30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (2024)

Here are 30 recipes from some of my favorite paleo food bloggers—delicious ideas for everything from soups and main dishes to sides and salads to keep you inspired in the kitchen. I’ve checked the ingredients lists to make sure they’re compliant with the Whole30 guidelines—just be sure if a recipe calls for butter that you use ghee or coconut oil and make sure your bacon and lunch meats don’t contain sugar or other added junk.

Hugs of thanks to the paleo bloggers who dug through their archives to serve up their Whole30-friendly recipes to share:
The Domestic Man
Nom Nom Paleo
Paleo Comfort Foods
The Paleo Parents
Rubies and Radishes
Sustainable Dish
Stupid Easy Paleo
Summer Innanen
Yes To Yummy

30 Whole30-Approved Recipes, In No Particular Order

1. Comfort Noodles

3. Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries

4. Muffaletta Salad

5. Kenyan Collard Greens & Ground BeefThe Domestic Man

6. Turkish Stuffed Eggplant The Domestic Man

7. German Red CabbageThe Domestic Man

8. Butternut Stew with Pork and SpinachSustainable Dish

9. Spiced Scrambled Beef with Sweet PotatoesSustainable Dish

10. Loaded Chicken Vegetable SoupSustainable Dish

11. Paleo Chicken Bacon Mushroom QuicheStupid Easy Paleo

12. Crock Pot Mocha-Rubbed Pot Roast Stupid Easy Paleo

13. Crock Pot Puerco PibilStupid Easy Paleo

14. Creamy Tomato SoupPaleo Comfort Foods

15. Crispy Chicken with Peppery Pesto Paleo Comfort Foods

16. Damn Fine ChickenNom Nom Paleo

17. Asian MeatballsNom Nom Paleo

18. Spaghetti Squash BologneseYes To Yummy (omit wine!)

19. Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon VinaigretteSummer Innanen

20. Turkey Blueberry Muffins Summer Innanen

21. Mini Egg PizzasThe Paleo Parents

22. Apple and Bacon Stuffed Pork ChopsThe Paleo Parents

23. Kalua PigNom Nom Paleo

24. Garbage Stir-Fry with Curried CabbageNom Nom Paleo

25. Kale & Sausage BakeSummer Innanen

26. Slow Cooker Pot-au-feuRubies and Radishes

27. Slow Cooker Chicken Broth Rubies and Radishes

28. Homemade Coconut MilkRubies and Radishes

29. Indian Pineapple Cauliflower RiceStupid Easy Paleo

30. Ćevapčići and Ajvar

Well Fed Cookbooks

Just in case you need more meal ideas, recipes, and kitchen inspiration, both of my cookbooks are packed with Whole30-approved recipes—as well as tons of helpful tips for minimizing your time in the kitchen while maximizing flavor. Between the two books, there are more than 250 recipes and only 3 of them are not approved for use during the Whole30.

Well Fed: Paleo Recipes For People Who Love To Eat: My cookbook of Whole30-approved recipes, including Hot Plates and tips for how to do a Weekly Cookup.

Well Fed 2: More Paleo Recipes For People Who Love To Eat: My second cookbook of Whole30-approved recipes, including 15 meatball recipes, 8 sauces to make with homemade mayo, and adaptations for the autoimmune protocol (AIP).

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Posted by Melissa Joulwan January 03, 2014

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Comments

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (32)Lydia says:

    Thanks, bb! I’m Whole30-ing it this month (which, for me, pretty much just means no wine on the weekends) and am considering doing a year-long Whole30 (with one day breaks between each). So recipe suggestions and reminders are SUPER appreciated!

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (33)Bree says:

    January 3, 2014 at 10:39 am

    I finally convinced my husband to do this one with me! We had your taj mahal chicken last night and it was fabulous! I got up this morning and put everything together for the slow cooker italian roast. This is not my first whole30, but Well Fed 2 is making this one so much easier!

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (34)Diannah Robertson says:

    January 3, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    Sigh. Had planning on getting a lot done this morning. Instead, I had to spend it copying recipes to my computer recipe program.

    Thanks for filling my morning with thoughts of wonderful food!! (And for doing the work of compiling these for us!!)

