A low carb brunch is a wonderful way to bring in spring and the perfect excuse to transition from the heavier dishes of winter to lighter fare. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or Passover, when you embrace the Atkins nutritional approach of eating right, not less, it’s easy to make smart and delicious choices. Here’s how:
- Stick with the (low carb) plan. Have some go-to low carb snacks and/ small meals on hand to keep your hunger under control so you’re not famished and ready to cave to temptation when brunch rolls around.
- Squeeze in some exercise. Offset your brunch by getting your heart pumping with an exercise class or a walk or jog.
- Choose your indulgences wisely. There may be some traditional brunch dishes that you just have to have to make your Easter or Passover complete. Enjoy a taste or small portion, while doing your best to make the rest of your meal low carb. If you over-indulge, get right back on track the next day with your low carb snacks and meals and some extra exercise.
- Plan your menu. There are many brunch dishes that are naturally low in carbs, and this is also an excellent time to take advantage of spring vegetables in season. You can mix and match the following appetizers, sides, main dishes and desserts to create the perfect low carb spring brunch, or offer to bring one of these dishes if you are not hosting.
Low Carb Spring Brunch Appetizers
You can’t go wrong with these tasty protein-packed bites, which are naturally in low carbs, and make perfect use of any leftover hard-boiled Easter eggs. TIP: Egg Salad is also another great use of leftover hard-boiled eggs or deviled eggs.
Smoked Salmon, Cucumber and Cream Cheese Roll-Ups
Think of these roll-ups as light and refreshing versions of cream cheese and lox on a bagel, minus all the hidden sugars found in that bagel.
Low-Carb Spring Brunch Main Dishes
Maple-Mustard-Glazed Baked Ham
You can indulge in this traditional Easter brunch main dish without guilt. The Maple-Mustard glaze adds a tangy-sweet touch. Save the leftovers for salads, wraps or eggs.
Many Passover meals feature brisket, which is also low in carbs. Turn the leftovers into a breakfast hash or tacos (with low carb tortillas).
Low Carb Spring Brunch Side Dishes
Asparagus Wrapped in Chili-Spiced Bacon
Asparagus is in season in spring and makes a versatile side dish for any brunch. This version features a kick of heat and savory bacon. If you’re feeling more traditional, roast, grill or blanch asparagus and drizzle with Hollandaise Sauce.
Baby Spinach, Pickled Beets and Tomato Salad
This bright salad comes together in minutes and complements ham or brisket.
Chicken Soup with Dilled Mini-Matzo Balls
This is a low carb version of Passover’s matzo ball soup.
You can substitute or add other veggies to this egg dish, goes great with ham.
Low Carb Spring Brunch Desserts
This is a low carb twist on traditional zucchini bread. You can make these muffins in advance and bring to any brunch gathering you are invited to.
Tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries come together perfectly in this pie.
Strawberries and Cream Brownie Sandwiches
At only 4 grams of Net Carbs per serving, you’ll fall in love with these low carb brownie sandwiches.
