20 Healthy And Easy Clean Keto Recipes

Embarking on the ketogenic diet can be a transformative journey, offering potential benefits like weight loss, increased energy, and improved mental clarity. While the core principle of high-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein remains constant, there’s a significant difference between following a standard keto diet and a clean keto diet. Clean keto emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables, moving away from the processed “keto junk food” that can sometimes creep into the diet.

However, sticking to any dietary plan, especially one that requires macro tracking and specific food choices, can feel daunting, particularly when it comes to meal preparation. The good news is that “clean” doesn’t have to mean “complicated.” There are countless delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy clean keto recipes that can fit seamlessly into your busy life.

This article is designed to be your ultimate resource for incorporating clean eating principles into your ketogenic lifestyle with minimal fuss. We’ll delve into what makes clean keto different, build your ideal clean keto pantry, and most importantly, share 20 healthy and easy clean keto recipes covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Get ready to nourish your body with delicious, simple meals that keep you in ketosis and feeling fantastic.

Understanding the Clean Keto Approach

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s clarify what clean keto is and why you might choose this path.

What is the Ketogenic Diet?

At its heart, the ketogenic diet is a very low-carbohydrate, high-fat, moderate-protein eating plan. By drastically reducing carbohydrate intake (typically to 20-50 grams per day), the body is forced to switch from using glucose (from carbs) as its primary fuel source to burning fat for energy. When fat is broken down in the liver, it produces ketones, which can then be used for fuel – a metabolic state known as ketosis.

This metabolic shift is linked to many of the diet’s reported benefits, including increased fat burning, reduced appetite (due to the satiating effect of fat and protein), and stable blood sugar levels.

What Makes “Clean” Keto Different?

While standard keto focuses primarily on hitting the macro percentages (high fat, low carb), the “clean” keto approach places a strong emphasis on the quality of the foods consumed. It’s not just about what your macros are, but where those macros come from.

Clean keto prioritizes:

• Whole, Unprocessed Foods: Grass-fed and pasture-raised meats, wild-caught fish, organic poultry, cage-free eggs.
• Healthy Fats: Avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds, ghee, grass-fed butter.
• Nutrient-Dense, Low-Carb Vegetables: Leafy greens (spinach, kale), broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, peppers, asparagus, etc.
• Minimal Processed Ingredients: Avoiding hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, and processed meats often found in standard keto diets.
• Limited “Keto Junk Food”: While packaged keto snacks and desserts exist, clean keto focuses on meals made from scratch using whole ingredients.

Think of it as combining the metabolic benefits of ketosis with the overall health benefits of a whole-foods-based diet. It’s about nourishing your body with micronutrients alongside macronutrients.

Benefits of Following a Clean Keto Diet

Choosing the clean keto path can enhance the benefits typically associated with ketosis and offer additional advantages:

• Improved Nutrient Intake: Focusing on whole foods naturally increases your intake of vitamins, minerals, fiber (from low-carb veg), and antioxidants.
• Reduced Inflammation: Eliminating processed foods, unhealthy fats (like seed oils high in omega-6), and artificial ingredients can significantly lower systemic inflammation in the body.
• Better Gut Health: While fiber intake can be a concern on some keto diets, clean keto encourages ample low-carb vegetables, which provide prebiotics to support a healthy gut microbiome.
• More Stable Energy Levels: By relying on stable fat burning and avoiding blood sugar spikes from processed foods or excessive sweeteners, you can experience more consistent energy throughout the day.
• Support for Long-Term Health: A diet centered on whole, unprocessed foods is widely recognized as beneficial for long-term health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Following a clean keto diet isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about optimizing your health from the inside out. And with the right recipes, it doesn’t have to be difficult.

Looking for a personalized approach? Check out a Custom Keto Diet tailored just for you.

Building Your Clean Keto Pantry

Having the right ingredients on hand is key to making clean keto easy. Stocking your pantry and fridge with clean, keto-friendly staples means you’re always ready to whip up a healthy meal without resorting to less-than-ideal options.

Here are some essentials for a clean keto pantry:

Essential Proteins

Choose the highest quality sources you can access and afford.

• Grass-fed Beef & Lamb: Richer in nutrients and omega-3s than grain-fed.
• Organic or Pasture-Raised Poultry: Chicken, turkey, duck.
• Wild-Caught Fish: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna (check sustainability).
• Cage-Free Eggs: A versatile and nutrient-packed staple.
• Pork: Look for pasture-raised options if available.

