This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information.
With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies.
Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased.
The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.
31 Paleo Diet Recipes for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
January 16, 2020
Over the past several years, the Paleo diet has become crazy popular. While I don’t eat a Paleo diet, it does have its benefits. Because a Paleo diet is high in good-for-you foods like quality meats, eggs and vegetables while eliminating processed foods, legumes and grains, Paleo diet recipes can be terrific options for those with gluten intolerance or allergies and people looking to jump-start their weight loss.
You don’t need to go all Paleo all the time, either. Add some of these delicious Paleo diet recipes into your family’s menu to enjoy protein-rich, low-carb recipes no matter what meal.
Related: The Paleo Diet Beginner’s Guide, Including Best vs. Worst Foods
31 Best Paleo Diet Recipes
Paleo Breakfast Recipes
1. Almond Flour Pancakes
There’s nothing like a stack of pancakes to get your morning go. This basic Paleo-friendly version, made from almond flour, is grain-free and requires only five ingredients. You’ll never buy boxed pancake mix again!
2. Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Get a little taste of autumn in every bite with these apple cinnamon pancakes. Mashed bananas add natural sweetness, while fresh apples are a welcome addition. Make an extra batch to freeze and have on hand anytime for an easy, healthy Paleo breakfast any day of the week!
3. Breakfast Casserole
This hearty breakfast casserole is perfect for weekends or feeding a crowd. Sweet potatoes contribute a dose of vitamin A and potassium while fresh bell peppers add extra color and nutrients. Skip pork sausage and sub in your favorite chicken or turkey variety — or make your own! Try my maple breakfast sausage in this Paleo diet breakfast recipe.
4. Breakfast Muffins
Have veggies in the fridge that need to be eaten ASAP? Use ’em in these yummy breakfast muffins. I love how the original used kale, which is full of vitamins and minerals, but these muffins are flexible. Whatever you have on hand works. Make them to eat on-the-go now or freeze them to nuke for a quick breakfast later.
5. Breakfast Pizza
Pizza for breakfast? You’d better believe it. This a.m. ‘za comes together easily. The crust is made with just four ingredients, including grain-free tapioca flour, and then topped with your favorite ingredients. I love the pesto, egg and tomato version — yum.
6. Breakfast Pumpkin Custard
This pumpkin custard is so tasty, you’ll swear it’s dessert and not breakfast. Made with nutrient-rich coconut milk, (very) ripe bananas, almond butter and pecans — plus pumpkin, of course! — this custard is a healthy Paleo diet breakfast treat.
7. Easy Paleo Breakfast Scramble
My favorite kind of recipe is made from simple, wholesome ingredients, and this scramble delivers. I love that it’s got complex carbs from the sweet potato or butternut squash, protein from the breakfast sausage and a dose of healthy greens to ensure you start the day with veggies. You can even add chia seeds to the eggs for extra fiber and energy. Top with heart-healthy avocado, and this breakfast will keep you going for hours.
8. Paleo Fruit and Nut Bread
Bread without gluten, dairy or sugar? Not only is it possible, but it’s delicious. This fruit and nut bread is made from an almond meal, banana and egg base and then stuffed with dried fruits, nuts and seeds. The result is a loaf that’s full of healthy fats, fiber and taste.
9. Sweet Potato Hash Browns
Hash browns are a breakfast staple and not Paleo-compliant — until now. This sweet potato version is super simple to make and loaded with flavor, thanks to the addition of spring onions and sea salt. Made with almond flour and cooked on the stove, these are best when they’re hot and crispy. Serve as a side with eggs and breakfast meat, make the “bread” to a sandwich or munch on them solo.
10. Turkey Breakfast Sausage
Skip store-bought breakfast sausage and make your own. My version, made with ground turkey, is packed with protein and crazy easy to make. Make a double batch and freeze the extras, then microwave when you’re ready to eat.
Paleo Lunch Recipes
11. California Turkey and Bacon Lettuce Wraps with Basil-Mayo
Swap lettuce for tortillas in these great little lunch wraps. The homemade basil mayo adds a little extra punch, while avocados and tomatoes add nutrients and flavor. Instead of pork bacon, opt for beef — unless you don’t mind turkey on turkey!
12. Canned Tuna Ceviche
This zesty Paleo diet recipe turns plain canned tuna into a Latin-inspired lunch dish. The fish gets mixed with avocado, cilantro, tomatoes and jalapeños to raise the heat for a quick and easy “ceviche” you can enjoy year-round.
13. Cilantro Salmon Burgers
Get your fill of omega-3 fatty acids and salmon’s other nutritional benefits, like a ton of vitamins B12 and D when you make these burgers. They come together in just 15 minutes and are bursting with flavor, thanks to fresh lime juice, mustard and cilantro. These burgers are terrific enjoyed over a green salad.
14. Healthy Tuna Stuffed Avocado
Stuffed foods have an unhealthy rap, but not in this lunch. Get a double dose of protein and healthy fats when you whip up this Mexican-inspired Paleo diet recipe. The avocado serves as your bowl and then gets filled with tuna, red bell peppers, cilantro and lime. Enjoy the flavor party in your mouth!
15. Paleo Chicken Zucchini Fritters
If you like basic zucchini fritters, you’ll love this Paleo diet version. You’ll mix ground chicken with shredded zucchini, adding some much-needed protein, then cook the fritters in the pan. Serve with the accompanying zesty sauce for a quick lunch everyone will enjoy.
