12 Keto Lunch Ideas You’ll Actually Want To Eat!

Introduction:

One question we get a lot is, do you ever look at your lunch and think, how can I make keto fun? If you are stuck in a rut with what you’re eating and want new ideas, you’re not alone! This can be particularly challenging at lunch, however, and adhering to a keto diet can be quite restrictive. But that doesn’t mean it has to be boring.

To the latter end, today we’re bringing you 12 keto lunch ideas that will help you stay on track with your low-carb, high-fat goals while turning your gaze towards your next meal. These lunches can be whipped up in no time, making them as delicious as they are filling and flavourful, so you can feel full and energised throughout the day.

Section 1: Why Keto lunch Ideas Are Important

One of the most powerful health tools at your disposal is the ketogenic diet, or keto. By avoiding higher-carb meals and consuming more fats, your body enters a fat-burning state known as ketosis. But although the keto diet can be an incredibly effective way to slim down, it can be a bit... well, samey, which is especially true when it comes to lunch.

Having a few go-to keto lunch ideas means you can not only nourish your body and provide the nutrients it needs with each meal, but you also won’t be tempted to fall off the wagon. Variety is key! So let’s look at 12 delicious keto lunch ideas that are carpet bombing to make your lunch the best part of your day.

Part 2: 12 Keto Lunch Ideas You Will Actually Like

We’ve covered why variety is so important, so let’s get into these 12 delicious keto lunch ideas that will likely get you excited about lunchtime!

Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Tuna Salad

Why It Works: This is a classic, and when tuna salad meets avocado they mix to form a creamy but healthy fat full of goodness. Using fresh lettuce to wrap it keeps this meal light but still substantial.

How to Make It: Combine canned tuna, mashed avocado, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and diced celery. Season with salt and pepper. Chilled spooned into big lettuce leaves and rolled up to eat!

Pro Tip: Use chicken or turkey instead of tuna if you aren’t interested in seafood. And if you want an extra crunch, add in some bacon!

Pesto Chicken with Zucchini Noodles

Why It Works: Zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) are an amazing low-carb alternative to classic pasta. With a creamy pesto sauce and grilled chicken, it’s a winner.

HOW TO MAKE IT: Spiralize the zucchini into noodles. Cook the zucchini in olive oil until soft. You can also add on grilled chicken and homemade basil, garlic, olive oil and parmesan cheese pesto.

PRO TIP: If you want something fresh to complement your pesto, toss in some cherry tomatoes!

Cauliflower Fried Rice

Why It Works: This dish is a great low-carb alternative to normal rice thanks to cauliflower rice. This fried rice version incorporates protein through the inclusion of eggs and veggies, and is a great balanced and delicious meal.

How to Make It: Working in batches, pulse cauliflower florets in a food processor until rice-sized. Sauté with garlic, ginger and vegetables like bell peppers, peas and carrots. Scramble in eggs, and season with soy sauce or tamari.

Pro Tip: Throw in shrimp or chicken for added protein.

Avocado Keto Chicken Salad

Why It Works: This one is a keto classic—also, chicken salad. Creme-fressh or Greek yogurt will give the salad extra sustaining power, but creamy avo boosts the flavor component.

How to Make It: Pull rotisserie chicken and mix with mashed avocado, mayo, mustard and diced celery. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tip: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and healthy fats.

Egg Salad in Avocado Boats

Why It Works: Eggs are a keto go-to, and paired with avocado, make a hearty, nutrient-rich lunch.

How to Make It: Make a basic egg salad by chopping up hard-boiled eggs and combining them with mayo, mustard and a pinch of paprika. Scoop out some of the flesh from an avocado and fill it with the egg salad.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add crispy bacon or a handful of chopped herbs like dill.

Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo

Why It Works: Broccoli is packed with nutrients, and when combined with tender chicken in a creamy alfredo dish like this one, it makes for a luxurious keto meal that will keep you full for hours.

How to Make It: Sauté chicken breasts and steam broccoli. For the sauce, mix cream, butter, and parmesan. You can pour the sauce over chicken and broccoli for a savory, rich lunch.

