5 Keto Side Dishes + 10 Carnivore and Low Carb Side Dishes

Carnivore and Keto side dishes and low carb sides are not necessary on these low-carb or zero-carb diets. But they are used to provide missing nutrients, bring variety to these diets, and make it easier to follow these diets in the long term. So, let’s learn how to make some of the easiest and best low carb side dishes and zero-carb alternatives for a Carnivore Diet.

What Are Low Carb Side Dishes for?

We do not have to have Keto side dishes or low carb sides on a Keto Diet or a Carnivore Diet. You can only eat the foods allowed if you just want to meet your nutritional needs. Side dishes help you bring variety to the diet, avoid feeling bored, or stick to the diet more easily, which matters more than perfection. Those on a Keto Diet use side dishes for the following reasons.

To Replace High-Carb Staples

Most people, especially those going Keto after high-carb diets, come from diets built around potatoes, rice, bread, and pasta. These slides are high in carbohydrates and can disrupt ketosis.

That is why they are replaced with low carb side dishes, such as 

• Cauliflower mash
• Zucchini fries
• Keto coleslaw

Learn More: 15 Easy Low Carb Dinner Ideas + Recipes for Keto & Carnivore

To Control Appetite and Cravings

High-fat Keto side dishes increase satiety, slow digestion, and reduce hunger hormones. A plate with steak + buttered cauliflower is often more satisfying than steak alone, especially for Keto beginners.

To Add Micronutrients

Keto side dishes we are learning here can provide potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and fiber. This helps some people avoid Keto flu, constipation, and electrolyte imbalances.
Please note that fiber is optional, not required for health, but some people feel better with it, while others cannot tolerate it.

Why Carnivore Dieters Use Side Dishes

On a Carnivore Diet, side dishes do not exist in the traditional sense, but support animal-based foods and nutrients they provide. Those on a Carnivore Diet use side dishes for the following reasons.

Learn More: 15 Best Zero Calorie Drinks for Keto and Carnivore Diets

To Increase Fat Intake

Eating lean meat alone can cause low energy, hunger, or rabbit starvation. Carnivore side dishes like bone marrow, butter, tallow, and bacon help increase fat intake, so you can provide your daily macronutrients.

Find the right balance of macronutrients based on your age, gender, and activity level using this free Carnivore Diet Macro Calculator.

To Improve Digestion and Energy

Some of the individuals on a Carnivore Diet feel better when meals include eggs, rendered fats, and gelatin-rich cuts. These act as digestive and metabolic stabilizers, not variety foods.

To Make Carnivore More Sustainable

Eating only muscle meat every day can feel monotonous, socially difficult, or hard to maintain. Carnivore side dishes, such as cheese crisps, pork rinds, and egg-based sides, help you stick to the diet, which is why long-term carnivores use them.

Learn More: 20+ High Protein Low Carb Snacks for Keto and Carnivore Diet

Keto Side Dishes vs. Carnivore vs. Low-Carb Side Dishes

To choose the right foods, we need to understand the difference between Keto, Low-Carb, and Carnivore side dishes. While all three contain low levels of carbohydrates, they differ in ingredients and macronutrient levels.

Keto side dishes keep net carbohydrates low enough to maintain ketosis, allowing for vegetables, dairy, and healthy fats.

Low carb side dishes are more flexible and include moderate-carb vegetables. Carnivore side dishes remove plant foods entirely and provide nutrients only from animal-based sources.

You need to consider these distinctions when making side dishes to reach the best results in digestion, insulin response, and macronutrients, especially if you are transitioning from Keto to Carnivore.

To get a general idea of how these side dishes differ, you can take a look at the table below, comparing Keto side dishes with Carnivore and low carb side dishes.

Learn More: Low Calorie Ice Cream: Top Healthy Ice Cream for Weight Loss

The Best Keto Side Dishes

Classic Keto side dishes include low-carb ingredients, such as vegetables and fats, that replace traditional high-carb sides like potatoes, rice, and bread, to maintain flavor and satiety.

Good Keto side dishes balance texture and richness. Creamy sides replace mashed potatoes, while roasted or fried vegetables replace fries or chips. These dishes work well for family meals and gatherings.

Keto friendly side dishes are also versatile. You can cook most of them in the oven, skillet, or air fryer, making them easy to prepare alongside protein-based main dishes.

So, let’s learn how to make the 5 best Keto side dishes to accompany your low-carb, animal-based Keto meals.

Learn More: 30 High Protein Low Carb Lunch Ideas for Keto and Carnivore

Keto Side Dishes: #1 Creamy Cauliflower Mash

This creamy cauliflower mash is one of the best Keto side dishes. You can make 4 servings of this side dish in less than 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cauliflower (600g), florets
• 2 tbsp butter (28g)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower until tender to the fork.
2. Drain completely to remove moisture.
3. Blend with butter and cream until smooth.
4. Season and serve warm.