Healthy Fats

These are the cornerstone of the keto diet.

• Avocado & Avocado Oil: Monounsaturated fats, great for cooking (high smoke point) or salads.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Best used for dressings, drizzling, or low-heat cooking.
• Coconut Oil: MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), good for cooking.
• Ghee or Grass-fed Butter: Delicious and contains beneficial fatty acids like butyrate.
• Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds (in moderation due to carbs).
• Fat Bombs: Homemade fat bombs using ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa powder, nut butter, and keto sweetener.

Low-Carb Vegetables

Packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

• Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, lettuce, collard greens, Swiss chard.
• Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage.
• Marrow Vegetables: Zucchini, cucumber, bell peppers (green, red, yellow), eggplant.
• Other Keto-Friendly Veggies: Asparagus, green beans, celery, mushrooms, radishes, artichoke hearts.
• Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano.

Other Staples

These add flavor, texture, and convenience.

• Bone Broth or Stock: Nourishing base for soups and sauces.
• Canned Coconut Milk or Cream: For creamy sauces, soups, or desserts.
• Almond Flour & Coconut Flour: For baking and coating.
• Zero-Carb Sweeteners: Erythritol, stevia, monk fruit (choose pure forms).
• Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, paprika, curry powder, etc.
• Vinegars: Apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar.
• Mustard, Sugar-Free Ketchup/Sauces: Check labels carefully for added sugars.
• Olives.
• Canned Tuna or Salmon: Packed in olive oil or water.

With a well-stocked pantry, you’ll be well-equipped to prepare any of the easy and healthy recipes that follow. For extensive meal planning support, explore The Ultimate Keto Meal Plan.

20 Healthy And Easy Clean Keto Recipes

Here are 20 recipes designed for simplicity, using clean ingredients, and keeping you in ketosis. We’ve organized them by meal category to make planning even easier.

Breakfast Recipes

Start your day right with these quick and nutritious options.

1. Easy Keto Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Avocado

This is a clean keto classic for a reason. It’s incredibly fast and customizable.

• Description: Fluffy scrambled eggs packed with nutrients from fresh spinach and healthy fat from creamy avocado.
• Ingredients:
  • 2-3 large cage-free eggs
  • 1 tbsp grass-fed butter or ghee
  • Handful of fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4-1/2 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
• Instructions:
  1. Heat butter or ghee in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
  2. Whisk eggs in a bowl with salt and pepper.
  3. Pour eggs into the pan. As they start to set, gently push them around with a spatula.
  4. Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
  5. Serve immediately with sliced or diced avocado on top or on the side.
• Why it fits clean keto: Uses whole eggs, healthy fat (butter/ghee), and a low-carb, nutrient-dense vegetable (spinach), paired with avocado for more healthy fat.

2. Quick Bacon & Eggs

Another timeless breakfast that’s inherently keto-friendly. Use high-quality bacon.

• Description: Crispy bacon paired with fried or scrambled eggs. Simple, satisfying, and full of fat and protein.
• Ingredients:
  • 2-4 slices of uncured, sugar-free bacon
  • 2-3 large cage-free eggs
  • Salt and pepper
• Instructions:
  1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until desired crispness. Remove bacon and set aside on a paper towel, reserving the bacon grease in the pan.
  2. Crack eggs directly into the hot bacon grease. Cook to your preference (sunny-side up, over easy, or scramble in the grease).
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve eggs alongside crispy bacon.
• Why it fits clean keto: Focuses on whole protein (eggs) and healthy animal fat (bacon grease from uncured bacon), with no added carbs.

3. Avocado Egg Boats

Elegant enough for a weekend brunch but easy enough for a weekday.

• Description: Eggs baked directly into halved avocados, creating a nutrient-dense, portable breakfast.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 small or medium cage-free eggs
  • Salt, pepper, and desired herbs (like chives or parsley)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Halve the avocado and remove the pit. If needed, slice a small bit off the bottom of each half so they sit flat.
  3. Gently crack an egg into the pit cavity of each avocado half. Some egg white might spill over; that’s okay.
  4. Place avocados on a small baking sheet or in a small oven-safe dish.
  5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until egg whites are set but the yolk is still slightly runny (adjust time for desired yolk firmness).
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs before serving.
• Why it fits clean keto: Combines protein and fat from eggs with healthy monounsaturated fat and nutrients from avocado in a simple baked form.

4. Simple Chia Seed Pudding

A great make-ahead option, perfect for busy mornings.

