Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (2024)

Saying goodbye to bread doesn't have to be tragic.

By Camille Lowder and Mackenzie Filson
Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (1)

When you're starting out with the keto lifestyle, one of the most unexpectedly tricky things is figuring out what to eat when you’re not at home, especially at lunchtime. Often takeout and restaurants only yield bland options, and we aren't about bland here at Delish. Far from it. Which is why we rounded up the best keto lunch ideas you'll actually be excited about (like low-carb lettuce wraps, salads, even cauliflower crust pizza). It can take a bit more preparation, but we think the reward of making and bringing your own lunch is SO worth it. Even if you work from home, knowing you’ve got a delicious lunch already prepared can be the ultimate day-maker. Check out our list of 29 keto-friendly lunches, and we know you’ll be inspired to make your own low-carb lunch in no time.

For optimum portability, you really can't beat the combo of protein + lettuce wrap. From there, the options are pretty much endless, some of our favorites are turkey taco lettuce wraps or a classic like tuna salad, but feel free to get creative with both your fillings and wraps (we also are big fans of these Philly cheesesteak cabbage wraps). You can assemble as few or as many as you’d like, right at your desk. If you’re more the everything-in-a-bowl-type (or stuff-everything-in-an-avocado-type), we’ve got ideas for you too, like our deconstructed egg roll bowls and bruschetta chicken stuffed avocados.

Having a tough week at work? You can always fall back on comfort food, like our , pizza frittata, or turkey zucchini enchilada casserole. Whatever you do, make sure to bring your lunch in something cute and functional you’ll be excited to pack every day (this list is aimed at lunchboxes for kids, but we’re adult enough to admit to being into them anyway).

Want more keto inspiration? Check out our keto keto breakfast and keto dinner ideas too. And don't forget the keto snacks!

1

Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (3)

We’re always on the lookout for yummy ground turkey recipes, and this one is one of our faves. These lettuce wraps come together fast (just 20 minutes!), are super flavorful, and can be customized how you like it. Top them with your favorite taco toppings, really anything goes!

Get the Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps recipe.

2

Caprese Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (4)

Stuffed peppers are our favorite way to add a veggie boost to classic weeknight dinners. For this recipe, we decided to fit everything you love about our Caprese chickenchicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, balsamic—all into these gorgeous stuffed peppers for a satisfying (and eye-catching) meal.

Get the Caprese Chicken Stuffed Peppers recipe.

3

Pizza Frittata

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (5)

If you're craving pizza but want a substantial meal, turn to this pizza frittata. We load this frittata up with marinara, shredded mozzarella, and sliced pepperoni for savory pizza flavor in the classic frittata form. Serve at as the ultimate brunch dish or for a protein-packed lunch.

Get the Pizza Frittata recipe.

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4

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (6)

Fried rice is a classic and comforting recipe that everyone loves…except maybe those who are trying to eat less rice. So, we created this spin on the fave that subs cauliflower for rice, while still crushing the flavor game. Whether you’re skipping carbs or trying to eat more vegetables, this cauliflower fried rice is for you.

Get the Cauliflower Fried Rice recipe.

5

Bruschetta Chicken Stuffed Avocados

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Avocados make the perfect snack bowls. Therefore, stuffing them full of bruschetta chicken was one of easiest decisions we've ever made. You don't need to take off the skin completely—we just think it's super-pretty that way. Plus, it make it's easier to to attack with a fork and knife.

Get the Bruschetta Chicken Stuffed Avocados recipe.

6

Italian Antipasto Brussels Sprouts Salad

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (8)

Piled high with a variety of cheeses, slices of cured meats, and briny veggies, an antipasto platter is a beautiful sight to behold. If you too love the famed spread and want to enjoy its flavors in as many ways as possible, you've gotta make this Brussels sprouts salad next.

Get the Italian Antipasto Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.

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7

Keto Beef Stew

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (9)

Making beef stew keto-friendly only means a few simple swaps. It's still just as silky and deeply comforting as the original.

Get the Keto Beef Stew recipe.

8

Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (10)

We’re kind of obsessed with Philly cheesesteaks. Thinly sliced beef, melty cheese, onions and peppers, all tucked into a hoagie roll—it's everything we love. But what if you’re on that low-carb or keto life? Don’t worry, we’ve got you too. These Philly cheesesteak cabbage wraps are everything you love about the OG, without the bread.

Get the Philly Cheesesteak Cabbage Wraps recipe.

