I Prepped 15 Low Carb Sides in Under 20 Minutes Between Errands

ByMandy

Getting 15 low carb sides done in under 20 minutes sounds like a stretch, but they pulled through without a single meltdown. Each one came together fast enough to beat the clock and still hold up next to whatever main dish was waiting. They didn’t ask for extra gadgets or a second trip to the store.

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Beet Salad

A close-up of a salad featuring chopped beets, cucumber, feta cheese, walnuts, and fresh herbs on a white plate.
Beet Salad. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Beet lovers will enjoy how simple and quick this is to prepare. Beet Salad combines earthy flavors that go well with almost any protein. The natural sweetness in the main ingredient pairs beautifully with the other items in the mix. It’s a side that feels fresh and easy to make anytime.
Get the Recipe: Beet Salad

Grilled Asparagus

Grilled asparagus spears served on a plate with two charred lemon halves.
Grilled Asparagus. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Few sides are as quick to make as Grilled Asparagus, which adds a nice bite to your meal. Its smoky flavor makes it a versatile option to pair with almost any main course. It’s a light, veggie-heavy addition that comes together quickly. Perfect for busy days with little prep time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus

Tuna Salad

A bowl of tuna salad mixed with chopped herbs, likely parsley or chives, with a spoon resting inside the bowl.
Tuna Salad. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Need something packed with protein that doesn’t take long to prepare? Tuna Salad delivers a quick, low-carb option great for lunches or dinners. It’s a simple mix with a lot of versatility depending on how you like to serve it. Definitely a go-to option when you’re in a rush.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Salad

Zucchini Boats

Four zucchini boats topped with ground meat, tomato sauce, melted cheese, and chopped parsley on a white plate.
Zucchini Boats. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

If you want a side that’s fun to eat and quick to cook, try Zucchini Boats. These make for a great way to use veggies as the main part of your plate. The quick prep also means more time to relax between errands. They are customizable with a variety of flavors.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Boats

7 Layer Salad

A salad bowl filled with vegetables and peas.
7 Layer Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Stacking up layers of veggies is made simple with 7 Layer Salad. It’s a good way to turn a variety of ingredients into one dish that pleases a crowd. You also get a mix of crunch and softness in every bite. For 20-minute meals, this one is hard to pass up.
Get the Recipe: 7 Layer Salad

Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

Close-up of golden-brown air fryer mushrooms garnished with chopped parsley. The mushrooms appear perfectly cooked to a tender texture.
Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Short on time but want deep flavor? Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms offer a rich addition to your meal in no time at all. Using the air fryer keeps them easy to prepare with minimal effort. These pair well with a variety of main dishes.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Mushrooms

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A bowl of fresh salad with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and herbs, seasoned with black pepper, with a serving spoon.
Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Anytime you need something fresh and light, Cucumber Tomato Salad is a must-try. Its quick assembly makes it an easy go-to side when you’re short on time. There’s a nice balance of textures here that add variety to your plate. Always a reliable option when keeping things simple.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini slices garnished with chopped herbs on a light-colored plate.
Grilled Zucchini. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Busy evenings call for simple, tasty options like Grilled Zucchini. It’s easy to prepare in just minutes and enhances your plate with a hint of smoky flavor. This side dish is great for pairing with meats or other veggies. Quick grilling makes it perfect for tight schedules.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Zucchini

Air Fryer Bell Peppers

A plate of sautéed colorful bell peppers seasoned with herbs and spices.
Air Fryer Bell Peppers. Photo credit: Easy Indian Cookbook.

For a side with vibrant flavors, consider Air Fryer Bell Peppers. The quick cooking time and mild sweetness make them versatile. From quick lunches to dinner plates, they fit in almost anywhere. Using the air fryer keeps things easy and efficient for those in a hurry.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bell Peppers

Pico de Gallo

A bowl of pico de gallo with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños with a spoon inside, next to a lime and tortilla chips.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Fresh and full of bold ingredients, Pico de Gallo is a perfect way to add something extra to your meal. It’s quick to bring together and works well as a side or topping. The mix of flavors balances out heavier dishes nicely. Always a great last-minute option to brighten your spread.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Green Salad

A close-up of a fresh green salad with mixed leafy greens, cucumber slices, and pecans on a plate with a gold fork.
Green Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Simple doesn’t have to be boring when it comes to Green Salad. It’s a fast way to add something fresh and light to your plate without overthinking it. You can keep it basic or build onto it for a fuller dish. Works well as a quick side for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Green Salad

Grilled Peppers

Grilled red and yellow bell peppers with char marks, topped with crumbled feta cheese and garnished with herbs.
Grilled Peppers. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Trying to fit something flavorful into a tight schedule? Grilled Peppers are ready in no time and offer a smokiness that complements many main courses. They’re an easy way to add a quick vegetable to your menu. Perfect for when you’re running short on prep time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Peppers

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad on a bed of lettuce, with salad servers resting on top.
Waldorf Salad. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Those looking to mix sweet and crunchy textures will appreciate Waldorf Salad. It’s easy to put together and adds a bit of variety to your table in minutes. Balancing crisp elements with soft ones makes it stand out. Great as a low-carb option that fits into busy days.
Get the Recipe: Waldorf Salad

Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Close-up of grilled veggie kabobs with zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, and onions, garnished with fresh herbs.
Grilled Veggie Kabobs. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Putting together Grilled Veggie Kabobs is as easy as it gets. They’re a fun, quick way to include a range of veggies on your plate. The grilling process brings out excellent flavor without too much work. A handy side for meals when you don’t have a lot of time.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Veggie Kabobs

Cobb Salad

A close-up of a Cobb salad featuring sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, boiled eggs, red onion, bacon bits, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of lettuce.
Cobb Salad. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

For something protein-packed that can stand on its own, try Cobb Salad. With a mix of greens and hearty ingredients, it fits into a time-crunch perfectly. The layering makes it enjoyable to customize. Ideal for an easy side that comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Cobb Salad

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