatoes.

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken

The air fryer is a keto cook's best friend, creating crispy dishes without the excess calories. This lemon chicken recipe is no exception, with a zesty citrus flavour and a cooking time of just 5 minutes!

Ground Beef Tacos

A healthier take on the classic Taco Tuesday favourite. This Mexican-inspired dish is ready in under 20 minutes and is sure to satisfy those taco cravings.

Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

A creative twist on the classic spinach dip, this casserole packs a nutritional punch with its generous helping of spinach. It has the comforting feel of a lasagna but with a creamy, cheesy sauce that ties it all together.

Keto Lasagna

Lasagna is often missed on the keto diet, but this recipe brings it back with a keto-friendly twist. It uses homemade keto-friendly noodles and is loaded with cheese and sauce for a comforting, indulgent meal.

Keto Chicken Pot Pie

A keto-friendly take on the classic pot pie, this dish uses almond flour instead of pastry. It's filled with a creamy mixture of chicken, peas, and carrots, making it a warm and satisfying option for cold winter nights.

Keto Cheeseburger Casserole with Bacon

This casserole combines two all-time favourites: cheeseburgers and bacon. It's a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.

Keto Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

A low-carb version of the classic shrimp scampi, this dish uses zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti for a carb-free treat. It's packed with zesty lemon and garlic flavours, seared shrimp, and fresh parsley.

Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus

Sheet pan meals are a breeze to prepare and clean up. This salmon and asparagus dish is no exception, requiring just a few ingredients and 20 minutes in the oven. The salmon is seasoned with dill, garlic, and Dijon mustard, resulting in a savoury and crispy finish.

Keto Chicken Parmesan

Chicken Parmesan is a crowd-pleaser, and this keto-friendly version doesn't disappoint. Instead of breadcrumbs, the chicken is coated in parmesan cheese and spices, resulting in a crispy and indulgent dish.

Keto Oven-Baked Ribs

Fall-off-the-bone ribs without the hours-long cooking time. This recipe slashes the prep time in half, resulting in juicy and tender ribs that will transport you to a summertime barbecue.

Keto Fried Chicken

A keto-friendly take on the classic fried chicken, this recipe eliminates the excess carbs while retaining the crispy, crunchy exterior and juicy, succulent interior.

Keto Low-Carb Chili

A protein-packed and comforting dish perfect for cold days. This chili can be made in just 15 minutes using an Instant Pot or slow cooker, making it an excellent option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A comforting and indulgent soup thickened with cheese instead of cornstarch to keep it low-carb. It's made in the slow cooker, resulting in a gooey, salty, and kid-approved meal.

Keto Deep-Dish Pizza

Keto-friendly deep-dish pizza does exist! This recipe uses a gluten-free crust made with almond flour and whey protein isolate, resulting in a light and fluffy base that's surprisingly close to traditional pizza dough.

Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice

Your favourite takeout dish gets a healthy makeover. This recipe uses cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, resulting in a protein-packed and veggie-filled meal that tastes just like the real thing.

Keto Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a guilty pleasure, and this keto-friendly version hits the spot without the carb overload. It uses a low-carb brand of elbow macaroni, keeping the carbs to a minimum while delivering on taste.

Keto Bacon-Wrapped California Roll

A creative twist on the classic California roll, this sushi uses bacon instead of rice and seaweed to hold everything together. It's a unique and indulgent way to enjoy your sushi without the carbs.

Keto Meatloaf with Almond Flour and Parmesan

A classic comfort food made keto-friendly. This meatloaf uses almond flour and parmesan cheese instead of breadcrumbs to seal in moisture and add flavour. It's coated in unsweetened ketchup for a nostalgic and delicious finish.

Broiled Salmon

This broiled salmon recipe achieves a crispy exterior and flaky interior in just 8-10 minutes. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Keto Quesadillas

Quesadillas with only 3 grams of carbs per serving? Yes, please! This recipe uses low-carb tortillas and keto-friendly veggies, making it a light and tasty option for lunch or a side dish.

Keto Wedge Salad

A classic wedge salad taken up a notch with the addition of bacon, boiled eggs, and blue cheese dressing. It's a perfect side dish for a backyard barbecue or a hearty brunch option with the addition of a few extra slices of bacon and eggs.

Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast

A restaurant-worthy dish that's surprisingly easy to make. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy spinach and cheese filling, served with a caramelized onion and mushroom sauce.

