Summer is the perfect time to experiment with fresh, vibrant ingredients that celebrate the season's bounty. From grilled classics to refreshing salads, these keto summer dinner recipes are all about keeping meals light, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
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Summer is here, and it's time to fire up the grill, chill out with fresh flavors, and savor every bite without the carb guilt!
I've curated a sizzling selection of keto-friendly summer dinner recipes, organized by protein type to make your meal planning super easy to manage.
So, let's dive into these delicious dishes and make the most of this sunny season!
The Best Low-Carb Summer Dinner Recipes of 2025!
If you are on a keto diet, you know how difficult it can be to find tasty and satisfying dinner options that fit within your carb count. But don't worry, these keto recipes are not only low in carbs but also full of flavor, making them perfect for any summer soirée!
Chicken Summer Recipes
Here are my most popular chicken dinner recipes I love to make every summer...
1) Keto Chicken Enchiladas
This recipe is a delicious and flavorful twist on the classic enchiladas. With just 5 ingredients and your favorite low-carb tortillas, you can make these most delicious chicken enchiladas!
The key ingredient in this recipe is the homemade enchilada sauce, which is made from scratch using low-carb ingredients like tomato paste, chili powder, and cumin. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or a casual dinner with friends.
2) Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Making chicken fajitas on a sheet pan is such a game-changer, especially if your day is jam-packed with summer activities. Simply toss all the ingredients on a sheet pan and let the oven do the work for you!
This recipe uses low-carb tortillas, but feel free to skip them if you want an even lower carb option.
3) Instant Pot Chicken Buffalo
What is summer if not a time for backyard BBQs and picnics? This Instant Pot chicken buffalo dip is the perfect addition to any summer gathering. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this dip is creamy, spicy, and oh-so-delicious. Serve it with some celery sticks or low-carb tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer!
You can even pile it onto a crunchy lettuce leaf and make some delicious low-carb wraps for a light and refreshing dinner option.
4) Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
I LIVE for casseroles during the summertime, and this chicken cordon bleu version is no exception. Instead of spending time in a hot kitchen, throw all the ingredients into a casserole dish and let your oven do the work for you.
Layers of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon sauce make this casserole a decadent yet easy dinner option. Plus, it's low-carb and keto-friendly!
Pork and Beef Summer Recipes
Here are my most popular pork and beef dinner recipes I love to make every summer...
1) McDonald's Big Mac Casserole
Sticking to the casserole theme for a second, this recipe takes the flavors of a classic Big Mac and turns them into a hearty, low-carb dinner. Ground beef, cheese, pickles, onions, and Thousand Island dressing make up the layers of this delicious dish.
2) Keto Juicy Lucy Burger
This keto version of the juicy lucy burger is perfect for those who love cheeseburgers. The secret ingredient? A melted cube of cheddar cheese tucked inside the patty!
Wrapped in lettuce and topped with your favorite burger condiments, you can also customize this burger by adding other ingredients like bacon, mushrooms, or jalapenos for an extra kick of flavor.
3) Flying Dutchman In-N-Out Burger
The Flying Dutchman Burger is a secret menu item at the popular fast food chain In-N-Out Burger. I recreated this burger right at home using 2 white "onion rings" as the bun and sliced cheese stuffed in between two burger patties. Don't forfet the crispy cheese edge on the onions for that crunch factor!
4) Chipotle's Beef Barbacoa
Chipotle's Beef Barbacoa is a delicious and flavorful slow-cooked beef dish made in the slow cooker! The slow cooking process ensures tender and juicy beef, perfect for filling up tacos, burritos, or bowls. Top it off with some salsa, guacamole, and cheese for an authentic Chipotle experience.
So why wait in long lines when you can make it yourself at home?
5) Mississippi Mud Roast
The Mississippi Mud Roast is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for those slow summer nights. This slow cooker recipe uses a combination of chuck roast and pepperoncini peppers to create a juicy and flavorful pulled beef.
Serve it over mashed cauliflower or with some low-carb bread to soak up all the delicious juices!
6) Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
Steak fajitas are a classic Tex-Mex dish, but they're often loaded with carbs from the tortillas and toppings. This sheet pan version keeps all the delicious flavors of fajitas with homemade fajita seasoning.
To make this recipe even easier, use pre-cut stir-fry-style beef strips instead of slicing your own steak. Serve these fajitas with some low-carb tortillas or on top of a bed of lettuce for a tasty and satisfying meal!
7) Keto Burrito Bowls
These keto burrito bowls are the perfect summer night dinner recipe. My version is made with ground beef seasoned with homemade taco seasoning, but you can easily swap it out for any kind of protein you like!
It's perfect for a pool party or a backyard BBQ. Just add some fresh guacamole, sour cream, and salsa on top for a delicious and flavorful meal.
8) Boneless Pork Ribs
Another great option for a summer cookout, these boneless pork ribs are coated in a delicious low carb BBQ sauce and baked to perfection! Serve them with some grilled vegetables or a side salad for a complete meal.
9) Instant Pot Smothered Pork Chops
For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, try these tender and flavorful pork chops cooked in the Instant Pot. Smothered in a creamy mushroom sauce, these low carb pork chops are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Seafood Summer Recipes
Here are my most popular seafood dinner recipes I love to make every summer...
1) Keto Seafood Paella
A low carb twist on a classic Spanish dish, this paella is loaded with shrimp, scallops, and mussels for a protein-packed meal. This Spanish paella recipe is made with cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a healthier, keto-friendly option.
2) Low Carb Fish Tacos
These fish tacos are the perfect summer meal - light, refreshing, and easy to make. The crispy fried fish is paired with a spicy slaw (or salsa) and topped with avocado for a delicious flavor combination!
3) Coconut Shrimp
If you're a fan of seafood, you'll love this coconut shrimp recipe. These shrimp are coated in a crispy coconut crust and baked to perfection for a healthier alternative to fried shrimp.
Serve it with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible appetizer or main dish!
4) Grilled Salmon
Grilled salmon is a staple in many low carb diets. Not only is it packed with healthy fats and protein, but it's also quick and easy to prepare on the grill.
This recipe includes a flavorful marinade made with soy sauce, spices and a squeeze of lemon for that perfect balance of flavors.
5) Grilled Shrimp Kabobs
These shrimp and veggie kabobs are one of my favorite summer dinner recipes! Another delicious and healthy option, they can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices.
This recipe includes a tangy marinade made with Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar substitute, and garlic, giving the shrimp a delicious smoky flavor when grilled.
Vegetarian Summer Recipes
Here are my most popular vegetarian dinner recipes I love to make every summer...
1) Grilled Cabbage Steaks
For a quick veggie option at the BBQ, try these delicious grilled cabbage steaks. Simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they can be served as a side dish or topped with blue cheese and bacon for a more filling meal.
2) Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts
Turn up the heat with these spicy and flavorful Kung Pao Brussels sprouts. A perfect addition to any vegetarian feast, these sprouts are tossed in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili paste.
Serve over cauliflower rice or alongside grilled tofu for a complete meal!
3) Homemade Keto Pasta Noodles
If you're missing pasta on a low-carb diet, look no further! These homemade keto pasta noodles are made with a blend of cheeses and egg yolks, making them the perfect gluten-free option.
Enjoy with your favorite summer sauce like cacio e pepe or lemon and veggies!
4) Spinach Frittata
Frittatas are a great option for meal prepping or a quick dinner. This low-carb version is loaded with spinach, goat cheese, and parmesan cheese for a flavorful and nutritious meal. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Summer Salad Recipes
Here are my most popular salad recipes I love to make every summer...
1) Italian Chopped Salad
This salad has all the flavors of a classic Italian antipasto platter in one bowl. Crisp lettuce, salami, olives, cheese, and a homemade red wine vinaigrette dressing make this salad a satisfying and delicious meal.
2) Arugula Goat Cheese Salad With Strawberries
This arugula salad is perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light and refreshing. The peppery arugula pairs perfectly with the creamy goat cheese and sweet strawberries, while a simple low-carb vinaigrette ties it all together.
3) Keto Caesar Dressing and Homemade Croutons
For a classic Caesar salad, you'll need a keto-friendly dressing and some crunchy croutons to top it off.
This homemade Caesar dressing is made with Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice for that authentic taste. And the croutons are made with leftover keto bread and Italian seasoning for a tasty low-carb alternative!
What's Your Favorite Keto Summer Dinner Recipe?
There are so many great options for keto summer dinners, and these are just a few of our favorites. Whether you’re grilling burgers or whipping up a fresh salad, there’s no shortage of tasty ideas.
So why stick to the same boring meals? Get creative and try out some new keto-friendly recipes this summer!
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