Meal Prep Friendly Paleo Recipes

If you love the idea of the Paleo diet – whole, unprocessed foods that fuel your body and leave you feeling energized, you also know finding the time to cook healthy meals every day can be a challenge. That’s where meal prepping comes in! I’ve discovered that with a little planning, you can enjoy delicious, satisfying Paleo meals all week long without spending hours in the kitchen.

In this article, I’m going to share five of my favorite meal prep-friendly Paleo recipes that are sure to keep your taste buds happy and your body nourished.  

1. Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash with Sausage and Kale

Who says breakfast has to be sweet? This savory hash is packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it the perfect way to start your day. It’s also incredibly versatile – enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
• 1 pound ground breakfast sausage
• 1 bunch kale, chopped
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
2. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. Add sweet potatoes, kale, and spices to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender and kale is wilted.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Meal Prep Tip

Prepare a large batch of this hash and divide it into individual containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and satisfying meal.

2. Citrus Salmon with Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower

This vibrant dish has loads of flavor thanks to the citrus marinade. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and fiber.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a shallow dish, combine orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Place salmon fillets in the marinade, turning to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place broccoli and cauliflower florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
5. While vegetables are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Remove salmon from marinade and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Serve salmon over roasted vegetables.

Meal Prep Tip

Cook extra salmon and veggies to have on hand for salads, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week. The citrus marinade helps to keep the salmon moist and flavorful.

3. Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Almond Butter Sauce

These lettuce wraps are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy chicken. The spicy almond butter sauce adds a unique twist that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground chicken until browned, breaking it up into crumbles.
2. Add carrot, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions to the skillet and cook until softened.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together almond butter, chili garlic sauce, coconut aminos, lime juice, ginger, and salt until smooth.
4. To assemble wraps, place a scoop of chicken mixture in a lettuce leaf. Drizzle with almond butter sauce and enjoy!

Meal Prep Tips

• Cook the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance
• Store the sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
• Assemble the wraps just before eating to keep the lettuce leaves crisp

4. Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers with Cauliflower Rice

These stuffed peppers are a hearty and satisfying meal that’s packed with nutrients. The cauliflower rice filling is a great way to sneak in extra veggies, and the peppers add a vibrant pop of color to your plate.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 1 head cauliflower, riced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
3. Add mushrooms, cauliflower rice, tomatoes, spinach, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook until cauliflower rice is tender and heated through.
4. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
5. Stuff peppers with cauliflower rice mixture.
6. Place peppers in a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until peppers are tender.

Meal Prep Tip

This recipe is perfect for freezing. Prepare a large batch, let it cool completely, and freeze individual portions in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven for a convenient and healthy meal.

5. Leftover Makeover Bowl

This isn’t a recipe per se, but rather a concept for transforming your leftovers into a delicious and nutritious meal. Get creative and use whatever proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats you have on hand.

Ingredients

Roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or fish, hard-boiled eggs, and leftover cooked meat are all great options for a leftover makeover bowl. 

Instructions

Add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for crunch, a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil for healthy fats, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice for brightness. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

I hope these recipes have inspired you to give Paleo meal prepping a try. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious meals all week long without sacrificing flavor or variety. Remember, Paleo doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive. There are so many delicious and creative ways to fuel your body with whole, unprocessed foods.