Honestly, whether you’re on day one or day 20, there’s always room for more Whole30 recipes in your arsenal. After all, variety is key when you’re eating this clean. If you’re not already familiar with the jump-start-your-health eating plan, it’s similar to Paleo, with a focus on fresh veggies; lots of proteins; some fruit; and healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and seed-based oils. Yes, the no-no list is pretty long, but these recipes look (and taste!) so good, you won’t be focusing on what they don’t include… you’ll be too busy planning out when to make another batch instead.
1. Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash
Prime time to make this recipe? When you’re craving buffalo wings or pasta—or both. Spaghetti squash strands are a nice alternative to zoodles (and pasta), and are ridiculously easy to cook, making it a win-win. FYI, this recipe is made like a twice-baked potato, so it takes some time in the oven but is 100 percent worth the wait.
2. Healthy Shrimp and Grits
One of the hardest parts about Whole30 is feeling like you’re giving up all of your favorite foods. Luckily, there are recipes like these out there for when specific cravings hit and you need something that tastes familiar. After all, it doesn’t get much more “comfort food” than shrimp and grits (at least if you’re from the South).
3. Coconut Curry Chicken Meatballs
Meatballs are a savior on Whole30, and these coconut curry ones definitely deserve to be added to your rotation. Coconut milk and almond butter make them creamy and compliant, while lime juice and chili flakes amp up the flavor.
4. Short Rib Pot Roast
One-pan meals are the best, especially when you’re making something that takes a while to fully cook, like pot roast. This hearty dish works if you need to feed a family or are just looking for leftovers (it serves six!), and has tons of veggies to balance out the meat and potatoes.
5. Pizza Potato Skins
Pizza potato skins? Oh yes we did. Obviously, you can’t have cheese on Whole30, but you can satisfy the craving with these pizza-topping-loaded spuds. With beef sausage, pepperoni, tomato sauce, olives, and mushrooms piled on, they make a great game-day lunch.
6. Plantain Carnitas Nachos
Missing chips? It’s time for some plantain nachos. Start by making a batch of pork carnitas for the week and some avocado-lime sauce while you’re at it (trust us, you’ll want extras of both). Then, when you’re in the mood for nachos, pan-fry plantain slices in coconut oil and layer with meat, veggies, and the avo sauce.
7. Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Like shrimp and grits, this casserole might remind you of something mom used to cook but with some nutritional upgrades to make it work for Whole30. It uses cauliflower rice as a base, and a nutritional yeast, coconut milk, and chicken broth sauce to mimic the creaminess you know and love.
