30+ Best Keto Side Dishes: Low-Carb Sides That Steal the Show (2025)

Tired of plain steamed vegetables? Keto side dishes don’t have to be boring. These flavorful, satisfying side dish recipes will make your low-carb meals complete – and might even become the star of the plate.

From creamy cauliflower mash to crispy roasted vegetables, fresh broccoli casseroles to elegant salads, these keto side dish recipes prove that cutting carbs doesn’t mean cutting flavor. Whether you’re looking for quick vegetable side dishes or impressive holiday keto sides, this guide has every low carb side dish you need.

Let’s be real — side dishes can make or break a meal. I’ve had too many sad, soggy vegetable sides. These actually taste good enough that you’ll want seconds.

Let’s transform your keto dinners from good to great with these delicious side dish recipes!

📋 Table of Contents

• Cauliflower Side Dishes
• Roasted Vegetable Sides
• Broccoli Side Dishes
• Green Beans Recipes
• Keto Salads
• Cheesy Keto Sides
• 5-Minute Side Dishes
• Holiday Keto Sides
• Frequently Asked Questions

Cauliflower Side Dishes

Cauliflower is the keto MVP – this versatile vegetable can replace rice, mashed potatoes, and more. Here are the best cauliflower side dish recipes:

🥔 Loaded Cauliflower Mash

Creamy, buttery, and nearly indistinguishable from real mashed potatoes – this is the ultimate keto side dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower florets until very tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain well.
2. Transfer to a food processor or use an immersion blender.
3. Add butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and seasonings.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Top with cheddar cheese, bacon, and chives before serving.

Net carbs per serving: 4g | Servings: 6

🍚 Cauliflower Rice

The perfect low carb substitute for rice in any dish:

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, riced (or 12 oz pre-riced)
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method: Sauté garlic in butter 30 seconds. Add cauliflower rice, cook 5-7 minutes until tender. Season and serve.

Net carbs per serving: 3g | Servings: 4

More Cauliflower Sides:

Roasted Vegetable Side Dishes

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in vegetables and creates delicious caramelized edges. These roasted vegetable sides are simple and flavorful.

🥦 Perfect Roasted Vegetables

Best low carb vegetables for roasting:

• Brussels sprouts (4g net carbs per cup)
• Broccoli (4g net carbs per cup)
• Asparagus (2g net carbs per cup)
• Zucchini (3g net carbs per cup)
• Bell peppers (4g net carbs per cup)
• Radishes (2g net carbs per cup)

Master Roasting Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces.
3. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic.
4. Spread on baking sheet in single layer.
5. Roast 20-30 minutes until edges are golden brown.

🌱 Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 1 lb brussels sprouts, halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder
• 2 tbsp parmesan cheese (optional)

Method: Toss brussels sprouts with oil and seasonings. Scatter bacon on top. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes. Top with parmesan.

Net carbs per serving: 5g | Servings: 4

Broccoli Side Dishes

Fresh broccoli is a keto staple. Here are the best ways to prepare this nutritious vegetable:

🧀 Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

Comfort food at its best – this cheesy broccoli casserole is a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits
• Salt, pepper, garlic to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam broccoli until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
2. Mix cream cheese, heavy cream, and half the cheddar.
3. Place broccoli in baking dish, pour cheese sauce over.
4. Top with remaining cheddar and bacon.
5. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.

Net carbs per serving: 4g | Servings: 6

🍋 Garlic Lemon Broccoli

A light, flavorful side dish that goes with everything:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper

Method: Sauté garlic in oil, add broccoli, cook until bright green. Add lemon juice and zest. Season and serve.

Net carbs per serving: 4g | Servings: 4

Green Beans Recipes

Green beans are a low carb vegetable that’s perfect for keto side dishes. Only 4g net carbs per cup!

🥓 Southern-Style Green Beans with Bacon

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Cook bacon in large pot until crispy. Remove bacon, leave fat.
2. Sauté onion in bacon fat until soft.
3. Add green beans and chicken broth.
4. Simmer 30-45 minutes until beans are very tender.
5. Top with reserved bacon before serving.

Net carbs per serving: 5g | Servings: 6

🧄 Garlic Parmesan Green Beans

A quick and delicious way to prepare green beans:

Method: Sauté green beans in butter with garlic 8-10 minutes. Toss with parmesan cheese and serve.

