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No matter if you’re just starting out on the keto diet or have been following it for years, having a variety of side dishes to choose from will make dinnertime much less stressful.
Vegetarian sides make meaty mains even tastier! Here are our favorite easy keto side dish recipes to keep you satisfied and nourished on your low carb journey.
Mashed Cauliflower
Mashed cauliflower is one of the ideal keto side dishes. It’s a low carb alternative to mashed potatoes with an irresistibly creamy buttery taste.
On its own, this dish can be enjoyed as a tasty side dish; however, it also pairs perfectly with more substantial main dishes like chicken or roast meats. In fact, you could even use it as the top layer for Shepherd’s pie or another meat-based dish!
This delicious mashed cauliflower recipe is all about garlic and butter. To add an extra layer of flavor, simply mince raw garlic into the mix or sautee it in melted butter before mixing with the cauliflower.
Mash your potatoes until they have achieved the creamy consistency that mashed potatoes are known for, then top it off with cream cheese or sour cream. Garnish it off with some chopped chives for some added color and flair! This low carb and keto friendly side dish is sure to become a go-to favorite in your household!
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash is an ideal side dish for keto dieters, offering long strands that resemble spaghetti pasta and low in carbohydrates and calories – perfect for those on a keto diet!
It’s also an excellent source of vitamins, dietary fiber and potassium. Plus, it boasts high amounts of vitamin C – an antioxidant which helps shield your cells against free radical damage.
Furthermore, avocado is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. This healthy fat supports your heart, brain and immune system by strengthening them from within.
It’s also very low in carbohydrates, with only 8 net grams per one cup serving. Similar to other winter squashes like zucchini or butternut, its nutrition makes it a perfect addition to your keto diet.
Asparagus with Garlic and Parmesan
Asparagus with garlic and parmesan is an easy low carb keto side dish that takes just minutes to prepare. It’s great as a staple in the fridge, making it the ideal accompaniment for meat-based main dishes.
This deceptively straightforward yet incredibly flavorful asparagus recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Roasted to tender-crisp perfection and then topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and an irresistibly cheesey Parmesan mixture for extra kick!
When selecting quality asparagus, be sure to look for dark green stalks that are plump and not limp with clean, crisp (not soft or slimy) tips.
Once you’ve picked your asparagus, be sure to store it properly in your refrigerator until cooking time. Store stem side down in a little less than an inch of cool water to prevent dryness and becoming mushy.
Bacon Avocado Fries
Bacon avocado fries make an excellent keto side dish to accompany burgers or other hearty meals. They’re also delicious on their own as a snack or appetizer.
Bacon gives avocados a salty, cheesy, creamy taste you won’t be able to resist. Plus, these nutritious snacks help you stay full for longer – ideal for those following a paleo diet!
These keto fries are so effortless to make that you’ll want them in your pantry at all times. Top them off with ranch or any other low-carb dipping sauce for a meal sure to please everyone in the household.
When cutting and wrapping bacon, you want your avocados to be ripe but not overripe. Otherwise, they will become mushy and difficult to wrap tightly.