9

Egg Roll Bowls

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (11)

If you're a fan of crispy savory egg rolls, then you might consider this unwrapped version your dream lunch. Without the need to wrap or fry, this veggie-packed meal comes together in well under an hour. Garnish with crispy raw scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and plenty of sriracha or chili oil.

Get the Egg Roll Bowls recipe.

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10

Lasagna-Stuffed Zucchini

Lightening up lasagna with zucchini is one of our fave low-carb dinner hacks. Fill up the zucchini with everything you love about the Italian classic, and enjoy it carb-free.

Get the Lasagna-Stuffed Zucchini recipe.

11

Best Tuna Salad

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (13)

We know, we know, you're not supposed to bring fish for lunch, but this tuna's just SO good. Eat it in lettuce wraps or with keto crackers for the perfect low-carb lunch.

Get the Best Tuna Salad recipe.

12

Turkey Zucchini Enchilada Casserole

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (14)

There are few things zucchini can't do, it seems. From grilled zucchini to zucchini soup and zucchini lattice lasagna, you can use it in so many different ways. Here, the summer squash is standing in for corn tortillas in this casserole recipe that takes the summer squash fully into the colder months.

Get the Turkey Zucchini Enchilada Casserole recipe.

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13

Big Mac Salad

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To make a salad that was anything but boring, we decided to turn the classic Big Mac flavors into a delicious dinner salad. Think of your favorite burger plus the satisfying crunch of a salad all in one bite…what’s not to love? Just be sure to swap in your favorite keto ketchup when making the dressing!

Get the Big Mac Cheeseburger Salad recipe.

14

Keto Taco Cups

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (16)

Taco shells made out of cheese = the ultimate keto hack. We're basically talking about frico, an Italian cooking method in which cheese is cooked in a pan until slightly crispy but malleable. Here, we're baking little mounds of cheddar and shaping them into handheld cups before they cool completely.

Get the Keto Taco Cups recipe.

15

Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (17)

Whether you're going low-carb, looking for an easy game day appetizer, or need a meal-prep dream, these Philly Cheesesteak wraps are here to save the day. Packed with all your favorite components from the classic sandwich—tender skirt steak, onions, peppers, and melty cheese—you won't even miss the hoagie in these low-carb wraps.

Get the Philly Cheesesteak Lettuce Wraps recipe.

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16

Cobb Egg Salad

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (18)

Egg salad is wonderful as is. But add bacon, blue cheese, avocado, and tomatoes, and you've got a lunch that you'll be dreaming about for days.

Get the Cobb Egg Salad recipe.

17

Burrito Zucchini Boats

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (19)

You won't miss the tortilla in these stuffed zucchinis. They've got everything you love about your favorite burrito—black beans, corn, CHEESE—minus the carbs!

Get the Zucchini Burrito Boats recipe.

18

Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (20)

Meet your new favorite low-carb dinner. It's super-flavorful, fresh, and it's ready in under an hour. Want a meatless option? We love adding roasted Buffalo cauliflower to these wraps, too!

Get the Buffalo Shrimp Lettuce Wraps recipe.

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19

Keto Taquitos

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (21)

Typically, taquitos are made by rolling a variety of fillings tightly in a corn tortilla before deep frying. They're good. Like, REALLY good. Unfortunately, they're not keto, so we got creative and replaced the tortilla with something that is: cheese!

Get the Keto Taquitos recipe.

20

Keto Chicken Salad

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (22)

We firmly believe that all chicken salads would benefit from crispy bacon and this easy Keto version is proof. The dressing is tangy and with added avocado it's a perfect chicken salad. Serve it on lettuce or some keto cloud bread.

Get the Keto Chicken Salad recipe.

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (2024)

FAQs

Can I eat popcorn on keto? ›

Net carbs are calculated by taking the total grams of carbohydrate in a food and subtracting the amount of fiber. In this case, popcorn contains 6 grams of carbs per 1 cup serving and 1.2 grams of fiber, bringing the net carbs per serving to 4.8 grams. Yes friends, popcorn is indeed a keto food.

What is lazy keto menu? ›

A lazy keto diet consists of low-carb foods like meat, fish, full-fat dairy and non-starchy vegetables, but limits high-carb foods such as bread, potatoes, sugary snacks and some fruits. If you've tried the keto before and found it too tedious, lazy keto could be a good compromise.

What is the keto 30 challenge? ›

What is the KETO 30 Challenge? The KETO 30 Challenge is simple: get everything you need to change your lifestyle and go keto for 30 days. We'll help you every step of the way so you stay committed for all 30 days. Challenge yourself to be your best self!

