25 Delicious Paleo Meal Prep Recipe Ideas

Looking for some great Paleo meal prep ideas to stay on track with your goals? Read this post to get meal prep recipe ideas for the Paleo diet!

Hi there – I’m Chantal.

I’m a mom, a certified personal trainer, and a certified nutrition coach.

Welcome to Ironwild Fitness!

Today’s article is all about delicious Paleo meal prep recipe ideas.

If you aren’t exactly sure what the Paleo diet is, don’t worry – I discuss it at length below.

I decided to sit down and write this blog post (okay, actually I’m on my treadmill while typing this) because I have recently been prescribed the Paleo diet by my functional medicine doctor.

You see, I’ve been struggling with hormonal imbalances and liver issues for several months now.

After a ton of testing and feedback, it was determined that gluten and dairy might be contributing to both of these issues.

The reason is because dairy and gluten can both be inflammatory for some people.

And when your liver, which cleans out a bunch of things like excess estrogen and toxins, gets inflamed, it doesn’t work properly.

You can read all about my hormonal testing, the symptoms that led me to go to a hormone specialist, and more in this post. (You can also read all about foods to eat to balance your hormones.)

So of course, as someone who had been eating dairy and wheat products her whole life, I had the difficult task of finding Paleo recipes that would work for me.

Truth be told, it’s easy to eat Paleo if you are okay with just eating plain meat and vegetables all of the time.

But I found it a bit difficult because that gets really old after a while.

It was even more difficult because I have two picky young kids and a husband with a sweet tooth.

There was no way that I was going to be able to cook two separate meals every single day, sometimes three times per day.

They were going to have to get with the program or go hungry.

But that meant that I had to up my game and get creative with food. In order to do that, I was going to need to find, test, and fine-tune recipes that my family would actually eat.

The result of that journey is this list of delicious Paleo meal prep recipe ideas!

Before we get to that list of Paleo meal prep ideas (which is below), let’s talk about what Paleo is.

What is Paleo? + Basic Components of the Paleo Diet

The Paleo diet, short for the Paleolithic diet, is a popular dietary approach that aims to mimic the eating habits of our ancient ancestors.

The premise behind this diet is that by consuming foods similar to those available to early humans during the Paleolithic era, we can achieve better health and well-being.

Let’s delve into the basic components of the Paleo diet before we talk about Paleo meal prep so that you have a better understanding of what it entails.

Lean Proteins

At the core of the Paleo diet are lean proteins, which include a variety of animal products:

• Grass-fed Meat: Grass-fed beef, bison, and lamb are staples in the Paleo diet. These meats are preferred because they are lower in saturated fats and higher in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
• Poultry: Chicken, turkey, and other poultry products are excellent sources of lean protein. Opt for pasture-raised or free-range poultry whenever possible.
• Fish and Seafood: Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their numerous health benefits. Shellfish and other seafood are also encouraged.
• Game Meat: Wild game such as venison, elk, and boar can be included in the Paleo diet due to their low-fat content and rich nutritional profile.

Related Reading: 27 Delicious High Protein Meal Prep Ideas

Fruits and Vegetables

Paleo enthusiasts emphasize the importance of consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables:

• Non-Starchy Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and bell peppers are just a few examples of non-starchy vegetables that are integral to the Paleo diet. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Berries: Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are encouraged due to their low sugar content and high antioxidant levels.
• Avocado: Avocado is a unique fruit that provides healthy fats, making it a valuable addition to the diet.
• Nuts and Seeds: While not technically vegetables or fruits, nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds are allowed in moderation as they offer healthy fats and essential nutrients.

Healthy Fats

The Paleo diet emphasizes the consumption of healthy fats while avoiding processed oils:

• Coconut Oil: This oil is a favorite among Paleo enthusiasts due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide a quick source of energy.
• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and is a key source of healthy fats in the diet.
• Animal Fats: Fats from sources like grass-fed butter and ghee are included, as long as they are from high-quality, minimally processed animals.
• Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is another healthy fat option that can be used for cooking and dressing.

