Low-carb Vegetarian Recipes for Weight Loss – 14 Delicious Meals

Are you a vegetarian who wants to explore the keto diet? Or are you already on keto and want to go meatless? Here are a few low-carb vegetarian recipes for weight loss to get you started!

For most people, keto means you have the license to meat-all-you-can.

Does it mean that vegetarians can’t go on keto? Definitely not!

While it’s true that meat is the diet’s main ingredient, going meatless is still doable on keto, but it does pose a bit of a challenge. 

You see, you need 80 to 90% of your daily calories from fats and 5 to 15% from protein to stay in ketosis and lose weight.

Hitting those macros without eating meat is tough– but not impossible. 

The key is to find plant-based keto-friendly healthy fat and protein sources, and here are some of the best examples:

• Dairy products: butter, cheeses, yogurt, half and half, and milk.
• Keto vegetables: Zucchini, cauliflower, cabbage, asparagus, eggplants, etc.
• Nuts and seeds

But wait, there’s more. We also have the best low-carb vegetarian recipes for weight loss to make your journey less challenging, so keep reading. 

14 Low-carb Vegetarian Recipes for Weight Loss

Check out our recommended low-carb vegetarian dishes—from breakfast to dinner and everything in between.

Breakfast Choices

Start your day right with these low-carb vegetarian recipes for weight loss.

Table of Breakfast Recipes Overview

Recipe Name	Calories	Net Carbs (g)
Asparagus and Mushroom Quiche	207	2
Cauliflower Pizza Bites	34	3
Cream Cheese Pancakes	300	3
Sauteed Breakfast Salad	370	6

1. Asparagus and Mushroom Quiche– Not Your Regular Quiche

This asparagus and mushroom quiche will provide all the classic quiche flavors without the high-carb crust. Because it’s crustless, you can enjoy its high protein content without worrying about carbs.

Here’s why we love it:

• Scrambled eggs for a fluffy quiche texture and protein-packed meal.
• Fresh asparagus and mushrooms for a boost of fiber.
• Shredded cheeses for a savory twist and a daily dose of fats.
• Thyme and other spices for a unique flavor without the added carbs and calories.

Indeed, there’s no more nutritious way to start the day than this delicious recipe.

Per serving: 207 calories, 16g fats, 14g protein, 1g fiber, and 2g net carbs

Editor’s Tip: Make a to-go version of this recipe by baking it in small ramekins. (*)

Learn more:   https://whatagirleats.com/

2. Cauliflower Pizza Bites– Best Breakfast-on-the-Go

Pizza for breakfast? Yes, please! With these cauliflower pizza bites, you can enjoy the crave-worthy pizza flavors without the guilt.

Here’s why we love it:

• Cauliflower rice that will keep you full until lunchtime.
• Different vegetable fillings for added texture, flavor, and fiber.
• Italian seasoning to achieve that classic pizza taste.

The best part is these come in muffin form, so you can enjoy a healthy breakfast whenever and wherever.

Per serving: 34 calories, 2g fats, 1g protein, 2g fiber, and 3g net carbs

Editor’s Tip: Serve this with Yo Mama’s Spicy Marinara Sauce to give it that zesty and spicy twist. (*)

Learn more:   https://jessicainthekitchen.com/

3. Cream Cheese Pancakes– High-Protein Breakfast in a Jiffy

Here’s a pancake recipe that will elevate your weekends. The best part? It’s flour-free, so you can enjoy it without getting kicked out of ketosis.

Here’s why we love it:

• Only two ingredients are needed—cream cheese and eggs, which are both rich in fats and protein
• Unique thin crepe-like texture
• Sugar-free syrups and sweeteners for a sweet taste without the carbs (*)
• 10-minute prep time

What we love the most is you can serve it with a sweet or savory topping of your choice.

Per serving: 300 calories, 29g fats, 7g protein, 1g fiber, and 3g net carbs

Learn more:   https://fitmomjourney.com/

4. Sauteed Breakfast Salad– Fiber and Protein in One Dish

Salad may not be your usual breakfast, but it delivers good fiber and long-burning energy to get you through the day. (*)

Here’s why we love it:

• Has the makings of a chic brunch you can get in a café
• Greens, micro greens, and cauliflower for a fiber-packed morning
• Eggs and avocado for a boost of fats and protein
• Ready in just 20 minutes

With this breakfast, you’ll undoubtedly have a bright day ahead.

Per serving: 370 calories, 29g fats, 17g protein, 7g fiber, and 6g net carbs

Editor’s Tip: Top it off with walnuts for added crunch and fats.

