20 Keto Diet Recipes That Are Free and Easy to Make
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to help people lose weight quickly and efficiently. It involves reducing your carbohydrate intake and increasing your fat consumption to put your body into a state of ketosis, where it burns fat instead of glucose for energy. One of the challenges of following a keto diet is finding recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. In this post, we’ll share 20 keto diet recipes that are free and easy to prepare.
What Is A Free And Easy Keto Meal?
A free and easy keto meal is one that requires minimal effort to prepare and can be made with ingredients that you already have on hand. These types of meals are perfect for busy individuals who don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen preparing complicated dishes. They also tend to be more cost-effective than complex recipes that require expensive ingredients.
20 Keto Recipes That Are Free And Easy To Make
1. Avocado Deviled Eggs – This simple recipe combines two keto staples: hard-boiled eggs and avocados. Simply mash up some avocado and mix it with chopped egg yolks, mustard, salt, and pepper. Spoon the mixture back into the egg whites and top with smoked salmon or bacon bits.
2. Cauliflower Fried Rice – Cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitute for traditional white rice in fried rice dishes. Simply sauté some vegetables like onions, garlic, and bell peppers before adding cooked cauliflower rice and seasonings like soy sauce and ginger. Top with scrambled eggs or sliced green onions for added flavor.
3. Zucchini Noodle Alfredo – Zucchini noodles (also known as zoodles) are a great way to add veggies to your diet while still enjoying pasta-like dishes. Simply spiralize some zucchinis and toss them with a creamy alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter.
4. Chicken Salad Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Roasted sweet potatoes make a great base for chicken salad. Simply stuff roasted sweet potato halves with shredded chicken breast, celery, red onion, and mayo or Greek yogurt. Top with pickled cucumber slices for extra crunch.
5. Turkey Bacon Wraps – Turkey bacon wrapped around a variety of fillings such as avocado, lettuce, tomato, and cheese makes a quick and satisfying lunch option. Simply bake turkey bacon until crispy and serve with your favorite filling inside a large lettuce leaf.
6. Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry – This classic stir-fry features tender beef strips marinated in a tangy sauce and served over steamed broccoli florets. Add other veggies like bell peppers, onions, and snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
7. Tuna Patties – Canned tuna mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and spices forms the basis of these tasty patties. Pan-fry in coconut oil until golden brown and serve with a side salad or slaw.
8. Spaghetti Squash Carbonara – Spaghetti squash strands take the place of traditional pasta in this decadent carbonara dish. Cook the squash in boiling water until tender then toss with bacon, eggs, parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
9. Baked Salmon Dinner – Baking salmon fillets in foil packets with herbs and lemon juice creates a moist and flavorful dinner. Serve with roasted asparagus or spinach for a complete meal.
10. Grilled Chicken Thighs – Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices then grill until charred and cooked through. Serve with a side of grilled veggies or a homemade chimichurri sauce.
11. Cheeseburger Casserole – Ground beef, cheese, and all the fixings of a classic burger come together in this comforting casserole dish. Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings then layer with cheese slices and bake until bubbly.
12. Breakfast Burrito Bowl – Scramble eggs and sauté veggies like bell peppers, onions, and spinach then serve over a bed of cauliflower rice. Top with guacamole, hot sauce, and additional veggies if desired.
13. Chili Con Carne – This hearty chili recipe features ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and lots of spices. Simmer in a slow cooker or on the stove until thick and flavorful.
14. Tomato Basil Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts are marinated in a blend of olive oil, garlic, basil, and tomato paste then grilled until cooked through. Serve with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
15. Garlic Butter Shrimp – Large shrimp are cooked in a pan with butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice until pink and tender. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
16. Caprese Chicken – Chicken breasts are topped with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and sliced mozzarella cheese then baked until cheese is melted and bubbly.
17. Pepperoni Pizza Boats – Small pepperoni slices form the “sails” of these mini pizzas made in muffin tin cups. Mix pizza sauce with cream cheese and spread onto each cup then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni.
18. Loaded Mashed Cauliflower – Mashed cauliflower serves as the base for this loaded side dish featuring bacon, cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
19. Keto Smoothie Bowls – Blend frozen berries, banana, and protein powder together then top with granola, nuts, and seeds for a filling breakfast or snack.
20. Low-Carb Pad Thai – Shirataki noodles replace traditional pad Thai noodles in this low-carb version of the popular dish. Stir-fry with shrimp, tofu, bean sprouts, and a flavorful sauce made from fish sauce, sugar, and tamarind paste.
How to Prepare Your Ketogenic Diet Shopping List
To ensure success on the keto diet, it’s essential to plan ahead and stock up on the right foods. Here are some tips for creating a keto-friendly shopping list:
1. Start with meat and seafood: Protein sources like chicken breasts, grass-fed beef, and wild-caught salmon should be at the core of your keto diet.
2. Load up on non-starchy veggies: Vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers are low in carbs and high in fiber, making them ideal for the keto diet.
3. Choose healthy fats: Avocado, olives, coconut oil, and olive oil are examples of healthy fats that