5 Low Carb & Keto Summer Recipes to Fuel You Through the Dog Days of Summer
Ready to spruce up your collection of Keto summer recipes? Whether you fully embrace the Keto lifestyle, or you’re just looking for some light snacks and meals for those hot, sunny days, it’s always fun to expand your culinary horizons.
These low carb summer recipes are delicious and nutritious, and the fact that they’re friendly to Keto carb counting is just icing on the cake! While we think these meals are best served outdoors with good company, they can easily be made indoors too. So fire up the grill and invite a friend or two to enjoy these tasty low-carb takes on summer favorites!
1. Antipasto Salad
There’s something that feels so right about a cool salad on a hot day. When it comes to Keto summer recipes, it’s tough to beat a hearty antipasto salad. It’s perfect for backyard barbecues and potlucks, but you can also make a big batch to keep chilled in your fridge so you’re always prepared when a craving hits. Plus, when stored in the fridge, the flavors get better and better with time!
The beauty of antipasto salad is that you can get creative with it. Add your favorite chopped deli meats and cheeses to make it a heartier meal, or keep it 100% vegan with fresh summer vegetables for a light lunch. You can buy pre-marinated/pickled veggies or make your own ahead of time for an extra special touch. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to customize these Keto summer recipes for endless delicious eating!
Here are some classic ingredients to get you started:
- Kalamata olives
- Pepperoncini peppers
- Roasted red peppers
- Tofu marinated in Italian dressing
- Fresh basil
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Fresh mozzarella or feta cheese
- Salami, prosciutto or other deli meats
- Artichoke hearts
Once you’ve chopped and combined everything into a bowl, it’s time to add the dressing. A simple pour of olive oil and red wine vinegar or lemon juice is all you need, but feel free to shake it up with some herbs for a little extra flavor. There’s no such thing as too much fresh basil!
2. Grilled Veggies
On paper, grilled veggies may sound a little, well, boring. However, if you prepare them right, grilled veggies could be the highlight of your Keto summer recipes! From fresh tomatoes blistered on the grill, to delicious zucchini boats cooked in aluminum foil, grilled veggies are easy to make into a satisfyingly scrumptious meal or side dish.
For quick and easy preparation, simply toss your chosen veggies with olive oil, a little salt and pepper and a squeeze of lemon. Here’s the secret to amazing grilled veggies -- leave them on the grill (or in the oven) a little longer. When they’re done, they should be soft with light black charring. Don’t worry if they look a little burnt — that’s flavor!
Here are some of the best grillable veggies to add to your low carb summer recipes:
- Carrots
- Onions
- Peppers
- Zucchini
- Broccoli
- Yellow squash
- Asparagus
- Corn on the cob
- Portobello mushrooms
- Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes
Pro tip: Try grilling or roasting an entire unpeeled clove of garlic. When it’s done, the insides will be soft and spreadable, and the rich, robust taste will add umami to all sorts of dishes. Spread onto grilled, crusty bread as a side dish, or add to your other veggies for an extra hint of flavor.
3. Parfait
Some antipasto salad and grilled veggies make for a wonderful savory summer cookout, but what about breakfast (or dessert)? If you’re looking for Keto summer recipes or healthy sweet snacks to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can’t go wrong with a decadent parfait.
Start with a clear glass so you can see the beautiful layers as you enjoy. Layer your favorite yogurt or dairy-free alternative with your favorite flavors of Within/Without Paleo Granola and chopped fresh fruit. A medley of berries is always a great choice and pairs perfectly with the tart flavor of our Cherry Granola. You can also try tropical fruits like pineapple, mango and banana with our Original Paleo Granola for a breezy treat that’ll have you feeling like you’re on vacation!
4. Gazpacho
Gazpacho is often overlooked when it comes to low carb summer recipes, and that’s a shame! To some, a cold tomato-based soup may not sound appetizing, but it’s such a delightful treat — especially on a hot summer day.
Out of all of these Keto summer recipes, this dish might be the most impressive to guests, but here’s the secret: it’s super easy to make! Just blend the ingredients below and let it chill in the fridge for a few hours. Seriously, it’s that simple!
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Red onions
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Parsely
- Basil
5. Sorbet
What could be more refreshing on a hot summer day than a bowl of fruity, frozen sorbet? If you thought making your own sorbet would be difficult, you’re in for a treat. Like the rest of these low carb summer recipes, this recipe is so simple yet so impressive (and delicious).
To make sorbet, simply put chunks of your favorite frozen fruit in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. When you’re done, give it a taste to see if you want to add any sweetener (we like honey and maple syrup for a healthy sweet taste!) Top with our healthy Blueberry Granola for a satisfying crunch, or empty the sorbet into popsicle molds and refreeze for a sweet on-the-go treat.
Try Keto-Friendly Within/Without Granola
At Within/Without, we’re passionate about food and wellness, and we hope these recipes will inspire some tasty summer munching. These five Keto summer recipes are fantastic for special occasions, but can also be used as quick-and-easy weekday go-to’s.
Made with clean, whole ingredients, our chewy soft-baked granola is a delectable treat on its own, with your favorite milk or in all sorts of low carb summer recipes. Our granola is Certified Paleo and Keto, and always non-GMO, grain-free, dairy-free and made with no refined sugars.
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Our team is here to support your health journey. Leave a comment below and follow our blog for more tasty, wholesome recipes. Contact us anytime if you have any questions about our products. Try Within/Without Granola to experience the difference for yourself, and enjoy these Keto summer recipes this summer season!