30+ Whole30 Dinner Recipes

Dinner is often the most anticipated meal of the day, and on the Whole30 program, it’s an opportunity to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that will nourish your body and support your health goals. This article provides over 30 Whole30-compliant dinner recipes, from quick and easy weeknight meals to impressive dishes that are perfect for entertaining.

The Whole30 Dinner Plate

A well-balanced Whole30 dinner plate should include a generous portion of protein, a variety of colorful vegetables, and a source of healthy fats. This combination will help you feel full and satisfied, while also providing your body with the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Key Principles for a Whole30 Dinner:

  • Protein is the Star: Build your meal around a quality protein source, such as chicken, beef, pork, or seafood.
  • Vary Your Veggies: Aim for a variety of colors and types of vegetables to maximize your nutrient intake.
  • Don’t Fear Fat: Healthy fats from sources like avocado, olive oil, and nuts will help you feel full and satisfied.
  • Keep it Simple: Don’t feel like you need to make a complicated meal every night. A simple protein and a side of roasted vegetables can be just as delicious and satisfying.

Now, let’s explore some delicious and easy Whole30 dinner recipes!

Chicken & Poultry Dinners

Chicken is a versatile and affordable protein that can be prepared in countless ways.

1. Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

A classic and comforting dinner that is perfect for a Sunday evening.

  • Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, 2 lbs of chopped root vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes), 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
  • Instructions: Toss the vegetables with olive oil and seasonings and spread them in a roasting pan. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 1-1.5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.

2. Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Asparagus

A quick and easy one-pan meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.

  • Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1 lb of asparagus, 1 lemon (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
  • Instructions: Toss the chicken and asparagus with olive oil and seasonings. Arrange on a sheet pan and top with lemon slices. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry

A quick and easy stir-fry that is packed with flavor.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast (sliced), 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1/4 cup of coconut aminos, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ginger (grated), 2 cloves of garlic (minced).
  • Instructions: Cook the chicken in a large skillet until browned. Add the broccoli and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until tender. Add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Turkey Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

A light and healthy alternative to traditional spaghetti and meatballs.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey, 1/4 cup of almond flour, 1 egg, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Serve with zucchini noodles and your favorite compliant marinara sauce.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl and mix well. Form into balls and cook in a skillet until browned. Serve over zucchini noodles with marinara sauce.

5. Buffalo Chicken Casserole

A spicy and flavorful casserole that is perfect for game day.

  • Ingredients: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken, 1/2 cup of compliant buffalo sauce, 1/2 cup of compliant ranch dressing, 1 cup of chopped celery.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Pour into a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly.

Beef & Pork Dinners

For those who prefer red meat, these beef and pork recipes are sure to satisfy.

6. Steak with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A simple and elegant dinner that is perfect for a special occasion.

  • Ingredients: 2 steaks, 1 lb of Brussels sprouts (halved), 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasonings and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the steaks to your desired doneness.

7. Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Topping

A hearty and comforting casserole that is perfect for a cold day.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 cup of chopped vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas), 1 cup of beef broth, 1 head of cauliflower (steamed and mashed).
  • Instructions: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the vegetables and beef broth and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour into a baking dish and top with the mashed cauliflower. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly.

8. Pulled Pork

A versatile and flavorful dish that can be used in a variety of ways.

  • Ingredients: 4 lb pork shoulder, 1 onion (sliced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 cup of compliant barbecue sauce.
  • Instructions: Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender. Shred the pork with two forks and mix with the sauce.

9. Pork Chops with Apples and Onions

A sweet and savory dish that is perfect for a fall evening.

  • Ingredients: 4 pork chops, 2 apples (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Brown the pork chops in a large skillet. Remove the pork chops and set aside. Add the apples and onions to the skillet and cook until softened. Add the pork chops back to the skillet and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until cooked through.

10. Meatloaf

A classic comfort food, made Whole30-compliant.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup of almond flour, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of compliant ketchup, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Form into a loaf and place in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until cooked through.

Seafood & Fish Dinners

Seafood is a great source of lean protein and healthy fats.

11. Salmon with Roasted Asparagus

A simple and elegant dinner that is perfect for a special occasion.

  • Ingredients: 2 salmon fillets, 1 lb of asparagus, 1 lemon (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Toss the asparagus with olive oil and seasonings and arrange on a sheet pan. Place the salmon on top of the asparagus and top with lemon slices. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

12. Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles

A light and healthy alternative to traditional shrimp scampi.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Serve with zucchini noodles.
  • Instructions: Cook the shrimp in a large skillet until pink. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the chicken broth and parsley and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve over zucchini noodles.

13. Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Enjoy the flavors of fish tacos without the non-compliant tortillas.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb white fish (e.g., cod, tilapia), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper. Serve with a cabbage slaw and your favorite compliant toppings.
  • Instructions: Season the fish with olive oil and spices. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through. Flake the fish with a fork and serve in lettuce cups with cabbage slaw.

14. Tuna Cakes

A quick and easy dinner that is perfect for a busy weeknight.

  • Ingredients: 2 (5-ounce) cans of tuna (drained), 1/4 cup of almond flour, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of chopped celery, 1/4 cup of chopped onion, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Form into patties and cook in a skillet until golden brown.

15. Clam Chowder

A creamy and flavorful soup that is a Whole30 take on the classic.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb bacon (chopped), 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of chopped potatoes, 2 (6.5-ounce) cans of clams, 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened. Add the chicken broth and potatoes and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir in the clams, coconut milk, and bacon and cook for another 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Vegetarian & Plant-Based Dinners

For those who are looking for meatless options, these vegetarian and plant-based recipes are sure to satisfy.