You Might Also Like: 21 Best Macro Friendly Snacks (Delicious High-Protein Choices)

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a valuable component of the Paleo diet, providing a source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber:

• Almonds: Almonds are nutrient-dense and can be consumed as snacks or added to various dishes.
• Walnuts: Walnuts are known for their omega-3 fatty acids, making them an essential inclusion in the diet.
• Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds are a great source of fiber and can be used in baking or as a topping for salads and yogurt.
• Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are packed with fiber and can be used to make nutritious puddings and smoothies.

Elimination of Processed Foods

One of the key principles of the Paleo diet is the elimination of processed foods:

• Grains: Grains such as wheat, oats, and rice are excluded from the diet due to their modern cultivation and processing methods.
• Dairy: Dairy products are often avoided, as early humans did not have access to domesticated animals for milk.
• Legumes: Legumes like beans, lentils, and peanuts are not considered Paleo-friendly due to their lectin and phytate content.
• Processed Sugars: Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners are strictly off-limits in the Paleo diet.

Related Reading: Clean Eating for Beginners | 7 Tips for Clean Eating Success

Limitation of Dairy and Alcohol

While some variations of the Paleo diet allow for limited consumption of dairy and alcohol, many proponents advocate for their complete exclusion.

• Dairy: Lactose, a sugar found in dairy products, is not well-tolerated by everyone, which is why many choose to avoid it. However, some individuals who follow the Paleo diet may include small amounts of high-quality dairy like grass-fed butter or ghee.
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption should be limited or avoided, as it is not considered a part of the ancestral diet.

The Paleo diet, with its emphasis on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and the elimination of processed foods, aims to promote better health and well-being by aligning with the dietary patterns of our Paleolithic ancestors.

While some variations of the diet allow for flexibility in certain areas, it generally encourages a whole-foods-based approach to eating.

P.S. As with any diet, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual health and nutritional needs. I am not a registered dietitian or doctor, so try these recipes at your own risk. 🙂

Let’s get to the Paleo meal prep ideas!

25 Delicious Paleo Meal Prep Recipe Ideas

1. Sausage & Sweet Potato Paleo Breakfast Meal Prep Bowls

This recipe comes from one of the most popular Paleo recipe blogs out there – Paleo Running Momma.

It features sausage, sweet potatoes (a good source of complex carbs), eggs, and Brussels sprouts for a balanced & delicious Paleo-friendly breakfast.

2. Healthy Paleo Baked Egg Cups

If egg cups haven’t already been added to your regular meal prep regimen, they should definitely be at the top of your Paleo meal prep “try” list.

They are super easy to make, super versatile, and they freeze pretty well, too.

This particular baked egg cup recipe features spinach, ground pork, and bell pepper (an inherently delicious combo!). Give it a try!

You might also like my turkey sausage egg muffins! Just omit the cheese to make it Paleo!

3. Whole30 & Paleo Chorizo Egg Bake

If you want allll of the flavor but still want to keep it Paleo, this is THE Paleo breakfast meal prep for you.

It’s basically a low-carb meal prep casserole – what’s not to love?

(I hear it freezes well, too!)

Featuring a few different kinds of peppers, hashbrowns, and a whole lot of savory goodness, you’ll want to give this recipe from Whole Kitchen Sink a try.

4. Paleo Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Paleo muffins – is that even a thing?!

These days, we are lucky to have plenty of alternative flour options that will help us avoid gluten. This recipe for Paleo Apple Cinnamon Muffins uses almond flour, which is a staple for many diehard Paleo people.

It’s also free of added sugar, using date paste as a sweetener instead.

Give it a try!

5. Paleo Breakfast Sweet Potatoes

Here’s another great idea for a breakfast Paleo meal prep – baked sweet potatoes with an egg and some bacon!