• Description: A creamy pudding made from chia seeds, coconut milk, and a touch of sweetener.
• Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat)
  • 1-2 tsp zero-carb sweetener (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. In a jar or bowl, whisk together chia seeds, coconut milk, sweetener (if using), and vanilla extract (if using).
  2. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to break up any clumps.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, until thickened.
  4. Serve chilled, optionally topped with a few berries (in moderation) or shredded coconut.
• Why it fits clean keto: Chia seeds provide fiber and healthy fats, coconut milk is high in fat, and it’s naturally low in net carbs. It’s made with minimal, clean ingredients.

5. Keto Breakfast Bowl

Combine your favorite breakfast elements into one easy bowl.

• Description: A customizable bowl featuring eggs, greens, avocado, and protein like bacon or sausage.
• Ingredients:
  • 2-3 scrambled or fried eggs
  • 1 cup fresh spinach or arugula, lightly wilted or fresh
  • 1/4 avocado, sliced
  • Cooked protein: 2-3 slices bacon, or 1-2 breakfast sausages (sugar-free)
  • Optional additions: Sautéed mushrooms, a sprinkle of cheese (if dairy is okay).
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare eggs and protein.
  2. Place greens at the bottom of a bowl. If wilting, sauté briefly in residual pan fat.
  3. Add cooked eggs and protein to the bowl.
  4. Top with avocado slices and any optional additions.
• Why it fits clean keto: A complete meal combining protein, healthy fats, and greens in one easy dish. Uses whole, recognizable ingredients.

Craving delicious keto baked goods? Get the Keto Breads and Pizza recipe book.

Lunch Recipes

Packable, quick, and satisfying lunches that keep you focused.

6. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

A refreshing and easy no-cook lunch option.

• Description: Classic tuna salad (made with clean ingredients) served in crisp lettuce cups instead of bread.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 can (5-6 oz) wild-caught tuna, drained (packed in water or olive oil)
  • 2 tbsp clean mayonnaise (check ingredients – avocado oil or olive oil based is best)
  • 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
  • 1/4 small red onion or 1 green onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • Salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice
  • Large lettuce leaves (butter, romaine, or iceberg)
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, flake the drained tuna.
  2. Add mayonnaise, chopped celery, and onion (if using). Mix well.
  3. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
  4. Spoon the tuna salad into individual lettuce leaves.
• Why it fits clean keto: Protein and healthy fat from tuna and clean mayo, fiber from celery and lettuce, zero carbs. No processed bread.

7. Simple Chicken & Avocado Salad

Another great use of leftovers or pre-cooked chicken.

• Description: Diced chicken combined with creamy avocado, herbs, and seasonings for a light yet filling salad.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked chicken breast or thighs, diced
  • 1/2 ripe avocado, mashed
  • 1 tbsp clean mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
  • Squeeze of lime or lemon juice
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, combine diced chicken and mashed avocado.
  2. Add mayonnaise (if using), herbs, citrus juice, and seasonings.
  3. Mix gently until well combined.
  4. Serve as is, or with cucumber slices, celery sticks, or wrapped in lettuce.
• Why it fits clean keto: High-quality protein (chicken) and healthy fat (avocado, clean mayo), fresh herbs for flavor, very low carb.

8. Leftover Dinner Bowl

The easiest lunch is often last night’s dinner!

• Description: Repurpose your clean keto dinner into a quick lunch bowl.
• Ingredients:
  • Leftover clean keto protein (chicken, beef, fish, pork)
  • Leftover clean keto vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, spinach)
  • Optional additions: A drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of nuts/seeds, extra avocado.
• Instructions:
  1. Portion leftovers into a container.
  2. Reheat if desired, or eat cold (e.g., leftover steak and roasted broccoli can be great cold).
  3. Add any optional fresh additions.
• Why it fits clean keto: It’s already a clean keto meal, just reheated or repurposed. Minimizes waste and effort.

9. Quick Keto Soup

Many vegetable or protein-based soups are naturally low-carb and easy to make.