16. Roasted Vegetable Medley

A simple and delicious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables.

  • Ingredients: 2 lbs of chopped vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, zucchini), 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
  • Instructions: Toss the vegetables with olive oil and seasonings and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.

17. Stuffed Bell Peppers

A flavorful and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

  • Ingredients: 4 bell peppers, 1 cup of cooked cauliflower rice, 1 cup of chopped vegetables (e.g., mushrooms, onions), 1/2 cup of compliant marinara sauce.
  • Instructions: Cut the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Fill with the cauliflower rice and vegetable mixture. Top with marinara sauce and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.

18. Mushroom and Asparagus Risotto (with Cauliflower Rice)

A creamy and flavorful risotto that is made with cauliflower rice instead of arborio rice.

  • Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 8 oz mushrooms (sliced), 1 lb of asparagus (chopped), 4 cups of cauliflower rice, 4 cups of vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add the mushrooms and asparagus and cook until tender. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the vegetable broth, one cup at a time, stirring constantly, until the liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper.

19. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burgers (on a bed of lettuce)

A hearty and flavorful burger that is perfect for a meatless Monday.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup of mashed sweet potato, 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans (rinsed and drained), 1/4 cup of almond flour, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Form into patties and cook in a skillet until golden brown.

20. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

A hearty and comforting casserole that is perfect for a cold day.

  • Ingredients: 1 cup of cooked lentils, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 cup of chopped vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas), 1 cup of vegetable broth, 1 head of cauliflower (steamed and mashed).
  • Instructions: Sauté the onion and garlic in a large skillet until softened. Add the lentils, vegetables, and vegetable broth and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour into a baking dish and top with the mashed cauliflower. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly.

One-Pot & Sheet Pan Dinners

For those nights when you don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, these one-pot and sheet pan dinners are a lifesaver.

21. One-Pot Chicken and Rice (with Cauliflower Rice)

A classic comfort food, made Whole30-compliant with cauliflower rice.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 4 cups of chicken broth, 4 cups of cauliflower rice, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Brown the chicken in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cauliflower rice and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Season with salt and pepper.

22. Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers

A quick and easy meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb compliant sausage, 2 bell peppers (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Toss all ingredients on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

23. One-Pot Jambalaya

A spicy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a crowd.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb compliant sausage, 1 lb shrimp, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 4 cups of chicken broth, 4 cups of cauliflower rice, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Brown the sausage in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the remaining ingredients (except for the shrimp) and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the shrimp and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until pink.

24. Sheet Pan Fajitas

All the flavors of fajitas, without the non-compliant tortillas.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb chicken or steak (sliced), 2 bell peppers (sliced), 1 onion (sliced), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Toss all ingredients on a sheet pan and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Serve in lettuce cups with your favorite compliant toppings.

25. One-Pot Chili Mac (with Zucchini Noodles)

A hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, salt, and pepper. Serve with zucchini noodles.
  • Instructions: Brown the ground beef in a large pot. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook for at least 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded. Serve over zucchini noodles.

International Flavors

Explore the world of flavors with these internationally-inspired Whole30 dinner recipes.

26. Thai Green Curry

A fragrant and flavorful curry that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb chicken or shrimp, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tbsp green curry paste, 1 (13.5-ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk, 2 cups of chopped vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli), salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Cook the chicken or shrimp in coconut oil until cooked through. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the green curry paste and cook for another minute. Stir in the coconut milk and vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper.

27. Mexican Carnitas

A tender and flavorful pork dish that is perfect for tacos or salads.

  • Ingredients: 4 lb pork shoulder, 1 onion (quartered), 2 cloves of garlic (smashed), 1 orange (juiced), 1 lime (juiced), salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender. Shred the pork with two forks and broil in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until crispy.

28. Italian Wedding Soup

A hearty and flavorful soup that is perfect for a cold day.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken, 1/4 cup of almond flour, 1 egg, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For the soup: 4 cups of chicken broth, 2 cups of chopped spinach, 1 cup of chopped carrots.
  • Instructions: Combine all ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl and mix well. Form into balls and cook in a large pot until browned. Add the chicken broth and vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

29. Korean Beef Bowl

A sweet and savory dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1/4 cup of coconut aminos, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp ginger (grated), 2 cloves of garlic (minced). Serve with cauliflower rice and your favorite vegetables.
  • Instructions: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Add the remaining ingredients and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Serve over cauliflower rice with your favorite vegetables.

30. Indian Butter Chicken

A creamy and flavorful curry that is perfect for a special occasion.

  • Ingredients: 1 lb chicken thighs (cubed), 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 tbsp ginger (grated), 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 (13.5-ounce) can of full-fat coconut milk, 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  • Instructions: Cook the chicken in coconut oil until browned. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and cook until softened. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Sensational Sides

Complete your Whole30 dinner with these delicious and compliant side dishes.

  • Roasted Garlic and Herb Potatoes
  • Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
  • Cauliflower Rice
  • Zucchini Noodles
  • Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
  • Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
  • Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Conclusion

With these 30+ Whole30 dinner recipes, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal every night of the week. From quick and easy weeknight dinners to impressive dishes that are perfect for entertaining, there is something for everyone in this collection. Remember to plan ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy the journey to a healthier you!

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