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 145 kcal | Fat: 12g | Protein: 3g | Net Carbs: 3g

Learn More: 15+ Quick & Easy Carnivore Meals with Carnivore Diet Recipes

Keto Side Dishes: #2 Cheesy Zucchini Bake

4 servings of this cheesy zucchini Keto side dish can be made in about 30 minutes, using the following ingredients and instructions.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini (400g)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (113g)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan (25g)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice zucchinis and toss them with olive oil and salt.
3. Place in a baking dish and top with cheese.
4. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 180 kcal | Fat: 14g | Protein: 9g | Net Carbs: 4g

Learn More: 4 Buffalo Chicken Sandwich Recipes for Carnivore and Keto

Keto Side Dishes: #3 Butter Garlic Mushrooms

Let’s learn how to make 3 servings of one of the quickest Keto side dishes that gets ready in 15 minutes with the ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients:

• 250g mushrooms
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a skillet.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
3. Add garlic and salt, cook 1 minute.
4. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 120 kcal | Fat: 10g | Protein: 3g | Net Carbs: 2g

Learn More: 15 High Protein Low Carb Meals You Must Try to Lose Weight

Keto Side Dishes: #4 Keto Coleslaw

This recipe for Keto coleslaw is one of the quickest Keto side dishes because you can make 4 servings in only about 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
2. Chill before serving.

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 150 kcal | Fat: 14g | Protein: 1g | Net Carbs: 3g

Learn More: 6 Best Keto Cookies + 7 Christmas Cookies with Easy Recipes

Keto Side Dishes: #5 Parmesan Roasted Broccoli

If you have 25 minutes and can prepare the following ingredients and take the steps below, you can make 4 servings of this Keto side dish.

Ingredients:

• 400g broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Toss broccoli with oil.
3. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.
4. Add parmesan, roast 5 more minutes.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 160 kcal | Fat: 13g | Protein: 6g | Net Carbs: 4g

Keto Side Dishes Without Vegetables

Many people look for Keto side dishes without vegetables due to digestive issues or because they are trying to go Carnivore. These sides rely on fats, dairy, and animal proteins.

The most common examples include bacon, eggs, cheese crisps, bone marrow, and butter-based sauces, which help maintain ketosis without fiber.

Learn More: Beef Liver Supplements on a Carnivore Diet: Pros and Cons

Low Carb Side Dishes

Low carb side dishes are good for people who want to control carbohydrate intake and are transitioning from high-carb to low-carb diets. These sides often overlap with Keto sides but can include slightly higher-carb vegetables.

These dishes are useful for athletes, families, or social meals where more carbohydrates are allowed. Low carb sides go well with grilled meats, roasts, and slow-cooked proteins.

Let’s learn 5 low carb side dishes, which are suitable for those following a Low-Carb Diet.

Roasted Radishes with Butter and Herbs

This low carb side dish is a classic potato substitute. You can make 4 servings of it in about 35 minutes, using the ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) radishes
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Halve the radishes.
3. Toss radishes with butter, olive oil, salt, and herbs.
4. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping once, until tender and lightly browned.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 120 kcal | Fat: 10g | Protein: 2g | Net Carbs: 5g

Learn More: Carnivore Diet Vegetables: Can You Eat Them on Carnivore?

Sautéed Cabbage with Onion and Bacon Fat

This is one of the easiest and quickest low carb side dishes, which is higher-carb than Keto but very satisfying. You can make 4 servings of this side dish in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 medium green cabbage
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp bacon fat or butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat fat in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Slice the cabbage and onion thinly.
3. Add the onion and cook until they change color.
4. Add cabbage, salt, and pepper.
5. Sauté for 10-12 minutes until tender and caramelized.
6. Enjoy!

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 140 kcal | Fat: 11g | Protein: 3g | Net Carbs: 8g

Learn More: Cooking Fish Sticks in Air Fryer for Keto & Carnivore Meals

Creamy Cucumber Dill Salad

This creamy cucumber dill salad is an easy and refreshing low-carb side dish. You can make 4 servings of this side dish in only 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Slice cucumbers.
2. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
3. Chill it for 15-30 minutes before serving.
4. Enjoy!

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 90 kcal | Fat: 6g | Protein: 2g | Net Carbs: 6g

Learn More: Is Whey Gluten Free? 15 Best Keto Whey Protein Shakes

Garlic Butter Green Beans with Almonds

This classic low-carb side is suitable for a Low-Carb Diet, but is not proper for a Carnivore or Keto Diet. Let’s make 4 servings of this low-carb side in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz (340g) green beans
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Trim the green beans and mince the garlic.
2. Steam the beans until tender-crisp.
3. Melt butter in a skillet and add garlic.
4. Toss in beans and almonds and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
5. Enjoy!

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 130 kcal | Fat: 10g | Protein: 3g | Net Carbs: 7g

Learn More: Keto Candy: Best Zero Sugar Candy & Low Carb Sweets + Recipe

Roasted Turnips with Olive Oil

A forgotten low-carb root vegetable that is higher-carb than Keto side dishes is this roasted turnip with olive oil, which is great for those new to a low-carb lifestyle. Here are the ingredients and instructions to make 4 servings of this side dish in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium turnips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the turnips into small cubes.
3. Toss turnips with oil, paprika, and salt.
4. Roast for 30 minutes until golden and tender.
5. Enjoy!