• Description: A warm, comforting soup made with clean ingredients like bone broth, low-carb vegetables, and maybe some added protein or fat.
• Ingredients:
  • 2 cups bone broth or clean stock
  • 1 cup chopped low-carb vegetables (e.g., broccoli florets, chopped zucchini, spinach, mushrooms)
  • Optional: Cooked chicken or beef, a swirl of heavy cream or coconut milk, a little butter or olive oil.
  • Salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.
• Instructions:
  1. Bring bone broth/stock to a simmer in a pot.
  2. Add harder vegetables (broccoli, zucchini) and cook until tender-crisp.
  3. Add softer vegetables (spinach, mushrooms) and cooked protein (if using) and cook until heated through.
  4. Stir in cream/coconut milk or fat (if using). Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Why it fits clean keto: Hydrating, uses healthy broth, low-carb vegetables, and optional protein/fat sources. Avoids thickeners like flour or cornstarch.

Warm up with delicious, fat-burning soups from the Keto Soup Detox.

10. Simple Egg Salad

Similar to tuna salad, but using hard-boiled eggs.

• Description: Creamy egg salad made with clean mayonnaise and simple seasonings, great in lettuce cups or on its own.
• Ingredients:
  • 2-3 hard-boiled cage-free eggs, chopped
  • 1-2 tbsp clean mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (check for sugar)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped celery or green onion.
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, combine chopped hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
  2. Add celery or green onion if using.
  3. Mix gently until combined. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve in lettuce wraps or with cucumber slices.
• Why it fits clean keto: Protein and healthy fat from eggs and clean mayo, minimal ingredients, zero carbs.

Ready to dive deeper into the keto lifestyle? Discover The Keto Diet guide.

Dinner Recipes

Delicious and easy meals for the evening.

11. Baked Salmon with Asparagus

A nutrient powerhouse that requires minimal effort.

• Description: Salmon fillets baked alongside fresh asparagus spears. Healthy fats and nutrients abound.
• Ingredients:
  • 1-2 salmon fillets (wild-caught preferred)
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter/ghee
  • Lemon slices (optional)
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange asparagus on a baking sheet. Drizzle with half the oil/butter, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Place salmon fillets on the same baking sheet or a separate small one. Drizzle with remaining oil/butter, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place lemon slices on top of salmon if using.
  4. Bake for 12-18 minutes, depending on thickness of salmon and desired doneness for asparagus. Salmon should flake easily.
• Why it fits clean keto: Wild-caught salmon is rich in omega-3s and protein, asparagus is a low-carb veggie. Healthy fats from olive oil or butter. Simple preparation, clean ingredients.

12. One-Pan Sausage and Peppers

Easy cleanup and packed with flavor.

• Description: Sausage links (check for sugar-free) baked with bell peppers and onions.
• Ingredients:
  • 2-4 sugar-free Italian sausages (pork or chicken)
  • 2-3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced (optional, count carbs)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, Italian herbs (oregano, basil)
  • Optional: Keto-friendly marinara sauce for dipping.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place sliced peppers and onions (if using) on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Toss to coat.
  3. Nestle the sausages among the vegetables.
  4. Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping sausage halfway through, until sausages are cooked through and vegetables are tender and slightly browned.
• Why it fits clean keto: Protein from sausage (ensure no added sugar), healthy fats from oil, low-carb vegetables. Minimal processing if using good quality sausage.

13. Bunless Burgers with Avocado and Cheese

A classic done the clean keto way.

• Description: Juicy beef or turkey burgers served without buns, topped with delicious keto-friendly toppings.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb grass-fed ground beef or organic ground turkey
  • Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
  • Optional: 1 egg, 1 tbsp almond flour (for binding, adds minimal carbs)
  • Toppings: Slices of avocado, cheese (cheddar, provolone), lettuce leaves, tomato slices (count carbs), sugar-free pickles, clean mayonnaise, mustard.
• Instructions:
  1. Gently mix ground meat with seasonings and optional binder (if using). Form into patties.
  2. Cook patties in a skillet, grill, or oven until desired doneness.
  3. Serve patties “bunless” with desired toppings.
• Why it fits clean keto: Protein from meat, healthy fats from avocado and optional cheese/clean mayo. Focuses on the core ingredients without carb-heavy buns.

14. Chicken Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice

Get your veggie fix with a flavorful stir-fry.

