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35 Low-Carb Spring Recipes That Taste as Fresh as the Season and Are Perfect for Dinners on the Patio

This collection of 35 low-carb spring recipes doesn’t mess around. It’s full of dinners that feel light but still know how to hold a conversation—especially if that conversation happens outdoors with a drink in hand. They’re fast, seasonal, and taste like someone finally figured out how to do healthy food without getting preachy. Even the carb-lovers won’t complain (though they might sneak seconds).

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek Chicken on a white plate with lemon slices.
Grilled Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If spring had a house special, this might be it. Grilled Greek Chicken handles backyard dinners like it was made for them—fast, simple, and full of flavor. You don’t need a big plan or side dish strategy; this can hold its own. It’s the kind of thing that tastes even better next to a cold drink and a paper plate. Some dinners are just made for good weather.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken

Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Salisbury Steak on a bed of mashed potatoes.
Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Rain or shine, this one brings the “real dinner” energy. Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms skips the starch and keeps everything rich, filling, and low-carb without trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s solid comfort food that doesn’t rely on potatoes to make a plate feel full. Perfect for spring nights when you want cozy food without needing a nap. It’ll win over the skeptics.
Get the Recipe: Salisbury Steak with Mushrooms

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

Air Fryer chicken cordon bleu on a plate.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Fancy name, low-effort approach. Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu does everything you’d expect without dragging down your dinner timeline or your carb count. It feels like something you should save for a special occasion, but works just fine on a Tuesday. Crisp, warm, and surprisingly easy to pull off for something that sounds so formal. Serve it outside and call it a win.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

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Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Hungarian Goulash in two white bowls.
Authentic Hungarian Goulash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

There’s no need to save comfort food for winter when the weather warms up. Authentic Hungarian Goulash pulls double duty by being hearty enough to fill you up without weighing you down. It’s a bold, satisfying option for low-carb spring nights when salad just won’t cut it. Set it out on the patio, and you’ve got a no-fuss dinner that tastes like it took hours. Spoiler: it didn’t.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Hungarian Goulash

Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Cranberries in a bowl.
Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When dinner needs to be fast and light without getting boring, this one gets the job done. Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts is one of those meals that handles outdoor eating without falling apart. It packs flavor, texture, and just enough personality to make repeat appearances all season. Serve it on a plate or straight out of the mixing bowl—nobody’s judging. Spring doesn’t need to be complicated.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Salad with Cranberries & Walnuts

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Broccoli Cheese Soup in two bowls with spoons nearby.
Broccoli Cheese Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Just because the sun’s out doesn’t mean soup is off the table. Broccoli Cheese Soup brings that creamy, satisfying energy without asking for a side of bread. It’s smooth, low-carb, and surprisingly patio-friendly when the breeze kicks in. Great for nights when you want to feel like you cooked without overcommitting. You’ll finish the bowl before realizing you never missed the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Cheese Soup

Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Mediterranean Chicken Bake with herbs, cheese and tomatoes in a platter.
Mediterranean Chicken Bake. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

This recipe doesn’t try too hard, but it delivers every time. Mediterranean Chicken Bake fits right into spring without needing anything fancy or high maintenance. It’s easy enough to throw together midweek but feels complete enough to serve when people show up uninvited. Light enough for warm nights, solid enough to keep the post-dinner snack hunt away. It’s the kind of dinner that earns a spot on repeat.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

A plate of sliced grilled steak topped with a green herb sauce, served on a white rectangular dish.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Some cuts were made for the grill, and this is one of them. Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri brings big flavor without piling on the carbs, and it plays especially well with spring evenings. You don’t need a ton of extras or fancy sides—just a plate and maybe a fork. Perfect for dinner outside when you want something that feels a little more put-together. Leftovers won’t last long.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Oven Baked Ribs

Pieces of oven bake ribs on a black slate plate.
Oven Baked Ribs. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

These ribs keep things simple: no carbs, no problem. Oven Baked Ribs manage to feel like a weekend cookout even when they’re made on a random Tuesday. They’re bold enough to carry dinner solo, so you’re not stuck figuring out complicated side dishes. Serve them with napkins and call it good. No grill required, no complaints expected.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Ribs

Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

A plate of Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl.
Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Fast food energy, backyard attitude. Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl delivers the kind of flavor you usually only get from a drive-thru, but without the mystery ingredients. It’s low-carb, full of attitude, and ridiculously easy to customize if you’re feeding a crowd. It also works well as a make-it-yourself dinner when everyone wants something slightly different. Just don’t tell anyone it’s low-carb until after they’re hooked.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Bowl

Southern Green Beans

Green beans with sausage on a white plate.
Southern Green Beans. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

These aren’t the green beans you push around the plate. Southern Green Beans actually feel like a real part of the meal—not an afterthought. They’ve got enough flavor to hold their own, which makes them perfect for spring nights when you’re keeping it low-carb but still want something warm. They work with everything from grilled meats to leftovers. Basically, they’re the side dish people actually finish.
Get the Recipe: Southern Green Beans

Cream of Asparagus Soup

Cream of Asparagus Soup in a white bowl.
Cream of Asparagus Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Spring and asparagus go together like “I’ll make dinner” and “actually, never mind.” Cream of Asparagus Soup saves the day with something fast, low-carb, and good enough to eat on repeat. It’s smooth without being heavy and somehow works just as well in a bowl or a mug on the patio. You’ll feel like you planned ahead even if you didn’t. That’s a rare win.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Asparagus Soup

Chinese Chicken Salad

A bowl of Chinese chicken salad with shredded chicken, snap peas, carrots, and peppers, accompanied by a bottle of dressing on the side.
Chinese Chicken Salad. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This one is for when you want something crunchy, filling, and still technically healthy. Chinese Chicken Salad is light enough to feel like spring but bold enough to not get lost on the plate. It holds up on the patio and doesn’t get sad if it sits for a bit while everyone chats. Great for outdoor dinners, quick lunches, or pretending you didn’t forget to plan the meal. One bowl, zero regrets.
Get the Recipe: Chinese Chicken Salad

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken served on a white plate.
Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Not everything worth eating needs a side of rice. Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken brings bold flavor and no nonsense, which is exactly what patio weather calls for. You can serve it with practically nothing and still feel like you made something solid. It’s low-carb, high-flavor, and guaranteed to get requested again before the week is over. Consider it your new default dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Slow Roasted Chicken

Cream of Mushroom Soup

A white bowl of soup with mushrooms and chives.
Cream of Mushroom Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Some soups are just background noise—this isn’t one of them. Cream of Mushroom Soup is smooth, earthy, and actually feels like dinner without leaning on bread or crackers. It’s low-carb, spring-ready, and does surprisingly well as a solo act. Whether you’re inside dodging the rain or outside catching the sunset, this one works. You’ll probably go back for more, even if it’s warm out.
Get the Recipe: Cream of Mushroom Soup

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich on a white plate with chips.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This version skips the bun but doesn’t miss a beat. Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich is messy in the best way and still counts as low-carb, which is a rare combo. It’s simple enough to pull off but bold enough to be remembered. Serve it in a bowl or lettuce wrap, and let everyone fight over the last scoop. It’s casual food that doesn’t act like it.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken

Smoked whole chicken on Ninja Woodfire Grill.
Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When the grill’s hot and the fridge is questionable, this one never fails. Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken has the kind of flavor that makes you forget about sides entirely. It works for casual backyard dinners or impromptu gatherings that turn into something bigger. Plus, it’s low-carb and satisfying without trying too hard. You’ll be glad there’s enough for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Smoky Whole Chicken

Diner Style Salisbury Steak

A white plate with Salisbury steak topped with mushroom gravy on mashed potatoes, accompanied by a side of green peas.
Diner Style Salisbury Steak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

This one’s got throwback energy with a spring-approved twist. Diner Style Salisbury Steak skips the mashed potatoes but keeps all the flavor you came for. It’s the kind of dinner that fills you up without filling your sink with dishes. Great for nights when you want real food without reinventing anything. Also works as a quiet reminder that carbs aren’t required.
Get the Recipe: Diner Style Salisbury Steak

