Worried that trying Whole 30 will leave you feeling deprived? Don’t believe the myth! There are so many delicious Whole 30 recipes! Here are 30 of my personal favorites – enough to get you through the whole 30 days!
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For Good Health, Whole30 to the Rescue
By nature, I am no cook and have a wicked sweet tooth. When I first read up on Whole30 (based on the book The Whole 30: The 30 Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom), I thought, “No sweets? No sugar in my coffee??? All this cooking and food prep??? Heck, no!”
However, the evidence was pretty compelling, and the benefits seemed too good to be true. I was willing to give it a try. Well, can I just tell you? My experience with Whole30 was genuinely life-changing. I’m not exaggerating. Any apprehensions I had about feeling deprived or eating ‘less-than-tasty’ food was soon alleviated. (You can read my entire Whole30 Review here: Part 1: An Overview, The Good, The Bad and Ultimate Guide of Best Tips and Tricks for a Successful Whole30).
There are so many benefits to Whole30, but one of my favorite things about Whole30 is how good the food is. The meals are so, so good. Like I said, I’m not a cook, and my abilities in the kitchen are passable at best. But when I started cooking Whole30, my husband complimented my cooking WAY more than he ever had.
Just about every time we ate a meal, we would look at each other, raise our eyebrows in something of disbelief, and gush a bit about how good this food was. So good, in fact, that I never went back. Seven months later, I’m still cooking Whole30 (and have a happy husband as a result!). While we aren’t 100% compliant, about 6 out of 7 dinners a week are Whole30.
Preparation and Planning – Key for Success on Whole30
While I was on Whole30, I created menus from recipes on Pinterest (here’s how I use Pinterest to meal-plan). I spent a lot of time gathering and testing out recipes. My husband has a super-picky palette, by the way (lucky me). Well, I went through 7+ months of my menus and picked out my 30 favorite Whole30 recipes. These are the ones we’ve made several times, and we give them an enthusiastic “2 Thumbs Up.”
You’ll notice that several of them come from the same source. That’s intentional. These sites are my favorites and my go-to bloggers for Whole30 recipes. These food bloggers are ah-mazing! They are completely genius at putting together healthy, delicious meals. Please check them out and follow them! I’ve compiled a list of my “Top 10 Whole30 Recipes Websites.” Just fill out the box at the end of the post to grab the printable version for free!
Tips for Using These Dinner Recipes
A few things you need to know about these recipes. Most of the recipes are Whole 30 compliant. Some are listed as ‘paleo’ which is close to Whole 30, but not exactly the same thing. Just be sure to double-check any ingredients against the Whole 30 compliant list (Here’s the shopping list of what you CAN have; Here’s list of non-compliant additives.).
If a recipe had non-compliant ingredients, I would either find a compliant substitute or just leave it out altogether. I personally didn’t think it hindered the taste one bit.
Whole30 Books
Here are some that are also helpful in Whole30. First, it’s Melissa Hartwig’s The Whole30 Book that tells you all about the program. Below, you can see other books from Melissa that give you a ton of other options for recipes that are fast, easy, for crockpots, etc! Check them out below!
My Favorite Whole30 Hack
When you’re doing Whole30 (or just life in general), things don’t always go as planned. What has been a huge help for me is my an Instant Pot {and the Air Fryer lid that goes right on top of the Instant Pot!} In a bind, I don’t always have time to plan out a complex meal, but a quick Instant Pot meal can save the day. There are a TON of Instant Pot Whole30 compliant dinners on Pinterest. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, I highly recommend. It can truly come to the rescue.
I also purchased the Air Fryer lid for my Instant Pot, and I just love it. When you’re craving those crispy foods, you can still have them and keep it healthy. To be honest, I use my Air Fryer more than my Instant Pot, but I adore them both.
Here are some zucchini sticks (compliant!) I whipped up in the air fryer!
Other Whole30 Recipes You’ll Love
To be a success on Whole30, it takes a lot of planning and prep, and a lot of delicious options. But whole, real food is so good, you just gotta be a little proactive. I made a few more posts that can help out. Here’s a list of some compliant Whole30 crockpot recipes. You can also grab this list of Whole30 Emergency Snacks. That’s for those times when your sugar dragon is raging and you just need a compliant snack to get you through to the next meal. There’s a printable to go along with that one, too.
Here are some other recipes that are good for when you move off of Whole30 and are trying to eat healthy. Most of them are paleo, but you really can just omit or substitute some of the ingredients to be Whole3o compliant. Try Cozy Soups that are ALL WHOLE30 COMPLIANT! You can also try this Paleo 4 Course Dinner Menu, for when you’re entertaining and still want to eat healthy! And, if you’re looking for some appetizers for game day or just to nosh on, try these!
