10 Summer-Friendly Low-Carb Options Big on Flavour
July 20, 2022If there’s one thing hotter than the weather, it’s these 10 delicious, carb-smart meals that prove low-carb doesn’t mean low-flavour.
We’ve put together a mix of easy-to-make, fresh options to keep your palette guessing all summer long. Best of all? Each meal is less than 50g of carbs, meaning you can enjoy without worrying about counting carbs. Make your own version at home using local and in-season veggies, or keep things easy and add to your HelloFresh box (you might just find some New Toronto Food Co. local vegetables inside!)
One of the best parts about summer is enjoying outdoor time. With each recipe taking about 30 minutes or less to make, it leaves plenty of time to catch up outside with friends and family, and still have a filling, low-carb dinner ready to go. Look for the Carb Smart tag on our HelloFresh recipes and rest easy knowing we’ve got you covered with tasty options. No matter what you’re into – fresh salads, succulent chicken, sizzling steaks – we’ve got something for the entire family!
10 Low-Carb Summer Recipes
1. Carb Smart Smoky Paprika Chicken with a Veggie Medley
Texture and flavour unite in this delicious option, perfect for lunch or dinner. The smoky paprika elevates the juicy chicken, while the veggie medley satisfies the need for crunch. A dollop of garlic aioli atop the chicken adds some welcomed creaminess to make this a summer BBQ staple! Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 23g
2. Carb Smart Sesame Steaks with Green Veggie Stir-Fry
It’s hard to know who will enjoy this meal more: your eyes, or your tastebuds! Everyone’s a winner with these delicious toasted sesame steaks, ripe with vibrant colour and flavours. This low-starch supper has a glaze made from a classic combo of mirin and soy sauce. The toasted sesame steaks sit atop a bed of fresh vegetables that will make your mouth water just by looking at it. Mmm! Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 28g
3. Carb Smart Cobb Salad with Ranch Dressing
Salads are a classic summer recipe, and what’s more delicious than a Cobb salad? Answer: this carb-smart version, of course! Hard boiled eggs, crispy bacon, and feta cheese are the real showstoppers in this elevated low-carb meal. It’s almost hard to believe it counts as a salad when it tastes this rich! This recipe is also versatile, and can be made as a first course, main course, or side, proving you can make friends with salad! Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 37g
4. Carb Smart Almond Chicken with Parmesan, Green Veggies, and Lemony Mayo
Parmesan-crusted chicken, but make it low-carb? Yes, please! Replacing the typically carb-heavy breadcrumbs with an almond and garlic crust keeps the carbohydrate count low, while still delivering on flavour and crispiness. The side veggies get some zip with extra garlic and a dose of fresh lemon. Add the accompanying lemony mayo dip to balance out the garlicky greens, and enjoy! Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 21g
5. Carb Smart Beef Koftas with Veggie Hash and Garlic Hummus
When the hot weather hits, one thing is a failsafe cure: the fresh, yet complex flavours in a mezze platter. Inspired by this classic plate is a nutritious veggie hash topped with spiced beef koftas. The peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower will fill you up without the need for a carb-heavy pita. Most importantly, don’t forget to top it with garlic hummus, a must for any Middle Eastern meal! Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 37g
6. Carb Smart Barramundi and Horseradish Remoulade with Warm Potato and Snap Pea Salad
Another summer classic? Potato salad. This carb smart and low calorie version is sure to be a crowd pleaser with a unique and delectable twist. Juicy barramundi rests atop sweet snap peas and pickles, with smoked paprika adding colour and flavour! The horseradish remoulade adds some zip to the barramundi, and fresh lemon balances out the flavour profile. Your tastebuds will thank you for treating them to this culinary adventure! Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 37g
7. Carb Smart Salmon and Lemony Lentil Bowls with Garlicky Feta Crema
You’ll keep coming back to this recipe! Seared salmon and garlicky feta cheese sauce covering a fresh combo of lemony lentils (say that five times fast), roasted sweet potatoes, and ever-so-slightly-wilted baby spinach. An elevated dish with complementary flavour combinations that’s sure to impress! And, it’s as versatile as it is flavourful. As an easy option, keep the salmon separate to make this a healthy side salad for BBQs or potlucks! Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 41g
8. Carb Smart Thai-Inspired Pork with Spinach, Roasted Veggies, and Peanut Sauce
Keep the warm weather vibes all year round with this Thai-inspired recipe. The vibrant flavours of spicy, sweet, savoury, and tart are equally represented in this carb-smart option. And, you can swap out the regular soy sauce with a low-sodium version to cut down on the amount of salt. Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 35g
9. Carb Smart Chicken Caesar Salad with Golden Chickpea ‘Croutons’
Low-carb chicken Caesar salad? It’s true – and it’s delicious! By swapping out the croutons and adding golden chickpeas, enjoy a low-carb option that still has a healthy dose of satisfying crunch. Bonus: chickpeas also have a good amount of fibre, helping to keep you full. The lemon, Dijon mustard, and garlic swirl together to get some tangy bite in our low-carb take on a classic recipe. Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 33g
10. Carb Smart Chipotle Chicken Bowls with DIY Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Cauliflower ‘Rice’
Used to rice as a side dish? Try blending cauliflower in a food processor or chopping it finely until it resembles rice as a way to cut down on carbs, while still enjoying a filling and taste-filled side. A DIY pepper salsa brings the crunch, while cilantro and lime add freshness. To top it off, a touch of Mexican seasoning adds zip to the chicken. Bring the taste of Mexico into your home with this bowl that has it all! Get the recipe here!
Carbohydrates per serving: 28g
Check out some of our chef favourites, and let us know what recipes you’re trying on our Instagram @HelloFreshCA!
Note: Our Carb Smart options are based on a per serving calculation of each recipe’s carbohydrate amount