15 Keto-Friendly Summer Meals
Let’s be honest — summer is peak cravings season. But when you’re living the keto life, you don’t have to miss out on flavor-packed meals that actually keep you satisfied. The trick? Focus on fresh veggies, healthy fats, and protein-rich ingredients that’ll help you stay full and energized without the carb crash.
Whether you’re firing up the grill, heading to a picnic, or looking for quick low-carb meal prep ideas, these 15 keto-friendly summer meals are about to be your go-to lineup.
1. Grilled Lemon-Herb Chicken Thighs
Description:
Juicy, flavorful, and grilled to perfection — these chicken thighs are marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs. They’re high in fat, low in carbs, and perfect for tossing on the grill when you want something fast and keto-approved.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice + zest of 1 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Mix olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano in a bowl.
- Marinate chicken for 30 minutes.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
- Serve with a side of grilled zucchini or salad.
2. Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi
Description:
A keto spin on a classic — this dish swaps out pasta for zoodles and loads up on garlicky shrimp sautéed in butter. It’s buttery, lemony, and ultra low-carb while still feeling like comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 8–10 shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet.
- Add garlic and shrimp, cook 2–3 minutes per side.
- Toss in zucchini noodles and lemon juice.
- Cook 2 more minutes and top with parsley.
3. Bunless Bacon Cheeseburger Lettuce Wraps
Description:
All the satisfaction of a juicy cheeseburger — without the bun. Crisp lettuce holds it all together while crispy bacon and melty cheese take things over the top.
Ingredients:
- ½ lb ground beef
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 romaine or butter lettuce leaves
- 2 slices cooked bacon
- Tomato slices, pickles, mustard, mayo
Instructions:
- Form beef into patties and grill or pan-fry until desired doneness.
- Top with cheese and let melt.
- Layer patties on lettuce with bacon, tomato, pickles, and sauces.
- Wrap and serve with a side of keto slaw.
4. Keto Chicken Caesar Salad
Description:
A summer salad that eats like a full meal — this classic Caesar gets the keto treatment with grilled chicken, crunchy romaine, and a creamy, anchovy-kissed dressing. Bonus: add Parmesan crisps for crunch.
Ingredients:
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups chopped romaine
- 2 tbsp Caesar dressing (keto-friendly)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Optional: 2–3 homemade Parmesan crisps
Instructions:
- Toss romaine with dressing and Parmesan.
- Top with sliced chicken.
- Add Parmesan crisps and extra black pepper.
5. Cheesy Cauliflower Rice Skillet with Sausage
Description:
This one-pan meal is creamy, cheesy, and surprisingly satisfying. Sausage adds bold flavor, and cauliflower rice keeps it keto-approved and fiber-rich. It’s comfort food that won’t knock you out of ketosis.
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups cauliflower rice
- 1 link keto-friendly sausage, sliced
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
- 1 tbsp cream cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions:
- Cook sausage slices in a skillet until browned. Remove.
- Sauté cauliflower rice in butter until tender.
- Stir in cream cheese, shredded cheese, and seasonings.
- Return sausage to skillet and mix well. Serve hot.
6. Tuna-Stuffed Avocados
Description:
This no-cook summer favorite is creamy, protein-packed, and loaded with healthy fats. It’s refreshing, filling, and comes together in less than 10 minutes — no stove, no sweat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
- 1 can tuna (in olive oil or water), drained
- 1 tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt (keto-friendly)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt, pepper, chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Mix tuna, mayo, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon into avocado halves.
- Garnish with parsley and serve chilled.
Optional: Add chopped celery or red onion for extra crunch.
7. Keto Grilled Veggie & Feta Salad
Description:
Smoky grilled veggies meet salty feta and fresh herbs in this refreshing summer salad. It’s light, Mediterranean-inspired, and naturally low in carbs with tons of flavor and fiber.
Ingredients:
- ½ zucchini, sliced
- ½ red bell pepper, sliced
- ¼ red onion, thick sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup crumbled feta
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley
- Salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
- Toss veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill until charred and tender.
- Let cool slightly and chop.
