Easy Keto Easter Side Dishes
With Easter on the horizon, many keto enthusiasts are searching for recipes that will allow them to enjoy an Easter holiday meal with their loved ones without jeopardizing their diet. While the main course tends to be keto-friendly (meat, like lamb or turkey, is a great option on keto), side dishes can be a bit trickier. Keto Easter side dishes don’t have to be complicated though, as long as you are careful to plan your macros for the main event.
If you are looking for side dishes that can spruce up your meal while keeping you in ketosis, here are a few ideas.
Keto Spring Vegetable Side Dishes
Do you want to add something healthy and bright to your plate at Easter dinner? Everyone–even those not adhering to a keto diet–can benefit from adding a healthy vegetable to the mix of other comfort foods like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese that are frequently served. Spring vegetables allow you to make the most of the season and introduce something healthy onto your plate.
What vegetables can you eat that are low in carbs?
Asparagus
Not only are spring vegetables tasty, but they can be easy to whip up, too. This crispy asparagus recipe takes five minutes to prepare and ten minutes to cook, making it the easiest part of your Easter holiday. The bonus is that a single serving has only 4 grams of net carbs.
If asparagus just will not work for your meal, you can still make the coconut aminos dressing and serve it over your favorite green veggies, like broccoli or snap peas.
This pesto asparagus is another quick and easy option with 5 grams net carbs. You can also do roasted asparagus with parmesan and Himalayan salt (2.8 grams net carbs).
Broccolini and Broccoli
Another great spring vegetable to add to the mix is this charred broccolini. Brighten it up with a bit of lemon, some garlic, and a touch of nutritional yeast. It eats up just 5 grams of net carbs for the day, and you can have the entire recipe prepared in five minutes, freeing up your time on the holiday to clean and set the table.
Of course, regular broccoli can also be a standout item on the menu with a little cheese. This easy cheesy keto parmesan broccoli is a little lower in net carbs (2.3 grams per serving) and just as easy to roast up in the oven.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
If you have slightly more net carbs to consume for the big day (6 grams, in this case), then make these classic balsamic roasted brussels sprouts and bacon. You will get the tangy benefits of a drizzle of balsamic vinegar with the smoky taste of bacon. Much like the other keto Easter side dishes included here, it takes just 10 minutes to pop this into the oven and let it roast.
Hearty Keto Side Dishes for Easter
Vegetables are an important staple in an Easter meal, but they aren’t the only side dishes that you should consider. Hearty side dishes that feel more traditional are also great options, but it can be tricky to keep net carb counts low with mashed potatoes. Here are a few hearty side dishes that will surprise and delight.
Mashed and Au Gratin Vegetables
Potatoes au gratin is a beautiful side dish to adorn your table for Easter dinner, but isn’t beneficial for your diet. Substitute a cauliflower and Brussels sprouts gratin instead. While it takes some time to cook completely, prep time is fast and easy (less than 15 minutes). You will also have plenty of net carbs to spare, as a serving of this gratin has just 6 grams.
Even this radishes au gratin is a great recipe to have on hand. It takes a bit longer to bake but has the same prep time and just 4 grams of net carbs per serving.
Craving potatoes but don’t want to mash them? Try these mashed turnips instead!
Deviled Eggs
Deviled eggs are always a family favorite at an Easter meal, so why not make them as a keto side dish this year? These red curry deviled eggs are high in protein and offer an exotic twist on a traditional recipe. They are also extremely low in carbs–just one gram per serving!
If you want something a little spicier, try these jalapeno pickled keto deviled eggs instead, at just 1.2 grams net carbs per serving.
For those who prefer a more classic rendition of deviled eggs, this version made with bacon crumbles could be what your table needs.
Biscuits
A homemade biscuit is a great side option for your Easter meal, but most store-bought versions are too carb-heavy to keep you in ketosis. At just 2 grams of net carbs, these keto biscuits are not only delicious but easy to prepare. Using almond flour, you can create a scrumptious biscuit with a dash of herbs for flavor. These biscuits go perfectly with a beautiful Easter ham.
Macaroni and Cheese
What is an Easter dinner without a helping of creamy macaroni and cheese? Ditch the carb-heavy pasta in favor of a low-carb alternative. You’ll make the cheese sauce yourself and season it up right to give you all of the flavor without the carbs. Keep in mind that this is a little higher in net carbs than many of the keto Easter side dishes included here, but it’s worth a mention!
Planning Your Easter Menu
While the main course of an Easter meal tends to be easy for keto followers, the side dishes can be more complicated to manage. Fortunately, you have plenty of ways to make a meal that your family will remember without having it slow your progress toward your goals. Stay in ketosis with some of these delicious recipes that will ensure your Easter dinner tastes just like you remember!
