What Worked When I Didn’t Want To Think Too Hard—23 Low Carb Sides

When the goal was simplicity, these 23 low carb sides truly delivered. No overthinking, no stress—just effortless options packed with flavor. These sides proved that quick and easy can still be exciting and pleasing. Perfect for anyone craving balance without the hassle.

Green Goddess Salad

When you want something simple but flavorful, this one checks all the boxes. Green Goddess Salad gives you a mix of greens with a touch of extra character. It’s easy to toss together, making it a good option for busier evenings. Low-carb, delicious, and quick to whip up.
Get the Recipe: Green Goddess Salad

Grilled Asparagus

It’s easy to keep things simple when you’re making a side like Grilled Asparagus. Charred just right and deliciously crisp, it pairs well with anything. You can quickly toss it onto the grill for a fuss-free addition to your meal. Perfect when you’re sticking to low-carb options.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Chicken Caesar Salad

If you’re craving greens with protein, this hits the mark effortlessly. Chicken Caesar Salad combines crisp lettuce with pleasing bites of chicken. It’s quick, reliable, and great for staying on track with your low-carb goals. Grab a fork and enjoy the simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Salad

Hashbrown Casserole

When you’re looking for something filling but still straightforward, Hashbrown Casserole works well. It gives you the comfort of soft, golden potatoes without taking too much effort in the kitchen. Add some to your plate and it complements nearly everything. An easy option for a carb-based treat.
Get the Recipe: Hashbrown Casserole

Copycat Big Mac Salad

All the flavors you might expect with none of the bread in sight. Copycat Big Mac Salad keeps it low-carb without losing that fun burger-inspired twist. It’s great when you need something quick but still enjoyable. Just layer up and enjoy the ease of putting it together.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Big Mac Salad

Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

You don’t have to overthink dinner when Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers are on the menu. Juicy pieces of chicken are cooked easily on skewers and packed with flavor. Pair them with a simple side for something quick and wholesome. A great no-carb protein choice to enjoy anytime.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers

Green Salad

One of the easiest sides when you just don’t feel like chopping everything up. Green Salad keeps things low-effort but still fresh enough to make it worthwhile. Add what you have on hand for extra flair or keep it straightforward. Works well for keeping dinner light and simple.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad

Salmon Caesar Salad

Putting together a Salmon Caesar Salad keeps things effortless yet tasty. Flaky salmon mixed with crisp greens gives you a filling low-carb meal. No need to stress when everything can come together in minutes. A winning idea for keeping meals lighter and easier.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Caesar Salad

Grilled Vegetables

It’s always nice to throw together something like Grilled Vegetables for a side dish. A mix of veggies cooked up with smoky perfection adds color to any plate. Minimal prep and simple cooking make it an easy win. Great for anyone leaning toward lighter meals.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Mango Shrimp Salad

A burst of fresh flavors makes Mango Shrimp Salad an easy pick when you want something light. Sweet, refreshing bites mix perfectly with savory shrimp in this quick bowl of goodness. You can whip it up without feeling drained from cooking. A refreshing option for keeping meals simple.
Get the Recipe: Mango Shrimp Salad

Air Fryer Broccoli

A crisp option that’s ready in minutes, broccoli turns into a treat when air-fried. With Air Fryer Broccoli, you get a slightly charred texture that’s hard to beat. It pairs well with nearly anything on the table. You’ll appreciate the easy prep when sticking to quick sides.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Broccoli

Mediterranean Salad

You don’t need to get fancy to enjoy a bowl of fresh greens, just toss together a Mediterranean Salad. A mix of bold flavors and crunchy veggies hits the spot in no time. Low-carb and ready in minutes, it’s perfect for quick lunches or a light dinner. No hassle, just fresh bites.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salad

Pico de Gallo

Whipping up Pico de Gallo adds freshness to your meal without being too complicated. It’s bright and quick to make, perfect for a topping or side. Scoop it up with something or enjoy it alone—it’s always an effortless add-on. A simple extra for keeping things easy.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Dense Bean Salad

Looking for something hearty that stays low on the carb count? Dense Bean Salad combines texture with depth in the simplest form. It’s a breeze to assemble and works as a quick side to keep hunger at bay. Perfect for those nights when you don’t have much patience to cook.
Get the Recipe: Dense Bean Salad

Pizza Salad

When you’re craving something different, Pizza Salad might just do the trick. All the tasty flavors you love are mixed together into an easy-to-make dish. It’s simple, fun, and keeps things low-carb without skipping on flavor. Great when you’re deciding on quick low-carb options.
Get the Recipe: Pizza Salad

Air Fryer Bell Peppers

When you need a quick side, tossing bell peppers into an air fryer works wonders. Air Fryer Bell Peppers come out roasted and tender without much effort. They’re simple, no-fuss, and stick to the low-carb plan easily. Perfect for when you want something tasty without thinking too hard.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bell Peppers

Easy Caprese Salad

A classic option that doesn’t require much of anything to pull together. Easy Caprese Salad looks good, tastes better, and is always a reliable low-carb choice. There’s just something about the simplicity of layering it up that works. It’s straightforward and pairs well with nearly any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Caprese Salad

Broccoli Casserole

Casseroles are always a win when you need a fuss-free option for dinner. Broccoli Casserole blends creaminess with a healthy base, making it low-carb and filling. You can make it ahead, and reheating is totally a breeze. Great pick when you don’t have much time or energy.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Casserole

Waldorf Salad

Simple doesn’t have to be boring when you try Waldorf Salad. A mix of textures and flavors comes together for an easy dish that works as a side or meal. It’s fresh and doesn’t take much effort to prepare. Ideal for keeping light options on hand.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

Mushrooms cook up perfectly in an air fryer, especially with a touch of garlic flavor. Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms are quick, flavorful, and low-carb. They’re one of the simplest options for times you don’t want to overthink dinner sides. Toss them in, let it cook, and enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

7 Layer Salad

Layering up a mix like 7 Layer Salad gives everyone something easy but tasty. Crunchy veggies and a creamy kick fit perfectly together in one quick dish. You don’t need much time in the kitchen to prep this crowd-pleaser. Great for keeping meals fresh without extra thinking.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

A quick option for something bold and crunchy comes with Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad. Light yet flavorful, it’s easy to make and doesn’t weigh you down. You can have it on the table in minutes without too much planning. Perfect as a refreshing side when you need simplicity.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Korean Cucumber Salad

Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables

Tossing together Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables is as simple as cooking gets. You can roast them quickly for a warm, wholesome bite that’s low-carb friendly. They taste great and pair perfectly with nearly anything. A no-fuss way to serve up something colorful.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Roasted Root Vegetables