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When you’re following a paleo diet, party and game day appetizers can get a little tricky when dairy and fried everything is off the menu. But before you say RIP to jalapeño poppers and seven-layer dip, there are ways to make classic appetizers paleo-friendly.
Here are our top paleo-approved recipes for just about every party food, so you can enjoy your faves while still sticking to your goals.
It’s hard to believe Buffalo chicken dip can taste the same without the mounds of cream cheese and ranch, but this is proof.
This recipe gets its creaminess from paleo-approved mayo instead. Just use the provided homemade mayo recipe or store-bought paleo mayos like Primal Kitchen or Sir Kensington’s. Instead of tortilla chips, use carrots and celery for dipping.
Here’s another cheesy classic that can get a paleo remix. This take on seven-layer dip is basically taco salad in dip form that skips the cheese and beans. But don’t worry, adding guac and chicken is a game changer for your taste buds.
Serve with plantain chips, veggies slices, or your favorite paleo-approved crackers.
For a little sweet-and-savory action, these bacon-wrapped dates are a must. Plus, there are only two ingredients, so it’s pretty much a crime not to make them.
Grab some toothpicks and turn on your oven. Boom, you’re halfway there to a delish paleo treat.
Wait, onion rings? Aren’t those fried in veggie oil? No worries, these baked onion rings will satisfy any fried food fan.
All you need are sweet onions, an egg, and almond flour, plus a handful of spices to achieve that smoky Cajun flavor. Bake ’em in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes on each side, then place under the broiler for 1 or 2 minutes for extra crunch.
This protein-filled appetizer is easy to make in a big batch, so you’ll have plenty of meatballs for hungry guests and can use leftovers for dinner (if anything’s left!).
The recipe also comes with a paleo-approved marinara sauce for a different take on cocktail meatballs.
It’s basically a rule that you need a dip or dressing for dunking veggies slices. This dairy-free, paleo- and Whole30-approved recipe is as close to the original as possible, thanks to creamy coconut milk, fresh dill, garlic, and onion powder.
These jalapeño poppers nix the cream cheese and add bacon and Buffalo chicken. You’ll still get that familiar heat from the jalapeños, plus an added kick from the Buffalo chicken filling.
Thanks to paleo-approved mayo for added creaminess, you won’t even miss the cheese filling.
Good news, guacamole is pretty much always paleo. Just add whole-food ingredients to your mashed avocados like mango, jalapeño, garlic, onion, and cilantro for the *perfect* combo to appease both sweet and spicy fans. Then dive in with veggies, plantain chips, or paleo-style tortilla chips.
Stock up on avocados cause you’ll want to make a big batch.
Chili cheese dip without the cheese — and the beans — *is* possible.
Blending soaked cashews, nondairy milk, and nutritional yeast will make the faux nacho cheese of your dreams. Then adding ground beef, salsa, and a DIY taco seasoning give you that classic chili flavor.
If guac and spinach dip had a baby, you’d get this recipe. Creamy avocado replaces sour cream and cream cheese and the addition of water chestnuts adds a nice crunch.
You’ll have to skip the bread bowl for this paleo version, but this dairy-free spinach dip is still a crowd pleaser. Serve it with sliced veggies alongside your paleo ranch or seven-layer dip.
Great for game day or any day, satisfy the masses with paleo hot wings. You’ll just ditch the fryer for the oven and opt for paleo-friendly hot sauce, ghee or coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, paprika, and garlic powder.
