25 Paleo Dinner Recipes for Healthy Living

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By Marcy Hoover

Eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor! These 25 Paleo dinner recipes are packed with wholesome ingredients, rich flavors, and simple cooking methods to keep your meals exciting.

Whether you’re craving a hearty stir-fry, a light seafood dish, or a comforting classic, this list has something for everyone. Get ready to enjoy nutritious, satisfying meals that support your healthy lifestyle!

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 lemons (juiced)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Add chicken breasts to the marinade and coat evenly.
  • Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
  • Serve with a side of fresh greens.

Tip: Add a teaspoon of honey to the marinade for a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy lemon and enhances caramelization on the grill.

2. Zucchini Noodle Shrimp Scampi

Ingredients:

  • 2 large zucchinis (spiralized)
  • 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant.
  • Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  • Remove shrimp and set aside.
  • Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss until tender.
  • Return shrimp to the skillet, add lemon juice, and mix well.
  • Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Tip: After spiralizing the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse and pat dry to remove excess moisture, preventing the dish from becoming watery.

3. Paleo Beef Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced)
  • 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 carrot (julienned)
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Toss flank steak with arrowroot powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear the beef strips until browned, then remove and set aside.
  • Add garlic, broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet.
  • Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Return beef to the skillet and add coconut aminos.
  • Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Serve hot.

Tip: Freeze the flank steak for 20 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut thin, even strips for a perfect stir-fry texture.

4. Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Rub salmon fillets with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
  • In a small bowl, combine coconut cream, dill, and lemon juice for the sauce.
  • Serve the baked salmon with the dill sauce on top.

Tip: For a richer dill sauce, blend the coconut cream with a handful of fresh spinach or avocado for added creaminess and nutrients.

5. Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup carrots (diced)
  • 1 cup green beans (chopped)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 3 large sweet potatoes (boiled and mashed)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Heat coconut oil in a skillet and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  • Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  • Stir in carrots, green beans, beef broth, and tomato paste. Cook until vegetables are tender.
  • Spread the beef mixture in a baking dish and top with mashed sweet potatoes.
  • Bake for 20 minutes until the top is slightly golden.
  • Serve warm.

Tip: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the mashed sweet potatoes for a warm, comforting flavor that complements the savory beef filling.

6. Cauliflower Fried Rice with Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (riced)
  • 1 pound chicken breast (cubed)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 eggs (beaten)
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

  • Heat coconut oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden. Remove and set aside.
  • Add cauliflower rice to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Push the cauliflower to one side and scramble eggs on the other side.
  • Mix in peas, carrots, chicken, coconut aminos, and sesame oil.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Serve hot.

Tip: Toast the cauliflower rice in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding oil. This removes excess moisture and gives it a more rice-like texture.

7. Paleo Turkey Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a bowl, combine ground turkey, almond flour, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Form the mixture into meatballs (about 1.5 inches in diameter).
  • Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the meatball mixture for a cheesy, umami flavor without dairy.

8. Grilled Pork Chops with Apple Slaw

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in pork chops
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 apples (thinly sliced)
  • 1/2 red cabbage (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Rub the pork chops with olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Grill the pork chops for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
  • In a bowl, mix apples, cabbage, apple cider vinegar, and honey to make the slaw.
  • Serve the grilled pork chops with a generous serving of apple slaw.

Tip: Soak the apple slices in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning while preparing the rest of the meal.

9. Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Cut the spaghetti squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
  • Place the squash halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  • While the squash bakes, cook ground beef in a skillet until browned.
  • Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  • Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  • Once the squash is cooked, scrape out the flesh with a fork to create noodles.
  • Serve the meat sauce over the spaghetti squash.

Tip: After baking the spaghetti squash, use a fork to scrape the strands lengthwise for longer, more noodle-like strands.

10. Paleo Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

  • 4 bell peppers (tops cut off and seeds removed)
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup cauliflower rice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook ground turkey until browned.
  • Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  • Stir in cauliflower rice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Stuff the bell peppers with the turkey mixture and place them in a baking dish.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Serve hot with a side salad.

Tip: Brush the outside of the bell peppers with olive oil before baking to prevent them from drying out and to add a slight crispness.

11. Paleo Chicken and Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cooked chicken breasts (shredded)
  • 2 avocados (diced)
  • 1 cucumber (sliced)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, avocado, cucumber, and red onion.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  • Serve chilled.

Tip: Add a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts for a crunchy texture and extra healthy fats.