Ok, enough chatting! Here are those delicious recipes!
30 of My Most Favorite Whole 30 Dinner Recipes
30 of My Most Favorite Whole30 Dinners
Paleo Baked Spaghetti
I personally am not a huge fan of the texture of spaghetti squash, but when it’s cooked this way, it’s delicious. This is my go-to recipe whenever I buy spaghetti squash.
Chicken Shawarma (Easy & Healthy)
The flavor in this one is absolutely to-die-for. The first time I made this, my husband and I took one bite, and were like, "Oh my gosh!!!" The combinations of spices cinnamon, cumin, allspice and all the rest - it's outstanding. I make this one a lot, even when I'm not on a round. And, I've used chicken breast instead of chicken thighs, and it works just fine.
Creamy Whole30 Bacon Garlic Spaghetti Squash
Here's another great option for spaghetti squash. Like I said, I'm not a fan of the texture and won't eat it as a spaghetti replacement with just regular marinara sauce, but when prepared like this, it tastes amazing!
Creamy Spiced Apple Pecan Chicken
This is such a warm, yummy, comfort-food type of chicken dish. It's perfect for the fall or winter, and your house will smell amazing.
Coconut Crusted Chicken StripsÂ
Coconut is one of my most favorite flavors, and I was so excited when I saw that it was allowed on Whole30. This one is soooo good, and I've even adapted it to shrimp as well!Â
Paleo Oven Baked Ribs
Oh, yes. You NEED to make this one. It is one of the best ribs recipes I've ever tried, Whole30 or otherwise. You will LOVE this one and keep going back to it. Promise.
Whole30 Paleo Meatloaf {with Whole30 Ketchup!}
I love this meatloaf recipe. You can never go wrong with a recipe from Paleo Running Momma, and this is a standby in our house. Even if your family aren't meatloaf fans, definitely give this one a try.
Chicken Fajita Sweet Potato Skins Recipe
You'll see very quickly on Whole30 that sweet potatoes or potatoes often substitute for bread or wraps. That's just fine. They are equally as filling (or more), and there's something so psychologically beneficial when you know you're just putting good stuff into your body. This is a great way to eat a fajita!
Ground Turkey Plantain Nachos
Some might consider plantain nachos SWYPO, so live by your convictions, but I'm totally OK with that and with this meal. Whole30 is really tough, so if there's a meal like this that's compliant to get you through without falling off the wagon, it's 2 thumbs up from me. And this one is delicious. Trader Joe's has these nachos!
Paleo Slow Cooker Meatballs in Marinara Sauce {Whole30}
Another hit by Paleo Running Momma. This is a delicious meatball recipe, and I still make them this way, even when I'm not on a round. This tastes great with zucchini noodles (or spaghetti squash, if you like that!)
Grilled Pesto Chicken and Tomato Kebabs
This is another one I make when I'm not on a round, also! I love anything basil or pesto, so this one is amazing - on the grill or in the oven. I've made them both ways, and they are equally outstanding.
Best Ever Bolognese & Zoodles
Bolognese sauce? Yes, please! It almost could be a meal in itself if you weren't disciplined, but this is just a step up from just a regular meat sauce!
Pulled Tandoori Chicken
I love that you can make your own Indian food on Whole30. That's one type of food I really love, and it's hard to go out and eat it when you're on Whole30, because you don't really know exactly what's in it and if it's compliant. This Tandoori chicken is the way to go if you're craving Indian!
Paleo Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard Sauce
This is a great option if you have kids in the house who may or may not be eating Whole30 with you. Give these a try! I'm sure they won't disappoint, and they will probably become a staple in your monthly menu.
Cinnamon And Cumin Pork Tenderloin
One thing I love about Whole30 is that it woke me up to so many amazing combinations of spices. The cumin and cinnamon combo? Oh my goodness - soooo good. This pork tenderloin is amazing. I've even wrapped it in compliant bacon. Wow. Just wow, lol.
Avocado Pesto Zoodles
This is a sweet mix of pesto and zucchini noodles. It's very quick and easy to put together, especially if you're in a rush and don't want to deal with the whole marinara sauce.
Chicken Broccoli BakeÂ
In general, I love sheet pan or one-pot dinner because they're so quick and create a minimal mess. This is a basic dinner that really delivers some amazing flavor.