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 110 kcal | Fat: 8g | Protein: 2g | Net Carbs: 9g

Learn More: 5 Best Keto Tuna Salad Recipes + Secrets, Tips, & Variations

Carnivore and Ketovore Side Dishes

Carnivore side dishes eliminate plant foods. These sides rely on animal fats, connective tissue, and eggs to provide nutrients and satiety.

Unlike Keto side dishes, Carnivore sides do not contain vegetables and complement meat-based meals with texture, fat, and micronutrients.

Those who are transitioning from Keto to Carnivore and are on a Ketovore Diet can include small amounts of dairy, while zero-carb carnivores focus on meat, fat, and salt only.

Let’s learn how to make 5 of the best zero-carb Carnivore side dishes with easy and quick recipes.

Learn More: Sugar Free Chocolate: How to Make Low-Carb Keto Chocolate?

Carnivore Crispy Bacon Strips

Making 2 servings of this Carnivore-friendly side dish takes less than 20 minutes, using the ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients:

• 6 bacon slices (about 180 g)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
3. Lay bacon slices flat on the sheet, making sure they do not overlap.
4. Place the tray on the center rack of the oven.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, or until bacon reaches your preferred crispness.
6. Remove from oven and transfer bacon to a paper towel to drain excess fat.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 270 kcal | Fat: 22 g | Protein: 12 g | Carbohydrates: 0 g

Learn More: 10+ Best Healthy Low Carb Meals for Keto and Carnivore Diet

Roasted Beef Bone Marrow

In 25 minutes, you can make 2 servings of this roasted beef bone marrow, which is an easy and yummy Carnivore-friendly side dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 beef marrow bones
• 2 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the bones lengthwise or cross-cut.
3. Place marrow bones cut-side up on a baking sheet.
4. Season with salt.
5. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, until marrow is bubbling and soft.
6. Remove carefully from oven.
7. Scoop marrow with a spoon or spread onto meat, and serve hot.

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 300 kcal | Fat: 32 g | Protein: 7 g | Carbohydrates: 0 g

Learn More: Top 3 Dessert Pizza Recipes: Is Dessert Pizza Keto-Friendly?

Fried Eggs in Beef Tallow

This carnivore side dish is super quick and easy. You can make a serving in just about 7 minutes, using the simple ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon beef tallow
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add beef tallow and allow it to fully melt and coat the pan.
3. Crack eggs directly into the hot tallow.
4. Cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on preferred doneness.
5. Season lightly with salt and serve immediately.

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 250 kcal | Fat: 21 g | Protein: 12 g | Carbohydrates: 0 g

Learn More: Bull Testicles or Rocky Mountain Oysters on a Carnivore Diet

Carnivore Side Dish Pork Rind Crisps

This Carnivore-friendly side dish is even quicker. Using the following ingredients and instructions, you can make 2 servings in about 7 minutes.

Ingredients:

• 60 g plain pork rinds

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread pork rinds in a single layer on a baking sheet.
3. Heat for 5 minutes, until extra crisp and warm.
4. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
5. Serve as a crunchy side or fat-based snack.

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 160 kcal | Fat: 9 g | Protein: 17 g | Carbohydrates: 0 g

Learn More: Cooking with Avocado Oil vs Olive Oil for Keto Diet Foods

Carnivore and Ketovore Cheese Crisps

In less than 15 minutes, you can make 2 servings of these Carnivore- and Ketovore-friendly cheese crisps.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (113 g)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place small piles of shredded cheese on the sheet. Leave space between them.
4. Bake for 8 minutes, or until cheese melts and edges turn golden.
5. Remove from oven and let cool completely to crisp.
6. Peel off the parchment and serve.

Nutrition per Serving:

Calories: 200 kcal | Fat: 17 g | Protein: 12 g | Carbohydrates: 1 g

Learn More: 4 Best Carnivore Pizza Recipes + No-Carb Chicken Pizza Crust

FAQs

Let’s find answers to the most frequently asked questions about Keto side dishes and low carb side dishes.

What Are the Best Keto Side Dishes?

The best Keto side dishes are low in net carbs and high in fat, such as cauliflower mash, keto coleslaw, and cheese-based sides.

Are Keto Side Dishes Low Carb?

Yes, Keto side dishes are a subset of low carb side dishes that support ketosis.

Can Carnivores Eat Keto Side Dishes?

Some Keto side dishes are suitable for Carnivore or Ketovore diets, especially those without vegetables.

What Are Keto Friendly Side Dishes for Meat-Based Meals?

Keto friendly side dishes for meat include buttered vegetables, cheese-based sides, and animal-fat dishes.

Learn More: The Best Keto-Friendly Chicken Pesto Sandwich Recipes +Tips

What Are Good Low Carb Side Dishes for Keto Beginners?

Low carb side dishes like roasted cabbage or zucchini are good for beginners transitioning into Keto.