If you think of the Paleo diet as restrictive, think again, my friend. A carb- and dairy-free routine doesn’t mean you’re out of tasty options; it just means you’re able to expand your horizons and stretch your creativity in the kitchen with veggies (zoodles FTW), meats (one word: bacon), and good-for-you fats (as if you need another reason to eat more avocado). This week’s featured foodies are Paleo bloggers Justin and Erica Winn of Real Simple Good, and they’re sharing seven of their tastiest, caveman-approved dinners.

1. Cilantro and Lime Chicken Bowl

We think most meals taste better from a bowl, so we’re all ready to dive into this grilled chicken and cauliflower rice dinner. Ricing a cauliflower may seem tricky, but all it takes is a quick whirl in the food processor. Don’t have the machinery? Use a box grater to shred the veg.

2. Spaghetti Squash Lasagna

Jumble up lasagna and spaghetti with a healthier spin and you get this dish. Swap pasta for spaghetti squash and creamy meat sauce for simple browned sausage (plus a pepperoni topping), and add sautéed mushrooms for extra earthy flavor. We especially love the halfway-homemade aspects of this dinner: Roast the spaghetti squash yourself, but save time by using your favorite jarred sauce.

3. Slow-Cooked Pork Chile Verde

For those who crave a big meal at the end of the day but don’t have the time to spend an hour cooking, add this meal to your routine. Blend roasted tomatillos and hot peppers into a bright chile verde sauce and pour over a big hunk of pork. Plug in the slow cooker and come back to a tasty taco filling or salad-topper at the end of the day.

4. Dirty Cauliflower Rice

If you intended to serve this dish as a side, you may want to rethink that plan. A giant skillet of cauliflower rice with sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and kale is a filling and flavorful one-pan meal. We won’t tell if you dig in right out of the skillet.

5. Smoky and Sweet Broccoli Chicken Salad

Bored with chicken salad? That’s probably because it didn’t have broccoli and bacon in it. Mix leftover cooked chicken with almond slivers, halved red grapes, bite-size broccoli florets, and chopped bacon. Toss in your preferred creamy mayo-type spread—be it Paleo approved, the real deal, or seasoned Greek yogurt.

6. Plantain Pulled Pork Sliders

Transform green plantains into pancakes by frying and smashing slices of the fruit until firm and flat (doesn’t that sound like fun?). For the pulled-pork filling, be sure to make time to slow cook the meat, or use pre-made—whether it’s last night’s dinner or from the store.

7. Fish Tacos and Coleslaw

You need to make fish tacos on the reg. Mild tasting yet protein-packed white fish absorbs the flavor of hot spices (cayenne! paprika!) and is balanced out with a fresh cabbage slaw and cubed avocado. Finish your tacos with a dollop of seasoned mayo, salsa, and chopped cilantro. Note: See the recipe for specifics on Paleo tortillas and mayo.

Want More?
Paleo Salad Dressing: 9 Recipes That Make the Best Paleo Salads

Paleo Oatmeal: 12 Grain-Free Paleo Breakfasts That Are Just As Hearty
Paleo Desserts That Only Use 3 Ingredients

Justin and Erica are the creators of Real Simple Good, a Paleo food and living blog where they share simple, healthy recipes made with natural ingredients. For more delicious recipes, follow them on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.