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

Here Are 29 Keto-Friendly Lunch Recipes You'll Actually Get Excited About (7)

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

What is a lazy keto meal? ›

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.

How do you eat lunch on keto? ›

The 33 Best Keto Lunches For People Following A Low-Carb Plan
  1. Steak Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette. tasty.co. ...
  2. French Omelette. tasty.co. ...
  3. Bacon Ranch Chicken Bake. tasty.co. ...
  4. Loaded Summer Cauliflower Salad. tasty.co. ...
  5. Cheesesteak Roll-Ups. tasty.co. ...
  6. Cloud Bread. tasty.co. ...
  7. Keto Bacon Cauliflower “Mac” 'N' Cheese. ...
  8. Keto-Friendly Flatbread.
May 25, 2023

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!

Can I eat peanut butter on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

What are the top 5 keto foods? ›

10 foods that are suitable on a keto diet
  1. Salmon. Salmon, and other oily fish such as sardines, mackerel and anchovies, are very high in omega-3, which has been shown to help lower insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity in those who are overweight. ...
  2. Cheese. ...
  3. Avocado. ...
  4. Eggs. ...
  5. Chicken. ...
  6. Coconut oil. ...
  7. Olive oil. ...
  8. Nuts & seeds.
Jan 10, 2023

What is the simplest keto meal? ›

Olives, nuts and charcuterie plates are brilliant keto-friendly nibbles to kick off your meal. Then stick with high protein mains like a chicken Ceasar salad, steak, or grilled fish, and swap out starchy, carb-heavy sides for vegetables if possible.

What is the daily carb limit on keto? ›

The ketogenic diet typically reduces total carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams a day—less than the amount found in a medium plain bagel—and can be as low as 20 grams a day. Generally, popular ketogenic resources suggest an average of 70-80% fat from total daily calories, 5-10% carbohydrate, and 10-20% protein.

What is dirty keto? ›

In essence, dirty keto is a variation of the keto diet (a high fat, moderate protein, low carb diet) that allows you to consume whatever you want as long as it meets your macro goals. While it still reduces carb intake, it does not pay attention to the nutritional value of the fats and protein consumed.

Is any lunch meat keto? ›

Cold meats that are keto-friendly include most deli meats, like sliced turkey, ham, and roast beef. Most cold cuts and keto deli meats contain additives to extend their shelf life, so they may have small amounts of carbs.

Can I eat cucumbers on keto? ›

Cucumber is another popular salad vegetable. It contains many essential nutrients, including vitamin K. Cucumber is also suitable for the keto diet, as its carb content is just 3.63 g per 100 g. To make the carb content lower, a person can peel the cucumber before eating it.

What meat is good for keto diet? ›

The Best Meats for Keto
  • Fatty cuts of steak (NY strip, ribeye, brisket)
  • Nitrate-free, unprocessed bacon.
  • Skin-on chicken thighs and legs.
  • Skin-on fatty fish, such as salmon.
  • Offal (organ meats such as liver, cheek, and heart)
Jul 10, 2018

Can I lose 20 pounds in one month on a keto diet? ›

Losing 20 pounds in one month on a keto diet is possible, but it may not be safe or sustainable for everyone. Rapid weight loss can be harmful to your health, and it's important to set realistic goals and make healthy lifestyle changes that you can maintain in the long run.

How fast to lose 20 pounds 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.

Can you lose 12 pounds a month on keto? ›

Individuals on a keto diet can lose an average of 10-12 pounds in their first month if they stay consistent with the diet and maintain a calorie deficit. However, weight loss can vary depending on starting weight, age, and activity level. At first, there may be a quick drop in weight, but it's mainly due to water loss.

Will one slice of pizza leave ketosis? ›

Regular Crust

This type of pizza crust can have up to 33g of carbs without any added sauce or cheese. If you're limiting your carbs to 20-50 grams per day, one slice of this type of crust will likely kick you out of ketosis.

Can I eat a slice of pizza on keto? ›

In fact, pasta sauce and pizza sauce that is tomato-based is actually quite high in sugar—which is a carbohydrate. Consuming only the cheese sauce and toppings from a pizza can be a keto-friendly option, as long as you avoid the carb-rich crust.

Is popcorn allowed on a keto diet? ›

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.

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