Net carbs per serving: 4g | Servings: 4

Keto Salads

Fresh, crisp salads make excellent keto side dishes. Focus on low carb vegetables and creamy dressings.

🥗 Classic Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shaved
• Keto caesar dressing
• Optional: grilled chicken, bacon

Net carbs per serving: 3g

🥒 Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup sour cream or mayo
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Fresh dill, salt, pepper

Method: Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.

Net carbs per serving: 3g | Servings: 4

🥑 Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, cubed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice, olive oil, salt

Net carbs per serving: 4g | Servings: 4

Cheesy Keto Side Dishes

Cheese makes everything better! These cheesy keto sides are rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying.

🧀 Creamed Spinach

Restaurant-quality creamed spinach at home:

Ingredients:

• 10 oz fresh spinach
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• Salt, pepper, nutmeg

Method: Wilt spinach in butter with garlic. Add cream, cream cheese, and parmesan. Cook until thickened. Season with nutmeg.

Net carbs per serving: 3g | Servings: 4

🧀 Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 12 large mushrooms, stems removed
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh herbs (parsley, chives)

Method: Mix cream cheese, parmesan, garlic, and herbs. Fill mushroom caps. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Net carbs per serving: 2g (3 mushrooms)

5-Minute Keto Side Dishes

Short on time? These quick vegetable side dishes come together in 5 minutes or less!

• Buttered Asparagus: Sauté asparagus in butter 4 minutes. Season. Done! (2g net carbs)
• Sautéed Spinach: Wilt spinach with garlic in olive oil. (1g net carbs)
• Steamed Broccoli with Cheese: Microwave broccoli, top with cheddar. (4g net carbs)
• Cucumber Slices with Ranch: Slice, dip, eat. (2g net carbs)
• Avocado with Everything Seasoning: Halve avocado, add seasoning. (2g net carbs)

Holiday Keto Side Dishes

Keep your holiday dinners low carb with these festive keto sides:

🦃 Thanksgiving Keto Sides:

• Cauliflower Mash (instead of mashed potatoes)
• Green Bean Casserole (keto version with cream, cheese, no condensed soup)
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with bacon and balsamic
• Keto Stuffing (made with keto bread or cauliflower)
• Creamed Spinach

🎄 Christmas Keto Sides:

• Roasted Root Vegetables (turnips, radishes instead of potatoes)
• Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
• Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
• Creamy Garlic Mushrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

What vegetables are lowest in carbs?

The lowest carb vegetables for side dishes include: spinach (1g per cup), lettuce (1g), celery (1g), cucumber (2g), asparagus (2g), zucchini (3g), broccoli (4g), and cauliflower (3g net carbs per cup).

Can I eat potatoes on keto?

Regular potatoes are too high in carbs for keto. Use cauliflower mash, turnips, or radishes as low carb substitutes. Mashed cauliflower is the most popular potato alternative.

Are carrots keto-friendly?

Carrots are higher in carbs than other vegetables (about 6g net carbs per medium carrot). Use sparingly or skip for strict keto.

How do I make vegetables taste better on keto?

Add healthy fats! Butter, olive oil, cheese, bacon, and cream all make vegetables taste amazing while keeping them keto-friendly. Don’t be afraid of generous seasoning with garlic, herbs, and spices.

What’s the best cooking method for keto vegetables?

Roasting brings out natural sweetness and creates delicious crispy edges. Sautéing in butter or olive oil is quick and flavorful. Steaming preserves nutrients – just add butter and cheese after!

Final Thoughts on Keto Side Dishes

Keto side dishes don’t have to be boring! With the right recipes and techniques, low carb sides can be the highlight of any meal. Remember these key points:

• ✅ Focus on non-starchy vegetables: Cauliflower, broccoli, green beans, spinach, brussels sprouts
• ✅ Add healthy fats: Butter, olive oil, cheese, cream, bacon
• ✅ Use flavorful cooking methods: Roasting, sautéing with garlic, adding cheese
• ✅ Season generously: Salt, pepper, garlic, herbs make all the difference
• ✅ Keep it simple: The best keto sides often have just a few ingredients

Start with one or two recipes this week and expand your keto side dish repertoire from there. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you!