Top 10 low-carb lunch ideas

Low in calories and providing just 15g of carbs per serving these stuffed peppers will keep you full and satisfied. They also pack in 3 of your 5 a day.

2. Nutty chicken satay strips

Chicken satay with cucumber on the side

Another popular recipe, our nutty chicken satay strips can be kept in the fridge for up to two days. Thick chicken breast strips are coated in a curried peanut butter batter, then baked until golden. Serve with cucumber and a sweet chilli sauce.

3. Masala frittata and avocado salsa

Masala frittata and avocado salsa

Full of vitamins and minerals and packed with colour this spicy masala frittata is as good the next day as it is on the day it is cooked. Enjoy it for supper and have a delicious lunch the next day. We’ve teamed it with an avocado salsa, known for their healthy fat content, avocados are also a good source of fibre and help to keep you fuller for longer.

Read more about the health benefits of avocado, including why they are so useful on a low-carb diet

4. Protein pots

We’ve designed our tuna nicoise protein pot and Indian chicken protein pots to provide a protein boost when you need it – whether that’s post workout, at your desk or for a picnic lunch. Packed with flavour, and yet so little carbs.

5. Cumin-spiced halloumi with corn & tomato slaw

Cumin-spiced halloumi with corn & tomato slaw

At only 17g of carbs per serving, this cumin-spiced halloumi with corn & tomato slaw is a surprisingly healthy lunch option. Golden, cumin-spiked halloumi is matched with a vibrant homemade corn slaw, made zingy with fresh lime and fiery with red chilli.

6. Microwave shakshuka

Shakshuka in a pink cup with pitta on the side

Low on time? This microwave shakshuka is ready in just 10 minutes – just crack an egg into a bowl of garlicky passata, cover and heat in the microwave until the white is set. Scatter with coriander to serve.

7. Celeriac soup

Celeriac soup

Celeriac is naturally low in carbs and this comforting celeriac soup is packed full of fibre, vitamins and minerals. We’ve finished the soup with a hazelnut crumble to add a delightful crunch.

8. Tuna, fennel & bean salad

A tuna and green vegetable salad

Make your lunchtime salad that little bit more adventurous by mixing tuna, fennel and beans together, before scattering with lemon zest, cucumber ribbons, fresh herbs and pumpkin seeds. A low-carb (and low-calorie) staple that will keep you full until dinner.

9. Cashew curry

A chicken curry with kale on the side

Take a chance on this cashew curry from fitness guru Joe Wicks. Instead of rice, it’s served with steamed greens (we’d recommend iron-rich kale) and all those unsalted cashews and chicken breast chunks make it a high-protein option, too.

10. Mexican egg roll

An omelette wrap on a blue surface

Swap bread for an omelette in this clever Mexican egg roll, which comes in at just 2g of carbohydrate per serving. Fill your egg ‘pancake’ with tomato salsa and fresh coriander for a super-speedy lunch that’s on the table in 15 minutes or less.

Read more about low carb eating:

What is a keto diet?
What are low-carb diets?
What is the Atkins diet?
What is the Dukan diet?
Protein and carbs – get the balance right

Like these low-carb ideas? Discover more…

Our top 10 low-carb fruits
Our top 20 best low-carb vegetables
Low-carb foods: the best carb replacements
Low-carb foods: top 6 carb swaps


This article was reviewed on 10 December 2024 by Kerry Torrens

All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.

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