16. Taco Salad
Satisfy your Tex-Mex craving with this colorful salad. Heavy on the protein and full of vegetables like bell peppers, onions and tomatoes, this salad is ready in just minutes. Make it even faster by swapping the ground beef for whatever cooked meat you have on hand, like shredded chicken.
17. The Best Chicken Patties
What makes these chicken patties so awesome is how versatile they are in a Paleo diet. You can eat them on their own or add them to a salad. You can sandwich it into a gluten-free bun or serve with a side of vegetables. No matter how you eat them, you’ll be impressed by how these homemade patties rival anything you could buy at a fast food restaurant. Freeze extras to have around for easy meals later.
18. Blackened Chicken and Avocado Salad
The same ole lettuce salad can get really boring if you’ve been eating one day after day, but this chunky, fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, red onion, avocados and, the star of the show, blackened chicken is a refreshing, flavorful alternative to any boring lunch salad.
19. BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Who needs bread when you have veggies? This BBQ chicken stuffed sweet potatoes recipe transforms a traditional gluten-filled BBQ chicken sandwich into a gluten-free, healthy lunch option. With only 10 minutes of prep time and seven ingredients, it’s perfect for a busy work week, too.
20. Chicken Zucchini Poppers
On the days you need something easy to munch on at your desk, these chicken zucchini poppers are a must. Ground chicken breast, grated zucchini, green onions, cilantro and garlic combine to form these flavorful yet Paleo chicken bites. Pair them with salsa, guacamole and your favorite dipping vegetables (carrots, celery or cucumber, anyone?) for a well-rounded low-carb lunch.
21. Warm Kale, Apple and Sweet Potato Salad
Enjoy all of your favorite flavors of fall in one bowl with this warm salad made with cubed sweet potato, kale, carrot, chicken breast, apples, almonds and a sunflower seed butter dressing.
Paleo Dinner Recipes
22. Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Starchy, carb-laden casseroles are a thing of the past. This buffalo chicken Paleo recipe ingeniously uses cauliflower, one of my favorite cruciferous veggies, as its base. But the real fun begins when you start piling on the toppings. Avocado, more buffalo sauce, juicy tomatoes, crisp bacon — you might never look back at your old casserole recipes again.
23. Cashew Chicken
A little sweet, a little spicy, one thing is for sure: This Paleo diet recipe is better than the takeout version. I love that you still get the benefits of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the cashews without the added ingredients of typical Chinese-style dishes.
24. Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa
There are a few things to love about this simple salmon recipe. The first is how tasty the fish is solo, thanks to a 30-minute marinade. The second is how the avocado salsa makes an already-good dish great. Finally, I love that it can be prepared on an outdoor grill or on a grill pan during the cold months. When you need a new way to cook heart-healthy salmon, try this one.
25. Paleo Chicken Pot Pie with Crumbly Crust
Some things just have to be seen to be believed, and this Paleo diet recipe is one of them. The gluten-filled, flaky crust is replaced by an equally crumbly, buttery one made from almond flour. The creamy filling is packed with chicken breast and vegetables, just how you remember. I guarantee you’ll love this healthier version.
26. Shepherd’s Pie
If you’re a fan of shepherd’s pie, you’re in luck. The classic recipe gets a Paleo makeover in this straightforward recipe. Instead of white potatoes, sweet potatoes grace the top of this dish, while gluten-free barbecue sauce stands in for Worcestershire. The result is a fun twist on the old favorite.
27. Show-Off Paleo Lasagna
When you want to prove how delicious whole foods really can be, serve this Paleo diet recipe. Grass-fed beef imparts a ton of flavor into the beef and tomato sauce, while the noodle layers are replaced with fresh produce like parsnips, eggplant and zucchini. While this dinner takes a bit of effort — this isn’t a 30-minute meal by any means — it will knock the socks off anyone who has a bite.
28. Skinny Moussaka
Chow down on this Greek favorite guilt-free with a lightened-up moussaka. The rich bechamel sauce is replaced with a creamy cauliflower-based one, while the fried eggplant gets baked instead. Paleo purists: The sauce does contain parmesan cheese, but if ever there were a reason to cheat, this one is it.
29. Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
No noodles, no problem. This Paleo diet recipe uses roasted spaghetti sauce as a substitute, and it’s so good, you won’t miss the original. Full of vegetables, including mushrooms, carrots, sprouts and onions, and with a heap of protein thanks to chicken and eggs (skip the shrimp!), this easy-to-make pad Thai deserves a spot on your dinner rotation. Thai it, you’ll love it!
30. Thai Chicken Cauliflower Rice
If you’re missing rice on the Paleo diet, cauliflower is definitely a worthy substitute. It gives you the same consistency of rice while supercharging your dish with a number of beneficial cauliflower nutrients. Tossed in a Thai sauce made up of dates, garlic, red curry paste, chicken stock, coconut aminos, paprika and lime, you have a sweet and savory dish you’ll want to make time and time again.
31. Mongolian Beef Stir Fry
I hate to say it, but 99 percent of takeout options aren’t going to be Paleo. Luckily, recipes like this Mongolian beef stir fry help satisfy the occasion Chinese takeout craving, all while sticking to healthy, nutrient-dense ingredients you can feel good about eating.
