The Paleo diet, often known as the caveman diet, emphasizes eating the kinds of foods our ancestors would have consumed. These Paleo meal prep ideas are excellent for maintaining a Paleo lifestyle.
Foods to include in your diet are:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Lean meats, particularly from grass-fed animals
- Fish, especially those high in omega-3 fatty acids
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Oils derived from fruits and nuts, such as olive oil or walnut oil
On the other hand, foods to avoid are:
- Grains and legumes
- Dairy products
- Refined sugars, added sugars, and excess salt
- Starchy vegetables
- Processed foods
Best Paleo Meal Prep Recipes
Check out the best Paleo meal prep recipes below to help you stay on track, even on busy days!
1. Spicy Curried Chicken
Source: allnutritious.com
2. Maple Mustard Chicken
Source: runningtothekitchen.com
Here’s another chicken recipe that’s bursting with flavor! This mouthwatering dish captures the essence of fall, featuring a sauce infused with maple syrup.
It’s a one-sheet-pan marvel, brimming with wholesome ingredients—a sure hit every time! Your chicken breast is paired with an array of autumn vegetables.
Delicata squash, Brussels sprouts, and cranberries contribute vibrant colors and flavors to your tasty meal!
3. Chicken Fajita Bowl
Source: allnutritious.com
Enjoying a paleo diet doesn’t mean sacrificing variety. You can still savor dishes from various cuisines. This meal, for instance, brings you the bold flavors of Tex-Mex—without the carbs!
A delightful mix of stir-fried chicken and bell peppers is seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and paprika for a spicy kick.
Put your own spin on this by serving it alongside naturally sweet Brussels sprouts!
4. Lemon Garlic Asparagus
Source: plantbasedwithamy.com
Asparagus is an incredibly versatile vegetable. It makes a great addition to dinner as a side dish, or you can enjoy it as a snack.
Roasting asparagus takes about 20 minutes, and the combination of lemon, pepper, thyme, and garlic creates a delicious coating.
You can also grill, steam, or sauté asparagus, but for the best flavor, oven baking is the way to go.
5. Lemon Chicken and Veggies
Source: allnutritious.com
Chicken is perfect for your paleo meal prep. Let the chicken marinate overnight for enhanced flavor.
This ensures a tastier result.
Roasting the vegetables in this recipe helps them caramelize naturally, eliminating the need for refined sugars.
Your zesty lemon chicken will be at its most delicious when served with broccoli, sweet potato, and cherry tomatoes.
6. Instant Pot Chicken Breast
Source: tastygalaxy.com
The Instant Pot is an amazing tool in the kitchen, allowing you to prepare meals quickly and effortlessly.
It’s especially great for cooking flavorful, tender chicken breasts. In this recipe, you’ll use a homemade seasoning blend reminiscent of rotisserie chicken.
This blend includes garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt, mixed with paprika, thyme, and black pepper.
Once the chicken is coated in the rub, air fry it for about 12 minutes. For an optional twist, add sumac to bring a subtle lemony note to the dish!
7. Low Carb Mexican
Source: allnutritious.com
This meal prep is bursting with Mexican-inspired flavors, minus the processed carbs and refined sugars. Despite that, the taste is still rich and satisfying.
Swap out regular rice for spicy cauliflower rice, and substitute sweet corn with peppery arugula. The avocado adds a creamy touch to the dish.
The shredded chicken is simply seasoned with salt and pepper, while the rest of the ingredients deliver a punch of flavor!
8. Greek Chicken Kabobs
Source: thecleaneatingcouple.com
Experience the vibrant taste of Greece with these mouthwatering kabobs. Tender chicken and fresh vegetables are infused with a savory marinade.
Skewer juicy pieces of chicken with red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini, then grill to perfection until the chicken is tender and juicy.
For an extra twist, add mushrooms to your skewers. Pair these kabobs with a crisp Greek salad for a complete meal!
9. Buffalo Turkey Cauliflower Skillet
Source: runningtothekitchen.com
Turkey and cauliflower might not have much flavor on their own, but this buffalo-flavored skillet changes everything! With just four ingredients and a quick 15-minute cook time, what’s not to love?
The secret to this dish is the Texas Pete buffalo wing sauce, which adds a punch of flavor.
Enjoy this tasty meal as it is, or pair it with some greens for an even more satisfying dish.
This delicious ground turkey meal prep will make you look forward to your paleo meals!
10. Almond Flour Banana Muffins
Source: savorthespoonful.com
Following a paleo diet doesn’t mean you have to forgo sweet treats! These almond-flour banana muffins are a delicious testament to that fact.
Sweetened with applesauce, coconut sugar, and ripe bananas, these muffins are not only tasty but also moist thanks to the use of coconut oil.
Feel free to enjoy these delightful muffins at any time of the day, including breakfast!
11. Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Source: thecleaneatingcouple.com
Lettuce wraps offer a great paleo-friendly substitute for tortillas, making them an excellent choice for a light lunch.
