25 Paleo Meal Prep Ideas You'll Actually Look Forward to Eating
Your inner caveman will thank you.
If you’re paleo, cooking your own meals can be tough, as you’re limited in what you can eat. (Goodbye dairy and grains!) But following the caveman-inspired diet is even more tough when you're dining out, which is why making your own meals at home is super important. It'll help you stick with the eating plan—and save money in the process.
To reduce prep time and make things as simple as possible, focus on meal prep, where you make a bunch of servings at once to keep on hand for meals throughout the week. You can also make recipes that can be used in different ways. Here are 25 great paleo options to get you started!
Paleo Apple Cinnamon Bread
This recipe from The Toasted Pine Nut is paleo and fruity, with some great spices for wintertime, too. Make it for meal prep—or for your next holiday gathering!
BLT Quiche
A great breakfast idea from One Lovely Life, this quiche is easy to make at once and then cut into slices for rushed mornings when you don’t have time to cook.
Healthy Orange Chicken Stir Fry With Coconut Cauliflower Rice
Instead of getting Chinese takeout, make this sweet, tangy recipe from Ambitious Kitchen at home and portion it out into fun takeout containers to have for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Mediterranean Cauliflower Rice Skillet
Skillet meals are great for meal prep, and this recipe from One Lovely Life does not disappoint. You can whip up a batch and eat it on its own, or use it as a base for salads and protein bowls.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
This delicious chicken with juicy veggies and garlic from Savory Tooth is low in carbs and sugar but high in flavor and key nutrients. Enjoy in fajita form, top over cauliflower, or enjoy as a protein with other sides during the week.
Chipotle Mashed Sweet Potatoes
You can't go wrong with mashed potatoes as a side, so make this recipe from One Lovely Life in advance to keep on hand for meal prep. It goes with any protein, like chicken or steak.
Veggie Keto Buns
These veggie-based, high-fat buns from The Castaway Kitchen are paleo and keto, so they’ll fill you up fast without all the carbs from regular burger buns. Whip up a large batch and use them throughout the week for sandwiches!
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
This dish from Real Simple Good is juicy, tender, and super versatile. Use the pulled pork to stuff into lettuce wraps, make tacos, add as a topper to noodles, mix into soup, pair with eggs, and more.
Loaded Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash
This breakfast option from Paleo Running Momma is hearty but still sweet from sweet potato and cranberries, with lots of protein to keep you full. Portion out for quick meals when you’re pinched for time.
Paleo Egg Salad With Bacon and Scallions
Made with zero-sugar bacon and mayo that you can make at home in 1 minute, this paleo egg salad from Paleo Running Momma is rich and low-carb, and it works well for lunch and snacks as a handy meal prep choice. You can stuff it into lettuce or sandwiches, spread on crackers or toast, or enjoy it as is with a fork.
Herby One Pan Chicken With Oranges
Pair this chicken dish from A Saucy Kitchen with different sides, like veggies or cauliflower rice.
Paleo Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie
Everyone needs dessert from time to time! This giant skillet cookie from The Toasted Pine Nut gives you a week's worth of dessert, easily. And while it’s paleo-friendly, it does not skimp on flavor one bit.
Instant Pot Brussels Sprouts
This low-carb, meaty dish from Savory Tooth is an easy side to go with a protein of your choice! Use in a hash, with grilled chicken, or alongside steak. To make it paleo, swap out the soy sauce for coconut aminos, and you’re set.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Burrito Bowl With Cauliflower Rice
Prepare this protein-packed bowl from Wholesomelicious for quick meals that you can grab from the fridge, heat up and enjoy in seconds. Plus, you can use the chicken and cauliflower rice for other meals, tacos, or easy sides.
Keto Chicken Salad
This paleo chicken salad from Real Simple Good is also keto and Whole30-friendly, so it’s high in fat to fill you up and low in carbs and sugar. Plus, chicken salad is so versatile; you can use it in sandwiches, as a filling for avocado or zucchini “boats,” as a stuffing for collard greens or lettuce wraps, and more.
Oven Roasted Vegetables
Whip up a bunch of roasted veggies at once, and then them in different ways: in fajitas; on burgers; with eggs; alongside protein like chicken; added to soup; and more. This recipe from Savory Tooth is bright, colorful, and delicious.
Pat’s 4-Ingredient Paleo Crackers
These paleo crackers from Ambitious Kitchen have lots of protein and few carbs, and they’re nice and crispy and flavorful!
Paleo Blueberry & Peach Parfait
These easy paleo parfaits from A Saucy Kitchen are great for busy mornings. Prepare them in advance and stash them in the fridge for when you need something nourishing and fast. (Swap for different fruits if you like.)
Paleo Sweet Potato Lasagna With Almond Ricotta & Basil
Who doesn’t love lasagna? It’s comforting, hearty, and creamy—a great meal for cold nights when you need something to warm you up fast. This paleo makeover from A Saucy Kitchen has lots of fiber and protein, and you can make a huge batch to then portion into easy meals for prep throughout the week.
Paleo Turmeric Chicken Meatballs with Green Tahini Sauce
These paleo meatballs from Ambitious Kitchen are super versatile. Make a large batch and then use for meal prep ideas, like stuffing into lettuce wraps or grain-free tortillas, topping on zoodles or cauliflower rice, or even just noshing on plain for some quick protein and fuel.
Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach, and author of 5-Minute Energy. She can't resist a good sample, a margarita, a new HIIT class, or an easy laugh. Learn more about her on her website: isadorabaum.com.
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