When you’re trying to manage your carb intake while ensuring you get plenty of protein, finding the right lunch options can be a challenge. However, with these 18 low-carb lunches, you won’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition.
Packed with high protein content and under 14 grams of carbs per serving, these meals are perfect for keeping you full and energized throughout the day. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for quick, easy options, these recipes will meet your dietary needs.
1. Chopped Power Salad With Chicken
This power salad combines tender chicken with fresh, crunchy greens. Tossed with a flavorful dressing in the same bowl, it ensures the vegetables absorb all the goodness. It’s a filling and nutritious lunch that’s light on carbs but packed with protein.
2. Salmon-Stuffed Avocados
Canned salmon is a heart-healthy and affordable source of omega-3 fats. Stuff it into creamy avocados for a no-cook lunch that’s high in protein and low in carbs. This combination of healthy fats and protein will leave you satisfied and energized.
3. Creamy Pesto Chicken Salad With Greens
In this take on traditional chicken salad, half the mayonnaise is replaced with basil pesto for a fresh, herby flavor. Serve it over a bed of greens or use it to make a low-carb sandwich for a light yet flavorful meal.
4. Avocado Tuna Salad
Jazz up a simple can of tuna by mixing it with avocado, feta, and lemon. This creates a creamy, tangy salad with plenty of healthy fats and protein. Add in some Romaine hearts or cucumbers for extra crunch and fiber.
5. Cauliflower Rice Bowls With Grilled Asparagus & Chicken Sausage
Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute for traditional rice. Combine it with pre-grilled asparagus and chicken sausage for a meal-prep-friendly dish. This protein-packed bowl is perfect for reheating and topping with a bit of pesto.
6. Tuna Salad With Egg
Eggs add an extra dose of protein to a classic tuna salad. The sharpness of capers and the zest of lemon make this tuna salad flavorful without being overwhelming. Enjoy it over greens or as a sandwich.
7. Cobb Salad With Herb-Rubbed Chicken
This updated version of a Cobb salad features herb-rubbed chicken, kale, feta, and fresh strawberries. It’s colorful, nutritious, and perfect for a protein-rich lunch.
8. Taco Lettuce Wraps
Swap out the tortilla for a fresh, sturdy green leaf and fill it with your favorite taco toppings. These taco lettuce wraps are low-carb but still full of flavor and crunch, making them a great option for lunch.
9. Avocado Ranch Chicken Salad
Avocado serves as the creamy base in this ranch-style chicken salad. A bit of ranch dressing and pickled jalapeños add a tangy kick to this classic dish. Serve it in a lettuce cup or as an open-faced sandwich for a low-carb lunch.
10. 3-Ingredient Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Salad
This simple yet delicious rotisserie chicken salad uses lemon-herb mayo for a quick flavor boost. With only three ingredients, this no-cook recipe is perfect for a busy day. Serve it with whole-grain crackers or fresh veggies.
11. Cashew Chicken Lettuce Wraps
These cashew chicken lettuce wraps combine ground chicken, crunchy cashews, and celery for a savory and satisfying dish. Ideal for meal prepping, they’re packed with protein and healthy fats, perfect for a filling lunch.
12. Pizza Lettuce Wraps
Craving pizza but want to keep it light? These pizza lettuce wraps give you all the taste of pizza with fewer carbs and calories. The fresh lettuce provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors inside.
13. Salmon Salad With Orange-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Salmon is a great source of protein and heart-healthy omega-3s. Paired with a tangy orange-balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a satisfying, low-carb lunch.
14. Spinach & Artichoke Salad With Parmesan Vinaigrette
Inspired by the classic dip, this spinach and artichoke salad is light, flavorful, and packed with healthy greens. The Parmesan vinaigrette adds a savory finish, and you can meal prep this for a week’s worth of easy lunches.
15. Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers
These juicy turkey burgers are stuffed with mozzarella and served on toasted focaccia. The addition of marinara sauce gives them a pizza-like flavor without the carbs. Enjoy a protein-packed meal that feels indulgent but is low on carbs.
16. Shrimp Niçoise Meal-Prep Bowls
This meal-prep version of the classic Niçoise salad is quick and easy to make with pre-trimmed green beans and olive tapenade. With 41 grams of protein per serving, it’s a low-carb lunch that will keep you full all afternoon.
17. Peanut-Chicken Cabbage Wraps
Cabbage serves as a low-calorie, sturdy substitute for bread or buns in these peanut-chicken wraps. This Thai-inspired dish is light on carbs and full of protein, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
18. Chicken & Cabbage Salad Bowls With Sesame Dressing
These chicken and cabbage salad bowls require only four ingredients and take just 10 minutes to prepare. Topped with sesame-flavored almonds and a sesame dressing, this low-carb, high-protein lunch is flavorful and easy to assemble.
Conclusion:
These 18 low-carb, high-protein lunches are perfect for maintaining a balanced diet while keeping your carb intake in check. Each recipe offers a delicious and satisfying option packed with protein to support muscle recovery, digestion, and satiety.
Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick, nutritious lunch, these options provide a variety of flavors and ingredients that will keep you energized throughout the day. Incorporating these meals into your routine is a simple way to stay healthy without sacrificing taste.
FAQs
1. What Makes These Lunches High In Protein?
Each lunch option contains at least 15 grams of protein per serving, thanks to ingredients like chicken, salmon, turkey, and eggs.
2. Are These Recipes Suitable For A Low-Carb Diet?
Yes, every recipe has fewer than 14 grams of carbs per serving, making them great for anyone on a low-carb diet.
3. Can These Lunches Be Meal-Prepped?
Absolutely! Many of these recipes, like the Cauliflower Rice Bowls and Chicken Salad, are perfect for meal prepping and storing in the fridge for the week.
4. What Are Some Low-Carb Substitutes Used In These Recipes?
Substitutes like cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, and cabbage wraps help reduce the carb content while still offering delicious, satisfying meals.
5. Are These Lunches Gluten-Free?
Many of these recipes are naturally gluten-free, but always check ingredient labels, especially for sauces or dressings.