• Description: Chicken and colorful low-carb vegetables quickly cooked in a simple keto-friendly sauce, served over cauliflower rice.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb organic chicken breast or thighs, sliced
  • 2-3 cups chopped low-carb vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas, mushrooms)
  • 2-3 tbsp coconut oil or avocado oil
  • Sauce:
    • 2 tbsp tamari or coconut aminos (lower sodium)
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar (check for sugar)
    • 1 tsp sesame oil
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 bag (or equivalent) cauliflower rice
• Instructions:
  1. Whisk together sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Heat 1-2 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Add remaining oil to the pan. Add vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
  4. Return chicken to the pan. Pour sauce over everything and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce slightly thickens (can add a pinch of xanthan gum if desired for thickening, but optional).
  5. While stir-fry cooks, prepare cauliflower rice according to package directions (usually microwaving or quick sauté).
  6. Serve stir-fry over cauliflower rice.
• Why it fits clean keto: Lean protein, lots of low-carb vegetables, healthy fats. The sauce uses clean, low-carb alternatives to traditional sugary stir-fry sauces.

15. Pork Chops with Green Beans

A simple, classic pairing that’s easy to make keto.

• Description: Pan-seared or baked pork chops served with sautéed green beans.
• Ingredients:
  • 2-4 pork chops (boneless or bone-in)
  • 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 2 tbsp butter, ghee, or olive oil
  • Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
  • Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice for the green beans.
• Instructions:
  1. Season pork chops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp fat in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. If chops are thick, transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp 145°F/63°C). If thin, finish in the pan. Let chops rest for a few minutes.
  4. While chops rest or cook, add remaining fat to the same skillet (or a separate one). Add green beans and sauté over medium heat until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired.
  5. Serve pork chops alongside green beans.
• Why it fits clean keto: Protein from pork, fiber/nutrients from green beans, healthy fats for cooking. Simple seasoning keeps it clean.

16. Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp

Fast, flavorful, and keto-friendly.

• Description: Shrimp cooked in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, often served with zucchini noodles or over spinach.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 tbsp butter or ghee
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Zucchini noodles (zoodles) or a bed of spinach to serve with.
• Instructions:
  1. Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat butter/ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute (do not burn).
  3. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
  4. Pour in heavy cream or coconut milk and stir gently. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Stir in fresh parsley. Serve immediately, perhaps over sautéed zucchini noodles or wilted spinach.
• Why it fits clean keto: High protein (shrimp), healthy fats from butter/ghee and cream/coconut milk. Uses minimal ingredients and is very low carb.

17. Easy Keto Chili

A hearty and warming meal that can be prepped ahead.

• Description: A flavorful chili made with ground meat, diced tomatoes (in moderation due to carbs), and clean seasonings, without beans.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (grass-fed/organic)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped (count carbs)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (choose no-sugar-added)
  • 1 cup bone broth or clean beef stock
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Chopped bell pepper, a pinch of cayenne for heat, shredded cheese or sour cream for topping.
• Instructions:
  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion (if using) and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  3. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add diced tomatoes (undrained) and bone broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld (longer is better!).
  5. Adjust seasonings to taste. Serve hot, optionally topped with cheese or sour cream.
• Why it fits clean keto: Protein from meat, healthy fats from oil. Uses canned tomatoes in moderation and focuses on spices for flavor instead of sugary sauces or beans.

18. Cauliflower Rice Bowls

A versatile base for almost any protein and veggie combo.

• Description: A bowl featuring cooked cauliflower rice topped with protein, healthy fats, and flavorful vegetables.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 bag (or equivalent) cauliflower rice
  • 1-2 cups cooked clean keto protein (e.g., grilled chicken slices, steak strips, cooked shrimp, ground beef)
  • 1-2 cups sautéed or roasted low-carb vegetables (e.g., broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers)
  • Healthy fat source: Sliced avocado, a drizzle of olive oil or a keto-friendly sauce (e.g., tahini dressing, simple vinaigrette).
  • Optional toppings: Chopped nuts, seeds, fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime.
• Instructions:
  1. Prepare cauliflower rice according to package or your preferred method (sautéing in a pan with a little oil is common). Season with salt.
  2. Warm or cook your protein and vegetables.
  3. Assemble the bowl: Start with cauliflower rice, top with protein and vegetables.
  4. Add healthy fat sources and optional toppings.
• Why it fits clean keto: Uses cauliflower rice as a low-carb base, allowing you to load up on protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-dense vegetables in a customizable way.

Snacks & Dessert Recipes

Keep hunger at bay and satisfy sweet cravings the clean keto way.

Get inspired with quick bites from the Keto Snack Cookbook.

19. Guacamole with Veggie Sticks

A simple, fresh, and incredibly healthy snack.

