7 Delicious Paleo Dinners for Four in a Week

In a world where the hustle and bustle of everyday life often leads to poor dietary choices, the Paleo diet has emerged as a beacon for those seeking to return to our ancestral eating habits. This week, we delve into the world of Paleo dinners designed to not only nourish your body but also satisfy your taste buds. Here's how you can impress your family with seven delicious Paleo dinners, tailored for a family of four, ensuring every meal is both healthy and hearty.

Monday: Spicy Garlic Shrimp with Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients:

• 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25 minutes.
3. In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add shrimp, lemon juice, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp is pink.
5. Serve the shrimp over the roasted Brussels sprouts.

🍽️ Note: For extra flavor, consider adding chopped parsley or a dash of chili flakes to your shrimp just before serving.

Tuesday: Braised Short Ribs with Carrots and Spinach

Ingredients:

• 4 beef short ribs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 6 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
• 4 cups fresh spinach

Steps:

1. Season the short ribs with salt and pepper.
2. In a heavy pot, heat ghee and brown the ribs on all sides, then remove.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in the same pot until translucent.
4. Add beef broth, then return the ribs, carrots, and cook for 2.5 hours on low heat.
5. Stir in spinach just before serving, letting it wilt.

Wednesday: Chicken Legs with Zesty Salsa Verde

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken legs
• 2 limes, juice and zest
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Combine lime juice, zest, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, and salt in a bowl.
2. Marinate chicken legs in this mixture for at least an hour.
3. Grill or bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Serve with a side of salsa verde.

🌱 Note: If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute the jalapeño with bell pepper or omit it altogether.

Thursday: Grilled Salmon with Herb Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, and basil)
• 2 cups mixed greens
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Marinate salmon with olive oil, lemon zest, juice, and half the herbs.
2. Grill or pan-sear the salmon until it flakes easily.
3. Toss mixed greens with the remaining herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve the salmon on a bed of herb salad.

Friday: Paleo Spaghetti

Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
• 1 pound ground beef
• 28 ounces canned tomatoes (diced or crushed)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Herbs like basil or oregano
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil, then add onion and garlic. Cook until soft.
2. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
3. Pour in the tomatoes, herbs, and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes.
4. Quickly cook the zoodles for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
5. Serve the sauce over zoodles.

Saturday: Roast Pork Loin with Apples and Onions

Ingredients:

• 2-pound pork loin
• 2 large apples, cored and sliced
• 2 onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season pork with rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a roasting pan, sear the pork on all sides, then remove.
4. Arrange apples and onions in the pan, return the pork on top.
5. Roast for about 1 hour, basting occasionally.

Sunday: Lemon Herb Chicken Drumsticks with Butternut Squash

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1/4 cup chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary)
• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Marinate drumsticks in lemon juice, zest, herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper for an hour.
2. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, add drumsticks, and roast for another 30-35 minutes.

🍗 Note: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to the chicken marinade for extra tanginess.

As we've explored through this week's menu, the Paleo diet can be incredibly varied and delicious, focusing on whole, unprocessed foods that are both satisfying and nourishing. From the spicy flavors of garlic shrimp to the comforting richness of braised short ribs, each meal brings its unique taste profile to the table. These recipes not only cater to the health-conscious but also celebrate the joy of cooking and sharing food with loved ones.

What makes a dinner recipe ‘Paleo’?

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Paleo dinners exclude grains, legumes, dairy, and processed sugars. They focus on meats, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, mimicking the dietary habits of our Paleolithic ancestors.

Can the Paleo diet be sustainable?

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Yes, the Paleo diet can be sustainable if you plan meals around diverse, whole foods and balance them with sustainable practices like local sourcing and minimizing food waste.

How can I save time when preparing Paleo meals?

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Meal prep in advance, use tools like slow cookers or pressure cookers, and batch cook meats, vegetables, or sauces to use throughout the week, saving you time on daily cooking.