(The recipe says you can add cheese – just skip that to keep it Paleo!)

If you’re looking for something truly satiating and simple, this is a great one try try. Here is the recipe.

6. Buffalo Chicken Ranch Paleo Meal Prep

Okay – it’s time to move on to some Paleo lunch ideas.

If you are a fan of that tangy, spicy buffalo sauce flavor, this is the perfect recipe for you.

Featuring chicken, tomatoes, avocado, and a yummy dressing atop cauliflower rice, it’s a super-flavorful and filling meal option.

This recipe uses an Instant Pot for a speedy chicken cooking time, but if you don’t have one, you can cook your chicken any other way you like.

Try it out!

7. Paleo Sloppy Joe Meal Prep Bowls

If you love the tangy, sweet flavor of traditional Sloppy Joe’s, you’ll definitely want to give this Paleo recipe a try.

It features broccoli (which is great for the liver, BTW), sweet potatoes, and ground beef.

Just be aware that it also calls for a few other Paleo pantry staples such as apple cider vinegar and coconut aminos, so be sure to read the full recipe before getting started.

8. Cajun Sausage & Vegetables

Nothing is worse than boring food, right?

Luckily, eating healthy doesn’t have to be that way with this Cajun sausage and veggie meal prep!

If one of your main goals with the Paleo diet is to increase your vegetable intake, this is the perfect Paleo meal prep for you. Just be careful – it can get a little spicy!

9. Taco Salad with Avocado Ranch

Some days I really miss tortillas.

Luckily, taco salad is almost as delicious as the real thing!

This particular salad features a yummy avocado dressing (a really good source of healthy fat) and all of your other taco favorites. Just trust me on this one – head on over to the Healthy Little Peach blog and give it a try!

10. Teriyaki Chicken Paleo Meal Prep Bowls

Here is another great Paleo recipe from the Unbound Wellness blog.

If you love teriyaki chicken as much as I do, you’ll definitely want to add this teriyaki meal prep to your lunch or dinner rotations.

This particular recipe calls for ground chicken, cauliflower rice, and broccoli.

However, you could easily get away with pretty much any green veggie that you like. (And you could probably use chicken breast or thighs, too.)

11. Paleo Creamy Chicken Lemon Soup

I hadn’t really even thought about Paleo soup ideas until the weather started. to turn.

All soups, in my opinion, make for a great Paleo meal prep because they generally freeze super easily. Make a big pot. Eat some and freeze some for later!

This creamy chicken lemon soup looks like a great rainy day Paleo meal.

12. Dutch Oven Beef Stew

Beef stew is a winter staple in my house, and luckily it’s easy to make Paleo versions of it.

Use this recipe from Our Salty Kitchen to make a delicious version of this hearty classic any time the feeling hits. You can also swap the regular potatoes for sweet potatoes in order to switch up those complex carbs.

(Don’t worry, you don’t really need a Dutch oven to make stew. I normally just use a big pot myself.)

13. Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup

Here is one of my favorite ideas for Paleo meal prep – and it is super easy.

I recently got an Instant Pot (I’m always late to the trends) and have had a lot of fun trying new things. It really is amazing!

As far as Paleo meal preps go, this hearty vegetable beef soup looks incredibly nutritious and wholesome. It was curated by a team of dietitians, so surely it must be good for you!

Give it a try!

14. Simple Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

I love a good sheet-pan dinner so much, I even wrote a whole article dedicated to easy sheet pan dinners.

This particular Paleo meal prep is super simple. It features the classic combination of chicken, sweet potatoes, and broccoli.

I know I said that this combo can get a little boring sometimes, but if you’re totally new to meal prepping and Paleo, it can be good to have this recipe in your back pocket. Plus, it’s really easy to switch things up by changing out your vegetable selection.

15. One Skillet Salmon with Creamy Spinach Artichoke Sauce

If you love artichoke as much as I do, this is perfect for you.

