7 Healthy Paleo Dinner Recipes (With Enough Leftovers for Lunch)
The Paleo diet is based on eating what Paleolithic man ate — a high-protein, high-fiber diet that relies heavily on vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, healthy oils and fruit.
Overview
The Paleo diet is based on eating what Paleolithic man ate — a high-protein, high-fiber diet that relies heavily on vegetables, lean meats, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, healthy oils and fruit. Paleo is a lifestyle diet that looks quite different than the current Western diet, which is high in refined foods, trans fats, sodium and sugar. Research shows that eating Paleo may help with weight control and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Thankfully, hunting and gathering is no longer required to enjoy nutritious modern-day Paleo foods. Check out these seven delicious Paleo dinners — with enough leftovers for lunch!
1. Bison Chili
Made with healthy and lean grass-fed bison, this chili can be enjoyed at the time of cooking, but it's even better the next day once all of the spices and vegetables have had a chance to meld together. It's packed with nutrient-dense vegetables like onions, tomatoes and peppers, while the garlic, chili powder and green chilies give this dish some heat. To give it a little more oomph, you can also experiment with adding sweet potatoes, which are rich in the eye-healthy nutrient beta-carotene.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
2. Macadamia-Crusted Halibut
Halibut is packed with healthy fats and protein. When shopping for halibut, look for wild Pacific halibut because it's been deemed a "Best Choice" by the Monterrey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program. This dish contains healthy fats from macadamia nuts, olive oil and the halibut itself. The orange zest and sliced orange garnish on top creates a piquancy that your taste buds will love. The coconut milk adds a satiating creaminess to the dish.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
3. “Spaghetti” and Turkey Meatballs
One of the all-time comfort foods, spaghetti gets a healthy twist with this Paleo version. To create the "spaghetti," use spaghetti squash, which can be found in the produce section. It's a fibrous, stringy squash that, once cooked, resembles the look and texture of spaghetti. The turkey meatballs add a filling yet lean protein to the dish and are packed with vegetables including mushrooms, bell peppers, and onion. When selecting a sauce, look for one with minimal ingredients and no added sugar. To bump up the volume of this dish without adding excess calories, put some chopped veggies in the sauce -- bell peppers and zucchini pair well.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
4. Meatloaf
Made with grass-fed beef, this Paleo version is not your mother's meatloaf. Almond meal is used in place of breadcrumbs to help keep the loaf together. Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E and other antioxidants, which bump up the nutritional profile of this dish. It's also packed with vegetables that add fiber and a variety of nutrients. For a complete meal, enjoy with a sweet potato and a side of cooked vegetables.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
5. Paleo Chicken Pad Thai
Don't waste another cheat meal on Thai takeout. This Paleo version of pad thai creates a flavorful explosion of protein, healthy fats and vegetables topped off with plenty of spice. The spaghetti squash cuts the craving for Thai noodles, and cashews provide healthy fats and a satisfying crunch. Chicken breast is a lean protein, the most satiating macronutrient, and a must-have for weight loss. This dish is great when first made, but it's even better the second day once the flavors of the spices and sauce have fully combined.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
6. Curry Shrimp With Coconut, Ginger and Basil
A lighter meal but still full of flavor, this spicy shrimp dish provides protein from the shrimp and antioxidants from the herbs and spices. Coconut milk adds a creamy texture to the sauce, and it pairs well with the basil and ginger, which have a delightfully tangy taste. This is perfect for the grill or the stovetop. Pair it with a vegetable like spinach with a touch of garlic and olive oil.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
7. Meatzza
Following a Paleo diet doesn't mean you have to give up pizza. Instead of a carb-filled crust, this recipe uses grass-fed beef as the base of your Paleo pizza. This specific "meatzza" used pepperoni, basil, tomatoes and artichokes as toppers. Depending on how strictly Paleo your diet is, you may choose to use regular cheese or dairy/gluten-free cheese or no cheese at all. Get creative with your topping choices -- a variety of grilled veggies go well -- and experiment with different types of sauces too.
Related: See Full Recipe and Nutritional Details in MyPlate
What Do YOU Think?
Have you tried the Paleo diet? Do you like following it – why or why not? Has it helped you to lose weight or to feel healthier? Which of these recipes are you most looking forward to trying? Do you have any favorite Paleo recipes you'd like to share? Leave a comment below and let us know. We love to hear from you!
Related: 18 Paleo Snacks Under 200 Calories