These chicken lettuce wraps are bursting with flavor, thanks to the delicious seasonings that elevate them beyond anything you’d find at PF Chang’s, all while being a healthier option.
Although the chicken filling requires a bit of extra preparation, the final outcome is definitely worth the effort!
12. Greek Grilled Chicken
Source: tastygalaxy.com
Try this delightful chicken recipe featuring a homemade marinade that showcases the distinct flavors of Greece.
Your marinade is simple yet flavorful, blending lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and dried oregano for a perfect balance.
Combine these ingredients, marinate the chicken, and grill until perfectly cooked! Pair it with a refreshing Greek salad for an ideal meal.
If you’re a fan of Greek cuisine, be sure to include this Greek sheet pan chicken dinner in your meal plan!
13. Mediterranean Bowls
Source: saltandlavender.com
For a delightful Mediterranean experience, try these vegan prep bowls! They can be prepared in just 30 minutes, with quinoa as the star ingredient.
Your bowl will showcase the smoothness of creamy hummus, paired with juicy tomatoes. This is enhanced by the crispness of cucumbers and the zesty flavor of red onions.
Finish off your meal prep bowls with Kalamata olives and protein-packed chickpeas. These bowls are perfect for quick lunches throughout the week!
14. Chicken and Vegetables
Source: theroastedroot.net
You can’t make a bad choice with chicken and vegetables—they’re the perfect meal prep solution!
In this recipe, the chicken and vegetables are prepared separately, featuring sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and zucchini.
After cooking, everything gets combined into a single prep container, making it easy to grab and take with you on the way out!
15. Sweet Potato, Bacon, and Egg Breakfast
Source: carmyy.com
Sweet potatoes offer a nutritious alternative to regular potatoes for breakfast! They’re also an excellent choice when you’re craving something sweet.
In this recipe, you’ll cook the sweet potatoes in bacon fat, which infuses them with delicious flavor and gives them a nice crispy texture!
Finish off your bowl of bacon and sweet potatoes with a hard-boiled egg on top. You can also add some avocado for an extra touch if you’d like!
16. Instant Pot Whole Chicken
Source: corriecooks.com
The Instant Pot excels at preparing whole cuts of meat, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal in under an hour!
Your chicken is marinated in a delicious blend of flavors, with thyme standing out as the key ingredient. This herb pairs wonderfully with the chicken.
The result is a succulent, flavorful whole chicken. For an added touch, air fry it for 15 minutes afterward to achieve extra crispy skin!
17. Pork Carnitas
Source: organicallyaddison.com
Pork carnitas can be prepared using either an Instant Pot or a slow cooker, resulting in tender, mouthwatering meat every time!
You’ll season the carnitas with a flavorful Mexican-inspired dry spice rub and simmer them in a citrus-infused chicken broth to enhance the taste.
These delectable carnitas are perfect for creating delicious taco or burrito bowls!
18. Sweet Potatoes and Chorizo Stew
Source: mychefsapron.com
A one-pot meal is an excellent answer to your hectic weeknights. For the chillier months, a robust chorizo stew makes for a fantastic choice.
The addition of a thick tomato paste lends a sumptuous texture to the dish, while the pre-seasoned chorizo sausage means you only need to add a few subtle spices.
Sweet potatoes and bell peppers complement each other beautifully, making this stew satisfying enough to enjoy on its own!
19. Steak and Sweet Potato Skillet
Source: theforkedspoon.com
This skillet dish offers an exciting twist on a typical steak! It features a delightful combination of creamy sweet potatoes and sweet bell peppers.
Every bite bursts with flavor, thanks to the delicious blend of Cajun seasoning, cilantro, and soy sauce.
If you prefer, you can easily replace the steak with chicken for a tasty alternative.
20. Greek Chicken Thighs
Source: theshortordercook.com
These chicken thighs offer a genuine flavor of Greece, and it’s yet another one-pan recipe that you adore!
The lemon sauce brings out the essence of Greek cuisine with its delightful ingredients, including olives, capers, tomatoes, and artichoke hearts.
Opting for thighs ensures the chicken remains juicy, plus you benefit from the rendered fat, which adds a luxurious richness to the entire dish!
Explore even more inventive ways to incorporate chicken thighs into your meal prep!
21. Roasted Butternut Squash
Source: plantbasedwithamy.com
This side dish is perfect for complementing your paleo main course and can also serve as a delightful base for a leafy salad.
Instead of being oven-baked, your butternut squash is air-fried, which is fantastic for achieving that perfect caramelization on the vegetables!
You’ll season the squash with beloved autumn flavors, filling the air with a delightful aroma. The combination of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice adds a wonderful touch.
This dish is sure to shine on your holiday table!
For more inspiration to enhance your healthy meal planning, check out these additional meal prep ideas!
Source: https://allnutritious.com/paleo-meal-prep/
