41 Absolute Best Vegetarian Low Carb Recipes

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Reasons to go low-carb

Maybe you’re sick of feeling bloated and tired. Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up. Perhaps you’re trying to reduce your risk of diabetes, or you might be looking to slim down so you can fit into those jeans again (check out our free 7-day weight loss course meal plan). Maybe you’re looking to try the ketogenic diet, and want to get into the keto zone. Whatever the case, we’re here to show you how you can achieve all those without missing out on the good stuff! And don’t miss this podcast about the misunderstood role of carbs in exercise.

Low-carb, no-meat

Yes, we know, low-carb diets usually rely heavily on meat, because you need lots of protein and fats to back up those lost sugars and starches. But don’t be fooled, there are plenty of equally nutritious plant-based options out there, case in point, all the delicious recipes in this compilation. There are plenty of high-protein, low-carb vegetarian options, too.

Dig into our list of 41 Low Carb Vegetarian Recipes

All super easy to make, low in carbohydrates, incredibly tasty and more than a match for their high carb contemporary – as you’ll soon see. Enjoy!

Low Carb Vegetarian Breakfasts

Carbs: 4gBonus: keto-friendly Looking for a high-protein, low-carb breakfast? Try these breakfast egg muffins – 1 recipe, 4 amazing flavours! Carbs: 1gBonus: mega quick, perfect for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Just eggs in this deliciously simple and perfect natural omelettes, exactly the way they should be. Vegetarian, healthy and ready in 7 minutes. Carbs: 3gBonus: quick and easy, full of proteins, vitamins and healthy fats Our secret to the best-stuffed eggs recipe is in creating low-calorie deviled eggs with paprika, chives, garlic powder, lemon juice, and of course avocado! Shhh, don’t tell anyone! Carbs: 13gBonus: the most delicious way to prepare scrambled eggs Make the best scrambled eggs you’ve ever had with our quick & easy but simple-to-follow recipe – so good you’ll never look elsewhere again! Carbs: 15gBonus: vegan, quick & easy to prepare Want a breakfast smoothie that will actually fill you up? Try our super-charged, protein-packed avocado spinach smoothie (and check out these other vegetable smoothies here!)! Carbs: 19gBonus: use coconut or olive oil to coat the pan! Incredibly easy high-protein ricotta pancakes. Your first and foremost stop for all things tasty and high-protein – we know what we’re doing. Carbs: 11gBonus: the perfect omelette recipe Easy Tomato Omelette. There is a trick to making the perfect omelette – and it’s weirdly easy. We’ll show you how. You’re gonna love this one! Carbs: 11gBonus: ridiculously easy to make Boasting 22 grams of protein per serving and a taste like the beautiful French pizzas known as Tarte Flambee. You gotta try our High Protein Smoked Tofu Breakfast Egg Muffins! Carbs: 3gBonus: gluten-free and high in protein! The 2-ingredient Low Carb Cream Cheese Pancakes. Just mix eggs and cream cheese to get delicious low carb, high-taste pancakes (if you like these, check out our other veggie low carb breakfasts). Ready in 10 minutes, so try it right away! 🙂 Protein: 4gCalories: 212kcalCarbs: 5gReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: KetoVegetarianRecipesBonus: keto-friendly, gluten-free and works well as a snack A crunchy and sweet low-carb granola with dried star fruit and nuts for a low-carb and gluten-free snack or breakfast. Protein: 38.6gCalories: 346kcalCarbs: 4.9gReady in: 5 minutesRecipe by: LikeHotKetoBonus: can be eaten as a snack and is great for gym bros (and gals) Easy and delicious, this creamy PB & Greek yogurt protein bowl makes the best keto breakfast or snack, and it’s just perfect as post-workout protein as well. Protein: 20.8gCalories: 225.4kcalCarbs: 11.7gReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: ResplendentKitchenBonus: a vegan alternative to scrambled eggs Breakfast is nourishing and fast with this high-protein Mushroom Vegan Egg Scramble with functional mushrooms. It’s easy to make, is absolutely delicious and one of our favourite low-carb vegan recipes!