Learn more:   https://www.eatingbirdfood.com/

Lunch and Dinner Options

Even though breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you must still pay attention to your lunch and dinner choices if you want to lose weight. Here are some of your best options:

Table of Lunch and Dinner Options

Recipe Name	Calories	Net Carbs (g)
Vegetarian Meatballs	44	2.9
Tofu Lettuce Wraps	338	4.8
Stuffed Portobello Mushroom	167	3
Caprese Risotto	207	6

5. Vegetarian Meatballs – Delicious Fiber Bombs

With this low-carb vegetarian recipe for weight loss, you can enjoy the meatball’s crunchy exterior and meaty bite sans the carbs and meat.

Here’s why we love it:

• Eggplant and mushrooms as fiber-rich meat alternatives
• Italian seasonings for an explosion of flavor in every bite
• Only 10 minutes of hands-on prep timeEasy cooking steps– dump, blend, and bake

Prepare this for lunch and dinner to get your much-needed keto fiber.

Per serving: 44 calories, 2.6g fats, 1.9g protein, 1.5g fiber, and 2.9g net carbs

Editor’s Tip: Use a cookie scoop to create even-sized meatballs. (*)

Learn more:   https://ketovegetarianrecipes.com/

6. Tofu Lettuce Wraps– Better Than PF Chang’s

With its crispy tofu and low-carb peanut sauce, these tofu lettuce wraps are definitely tastier and healthier than PF Chang’s.

Here is why we love it:

• Tofu is the perfect plant-based protein source and delivers the much-needed crispy-yet-tender texture
• Fresh lettuce leaves for a touch of fiber and a crunchy bite
• 5-ingredient peanut sauce that delivers mouthwatering salty and sweet flavors

Thanks to this recipe, you can healthily satisfy your PF Chang’s cravings.

Per serving: 338 calories, 28.3g fats, 17.7g fats, 3g fiber, and 4.8g net carbs

Editor’s Tip: Use a tofu press to remove excess moisture and ensure the tofu’s crispiness. (*)

Learn more:   https://www.lowcarbmaven.com/

7. Stuffed Portobello Mushroom with Spinach and Artichoke– Like Burger But Better

Stuffed mushrooms take a while to make, but they are worth the work! After all, it’s a mash-up of different comfort food flavors, so you can satisfy your burger cravings minus the weight gain.

Here’s why we love it:

• Portobello mushrooms for a meaty texture, added fiber, and low-calorie content.
• Spinach and artichoke for a pop of flavor and good sources of fiber and vitamins. (*)
• A mix of sour cream, cream cheese, and mozzarella that adds a salty and savory touch and delivers a rich and creamy texture.

This recipe has cheesy lasagna flavors and the mushroom’s meaty bite, so what else can you ask for?

Per serving: 167 calories, 13g fats, 8g protein, 2g fiber, and 3g net carbs

Learn more:   https://lowcarbyum.com

8. Caprese Risotto– The Ultimate Italian Love Affair

Here’s one of the best low-carb vegetarian recipes for weight loss because it can satisfy your Italian cravings in the healthiest way possible.

Just imagine the stringy texture of melted mozzarella cheese wrapped around the fiber-rich cauliflower risotto. Nothing can get better than that.

Here’s why we love it:

• Cauliflower rice is a fiber-rich, low-carb, and low-calorie risotto alternative.
• Fresh mozzarella and parmesan are stringy, thick, and tasty healthy fat sources.
• Cherry tomatoes for a tangy twist and excellent vitamin C and A sources.

Indeed, it’s a caprese-meets-risotto recipe that delivers the fresh, tangy, and cheesy flavors you all love in Italian dishes.

Per serving: 207 calories, 15g fats, 11g protein, 2g fiber, and 6g net carbs

Learn more:   https://ketovegetarianrecipes.com/

9.   Keto Buddha Bowl– A Nutritionally-balanced Meal

You don’t have to eat the same bland meals to lose weight. Thanks to this highly customizable keto Buddha bowl recipe, you can enjoy a more fun and tastier diet and lose weight faster.

Here’s why we love it:

• Avocado and different seeds that deliver a crunchy bite and healthy fats (*)
• A medley of high-fiber nutrition-packed ingredients
• Cauliflower rice takes long to digest so that you can feel full faster and longer
• Healthy and tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a flavorful touch

As if the ingredients’ nutritional content is not enough, they also deliver a combination of textures that make it a highly satisfying meal. (*)

Per serving: 258 calories, 21g fats, 8g protein, 5g fiber, and 9g net carbs

Editor’s Tip: Use a vegetable chopper or slice to make the prep a breeze. (*)

Learn more:   https://lowcarbinspirations.com/

10.  Keto Vegetarian Bolognese– Not Your Ordinary Bolognese

This keto vegetarian Bolognese has zoodles instead of noodles and none of the meat. It’s nothing like your ordinary Bolognese, but it tastes like one! Interesting, right?