Sloppy Joes – Paleo & Whole30
Oh, these Sloppy Joes. Ah-mazing. We've totally ditched the can of Sloppy Joes and just make it like this now, on a round or not. That's been a huge benefit of Whole30 also. We've really made some healthier cooking changes, even after we've transitioned out of Whole30.
One-Pan Paleo Bacon Wrapped Chicken {Whole30}
Here's another one-pan dinner. I'm not gonna lie - it can start to feel a little old after a week or two - I mean, how many ways can you make chicken and beef and pork, right? But thankfully, there are incredible recipes like this that make it all worth it, somehow!
Whole30 Stuffed Peppers - Lake Shore Lady
My husband and I really enjoyed this version of stuffed peppers. It is so flavorful and filling, you really don't feel like you are missing anything from the traditional way it's usually prepared.
Layered Taco Casserole (Paleo + Whole30)
This is one of my all-time favorite recipes. The plantain crust takes a little work (but doesn't everything in Whole30?), but it is totally, totally worth it.
One Pan Tuscan Pork Chops
I love these fancy pork chops. There are basic ways to do pork chops, but if you're gonna do them, do them right and try these pork chops topped with creamy tomatoes. Sooooo good.
Whole30 Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Here's another spaghetti squash bake recipe that is so good. This is another fan favorite using spaghetti squash in our house. If you're missing pasta, this is a great substitute dish!
Easy Slow Cooker Paleo Beef Chili {Whole 30 Friendly}
Chili...oh, yum. I'm a fan of chili in general, and it's super-easy to make a compliant version like this! There's a chili recipe in the Whole30 book, but I like this one much better!
One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Onions
This is another pork chop recipe that's just a step up from your basic chop recipe. And the flavors are perfect for fall, if you happen to be on a round then. But really, you can eat this any time of year. We love it.
Coconut Lime Chicken
Coconut lime... this is a perfect summer-y Whole30 recipe. This is probably one of my favorite flavor combinations. I typically think dessert, but this is amazing when you put it on chicken. Oh, YUM!
Paleo Chicken Cobb Salad with Buffalo Ranch {Whole30}
I ate a lot of salads on Whole30 because it's such an easy way to get your veggies in. Salads can get boring if you don't change it up, but this one is loaded with a ton of filling, healthy protein. You won't miss your carbs.
Smashed Potato Burgers
Burgers are allowed on Whole30 (thank God!), but this really takes it over the top! Whole30 introduced me to potatoes-as-buns, and it hits the spot. This is a great recipe!
Ground Turkey Taco Bowls with Cauliflower Spanish Rice
You'll see real fast on Whole30 that cauliflower rice is your new best friend. When you combine it to make a Mexican bowl, so, so good!
Loaded Breakfast Taco Bowls {Paleo, Whole30, Keto} |
Whole30 really helped me realize that you can eat breakfast type food at any time of the day. And you can eat dinner time food at breakfast. Doesn't matter. Breakfast for dinner is always a fun novelty!
These seriously are some of the best Whole 30 recipes out there! We love, love, love them, and they are at the top of our favorites list! You will not feel deprived one bit once you taste these meals. In fact, you might love food more. But that’s OK. It’s all the good, healthy, stuff – so, go enjoy!
You can also check out this cookbook from Melissa Hartwig- Whole30 Fast and Easy! It’s a lifesaver on Whole30, and especially if you want to keep it up after a round!
Which of these do it for you? Any ones you want to try? I’d love to hear how it goes!
Some friends of mine have tried the Whole 30 plan for several months now. They love it and he has lost a good bit of weight. They say the feel better than ever. I’m going to try some of the recipes. Thank you for this great resource! Pinning for future reference. 🙂
We love it over here, Tina! I’m sure if you try a few recipes, you will see benefits even from that! We are probably 80/20 Whole 30 and we can’t see ourselves ever going back! Good luck! I’d love to hear how it goes!
First one I clicked on, Chicken Fajita Sweet Potato Skins, has cheese in the recipe. Not W30 compliant.
But other than that it looks good.
Yes, there might be an ingredient or 2 that might need to be omitted to be compliant, but overall, these are ones I’ve loved! Thanks for visiting, Mike! 🙂
The chicken pesto kebab recipe calls for cheese in the pesto mixture…are you saying that ingredients in these recipes are easily swapped to make it Whole 30 compliant? If so, do you have suggestions for the recipes here that are not actually Whole 30? I’m a bit confused…
Totally understand! When I’ve made the recipes, I’ve just left out ingredients that weren’t W30 compliant or in the case of pesto, I used a pesto that was compliant on its own. Hope that helps!
What a read! Thank you for sharing this. I live your articles.
I appreciate this so much! Thank you so much for commenting and coming by!