• Description: Creamy homemade guacamole served with crisp low-carb vegetable sticks for dipping.
• Ingredients:
  • 1-2 ripe avocados
  • Squeeze of lime juice
  • Salt, garlic powder, cumin to taste
  • Optional: 1-2 tbsp finely chopped red onion, 1-2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Veggie sticks: Celery, cucumber, bell pepper strips, broccoli florets, radishes.
• Instructions:
  1. Mash avocados in a bowl with a fork, leaving some chunks if desired.
  2. Stir in lime juice, salt, garlic powder, and cumin.
  3. Fold in chopped onion and cilantro if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Cut vegetables into sticks or florets for dipping.
• Why it fits clean keto: Avocados provide healthy monounsaturated fats and nutrients. Veggies add fiber and micronutrients without significant carbs. Uses fresh, whole ingredients.

20. Simple Seed & Nut Mix

A portion-controlled snack for healthy fats and crunch.

• Description: A simple mix of keto-friendly nuts and seeds.
• Ingredients:
  • A mix of your favorite keto-friendly nuts and seeds: pecans, walnuts, macadamia nuts, almonds (in moderation), pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds.
  • Optional: A pinch of sea salt, a dash of cinnamon.
• Instructions:
  1. Combine nuts and seeds in a bowl.
  2. Add sea salt or cinnamon if desired and toss gently.
  3. Portion into small baggies or containers to avoid overconsumption (nuts can be calorie-dense).
• Why it fits clean keto: Provides healthy fats, some protein, and fiber. Focuses on nuts and seeds with lower net carb counts.

Looking for delicious keto desserts? Check out the Keto Dessert Book.

Tips for Making Clean Keto Easy and Sustainable

Beyond having recipes, incorporating simple habits can make clean keto a breeze.

• Embrace Meal Prepping: Dedicate a few hours on a weekend to chop vegetables, cook a batch of protein (like chicken or ground beef), make chia pudding, or portion out snacks. This saves significant time during the week.
• Keep it Simple: Not every meal needs to be a gourmet production. Focus on basic combinations of protein, healthy fat, and low-carb vegetables.
• Stock Your Pantry Well: As outlined earlier, having staples on hand prevents last-minute unhealthy choices.
• Learn Basic Cooking Methods: Roasting, baking, sautéing, and grilling are your friends. They are simple and bring out the natural flavors of clean ingredients.
• Track (Initially): If you’re new to keto, tracking your macros for a week or two can help you understand portion sizes and ensure you’re hitting your targets, especially for carbs.
• Stay Hydrated and Mind Electrolytes: As your body adapts to burning fat, you can lose electrolytes. Drink plenty of water and consider adding salt, magnesium, and potassium sources or supplements. Bone broth is great for sodium and other minerals.

Plan your success with the 30 DAY KETO MEAL PLAN.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid on Clean Keto

Even with the best intentions, some common mistakes can derail your efforts.

• Ignoring Food Quality: Just because something is low-carb doesn’t mean it’s healthy or “clean.” Avoid processed meats, excessive amounts of low-quality dairy (if not grass-fed/organic), and products with artificial ingredients or hydrogenated oils.
• “Keto Junk Food”: Relying heavily on packaged keto snacks, bars, and desserts can be counterproductive. Many contain questionable ingredients or can trigger cravings. Stick to whole foods as much as possible.
• Not Eating Enough Vegetables: While keto is low-carb, it shouldn’t be no-veg. Low-carb vegetables are crucial for fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Hidden Carbs: Be vigilant about checking labels on sauces, dressings, condiments, and marinades. Sugar and starches can hide in unexpected places.
• Not Enough Protein: While keto is high-fat, protein is essential for muscle maintenance and satiety. Aim for moderate protein intake, typically 0.6 to 0.8 grams per pound of lean body mass.

Discover hundreds more clean keto recipes in the 500 Delicious Keto Recipes Cookbook or try air fryer creations with the Keto Air Fryer Cookbook.

Adopting a clean ketogenic diet doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated recipes. By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and mastering a few simple techniques, you can create delicious, healthy, and satisfying meals that support your health goals.

The 20 recipes provided here are just a starting point. They demonstrate how easy it is to combine clean keto principles with straightforward cooking. From effortless egg dishes and quick salads to simple baked proteins and satisfying snacks, you have a wealth of options to keep your meal plan exciting and sustainable.

Remember, consistency is key. By prioritizing clean ingredients and choosing easy recipes, you set yourself up for long-term success on your clean keto journey. Embrace the simplicity, enjoy the flavors, and feel the benefits of nourishing your body with real food.

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