- Mix with feta, herbs, and a splash of balsamic if desired.
8. Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach
Description:
This skillet salmon recipe is rich in flavor and nutrients. The garlic butter sauce is restaurant-level delicious, and the spinach adds fiber without the carbs. Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesdays.
Ingredients:
- 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Salt, pepper, lemon wedge
Instructions:
- Sear salmon in butter until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the same skillet, cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in cream and spinach, cook until wilted.
- Return salmon to pan, spoon sauce over top, and finish with lemon.
9. Keto BBQ Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Description:
Perfect for summer grilling or meal prep, these BBQ lettuce wraps are sweet, smoky, and totally guilt-free. Just make sure to use sugar-free BBQ sauce to keep it keto-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1 grilled chicken breast, shredded
- 2 tbsp sugar-free BBQ sauce
- 3–4 romaine or butter lettuce leaves
- 2 tbsp shredded cheddar
- 1 tbsp diced red onion
Instructions:
- Toss shredded chicken in BBQ sauce.
- Spoon into lettuce leaves.
- Top with cheese and onion. Serve cold or room temp.
Optional: Add chopped pickles or jalapeños for a flavor kick.
10. Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Description:
Craving lasagna but skipping the noodles? These zucchini roll-ups are layered with ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara — and baked to bubbly perfection. All the cozy vibes, none of the carbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 zucchini, sliced thin lengthwise
- ¼ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup low-sugar marinara sauce
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, pepper, olive oil
Instructions:
- Lightly sauté or grill zucchini strips until soft.
- Spread ricotta on each strip, roll up, and place in baking dish.
- Top with marinara and mozzarella.
- Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
11. Keto Cobb Salad with Creamy Dressing
Description:
This is the king of keto salads — loaded with grilled chicken, bacon, eggs, avocado, and cheese. It’s filling, customizable, and drenched in a creamy homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens
- ½ grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 1 boiled egg, halved
- 2 slices bacon, crumbled
- ¼ avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar or blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tbsp keto-friendly ranch or blue cheese dressing
Instructions:
- Layer all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with dressing and season with black pepper.
- Toss lightly before serving or serve stacked for presentation.
12. Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl
Description:
All the flavor of a takeout egg roll — minus the wrapper (and the carbs). This quick stir-fry combines ground pork, cabbage, and garlic in a savory-sweet sesame sauce that hits all the spots.
Ingredients:
- ½ lb ground pork or turkey
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Brown the meat in a skillet.
- Add garlic and cabbage, sauté until wilted.
- Stir in soy sauce and sesame oil.
- Top with green onions and sesame seeds.
13. Keto Pesto Chicken & Zucchini Skillet
Description:
This bright, herb-packed skillet meal is bursting with summer vibes. Juicy chicken chunks are coated in homemade or store-bought keto pesto, with sautéed zucchini for a veggie boost.
Ingredients:
- 1 chicken breast, cubed
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pesto (no added sugar)
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Cook chicken in olive oil until browned.
- Add zucchini and cook until just tender.
- Stir in pesto and toss everything to coat.
- Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.
14. Keto-Friendly Tuna Cucumber Bites
Description:
Cool, crunchy, and no-cook — these tuna cucumber bites are a perfect summer lunch or party appetizer. They’re light, hydrating, and pack a solid dose of protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 tbsp mayo or avocado oil mayo
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cucumber, sliced into thick rounds
- Paprika or dill for garnish
Instructions:
- Mix tuna with mayo and mustard.
- Spoon onto cucumber rounds.
- Sprinkle with paprika or dill and chill before serving.
15. Grilled Steak with Chimichurri & Veggies
Description:
End your summer day strong with this juicy grilled steak, topped with vibrant chimichurri and served alongside low-carb grilled veggies. It’s bold, satisfying, and totally keto-approved.
Ingredients:
- 6 oz ribeye or sirloin steak
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder
- ½ zucchini + ½ bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chimichurri (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
- Season and grill steak to desired doneness.
- Grill veggies brushed with olive oil.
- Slice steak, top with chimichurri, and serve with veggies.
