14 Simple Meals to Try on a Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet, often known as the “caveman diet,” emphasizes eating like our ancestors by avoiding processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy. 

The focus is on whole foods: lean meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. If you’re new to Paleo, it might seem like a huge change, but in reality, it’s pretty simple. 

It’s all about eating nutrient-dense foods that fuel your body and keep you feeling good.

 

14 Simple Meals to Try on a Paleo Diet

Here are 14 easy and delicious Paleo meals to try that are not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Let’s dive in!

 

1. Avocado Chicken Salad

Avocado is the perfect creamy replacement for mayonnaise, making this chicken salad Paleo-friendly while still keeping it rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded chicken (cooked)
  • ½ ripe avocado, mashed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped veggies (cucumber, celery, or red onion)

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the mashed avocado.
  2. Add lemon juice, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Stir in your choice of chopped veggies.
  4. Serve on a bed of greens or enjoy as-is.

Why it works: This meal is packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado. It’s satisfying and filling, making it perfect for those looking for a nutrient-dense, quick Paleo meal. 

Plus, it’s super customizable—add your favorite veggies for extra crunch and nutrients.

 

2. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Grilled Chicken

Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are a great low-carb alternative to pasta. When paired with a fresh pesto and grilled chicken, you have a healthy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized
  • 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons homemade pesto (or Paleo-friendly pesto)
  • Olive oil for sautéing
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional)

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the zoodles for 2-3 minutes until tender but still a bit firm.
  2. Toss the zoodles in the pesto sauce, coating them well.
  3. Add the grilled chicken and top with cherry tomatoes.

Why it works: Zoodles are an excellent low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pasta. 

The pesto adds a burst of flavor, and the chicken provides a hearty protein boost, making this dish a perfect balanced Paleo meal.

 

3. Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick and easy stir-fry with tender beef and crunchy broccoli—this dish is a classic but with a Paleo twist. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight when you’re craving something savory.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef (sliced thinly)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos (Paleo soy sauce alternative)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan, then sauté the garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned.
  3. Toss in the broccoli and coconut aminos, stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Why it works: This stir-fry is quick, filling, and packed with protein and fiber. 

Broccoli is a nutrient powerhouse, and coconut aminos provide the savory umami flavor without the processed soy, keeping it 100% Paleo.

 

4. Sweet Potato Hash with Eggs

Sweet potato hash is the ultimate comfort food, but Paleo-friendly! Add some eggs on top for a balanced meal full of protein and healthy carbs.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 2 eggs
  • Olive oil for sautéing
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté the diced sweet potatoes until tender (about 10 minutes).
  2. Add the bell pepper and onion, cooking for another 5 minutes.
  3. Make two small wells in the hash, crack the eggs into each well, and cover the skillet.
  4. Cook until the eggs are set (about 5-7 minutes), then season with salt and pepper.

Why it works: Sweet potatoes provide complex carbs, and eggs give you a hefty dose of protein. 

The combination makes this meal energizing, filling, and full of nutrients, perfect for breakfast or dinner.

 

5. Paleo Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

These meatballs are juicy and flavorful, topped with a homemade marinara sauce that’s completely Paleo-friendly. Serve them on a bed of zoodles or alongside some sautéed veggies.

Ingredients for Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Marinara:

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix the meatball ingredients together and form them into small balls.
  2. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
  3. For the marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic, and add the crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 10 minutes, seasoning with oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce.

Why it works: These meatballs are made without breadcrumbs, making them a Paleo-approved version of this comfort food classic. 

The marinara sauce is homemade and free from sugar and preservatives, so it’s a healthier option.

 

6. Grilled Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and pairing it with a fresh, zesty avocado salsa makes for a simple, light, and filling meal.

Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Olive oil for grilling

Directions:

  1. Preheat the grill and brush the salmon fillets with olive oil.
  2. Grill the salmon for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
  3. In a bowl, mix the avocado, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro to make the salsa.
  4. Serve the grilled salmon topped with avocado salsa.

Why it works: Salmon provides a rich source of healthy fats and protein, while the avocado salsa adds fiber and fresh flavors. 

This meal is both nutrient-dense and light, making it perfect for a Paleo dinner.

 

7. Eggplant Pizza Bites

If you’re missing pizza on the Paleo diet, these eggplant pizza bites are the perfect alternative. They’re gluten-free and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 eggplant, sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Roast for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  3. Top each eggplant slice with diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes.
  4. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Why it works: These pizza bites are a healthy, grain-free version of your favorite comfort food. The eggplant provides a nice texture, and the tomatoes offer a burst of freshness.

 

8. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

These grilled chicken skewers with vegetables are perfect for meal prepping or a quick dinner. They’re easy to make, flavorful, and totally Paleo.

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 onion, cut into chunks
  • Olive oil for grilling
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto skewers.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked.

Why it works: Chicken is a lean protein, and the veggies provide essential vitamins and fiber. This is a great option for a simple, nutrient-packed meal.

 

9. Paleo Breakfast Burrito (Lettuce Wrap)

Craving a breakfast burrito but sticking to Paleo? This lettuce wrap version is a perfect, grain-free alternative.

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon salsa
  • 2 large lettuce leaves (for wrapping)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

  1. Scramble the eggs in a pan with olive oil.
  2. Add the eggs, avocado slices, and salsa to the lettuce leaves.
  3. Wrap it up and enjoy!

Why it works: The eggs give you a protein boost, while the avocado adds healthy fats and fiber. The lettuce wrap keeps it grain-free while still satisfying your burrito cravings.

 

10. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Shrimp

This cabbage stir-fry is light but filling. Shrimp adds protein, and the cabbage gives you crunch without any carbs, making it a great option for a Paleo dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink.
  3. Toss in the cabbage and coconut aminos and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.

Why it works: Shrimp is a lean protein source, and cabbage is low in calories but packed with fiber. This dish is light yet satisfying, perfect for a quick Paleo meal.

 

Conclusion

The Paleo diet is all about simplicity, focusing on whole, natural foods that nourish your body and fuel your lifestyle. 

If you include these 14 simple meals into your routine, you’ll not only satisfy your hunger but also improve your overall health and well-being. 

The key to success on the Paleo diet is making it work for your lifestyle—choosing meals that are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and packed with nutrients. 

Btw, If you’re just starting or have been following Paleo for a while, these meals are perfect to keep things fresh and exciting while supporting your health goals. 

 

Can I drink coffee on the Paleo diet? 

Yes, coffee is generally considered acceptable on the Paleo diet. However, it’s important to avoid adding sugar or dairy. 

Instead, try black coffee or use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative.

 

Are there any snacks I can eat on the Paleo diet? 

Absolutely! Paleo-friendly snacks include nuts, seeds, hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, and fresh fruits or veggies. 

Just make sure to avoid processed snacks that contain added sugars or preservatives. 

You can also make your own energy bars using ingredients like coconut, almonds, and dried fruits.

 

Is the Paleo diet suitable for weight loss? 

Yes, the Paleo diet can be a great option for weight loss. 

By eliminating processed foods, refined sugars, and grains, you’ll likely reduce your calorie intake while increasing nutrient-dense foods that support fat loss. 

However, as with any diet, it’s important to maintain a calorie deficit and balance your meals with plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

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