What is the ultimate keto meal plan tips? ›

The following macronutrient ratios are typically included in the keto diet:
  1. 70-80% Fat: Fat makes up between 70 and 80 percent of this diet. ...
  2. 20–25% Protein: By restricting carbohydrates, protein helps to maintain muscle mass. ...
  3. 5–10% Carbohydrates: These should come from minimally processed foods and low-carb veggies.
Oct 13, 2023

What snack food has no carbs? ›

Zero Carb Snacks:
  • Cheese: A savory and satisfying snack, cheese is low in carbs and high in flavor. ...
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Packed with protein and virtually carb-free, hard-boiled eggs make for a portable and nutritious snack. ...
  • Pork Rinds: Crispy and carb-free, pork rinds are a savory alternative to traditional snacks.

Are pickles allowed on keto? ›

Luckily, pickles are keto friendly, especially those that are of the dill pickle variety, as sugar is low. “Simply put, sweet pickles are made with sugar which will automatically push the carb count up,” says Hultin. “Dill or salt pickles don't have the added sugar and carbs, naturally,” she says.

Is peanut butter lazy keto? ›

Peanut butter is moderately low in carbs and contains both fiber and healthy fat. Its composition makes peanut butter a balanced food that can be added to keto diets, depending on how it's made.

Can I eat all I want on keto? ›

While keto allows for more flexibility in fat consumption, it's essential to control your calorie intake. The key to success is not just the type of food but also portion control. Eating excessive calories, even from keto-friendly foods, can still lead to weight gain.

What are big mistakes on keto? ›

Eating too much protein and not enough fats

Proteins as well can cause insulin spikes when over-consumed. The only macronutrient that doesn't spike insulin is pure fat. For this reason, you need to be adhering to very specific fat/carb/protein ratios when following a Keto Diet.

How long to lose 20 lbs on keto? ›

“If the patient can maintain a steady calorie deficit, I expect them to lose one to two pounds per week,” says Dr. Seeman. So after 12 weeks, her clients are usually down around 20-25 pounds.

How many pounds can you lose on keto in 21 days? ›

The keto diet changes the way your metabolism works by encouraging it to use ketone bodies instead of glucose for energy production. In the first couple of weeks, it's possible to lose up to ten pounds. After that, you could be losing one to two pounds per week.

What is the most filling food on keto? ›

Try these 10 filling low-carb foods to satisfy hunger and fight cravings:
  • Lean Meats. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Eggs. ...
  • Nuts. ...
  • Seafood. ...
  • Cottage Cheese. ...
  • Portobello Mushrooms. ...
  • Berries. Full of natural sweetness and nutrients, certain berries make a great snack idea on a low-carb menu.

What is the ultimate keto food? ›

Foods you can eat on the keto diet include fish and seafood, meat and poultry, non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and zucchini, avocados, berries, nuts and seeds, eggs, high-fat dairy products, olive oil and other oils, and high-cocoa chocolate.

What are the top 10 keto foods? ›

These are the top 10 keto foods you should include if you're on...
  1. Salmon. Whether wild or farm-raised, salmon is rich in fat, making it an essential ketogenic diet staple. ...
  2. Eggs. This affordable protein and fat source is highly versatile. ...
  3. Cauliflower. ...
  4. Greens. ...
  5. Avocado. ...
  6. Nuts. ...
  7. Olive oil. ...
  8. Zucchini.

Which brand of popcorn is keto friendly? ›

Skinny Pop Popcorn can fit into the keto diet and make an excellent healthy snack. Each serving provides 4g of dietary fiber and only 1g of net carbs per serving, making it an ideal option for those trying to keep their carb intake low.

Is movie theater popcorn OK on keto? ›

Popcorn is not keto-friendly due to its high net carb content, which can disrupt ketosis. While popcorn has health benefits like dietary fiber and some vitamins, these can be outweighed by its high carb content on a strict ketogenic diet.

Does popcorn spike blood sugar? ›

Popcorn offers people with diabetes a low-sugar, low-calorie snack option. It will not increase a person's blood sugar levels by a significant amount, making it a safe choice between meals. However, people should keep toppings to a minimum and avoid eating excessive portions.

Is Spam OK for keto? ›

So, is SPAM keto friendly? The good news is SPAM is keto friendly in moderation and can be a part of a keto diet if you are comfortable with the ingredients. While canned meats like SPAM can be part of a well-constructed low-carb lifestyle if used thoughtfully, they probably shouldn't be a dietary staple.

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