14 Delicious Recipes That Are Whole30-Approved (2024)

• Recipes

updated May 1, 2019

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

You’ve probably been hearing a lot of buzz about Whole30 lately — especially from people who are going gluten-free or adopting a Paleo diet. While there are some overlaps between these three dietary strategies, Whole30 is geared to be a 30-day diet, while Paleo is a larger lifestyle change.

Whole30 involves giving up grains, legumes, dairy, sugar, and alcohol completely for 30 days. (You can see the guidelines and exceptions here.) If you’re ready to get started, try these recipes that fit the bill.

We love the combination of lemon and chicken, and the good news is that both things are Whole30-approved (and even encouraged!). When the thyme is added, this dish goes from weeknight meal to dinner party darling.

It can be hard to find a hearty soup recipe without legumes in it, but this kale and potato version is just the ticket. Of course, make sure you leave off the Parmesan at the end, as dairy isn’t allowed.

If you’re entertaining while doing Whole30, try serving these marinated mushrooms alongside your charcuterie. Just be sure to check the vinegar you have in your cabinet and make sure it doesn’t have any added sugar.

For any pescatarian trying to do the Whole30, this recipe is a must try. The pan-cooked tuna steaks (or swordfish, if you prefer) are hearty enough to hold up under this rich, olive- and caper-studded tomato sauce.

We’re definitely on a pressure-cooker kick, and this recipe is one of our favorites. The bone-in pork shoulder roast gets cooked with bacon, garlic, Hawaiian sea salt, and cabbage — that’s it! It’s a simple recipe, but one we can’t resist, given all the ways we can enjoy it days after we first make it.

Green salads seem pretty much like a no-brainer for Whole30. This one, with its simple vinegar and Dijon dressing, pairs perfectly with almost any protein.

Fruit juice is one of the few sweet things that are allowed during Whole30, so put those citrus fruits to work in recipes like this roasted beet soup. We love the flavorful mix of beet, fennel, and orange; it’s the perfect combination of earthy, licorice, and sweet. Just serve with a side salad instead of a dinner roll.

Pesto doesn’t have to be off-limits when you’re eating Paleo — just leave out the cheese and make it with good-for-you almonds instead. Then slather it on green beans (one of the few legumes allowed) and serve with a poached egg on top.

These veggie-packed spring rolls make the perfect afternoon snack. They are filled with peppers, cabbage, and pea shoots, but you can make your own version with your favorite veggies. The best part is that satisfying crunch.

You can’t go wrong with sausage and peppers in a rich tomato sauce — just skip the polenta or rice. And if you have the time, use homemade tomato sauce since you’ll be able to better control the ingredients. If you end up using jarred sauce, check the label for added sugar.

When it comes to Sunday meal prep, you can’t go wrong with making this flank steak recipe. Not only is it super simple (it only takes a few minutes on each side under the broiler), but it is also perfect to keep in the fridge and eat the rest of the week. Packing lunch or pulling together a weeknight meal has never been easier.

If you want a dish that doesn’t feel like you’re actually dieting, try this baked halibut dinner. The spicy chimichurri sauce adds a freshness, and the halibut is mild enough that even those who don’t normally like fish will be on board.

Salade niçoise is one of our favorite main-dish salads. The combination of tuna with greens, green beans, and hard-boiled egg makes for a satisfying meal.

We love a one-pan dinner, and that’s just what this savory, citrusy chicken dish is. Plus, it’s a great way to prepare those chard and kale stems instead of sending them straight to the compost bin.

Filed in: