The Best Keto Lunch Ideas to Power You Through The Day!

December 15, 2023

Are you ready to kick carbs to the curb and say hello to a healthier you? Look no further than this guide on the keto diet! Short for “ketogenic”, this diet is all about getting your body into a state of ketosis, where your body burns fat for fuel instead of those carbs. By cutting carbs and upping your intake of healthy fats, you can boost your energy levels and even improve your cognitive function, according to research from Stonybrook. However, starting the keto diet can feel challenging, so that’s why we’re here to help you navigate how to integrate a low-carb lifestyle into your lunch routine.

Whether you're trying to lose weight, maintain your health, or simply want to indulge in some flavorful low-carb lunch meals, there are plenty of keto-friendly options that will satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling satisfied all day long. From protein-packed chicken dishes to veggie-filled salads, our curated set of keto lunch recipes will keep your taste buds dancing and your tummy satisfied. So grab your meal prep containers and get ready to take your low-carb diet game to the next level!

Are you always too short on time to make healthy, keto lunches? Our expert chefs at Hungryroot have crafted a wide variety of delicious recipes and low-carb groceries delivered straight to your doorstep, so you can enjoy tasty, keto meals even if you’re on a hectic schedule. Take our personalized quiz here and kickstart your clean eating journey on the right step from day one!

Keto Lunch Ideas: Tips & Tricks

Looking for ways to stay on track with your keto diet during lunchtime? Fear not, because, with a little planning and our helpful tips and tricks, you can easily prepare delicious keto meals to keep you fueled and energized until dinnertime. Let’s dig in and learn about the essential tools, ingredients, and pantry staples you so you can create mouthwatering keto-friendly lunches.

  • Containers & tools: Lunch meal prep can be a lifesaver for busy schedules during the week. Consider investing in meal prep containers, such as mason jars or airtight containers, to keep your meals fresh throughout the week. If you want to further cut down on cooking time, an instant pot can be a game-changer too!
  • Sauces: While keeping your keto lunch routine on track, it is helpful to complement your meals with flavorful sauces. You have the option of making your own homemade dressing or choosing from a variety of store-bought options, but be sure to check the net carbs to make sure your sauce is keto-friendly. A few of our favorite sauces and condiments include olive oil, balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and herb blends like Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, etc. To add zest to your meals, freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice should do the trick.
  • Fresh veggies and fruits: Make sure to stock up on fresh leafy greens and zesty veggies like iceberg lettuce, red onionspinach, purple cabbage, grape tomatoes, and kale to provide a strong, low-carb veggie base for your meals. If you want to add umami flavor and a crunchy texture, consider grabbing some grape tomatoes.
  • Healthy fats: Healthy fats are the name of the game when it comes to the keto diet! Make sure to grab some wholesome staples like avocado, olive oil, peanut butter, almond butter, nuts, and seeds.
  • Dairy: Dairy products like sour cream, parmesan cheese, and cream cheese all make for creamy additions to meals or substitutes if you’re craving low-carb pastries when baking.
  • High-quality meats: Stock up on tasty options like crispy bacon, ground beef, turkey, chicken breast, and chicken thighs for a delicious protein fix. For seafood lovers, salmon and tuna can be used to whip up a tuna salad, while hard-boiled eggs make for a delicious egg salad. 
  • Bread & Grains: If you're looking for alternatives to bread and pastries, you can always buy keto-friendly bread or make your own using low-carb flour like almond flour, coconut flour, and more. Instead of grains, opt for cauliflower rice instead of rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Easy Keto Lunch Ideas

Ready to dig in and get started? We’ve combed through and picked our favorite keto lunch ideas from our library of over 2000 free healthy and tasty recipes! Created by expert chefs at Hungryroot, these keto lunch recipes will keep you energized and your taste buds satisfied all day long!

Classic Marinara Meatball Stuffed Mushrooms: This recipe is the perfect keto lunch idea that will satisfy your cravings for something hearty and savory. Made with delicious meatballs that are stuffed into mushroom caps and topped with classic marinara sauce with melted mozzarella cheese, this yummy recipe is sure to please a picky eater. With only a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this satisfying lunch in no time!

Thai Coconut Chicken Asparagus: Get ready for a taste of Thailand with this delicious, keto coconut chicken dish. Made with fresh asparagus, and Thai-style coconut chicken, this ten-minute meal packs flavor and nutrition. A delightful choice for a quick lunch that won’t weigh you down, so grab a skillet and get ready to indulge in a meal that’s both tasty and good for you!

Creamy Goat Cheese Salad Grass-Fed Lamb: A creamy, yet low-carb option for a light but filling lunch, this goat cheese lamb salad is packed with savory flavor. Featuring tender grass-fed lamb, creamy crumbled goat cheese, and sauteed red onion, this recipe is tied together with a veggie-packed spinach base. You’ll love this satisfying lunch that’s ready in a quick ten minutes. 