12. Paleo Beef Tacos (Lettuce Wraps)

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 large lettuce leaves (for wraps)
  • Toppings: avocado, cilantro, salsa, lime wedges

Instructions:

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook ground beef until browned.
  • Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
  • Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing the beef mixture into the lettuce leaves.
  • Top with avocado, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.
  • Serve immediately.

Tip: Use butter lettuce leaves for the wraps—they’re sturdier and have a natural cup shape that holds the filling well.

13. Grilled Lemon Garlic Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Add shrimp to the marinade and coat evenly. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
  • Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
  • Serve with a side of grilled vegetables.

Tip: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

14. Paleo Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (riced)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toppings: tomato sauce, cheese (dairy-free if preferred), veggies

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Steam the cauliflower until tender, then pulse in a food processor to rice it.
  • Squeeze out excess moisture using a towel.
  • In a bowl, mix cauliflower rice, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Press the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to form a crust.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, then top with your favorite toppings.
  • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  • Serve hot.

Tip: Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes longer than the recipe suggests to ensure it holds together better when adding toppings.

15. Paleo Chicken Stir Fry

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 carrot (julienned)
  • 1/4 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:

  • Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add chicken and cook until browned.
  • Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot, and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in coconut aminos, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
  • Cook for an additional 2 minutes and serve hot.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of fresh ginger to the stir-fry for a zesty, aromatic kick that pairs well with the coconut aminos.

16. Paleo Chicken Cacciatore

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown chicken thighs on both sides.
  • Remove chicken and sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet.
  • Stir in tomatoes, red wine (if using), basil, salt, and pepper.
  • Return chicken to the skillet and transfer to the oven.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables.

Tip: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness, as the skin helps keep the meat moist during baking.

17. Paleo Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Ingredients:

  • 4 zucchinis (halved and hollowed out)
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Brown the ground meat in a skillet, then add onion and garlic.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Stuff the zucchini halves with the meat mixture and place in a baking dish.
  • Bake for 25 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
  • Serve with a side salad.

Tip: Sprinkle a handful of crushed nuts (like almonds or pecans) on top before baking for a crunchy topping.

18. Paleo Avocado Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 cooked chicken breasts (shredded)
  • 1 avocado (diced)
  • 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, avocado, red onion, olive oil, and lime juice.
  • Toss until the ingredients are well mixed.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve on its own or in lettuce wraps.

Tip: Mash half the avocado and dice the other half for a creamy yet chunky texture in the salad.

19. Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 2 ribeye steaks
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Chimichurri Sauce:
    • 1/2 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Rub the steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Grill the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
  • For the chimichurri sauce, mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  • Serve the grilled steak topped with chimichurri sauce.

Tip: Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

20. Paleo Baked Chicken Thighs

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables.

Tip: For extra crispiness, broil the chicken thighs for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.

21. Paleo Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts (cubed)
  • 1 red bell pepper (cubed)
  • 1 zucchini (sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  • Thread chicken, bell pepper, and zucchini onto skewers.
  • Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Grill for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Serve hot with a side of cauliflower rice.

Tip: Alternate the chicken and vegetables on the skewers to ensure even cooking and a balanced flavor in every bite.

22. Paleo Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound flank steak (sliced thin)
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 3 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef and cook until browned.
  • Add broccoli, coconut aminos, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  • Serve hot.

Tip: Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding them to the stir-fry. This keeps them bright green and tender-crisp.

23. Paleo Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 cup spinach (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create a pocket.
  • Stuff the pockets with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Rub the chicken with coconut oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables.

Tip: Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling from falling out during baking.

24. Paleo Meatloaf

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1 onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  • Form the mixture into a loaf and place on a baking sheet.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, until cooked through.
  • Serve with steamed vegetables.

Tip: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or use a loaf pan for easier cleanup and to help the meatloaf hold its shape.

25. Paleo Salmon Cakes

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans wild-caught salmon (drained)
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Combine salmon, almond flour, egg, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Form the mixture into patties.
  • Place the patties on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes until golden.
  • Serve with a side of mixed greens.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the salmon mixture for a tangy flavor boost that complements the dill.

Conclusion

These 25 Paleo dinner recipes provide a wide variety of nutritious and delicious options to support a healthy lifestyle. Whether you prefer hearty meat dishes, light seafood options, or veggie-packed meals, there is something for everyone. These dishes are not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with essential nutrients, making them ideal for anyone looking to improve their diet while enjoying satisfying meals.

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