Baked Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken

Succulent baked chicken that's juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Topped with ranch dressing, mozzarella cheese, and crispy bacon, this dish is sure to be a family favourite.

These keto dinner ideas offer a variety of delicious and indulgent options that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you on track with your keto diet. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and exploring the world of keto cooking!

Keto snacks

There are plenty of keto-friendly snacks that are both tasty and healthy. Here are some ideas for keto snacks, broken down into categories to suit your cravings.

Sweet Treats:

• Fat bombs: a classic keto snack, these are often made with a base of coconut oil, nut butter, avocado, or cream cheese, and can be flavoured with dark chocolate and peanut butter.
• Keto cookies: there are many keto-friendly cookie recipes, including peanut butter, chocolate chip, and magic keto cookies.
• Keto bars: try making your own keto granola bars or cookie dough bars using sugar alternatives like monk fruit.
• Fruit: enjoy low-carb fruits like avocados, berries, lemon, lime, and cranberries in moderation.

Salty and Savoury Bites:

• Deli roll-ups: roll turkey, ham, or roast beef with cheese for a protein-packed snack.
• Veggie sticks: pair cucumber, bell peppers, or celery with a dip like guacamole, or a spread like cream cheese.
• Cheese: try string cheese, babybel, or cheese slices, or make your own cheese crisps or crackers with almond flour.
• Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds are classic crunchy keto snacks.
• Hard-boiled eggs: a quick, protein-filled snack, also delicious as devilled eggs or egg salad lettuce wraps.
• Chips: make your own keto-friendly chips by baking thinly sliced zucchini, or try keto tortilla chips or cheese crisps.

Drinks and Smoothies:

• Keto smoothie: blend strawberries, a great low-carb fruit, with two other keto ingredients for a creamy, dessert-like snack.
• Keto shakes: try a keto thickshake in vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry.
• Keto green smoothie: get your greens in with a creamy, low-carb blend that masks the taste of spinach.
• Bulletproof coffee or tea: a popular keto drink made with added fats like butter or MCT oil.

These are just a few ideas to get you started on your keto snacking journey. With a bit of creativity and preparation, you can enjoy a variety of delicious and satisfying snacks while sticking to your keto diet.

Keto desserts

There are plenty of keto-friendly dessert options to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are some ideas for keto desserts:

No-bake desserts

• Cheesecake: A no-bake cheesecake is a great option as it's fuss-free and can be made in advance. You can also vary the toppings to fit the season.
• No-bake cookies: All you need is coconut flour, peanut butter, and a little keto maple syrup for soft and decadent cookies ready in minutes.
• Fat bombs: These are decadent one-bite treats that are high in healthy fats and low in carbs. Try peanut butter cups, chocolate-covered cookie dough, or raspberry cheesecake fat bombs.

Baked desserts

• Key lime pie: Made with a buttery keto pie crust, creamy key lime pie filling, and delicate whipped cream topping.
• Lemon bars: These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey lemon filling, making them a summertime staple.
• Keto brownies: Fudgy and moist, these brownies can be whipped up quickly and enjoyed warm or cold.
• Keto chocolate cake: This cake is low-carb and can be served with keto ice cream—your guests won't believe it's sugar-free!
• Keto birthday cake: Using both almond and coconut flour gives this cake a perfect bounce and crumb.
• Keto blondies: All the gooey texture and richness of a brownie, just with slightly less chocolate and none of the carbs.
• Keto chocolate chip cookies: This recipe uses almond flour and has a nut-free option. They do not taste sugar-free and can be stored in the freezer for weeks.
• Keto cinnamon rolls: These beauties are only 1 gram of net carbs each, and the warm fragrance will fill your senses.

Other treats

• Keto ice cream: There are many keto ice cream options, from basic vanilla or chocolate to strawberry or no-churn cookie dough. You can also make ice cream sandwiches with homemade keto cookies.
• Keto mug cake: There are many variations, including chocolate, peanut butter, and lemon. They're ready in minutes and are perfect for satisfying a sudden craving.
• Keto truffles: Try Mayan Dream Chocolate truffles or Low Carb Pecan Turtle Truffles.
• Keto chocolate mousse: Avocado, cream cheese, or cottage cheese are common bases for this dessert.
• Keto fudge: Combine sugar-free chocolate chips and peanut butter for a decadent treat.
• Keto cookies: Try chocolate chip, snickerdoodles, or coconut cookies.
• Keto tiramisu: This dessert hits all the classic notes while remaining keto-friendly.

Frequently asked questions