Here’s why we love it:

• Finely processed vegetables for a chunky meat-like texture
• Fiber-rich mix of cauliflower, eggplants, and mushrooms for slower digestion and better blood sugar management (*)
• Zoodles are richer in vitamins and antioxidants than traditional pastas. (*)

Per serving: 390 calories, 31g fats, 10g protein, 2g fiber, and 7g net carbs

Editor’s Tip: Invest in a zucchini spiralizer for a more efficient way to make zoodles. (*)

Learn more:   https://aussieketoqueen.com/

Soup Options

Soups are the least-calorie-dense dishes you can eat. The best part is it’s also the ultimate weight-loss food because it increases your satiety and helps you eat less. (*)

Table of Soup Options

Soup Name	Calories	Net Carbs (g)
Thai Coconut Soup	125	6.13
Lemon Broccoli Soup	265	9
Avocado Lemon Salad	217	5.1
Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie Bowl	280	3

You might also like: Low-Carb Soup Recipes

11.  Thai Coconut Soup–  A Taste of Thailand

This recipe has all the makings of the ultimate weight-loss soup: packed with vegetables, loaded with healthy fats, and a bit of spice.

Here’s why we love it:

• Satisfying Asian flavors and aromatics that will tickle your taste buds
• Healthy fats from coconut milk for stable energy levels
• Herbs and spices that can kickstart your metabolism (*)
• A mix of highly filling, fiber-rich vegetables
• Ready in 30 minutes

You know what else? It’s a dump-style slow-cooker recipe that you can easily whip up anytime.

Per serving: 125 calories, 10.3g fats, 3g protein, 2g fiber, and 6.13g net carbs

Editor’s Tip: Use Mae Ploy green curry paste because it has the lowest carbs. (*)

Learn more:   https://thekitchengirl.com/

You might also like: Low-Carb Thai Food Options: What to Eat and Avoid On Keto!

12.  Lemon Broccoli Parmesan Soup– Green, Zesty and Cheesy

With this low-carb vegetarian recipe for weight loss, you can add a zesty and cheesy spin to a supposedly- bland broccoli soup.

Here’s why we love it:

• Broccoli is low in calories and high in dietary fiber and other nutrients. (*)
• Lemon juice adds a zesty flavor to the soup and improves digestive health. (*)
• Cheese and heavy cream give the soup a rich and thick texture.

This unique recipe is a breath of fresh air from your regular broccoli soup recipes.

Per serving: 265 calories, 20g fats, 12g protein, 4g fiber, and 9g net carbs

Pro Tip: Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock to make it vegan-friendly.

Editor’s Tip: Use a potato masher to achieve the right texture easily. (*)

Learn more:   https://thekelliekitchen.com/

13.  Avocado Lemon and Roasted Red Pepper Salad– Zesty, Smoky, and Spicy

The avocado, lemon, and red pepper mix delivers refreshing summer flavors. But most of all, they provide a wide range of nutrients and benefits that can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Here’s why we love it:

• Char-grilled peppers provide a smoky flavor, suppress hunger, and kickstart metabolism. (*)
• Avocadoes deliver a creamy texture and healthy fats that promote feelings of satiety.
• Lemon adds a refreshing, bright flavor that is perfect for the warmer months. 

Per serving: 217 calories, 21g fats, 1.9g protein, and 5.1g net carbs

Learn more:  https://www.fatsoflife.co.uk/

14.  Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie Bowl – A Sweet Ending

When losing weight, restricting sweets is not the way to go. (*) The key is to find a way to satisfy your sweet cravings without the carbs, and this chocolate raspberry smoothie bowl fits the bill.

Here’s why we love it:

• Whey protein powder reduces appetite, promotes healthy metabolism, and aids in weight management. (*)
• Walnuts, almond milk, and coconut oil are loaded with healthy fats.
• Raspberries and cocoa powder deliver the much-needed sweet taste sans the carbs and calories.

This smoothie bowl is the prettiest and healthiest ice cream alternative ever.

Per serving: 280 calories, 16g fats, 25g protein, 4g fiber, and 3g net carbs

Learn more:   https://www.lowcarbmaven.com/