Low Carb Vegetarian Lunches

Carbs: 22gBonus: crispy, crunchy and vegan friendly A crunchy and colourful mix of delicious vegan foods that look great and taste even better! Carbs: 15gBonus: use vegan pesto if you’re on a vegan diet Low Carb High Taste Zoodles. Italian-style spiralized zucchini noodles ready in just 15 minutes, excellent for a quick lunch or dinner. Carbs: 16gBonus: a wonderful low carb meal, great for weight loss A cheese salad to remind you why salads are awesome. Made with the usual care, fun and attention to taste as any recipe from us. Carbs: 10.4gBonus: use olive oil instead of butter to make it vegan Incredibly tasty yet still low carb, this spin on the classic is the best mashed cauliflower we’ve ever tasted. It’s easy to make vegan too. Carbs: 21gBonus: filled with fresh vegetables and a great option for weight loss – this colourful salad is everything! This avocado tomato salad is healthy and delicious, perfect for adding to a weight loss meal plan, or just as your new favorite low carb go-to lunch (more veggie lunch recipes for weight loss here!)! Protein: 6gCalories: 238kcalCarbs: 13gReady in: 55 minutesRecipe by: ASweetAlternativeBonus: can be eaten as an appetizer or as the main course These vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms are rich, filling and delicious. They’re perfect for entertaining or whenever you’re craving plant-based comfort food. Protein: 4gCalories: 220kcalCarbs: 9gReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: CookEatWellBonus: diary and gluten-free, This quick and easy zucchini pasta pesto is the perfect way to use fresh summer zucchini, basil and tomatoes. Protein: 13.2gCalories: 304kcalCarbs: 15.6gReady in: 10 minutesRecipe by: TheLittlestCrumbBonus: can be served as a side This strawberry goat cheese salad is the perfect spring and summer salad! Made with fresh strawberries, goat cheese, spinach, walnuts & pine nuts. Protein: 3gCalories: 24kcalCarbs: 2gReady in: 35 minutesRecipe by: KetoVegetarianRecipesBonus: holds well for sometime This tasty keto falafel recipe is made with lupini beans and cooked in an air fryer (try these other veggie keto recipes for more inspo!). Filling and nutritious. Protein: 10gCalories: 419kcalCarbs: 15gReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: InTheKitchBonus: simple ingredients, easy to make Let’s take a look at our recipe for keto zucchini noodles with creamy tomato sauce to show that substituting pasta doesn’t mean substituting flavor. Protein: 4gCalories: 70kcalCarbs: 4gReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: EasyAndDelishBonus: great for weight loss Do you tend to overindulge during the holidays? Same here! Whether you’re looking to lose up to 10 pounds or more in only 7 days, fit back into your clothing, detox, or to get rid of bloating, this cabbage soup diet may help you accomplish these goals.

Low Carb Vegetarian Dinners

Carbs: 7gBonus: healthy and delicious, full of health benefits, can be stored for a while in the fridge This low-carb pie is delicious, fit for a keto diet – and the best part – it takes only five minutes to prep! Seriously! Carbs: 12gBonus: serve with some toast, as a pasta topping or on its own There’s no better use for mushrooms than with garlic and cream – and if you want it, we know how to make it vegan without sacrificing taste. Your call. Protein: 11gCalories: 235kcalCarbs: 7gReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: AMummyTooBonus: fluffy, satisfying and incredibly nourishing A gorgeous twist on the traditional quiche, which swaps out the pastry for peppers and fills them with a classic mix of eggs, milk, and cheese, made extra special with a pinch of sage. Protein: 2gCalories: 93kcalCarbs: 12gReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: VegetarianGastronomyBonus: serve hot with some bread on the side One spoonful of this soup and you’ll be BEGGING for the entire pot! This Velvety Zucchini Basil Soup is a wonderful surprise. All the subtle flavors, the velvety texture, vegan, gluten-free, and only 5 ingredients Protein: 13gCalories: 264kcalCarbs: 9gReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: TheBellaVitaBonus: beating the eggs (instead of whisking them) is a great way to make this egg frittata A frittata recipe is one where you can have fun with your imagination. In this recipe today we have added zucchini and some fresh tomato. Protein: 13gCalories: 617kcalCarbs: 17gReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: TheCopperTableBonus: remember to not overcook the veggies! This Rigatoni Primavera is a quick and easy meal that is on the table in 30 minutes. With loads of fresh veggies and a creamy sauce with herbs and lemon, it’s sure to be a favorite! Protein: 16gCalories: 504kcalCarbs: 23gReady in: 22 minutesRecipe by: Immigrant’sTableBonus: use a store-bought cauliflower pizza crust Easy garlic scapes pesto is slathered unto a keto cauliflower crust, sprinkled with generous smears of goat cheese and juicy, fragrant sundried tomatoes. The easiest weeknight dinner! Protein: 2gCalories: 242kcalCarbs: 10gReady in: 15 minutes Recipe by: HealthySeasonalRecipesBonus: you can use a countertop or handheld spiralizer, mandoline or vegetable peeler! These no-cook zucchini noodles with pesto are such a breeze to whip up on a hot summer night. They are low-carb, vegetarian and primal-friendly! Protein: 23gCalories: 423kcalCarbs: 30gReady in: 50 minutes Recipe by: RunningOnRealFoodBonus: use any soy sauce of your choice! This Asian-inspired, low-carb vegan dinner option features a twist on traditional rice: cabbage rice! You’ll love the “fried” rice paired with avocado, broccoli, kale and a creamy almond butter sauce. Protein: 19gCalories: 233kcalCarbs: 11gReady in: 50 minutes Recipe by: EverydayEileenBonus: one-pot and full of vitamins dish Super easy one pan vegetable bake with the addition of low-fat mozzarella and Parmesan Reggiano. Perfect on its own as an entree. Have this vegetable bake with a loaf of Italian bread to soak up the juices from the veggies. Perfect hot and at room temperature.