Marinara Turkey Meatballs w/ Cauliflower Mash: A keto twist on a hearty meatball and potato mash dish, this lunch recipe features a low-carb replacement for mashed potatoes, the creamy cauliflower. Hearty, turkey meatballs are sauteed with a rainbow veggie mix until tender. A protein-filled meal perfect for a savory and veggie-packed meal for busy days in your week.

Classic Keto Bun Cheeseburger: Indulge in a classic cheeseburger while sticking to your keto diet with this quick eight-minute recipe. Made with grass-fed beef burger patties topped with melted, cheddar cheese, these burgers are nestled between two delicious, keto bread buns toasted to perfection. Enjoy a juicy, flavorful, and satisfying cheeseburger, while staying on track with your keto goals.

Wild Caught Shrimp + Asparagus with Cauli Mash: Dive into a mouthwatering and healthy keto meal with this seafood and cauliflower mash recipe. Fresh, wild-caught shrimp and fresh asparagus are sauteed to masterful perfection. Tie it all together, by pairing it with a comforting keto mashed cauliflower and take your meal to the next level of flavor. Feel like a true gourmet chef while indulging in this delicious low-carb recipe for your next midday meal.

Thai Coconut Chicken Green Beans Stir Fry: Another one of our favorite Thai-inspired dishes, this stir fry is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Pair crispy, sauteed green beans with Thai-style coconut chicken for an easy keto lunch idea that’s packed with protein and greens. 

Herby Atlantic Salmon with Cauli Mash: Elevate your next lunch with this nutrient-dense recipe seasoned to garlicky perfection. Featuring baked salmon fillets seasoned in a garlic and herb blend paired with a side of steamed green beans that are refreshing and healthy. Complete the meal by indulging in creamy and satisfying keto-mashed cauliflower that’s sure to leave your taste buds wanting more. 

Zesty Steak + Veggie Sofrito Salad: This salad is bursting with flavor and texture making it a perfect choice for a light, but comforting meal. Juicy ribeye steak is seared and paired with sofrito made with finely chopped red onions and tender, grilled bell peppers. Add a touch of lime juice for extra zesty flavoring and lay on a bed of crispy, green leaf lettuce to add a refreshing crunch to the salad. Drizzle with your favorite creamy dressing or extra lime juice for a perfect keto lunch!

Korean BBQ Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry: Enjoy a Korean-inspired, keto-friendly classic lunch filled with protein-packed broccoli and Korean-style chicken. In this mouthwatering recipe, juicy chicken is infused with bold and savory Korean BBQ flavor, perfectly complemented by fresh and vibrant sweet baby broccoli. This quick and easy dish is ready in ten minutes for days when you don’t have much time to cook during lunch.

Melted Marinara Pork Chop Bake: In just fifteen minutes, you can have a hearty and flavorful meal with this creamy keto lunch recipe. Grilled boneless pork chops are smothered in savory marinara sauce and topped with melted shredded mozzarella cheese. Sweet baby broccoli is steamed to perfection tying the dish together. Perfect for those who want an easy lunch that’s keto-friendly and delicious!

Chicken Marsala + Broccoli Florets: Satisfy your cravings without compromising your keto diet with this delicious and nutritious chicken broccoli recipe. Sauteed broccoli florets are the perfect complement to the rich and flavorful chicken marsala, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Packed with protein and veggies, this meal is both satisfying and guilt-free. Best of all, you can enjoy this scrumptious meal in just fifteen minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Lemony Baked Chicken Roasted Broccoli: This keto-friendly recipe features juicy, seasoned chicken breast coated with flavorful lemon garlic hummus. This dish is completed with a side of perfectly roasted sweet baby broccoli, drizzled with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Quick to make, this recipe is a perfect choice for a busy lunchtime routine.

Setting Yourself Up For Keto Lunch Success

The keto diet may seem intimidating, but you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for your lunchtime meal. By adding in nutrient-dense veggies, healthy fats, and premium protein, you can create a keto-friendly meal that’ll keep you on track and energized. Remember to keep some staple ingredients on hand for easy meal prep, and don't be afraid to mix things up with new recipes and flavors. 

With these keto lunch ideas, you can enjoy a delicious and filling meal without ever feeling restricted or bored!

Do you want to eat healthy and stick to your keto diet, but find yourself struggling with meal prep and grocery shopping? Hungryroot offers a wide variety of healthy and fresh groceries, along with easy-to-follow recipes that will make your low-carb dreams come true. 

With Hungryroot, you can save time and energy by having all your groceries and meal ideas delivered right to your doorstep. Take our personalized quiz now and discover the perfect, keto-friendly recipes so you can make keto lunches without the hassle of planning, prepping, and cooking!


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