One of the greatest joys of the keto lifestyle is the fact that you get to rely on vegetables to add sustenance to your meals. Leafy greens, juicy tomatoes and other types of roughage add a little crunchy contrast to the rich fats on your plate and supplement you with vitamins and other nutrients that your body needs.
So if you’re sick of the same old steak, butter pats, cauliflower and broccoli, and caesar salads, keep reading to discover some fabulous combinations that will keep you feeling full longer!
Grilled Chicken Salad
Here’s some Keto 101 for you: grilled chicken+salad is the dynamic duo for attaining healthy fats, quality protein and keto-friendly veggies to make you feel full. Toss some olives and feta cheese tossed in to give you that fatty energy fest you’re craving on keto.
Why Chicken, Olives, and Avocado?
Grilled chicken is high in protein, and is lean and low in calories. Olives and olive oil give you your oleic acid, which is linked to reduce inflammation and enhance immunity while having potential anti-cancer effects. And of course, you need that vitamin K from your avocado. (Check out our vegan kale salad recipe at the end of this article for more on vitamin K.)
Taco Salad
Keto doesn’t cancel Taco Tuesdays! This healthy take on the Mexican favorite is ready in under 30 minutes and is packed with nutrition AND flavor.
Getting Cheesy
Say hello to calcium and fat with sour cream and cheese (full fat!). That way, you’ll be getting your necessary heart health benefits that calcium delivers: nerve signaling and muscle function.
Easy Pesto-Baked Salmon Salad
Pesto and salmon is an unlikely combination, but it works and delivers wonderful benefits that’ll only charge your keto journey to a fuller potential. Also, this delicious salad can make its way to the table in under 20 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight.
Why Salmon and Pesto?
Salmon is a premium source of the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. Your body isn’t able to create these essential fatty acids on their own, so you’d have to include them in your diet to get their benefits. Tossing in some walnuts as a garnish could also give you a boost of these fatty acids.
Basil also has its benefits, including anti-inflammation, diabetes management and overall gut health, to name a few. If you are using store-bought pesto, be sure to find one that’s as natural and uncomplicated as possible – remember, all it needs to have is basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese and olive oil.
Bacon, Egg, and Spinach Salad
Salad for breakfast? Heck yeah! Or maybe you could just turn this into a deconstructed hash. Either way, a simple spinach salad with bacon and eggs makes a great meal any time of day.
Why Spinach?
Spinach is high in nutrients essential for eye health, such as vitamin A, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Vitamin A helps maintain your eyes’ light-sensing cells, while lutein and zeaxanthin act as a natural sunblock to protect against blue light (read: device screens).
Vegan Kale Salad
Vegan and keto can go hand in hand, and contrary to popular belief, it’s possible to live a fruitful (well, fruitless, according to Keto law) life while eating a zero carb and sugar plant-based diet.
Why Vegan?
With kale and avocado, accompanied by your other favorite low-carb veggies, this salad is rich in vitamin K – a very important letter that you should make sure this is what your body needs to prevent blood clotting, strong bones, and overall heart health. Pro tip: if you’re missing croutons, toss this salad with some of your favorite nuts (not peanuts!) to achieve that crunch factor.