These paleo dinner recipes will help you stay on track with your weight loss goals during busy weeknights filled with meals, kids, and work! The Paleo diet has gained immense popularity, and when done correctly, it’s an excellent way to eat healthily and shed pounds. However, it can become monotonous with all the meat and vegetables and no pasta, right?
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In short, it’s called the “caveman” diet because it focuses on eating in a way similar to our caveman ancestors: lots of vegetables and healthy fats, with some meat included. Most carbohydrates, except for potatoes and root vegetables, are off-limits because processed carbs like bread and grains appeared much later in history. The idea is that our bodies are better suited to thrive without these foods since our ancestors lived without them for thousands of years.
That’s the gist of it. P.S. This diet closely resembles what we personally follow and is the foundation of our popular fast weight loss program, the 21-Day Fat Loss Challenge (with a few exceptions).
Feeling bored with food isn’t really the food’s fault, but it can be challenging to get creative and spice up dinner while sticking to the diet after a long day. Everyone on Paleo has probably opened the fridge at some point and thought, “Chicken again? Ugh.”
These recipes are here to rescue you, or at least make dinnertime more enjoyable! They are all quick, easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor. We’ve included Chinese, Italian, Thai, and South American dishes to add some variety. If you’re craving simple comfort food, we’ve got that too.
Try making veggie noodles with an affordable spiralizer to satisfy your pasta cravings. If you haven’t tried spiralizing yet, you’re missing out! This recipe features sweet potato noodles, or spoodles, as a tasty base for a refined yet healthy Italian dish. Olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, capers, olives, broth, and anchovies create this savory meal, but you can easily make it vegetarian without losing any flavor! The sweetness of the potatoes perfectly balances the savory ingredients.
You might think it’s impossible to create a decent veggie burger without soy, eggs, grains, or beans, but I assure you it can be done! Plus, you’ll get a good amount of protein from this recipe. One of the best parts is that it includes a recipe for a plantain bun, which is gluten-free and absolutely delicious. Many people believe it’s impossible to be a vegetarian on a Paleo diet, but you can definitely get enough protein and enjoy it too!
A key aspect of every Paleo diet is loading up on veggies and protein, and this salad has plenty of both without being dull. The ingredients might seem unusual together—blueberries, avocados, bell peppers, and onions—but they surprisingly complement each other! The roasted walnut dressing is to die for, and you’ll love it on any salad.
You can enjoy a clean meal while savoring one of your favorite Chinese dishes with this delightful recipe! Restaurant sesame chicken is rarely a good choice; it often contains over 60 grams of fat and can exceed 1000 calories, usually because it’s fried. Don’t even get me started on the carb count! Instead, try this delicious slow-cooked recipe, which has only 40 grams of carbs, 8 grams of fat, and 334 calories. Pair it with cauliflower rice, and you might not miss Chinese takeout at all. Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but it’s still a fantastic alternative!
Every Central and South American country has its own version of ceviche, typically made with fish, chilis, and citrus juice. This unique take on ceviche incorporates Asian flavors, with tuna working beautifully with ginger, chilies, and lime. Tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, but make sure to get the freshest piece possible since it’s served raw. Let your butcher know you’re preparing it raw to ensure you get the best quality.
Lettuce replaces bread in this quick, gluten-free dinner that offers a healthy twist on the classic club sandwich. You can choose a leaner option like turkey bacon to make it even healthier. You might think this recipe is boring, but it has a secret ingredient that makes it special: Basil Mayo dressing. It’s seriously amazing!
Chicken pot pie is a beloved comfort food for many. This guilt-free recipe tastes just like Grandma used to make, but without all the fat and carbs. The almond flour crust is possibly the best pot pie crust I’ve ever had, even compared to the traditional version! The filling is just as delicious while remaining healthy. Instead of whole milk, coconut oil is used, which might sound odd, but you won’t notice the difference. Your thighs will, though, believe me.
It’s always a pleasure to find a great vegetarian Paleo recipe that includes a complete protein. This dish features Peruvian-inspired spices like cumin and cinnamon, combined with sweet potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and green beans, all pan-cooked in a bit of olive oil. Pumpkin seeds, which provide the complete protein, are sprinkled on top.
I love soup any time of year, especially rich, creamy soups packed with nutrients. This soup is surprisingly hearty and will fill you up without weighing you down. Root vegetables like carrots, onions, and sweet potatoes are roasted until caramelized, then pureed with coconut oil and stock. Top it with a bit of Greek yogurt, kefir, or sour cream for extra deliciousness!
Zucchini fritters are a great way to enjoy a burger without pretending that your turkey burger is actually tasty when it’s really just bland. Am I the only one who feels that way? Ground chicken is mixed with shredded zucchini, spices, garlic, and egg, then pan-cooked in coconut oil. It’s a fresh twist on a classic burger alternative. The recipe also includes instructions for making a fantastic Paleo mayo-mustard sauce.
Spaghetti squash is my favorite noodle substitute, and Pad Thai is one of my favorite dishes, so this recipe is a double treat for me. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and can be made vegan by omitting the egg or chicken. You can also swap the chicken and shrimp for any other protein for a nice change. Plus, there are no peanuts in this recipe, so if you have an allergy, you’re in the clear.
There are few things better than spice-rubbed grilled salmon, which is also incredibly healthy. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health and supporting weight loss. The avocado salsa is easy to make and pairs wonderfully with this dish. Just a heads up, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, this recipe uses a lot of it, but you can leave it out if needed.
If you enjoyed this article on paleo dinner recipes or have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below!
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