Turkey Vegetable Soup

Two bowls of turkey and vegetable soup with spoons.
Turkey Vegetable Soup. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

This soup proves you can keep it light without giving up flavor. Turkey Vegetable Soup checks all the boxes for low-carb and spring-ready, but still feels like comfort food. It’s the kind of thing you throw together and eat for three days straight without getting bored. Bonus: it travels well from kitchen to patio without any drama. It might be soup, but it’s not messing around.
Get the Recipe: Turkey Vegetable Soup

Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Ninja Woodfire Pork Souvlaki with Horiatiki Salad and pita bread on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Souvlaki. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

When you want to feel like you’re dining out but keep it low-carb, Grilled Pork Souvlaki is the answer. This one’s perfect for spring evenings when you’re ready to cook outdoors but don’t want to mess with anything too heavy. It’s quick to grill, easy to make, and still full of the bold flavors you crave. Whether served solo or paired with a salad, it doesn’t need a lot of fuss to make a big impact.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Souvlaki

Classic Caprese Salad

A top-down shot of a classic caprese salad in a black dish.
Classic Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Classic Caprese Salad is a meal that doesn’t try to do too much but still gets everything right. It’s light, refreshing, and so simple that it almost feels like a cheat code for low-carb dinners. It’s the go-to recipe when you’re in the mood for something satisfying but not heavy, making it ideal for spring. Serve it on a warm evening, and you’ve got a meal that pairs just as well with a casual vibe as it does with fine dining.
Get the Recipe: Classic Caprese Salad

Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Sliced turkey breast on a white plate with sprigs of thyme.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

When you’re craving turkey but not the work of roasting a whole bird, Air Fryer Turkey Breast comes to the rescue. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for low-carb meals, with the crispiness you love and none of the extra carbs. It’s ideal for patio dinners, quick meals, or when you want something simple without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it cooks fast, leaving you with more time to relax. This recipe makes turkey feel less like a holiday and more like a weeknight treat.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Four bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a white rectangular plate garnished with sprigs of parsley.
Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This is the kind of recipe that makes people stop mid-bite to ask, “Wait, what is this?” Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts do what most low-carb meals only dream about—actually being satisfying. It’s the kind of food that makes paper plates feel acceptable and extra servings feel mandatory. Serve it outside, and nobody’s going to ask where the carbs went. It’s low-effort, high-payoff, and spring-approved.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Baked Pesto Salmon

Salmon with spinach sauce on a white plate.
Baked Pesto Salmon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re looking for something simple, flavorful, and totally low-carb, Baked Pesto Salmon has you covered. It’s one of those recipes that doesn’t ask for much but still manages to impress. You don’t need a side dish to make it feel like a complete meal—it stands on its own just fine. Perfect for when you want to feel healthy without compromising on flavor. It’s quick, easy, and spring-ready, no matter how busy the week gets.
Get the Recipe: Baked Pesto Salmon

Philly Cheesesteak Stacks

A white plate with a Philly Cheesesteak Stack and a bowl of soup.
Philly Cheesesteak Stacks. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Think of Philly Cheesesteak Stacks as your low-carb solution to a classic. They’ve got all the flavor, all the texture, and none of the bread to slow you down. These are the kind of dinner you throw together when you want a hearty meal but don’t feel like dealing with carbs. No need to make extra sides—this dish is filling enough to keep you satisfied. Serve it up on a plate and enjoy without the guilt.
Get the Recipe: Philly Cheesesteak Stacks

Greek Salad

Greek Salad with a round block of feta in the middle.
Greek Salad. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Greek Salad is the kind of recipe you make when you want something fresh but filling. It doesn’t take much time or effort, but it still manages to taste like a meal. Light and low-carb, it’s the perfect side dish or light dinner when you need something quick and healthy. Serve it on the patio, and you’ve got a meal that feels fresh without trying too hard. Bonus: it pairs well with pretty much anything.
Get the Recipe: Greek Salad