(Plus – one skillet? What’s not to love?)

We all know that salmon is really good for us, but most of us don’t eat it very often. This recipe from Paleo Running Momma will give you the perfect excuse to buy some salmon (hopefully wild-caught) and get a little fancy.

Try it out!

16. Classic Paleo Chicken Salad

Need a Paleo meal prep idea that doesn’t need reheating?

This chicken salad recipe is a delicious, high-protein option for cold lunches, snacks, and more. I personally make some version of this on a pretty regular basis. It is just so good!

If you’re new to chicken salad, the ingredients may seem like an odd combination. But trust me – it’s really good!

17. Salsa Verde Chicken

I loveeee green salsa. I also love anything that can be whipped up in the Instant Pot or slow cooker. This Paleo Salsa Verde Chicken is the perfect option to go on a Paleo burrito bowl or taco salad.

It’s perfectly spicy, easy to make, and generally pretty family-friendly. What’s not to love?

18. Paleo Burger Bowls

Burgers and Mexican food are my favorites, so of course I couldn’t forget to find you a delicious burger option.

Burger bowls are basically all of your favorite parts of the burger but without the high-carb bun. (Trust me when I say that you won’t miss your bun in this recipe!)

This recipe features all of your favorites (including the fries!) and fixings, so it’s definitely worth having in your recipe book when the burger cravings hit.

19. Chicken Zucchini Poppers

Now that you have a whole bunch of Paleo meal prep ideas for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s time to focus on snacks and appetizers.

I found this recipe for chicken zucchini poppers, and I have to admit – they look really delicious.

I’m already a big fan of zucchini, but 135 reviewers gave this recipe an average of 4.6 stars – they can’t all be wrong, right?

Go ahead and just give it a try. It’s definitely on my list of Paleo recipes to test out!

20. Healthy Sour Candy Frozen Grapes

Are you in need of a healthy treat idea for the Paleo diet? These healthy sour candy frozen grapes might just do the trick!

Although they might not travel well (they must be kept frozen), this simple recipe could be exactly what you need to curb your cravings for something sugary. They’re a great thing to bulk prep and just keep in your freezer at all times.

21. Sweet Potato Everything Bagel Chips

If you’ve been Paleo for long, you’ve probably learned how hard it is to find Paleo-friendly chips. (Not many chips use avocado, olive, or coconut oil!)

However, it’s not that difficult to make your own!

These sweet potato chips look absolutely delicious – why not give them a try?

22. No Bake Paleo Granola Bars

This is a great Paleo snack to prepare ahead!

If you have a busy lifestyle, these Paleo granola bars are going to totally change the game.

Featuring raisins and chocolate chips, this recipe is definitely worth a look!

23. Paleo Lemon Blueberry Bread

If you ever find yourself missing bread, it’s especially handy to have a few Paleo-friendly “bread” recipes in your repertoire.

Some versions of Paleo don’t allow any grains at all, but if you’re okay with using a flour alternative on Paleo, this recipe might be great for you!

It uses coconut flour, almond milk, and a few other unique ingredients, so be sure to read the whole recipe before attempting it.

24. Chocolate Stuffed Paleo Blondies

Need something chewy and sweet (and not obvious diet food)? This recipe for chocolate-stuffed Paleo blondies has 4.88 stars out of 5 from a whole bunch of raters.

If you’re a chocolate lover like I am, keep this recipe in your cookbook for when those cravings hit!

25. Paleo Lemon Bars

These drool-worthy lemon bars are gluten and dairy-free, making them an easy Paleo-friendly treat.

If you’re cooking for a crowd, they’re sure to please! Plus, they store up to 7 days in the fridge. So if you’re not sharing, they should get you through a busy week no problem. 🙂

There you have it!

Now you have a whole bunch of Paleo meal prep ideas to help you stick to the plan.

Paleo meal prep –