Appetizers, Snacks, Desserts and Sides

Carbs: 4gBonus: light, easy, quick and yummy This classic creamy cucumber salad has been passed down for good reason – it’s incredible! It’s also simple and quick, just the way it should be. Carbs: 9gBonus: irresistibly creamy and equally healthy Love guac? Love hummus? You’re about to meet your new favourite food – try our avocado hummus today! You won’t look back! Carbs: 17gBonus: easy to make and quick too The ultimate companion to any curry, this cucumber raita is incredibly quick and cooling – a refreshingly perfect side dish. Carbs: 19gBonus: a vegetarian alternative to a renowned classic The vegetarian Christmas dilemma is solved with these excellent sides – Christmas feasts are better and more vegetarian than ever! Protein: 2gCalories: 50kcalCarbs: 3gReady in: 10 minutesRecipe by: TheBellaVitaBonus: has got a great flavor, is slightly spicy and holds well for sometime Cabbage stir fry with garlic, ginger and soy sauce is a perfect side dish full of flavor. Protein: 3gCalories: 81kcalCarbs: 4gReady in: 1hr 25 minutesRecipe by: DebraKleinBonus: serve with some tasty vegan soup This delicious kugel recipe has a traditional taste in a modern, healthier version. Cauliflower kugel is perfect for Passover or year-round. Serve it for breakfast, as a side dish or a meatless Monday main dish. Protein: 10.7gCalories: 108kcalCarbs: 2.5gReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: GarlicSalt&LimeBonus: enjoy with some toast or a sandwich! Classic egg salad with a healthy twist! Hardboiled eggs mixed into a dressing made of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, herbs and spices. Minced celery and red onion add a little crunch! Protein: 1gCalories: 133kcalCarbs: 2gReady in: 27 minutes Recipe by: TwoClovesKitchenBonus: you can add some other veggies to enjoy this crispy delight Crispy, salty roasted broccolini with savory golden garlic Don’t leave just yet! Get some insight to make the most out of your low-carb vegetarian diet!

What is considered low-carb?

It depends on how you classify something as low carb. For example, currently, the most famous low carb diet is the ketogenic diet. To make a ketogenic diet work your daily carb intake should be 20-50g at a maximum to ensure ketosis occurs. Note that for ketosis, 20-50g carbs is the maximum, independent of whether you need 1500 calories a day or 3000 a day. So that means you have to be more absolute with carb numbers to ensure you get under 50g carbs and even more important because by nature that 50g doesn’t scale with calorie intake. But if your goal isn’t a ketogenic diet and you aren’t trying for ketosis, then something like 10-15% of carbs in a meal would scale well enough. It would be low carb, just not ketogenic low carb. In comparison, when you follow a standard vegetarian diet you get about 40-60% carbs per day.

Why eat low carb vegetarian recipes?

There are plenty of reasons why you might be looking for healthy low carb vegetarian recipes. You may want to cook low carb vegetarian meals in order to reduce your intake of unhealthy processed carbs, like white bread and pasta. Reducing the amount of these carbs in your diet could help prevent Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, there are plenty of healthy carbs, namely unprocessed whole grain carbs, that provide your body with important fuel. People mainly try low carb vegetarian recipes for weight loss. There is a lot of debate over why they are effective. One theory is that cutting carbs means you eat more fat and protein, both of which are proven to be super filling and consequently reduce overall calorie intake. Another theory is that cutting carbs reduces your body’s production of insulin. Insulin stimulates fat production, so less insulin = less fat, to put it very simply. If you want more weight loss friendly vegetarian recipes, you NEED to check out our Vegetarian Weekly Weight Loss Meal Plans.

What vegetarian foods are low-carb?

There are a variety of low-carb vegetarian foods and they include:

Veggies like tomatoes, cauliflowers and onions Fruits such as berries and avocados, which are particularly filled with healthy fats Nuts like walnuts and peanuts while pumpkins and chias are suitable seeds Other fiber-rich veggies and foods like broccoli, coconut “meat” and asparagus Soy foods and legumes Dairy products and eggs

As a general rule, go for non-starchy vegetables, make sure each meal is rich in protein, eat whole foods and use healthy oils to get the best results out of your low-carb diet.

Can a vegetarian be on a low-carb diet?

Of course! For Lacto-Ovo vegetarians, a low-carb diet shouldn’t be much trouble to maintain although vegans might find a harder time with such, as veganism is already an incredibly restrictive diet. It’s important to note though, there are detrimental effects of maintaining a low-carb diet for prolonged periods despite the numerous benefits of going on one, so keep this in mind if these are unchartered waters for you. Full of flavour, stacked with nutrients and most importantly, low in carbohydrates; these delicious low-carb vegetarian recipes are wonderful ideas and would make great additions to your meal plan (you could also try low carb high protein veggie recipes if you want to up your game even further!). If you’ve got any questions to ask or testimonies to share, feel free to post them in our comment section down below!