If you’re trying to go vegetarian, but still want to follow a keto or low-carb diet, try some of these delicious dishes. Plant-based proteins like tofu, eggs, and beans, will all add protein, while a rainbow of veggies keep things colorful and fresh. We’ve included options for a wide range of preparation techniques, cuisines, and every meal (including snacks!), so you can stick to your meal plan all day long.
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Keto Queso Dip
If you need a snack while watching the big game, an easy appetizer to add to a spread, or a starter for a celebratory meal, try this ooey-gooey queso dip that doesn’t have the huge carb load most traditional recipes do. Serve with fresh veggies for dipping.
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Dairy-Free Crustless Spinach Quiche
With no crust, and no dairy, this spinach quiche will satisfy a range of dietary considerations. Make it your own by swapping in other vegetables like asparagus, onions, mushrooms, or other favorites.
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Cauliflower Parmesan
Swap out chicken for cauliflower steaks for a hearty, cheesy Italian meal with cauliflower parmesan. Roasting the veggie gives it a toasty sweetness and tender texture that works great as a base. You can even make a quick marinara while it cooks.
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Jicama Fries
Jicama is a crisp, white-fleshed tuber that has a starchy interior that works perfectly as a potato alternative. It especially works great when fried. Serve these jicama fries alongside your protein main and you’ll never miss the carbs.
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Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
Spaghetti squash makes a great pasta alternative, especially in this creamy keto-friendly alfredo. We added some broccoli for color and nutrition, but vegetables like spinach or proteins like tofu would also taste great.
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Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Just because you’re avoiding carbs doesn’t mean you have to give up mac n’ cheese. Using cauliflower instead of noodles makes it not only keto-friendly but gluten-free, not to mention delicious.
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Easy Sautéed Mushrooms
Simple sautéed mushrooms have a meaty texture that can work as a hearty side or a keto-friendly topper for cauliflower rice bowls or spaghetti squash as a main dish. Feel free to scale this starter recipe up or down.
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Vegan Tofu Scramble
For a vegan breakfast that can also turn into a versatile base for experimentation, try a tofu scramble. Adding vegan meat crumbles, veggies like bell peppers and onions, or your favorite spices can inject some excitement into your morning.
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Cauliflower Potato Salad
Bring cauliflower potato salad to your next cookout for a creamy, summery side dish that doesn’t rack up the carb count. It has a very similar taste and texture to the original, with chopped hard boiled eggs, dill pickles, and scallions for that signature zesty tang.
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Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
For a keto dish that has that crispy texture we love from fried foods but the nutrition of vegetables, air fry Brussels sprouts. A little honey, chili paste, pepper, and sesame seeds give them an Asian-inspired flavor.
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Cauliflower Fried Rice
Stir frying works wonderfully as a preparation method for cauliflower rice because it cooks the grains thoroughly without turning them to mush. Add veggies like bell pepper, carrots, and onions, to keto-friendly fried rice that will have dinner on the table in a flash.
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Baked Avocado Chips
Yes, you can bake avocado into crispy chips that will keep your hand out of the potato chip bag. These have a chili-lime flavor to tickle your tastebuds. Enjoy them on their own or with your favorite creamy dip.
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Zucchini Grilled Cheese
Use up extra zucchini from your garden by turning it into creamy, melty grilled cheese. With lots of mozzarella and parmesan, eggs, and almond flour, this plant-based sandwich will hit the spot. Try it with a side of tomato soup for a whole meal.
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Avocado Egg Salad
Swap out mayonnaise for creamy avocado in egg salad that not only has a gorgeous green color but extra flavor and nutrition as well. Use it as a sandwich spread on low-carb bread or serve over a bed of lettuce for a healthy green lunch.
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Buddha Bowl
Filling, and totally vegetarian, buddha bowls will keep you full through dinner. Swap out the grains for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash noodles to keep it keto-friendly.
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Chinese Five-Spice Tofu
For an Asian-inspired main that sticks to a keto diet, try Chinese five-spice tofu. It has a unique spice profile from a blend of anise, fennel, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper. Serve it over cauliflower rice or with a side of steamed veggies.
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Vegan Indian Palak Paneer
Using tofu instead of cheese keeps this twist on Indian Palak Paneer totally vegan as well as keto-friendly. Plain yogurt works best, but vanilla or lemon can also sub in too. It has a fragrant spice profile that will make your kitchen smell great as it cooks.
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Cauliflower Cheese Bread
Italian-American favorite cheesy bread ranks as one of the best comfort foods for a reason, and thanks to cauliflower, you can still enjoy it on keto. It also doesn’t require any special equipment, just a food processor and a sheet pan.
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Bok Choy and Mushroom Stir Fry
For a speedy weeknight dinner that’s both vegetarian and keto, stir-fry mushrooms and bok choy do the trick with a flavorful soy and ginger sauce. Because stir frying goes so fast, prep all of your ingredients before you heat the wok.