Cheffy tip: Grate more parmesan on top and a little freshly cracked black pepper to finish it off.

Shakshuka (Eggs in Tomato Sauce)

Why It Works: Shakshuka is a flavorful Middle Eastern dish, and is relatively simple to make. But poaching eggs in a spicy tomato sauce to make shakshuka is an easy, filling and nutrient-dense meal.

How to Make It: Sauté tomatoes, onions and bell peppers in olive oil until they soften and become a sauce. Add cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Add eggs to the sauce and cover until whites set.

Pro Tip: Pair with an avocado or fresh herbs for added nutrition.

Keto BLT Lettuce Wraps

Why It Works: A BLT is a classic, and by subbing the bread for lettuce, this one is low-carb without sacrificing crunch.

How to Make It: Stack cooked bacon, lettuce and tomato slices on big leaves of lettuce. A dollop of mayo or avocado adds extra creaminess.

Healthy Hint: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or sprinkle with shredded cheese for added flavor

Keto Taco Salad

Why It Works: Taco salad is a fun and customizable way to savor taco flavors without the carb load. Start with your meat base — ground beef, chicken or turkey.

Make Your Own: Brown your protein of choice and add taco seasoning. Serve on a bed of lettuce with cheese, avocado, sour cream and salsa, if you like.

Note: Use homemade guacamole for a fresh, low-carb alternative to store bought.

Pork Belly With Sautéed Spinach

Why It Works: Pork belly is a rich, fatty, flavorful protein that works well with sautéed spinach, which is high in vitamins and minerals.

How to Make It: Char the pork belly until crackling. Sauté spinach with garlic and olive oil until wilted, serve beside the pork belly.

Pro Tip: Substitute chicken thighs or pork chops for a leaner option if pork belly is too fatty for your taste.

Keto Chicken Caesar Salad

Why It Works: A classic Caesar salad is super easy to turn into a keto-friendly dish since you can just skip the croutons and pile on the chicken, cheese and a homemade low-carb dressing.

How to Make It: Dress romaine lettuce with grilled chicken, parmesan cheese, and a Caesar dressing you make yourself with mayo, garlic, lemon juice and anchovies.

Pro Tip: Top with crispy bacon or avocado for extra creaminess and more healthy fats.

Cobb Salad

Why It Works: The Cobb salad has long been a winner with the keto crowd; it’s full of protein-rich ingredients like chicken, bacon, eggs and avocado, so it’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.

How to Make It: Toss grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, and lettuce. Using a Homemade Dressing such as Ranch or Vinaigrette

Pro Tip: Include additional vegetables such as cucumbers or tomatoes to make the salad more substantial.

Part Three: Bonus tips for passing that exam!

I started doing keto meal prepping when I started keto, and it made a huge difference for me. They keep me from finding myself discouraged by getting off course from my plan although I am designed for lunches ahead of time, to avoid the temptation of making them at the last minute. A little planning can ensure that you have creative keto lunch ideas waiting for you each week!

Another process is to keep keto-welcoming elements useful. These are your necessities, things like avocados, cheese, bacon, fresh veggies, etc. When these are on hand, it’s easier to throw together a quick, filling meal without a fuss.

Final Thoughts: Have Fun With Your Keto Lunches

So there it is, a dozen keto lunch ideas that will keep you excited about what you pack for lunch without sacrificing your low-carb, high-fat lifestyle. Whether you feel like a creamy Chicken Caesar Salad or a light and fresh Tuna Salad Lettuce Wrap, these meals will keep you on track and are sure to satisfy.

So the next time you feel you’re in a keto lunch rut, try one of these ideas. Play around with flavors, substitute ingredients and find what combinations work for you.

What’s your go-to keto lunch? What are your favorite keto lunch ideas that help you to stay excited about lunch? Let me know in the comments below — I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please share if you found this post useful, or know someone looking for exciting, delicious ideas for lunch on keto! Let’s have some fun with keto meals together!