The Ketogenic diet, commonly known as the keto diet, is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan that has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, including weight loss and improved mental clarity. The goal of the keto diet is to enter a state of ketosis, where the body burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. This is achieved by significantly reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing fat consumption, which can lead to a range of health benefits. Whether you're new to keto or a seasoned pro, these 20 easy, affordable, and delicious recipes will help you stay on track while enjoying every bite.
1. Garlic Butter Shrimp Zoodles
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Return shrimp to the skillet, toss with zoodles, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Time from Start to Finish: 20 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★☆
Calories Approx: 280 per serving
2. Cheesy Cauliflower Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add cauliflower rice and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add cheddar cheese and mix until melted and creamy.
- Serve immediately.
Time from Start to Finish: 20 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★☆
Calories Approx: 240 per serving
3. Avocado Egg Salad
Ingredients:
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine chopped eggs, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
- Mix until well combined and season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve chilled.
Time from Start to Finish: 10 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★★
Calories Approx: 200 per serving
4. Keto Taco Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced green onions
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onions over medium heat until beef is browned.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and salsa.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven, top with sour cream, black olives, and green onions before serving.
Time from Start to Finish: 35 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★☆
Calories Approx: 320 per serving
5. Crispy Parmesan Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pat chicken thighs dry and rub with olive oil.
- Coat chicken with the Parmesan mixture and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until crispy and golden.
Time from Start to Finish: 50 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★☆
Calories Approx: 350 per serving
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6. Pesto Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Remove from heat and toss with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Time from Start to Finish: 20 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★★
Calories Approx: 210 per serving
7.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, etc.)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add riced cauliflower and mixed vegetables, and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Push the cauliflower rice to one side of the skillet and pour in the beaten eggs.
- Scramble the eggs, then mix them into the cauliflower rice.
- Stir in soy sauce and green onions, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Time from Start to Finish: 25 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★☆
Calories Approx: 200 per serving
8.
Lemon Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
Time from Start to Finish: 30 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★☆
Calories Approx: 120 per serving
9.
Spicy Sausage and Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken or turkey sausages
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add sausages and cook until browned.
- Add bell peppers, onion, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot.
Time from Start to Finish: 20 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★☆
Calories Approx: 250 per serving
10.
Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and remove from heat.
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and brush with garlic butter mixture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Time from Start to Finish: 25 minutes
Ease Level: ★★★★☆
Calories Approx: 310 per serving
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