Chicken Stir Fry

A white plate with chicken and mushrooms in a sauce.
Chicken Stir Fry. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Chicken Stir Fry brings big flavor and a satisfying crunch, and it’s so easy to make you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. It’s light, fresh, and the perfect way to wrap up a long day. Best part? You can load it up with veggies and still keep it low-carb, making it a great option for spring. It doesn’t take much time to throw together, but it always feels like a win. Serve it hot and fresh, and no one will care about the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Stir Fry

Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce with pita dipped in a black bowl.
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

You can’t go wrong with Authentic Tzatziki Sauce as your go-to dipping sauce for just about everything. Whether you’re using it with grilled meats, veggies, or just about anything that needs a little extra flavor, this sauce has you covered. It’s light, refreshing, and brings a cool, tangy kick to whatever it’s paired with. It’s also low-carb, making it a great addition to any spring meal, and you can whip it up quickly with little fuss.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Tzatziki Sauce

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

For a meal that feels a little more special without a ton of work, Grilled Bruschetta Chicken is the way to go. It brings all the bold flavors you want, without the carbs you don’t. This dish works well for casual patio dinners or when you want to impress without stressing over the details. It’s fresh, it’s filling, and it’s just the right amount of flavor without being overwhelming. Your grill is ready.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Close-up of a hand holding a fork with a bite of copycat Alice spring chicken.
Copycat Alice Springs Chicken. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

When you want something hearty but low-carb, Copycat Alice Springs Chicken is your new go-to. It’s just as satisfying as the restaurant version but without the carbs, and it’s perfect for a patio meal when you want something simple but filling. The flavors are bold enough to keep you coming back for more, and the prep time won’t take over your entire evening. Serve it with a side of something light, and you’ve got dinner covered.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Alice Springs Chicken

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Fresh, crisp, and always a hit—Horiatiki Salad is the salad that makes you believe in the power of simplicity. Perfect for spring, this no-nonsense dish keeps things light without skimping on flavor. It’s low-carb and works great as a side dish or on its own for a quick dinner. You can throw it together in minutes and serve it up on the patio, making it ideal for nights when you’re craving something refreshing without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Ribs and Sauerkraut

Ribs and Sauerkraut with a fork.
Ribs and Sauerkraut. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal without the carbs, Ribs and Sauerkraut is the answer. The slow-cooked ribs are tender, the sauerkraut adds a perfect tang, and it’s filling without being heavy. It’s one of those meals that doesn’t need a lot of sides to make it feel like a full dinner. Whether you’re grilling or cooking indoors, this dish delivers big on flavor and low on carbs, making it perfect for spring.
Get the Recipe: Ribs and Sauerkraut

Korean Galbi Ribs

Two Korean galbi ribs on a black slate plate with red chopsticks placed beside them.
Korean Galbi Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Korean Galbi Ribs are the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and they’ll have you rethinking your low-carb dinner options. Grilled to perfection, they’re the kind of dish that makes dinner feel special, but they’re surprisingly easy to make. The flavors are bold enough to stand out on their own, so you don’t need a complicated side to go with them. Great for outdoor meals when you want something with a little more flair, these ribs deliver without the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Korean Galbi Ribs

Cucumber Salad with Feta

Cucumber and Feta salad in a black bowl.
Cucumber Salad with Feta. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

There’s nothing like a fresh, crunchy salad on a warm evening, and Cucumber Salad with Feta is the one you’ll keep reaching for. Light, crisp, and packed with flavor, this salad hits all the right notes without feeling like an afterthought. It’s a great low-carb option that works as a side dish or a light dinner on its own. It’s easy to make, quick to eat, and ideal for spring dinners when you need something that feels fresh but not complicated.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Salad with Feta

Corned Beef Hash Casserole

Corned Beef Hash Casserole in a square baking dish.
Corned Beef Hash Casserole. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving comfort food but need to keep it low-carb, Corned Beef Hash Casserole delivers. It’s filling, satisfying, and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients to make it work. This one’s perfect for spring evenings when you want something hearty but still light enough to not put you into a food coma. Plus, it’s easy to make and will keep you full well into the evening. The best part? It’s so good, you won’t even miss the carbs.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Hash Casserole

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