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (35)Susannah says:

    January 3, 2014 at 12:27 pm

    Mel, you have been on FIRE with all these great posts! Not that you ever have ordinary posts, but wow! Thanks so much!

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (36)Mer says:

    January 3, 2014 at 1:31 pm

    I went a bit nuts last week and made double batches of your sweet potato soup and gingered zucchini soup and my taste buds (and body!) are SO grateful. I froze the extra in ice cube trays and can eat portions of these tasty soups on-demand for the next couple of weeks!

    So, so happy you produced these cookbooks, Mel, and are so willing to share recipes, tips and tricks!

    Watch out, January Whole30! You’re going down!

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (37)Monika C says:

    January 3, 2014 at 1:42 pm

    Super helpful! Thanks, Melissa!

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (38)Brittany says:

    January 3, 2014 at 4:11 pm

    So, I’m pregnant and doing a Whole30, which is actually awesome for my (somewhat troublesome) stomach. I just wanted to say, thanks! I was jonesing hard for something creamy and comforting, so I made your Pad Thai recipe. It completely hit the spot. So much so that I actually ate it for dinner, breakfast, and then lunch. 😀 I have yet to make something out of either of your cookbooks that I didn’t love, but that Pad Thai is the bee’s knees.

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (39)Mel says:

    January 4, 2014 at 12:19 am

    I’m so glad you like this list of recipes — they’re great, right?!

    Sorry for the blanket response; I’m traveling and can’t answer each of you individually, but I read all the comments on my phone, and I’m so grateful for you taking the time to share your thoughts. Today, you were all at the beach with me in Mill Valley, CA 🙂

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (40)Jo says:

    January 4, 2014 at 4:05 am

    Hi Mel! I’ve just been given ‘Well Fed’ for Christmas, and wanted to say – LOVE it! Question for ya…. When you do your weekly cook up, do you freeze any of the meat? I have always gone by the rule (no idea where I got this rule from BTW)that you only have cooked meat in the fridge for 3 days…. Your thoughts? and how long is it OK to keep Saute/steamed veges in the fridge for? Muchos Gracias! Jo 🙂

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (42)De23 says:

    January 4, 2014 at 7:18 am

    I’m starting another W30 tomorrow (Sunday), but I’m also dragging my Aunt (who has RA) along with me by cooking AIP for her for 30 days. The AIP Guide in WF2 is helping me tremendously with this! One question: for the Spinach Muffins in WF, is there an AIP-friendly binder I can use in place of the eggs?

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (43)Kathleen says:

    January 6, 2014 at 8:42 pm

    I’m so excited cuz I just ordered Wellfed2 ! I appreciate all your work in developing these recipes.

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (44)Dana says:

    January 9, 2014 at 8:15 pm

    Just made (and DEVOURED) the beef liver with onions. OMG it was so good. I used beef tallow for all the fat and it was silky and wonderful.

    Spend the $$ for grass finished liver and you will never eat anything else again.

    Thanks for another awesome recipe Melissa!

    Reply

    • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (45)Mel says:

      January 11, 2014 at 11:21 am

      Right on! I love happy stories about liver. YAY!

      Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (46)Kathleen Gill says:

    January 20, 2014 at 5:46 pm

    Thank you Thank you!!! The Taj Mahal Chicken (over zuchinni noodles) FABULOUS!!!! The Pork Roast on page 132, made with Sunrise Spice- AMAZING!!!! I am not a great cook, but your books are making it easy!!! New to Paleo and Oh-So-Happy I bought your books!!! Can’t wait for Well Fed 3!!!

    Reply

    • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (47)Mel says:

      January 20, 2014 at 5:57 pm

      Oh! YAY! I’m so glad you like those recipes. And congratulations! You are now officially a successful cook. Thank you for buying our cookbooks!

      Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (48)Deb says:

    July 2, 2014 at 5:35 pm

    so id heard about paleo and been kinda playing around with it, then recently read about whole 30 so started searching the internet for ideas, recipes, comments etc. i have to say your site is making me hungry. maybe i can do this!

    Reply

    • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (49)Melissa Joulwan says:

      July 2, 2014 at 6:07 pm

      You can TOTALLY do it!

      Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (50)Mishabc says:

    July 9, 2014 at 2:57 pm

    Husband and I are on our 3rd day of our second attempt. Last attempt we just did plain meat and veggies. No exciting dishes at all (except one… Twice baked stuffed sweet potatoes… Amazing!). And I think that’s why we only lasted two weeks. This time around I’m determine to bring whole30 to life with attempting some/most of these recipes (among others on other sites). Is there a list of whole30 must haves anywhere? Like certain spices, sauces, condiments etc that are used a lot in whole30 dishes? I see coconut amines everywhere… Never heard of it. Just wish there was an easy list so I can purchase it all and be on my whole30 way

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (52)Deb says:

    July 10, 2014 at 7:43 am

    bought “it starts with food” and almost through it. start date set for july 13. (the day after i turn 58) will be visiting this site often!

    Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (53)Marcia says:

    January 3, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    THANK YOU SO MUCH! What a great round-up, I’m bookmarking this one! I completed my Well Fed set at Christmas, and I think I like Well Fed 2 even better than the first. Thanks for all the great recipes! Keep ’em coming!

    Reply

    • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (54)Melissa Joulwan says:

      January 4, 2015 at 3:10 pm

      Happy cooking!

      Reply

  • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (55)Adiya brook says:

    January 4, 2016 at 5:23 pm

    Where does one find whole30 compliant pepperoni?….? I see it used but can’t find it anywhere?

    Reply

    • 30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (56)Melissa Joulwan says:

      January 4, 2016 at 5:32 pm

      Applegate Farms Uncured Pork Pepperoni is Whole30 compliant. I get it at my regular grocery store. Good luck!

      Reply

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30 Whole30-Friendly Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I cheat on Whole30? ›

Since the Whole30 diet is more of a food challenge than a long-term change, there are some hurdles. The Whole30 diet has strict rules. The overall goal is to restrict your eating. So, if you “cheat” on a day of your challenge, they recommend you start again from day one.

What are the hardest days on Whole30? ›

According to The Whole30 Timeline, Days 10 and 11 are the hardest, because you've gotten past the headaches and tiredness, but you haven't started seeing the big benefits.

Can you eat corn tortillas on Whole30? ›

Grains: whole-grain bread, wraps, or tortillas; pasta or couscous; crackers; low-sugar whole-grain cereals; corn; popcorn; 100% corn tortillas; gluten-free oatmeal; oat or corn-flour (gluten-free) bread, wraps, or tortillas; any variation of rice; rice crackers or cakes; quinoa; or buckwheat.

Can you eat potatoes on Whole30? ›

Are Potatoes Whole30? Yes! As of January 2021, all varieties of potatoes are included in the Whole30 diet. Yet, the catch is that fries and chips are not included in the diet as they are not considered to be “real” or whole foods.

How much weight can you lose on Whole30 in a month? ›

As one of those Whole30 devotees you're probably pretty annoyed with by now, allow me to explain. Three years ago, I dropped 30 pounds (and kept it off) by doing the Whole30 and continuing to eat well in the months that followed. During the 30 days on the program, I lost 11 pounds.

Can I drink diet co*ke on Whole30? ›

Though diet sodas and sugary beverages are off-limits on the Whole30 diet, you can drink water, herbal teas, coffee, and any other liquids that don't contain any sugar or artificial sweeteners. Fruit juice, when 100% pure, is also acceptable on occasion.

How many pounds do you lose on Whole30? ›

My first round of Whole30, I dropped 11 pounds and 13 inches; my second round, I dropped 6 pounds and 5 inches; and my third round, I maintained a healthy weight and dropped 3 inches.

Why do your pants get tighter on Whole30? ›

Sure enough, I was up 2.6lbs “overnight.” It's water retention and the beginning of the infamous “my pants are tighter” phase of Whole30 as the body continues expelling all the junk and getting used to a new way of eating. Day 8ish is usually a bit of a digestive adventure, so we'll see where things go.

How much weight do you typically lose on Whole30? ›

Whole30 is a great way to reset your eating habits and jump start your weight loss journey. While results will vary from person to person, many people report losing 10-15 pounds in the first month.

What Mexican food is Whole30 compliant? ›

FOCUS ON MEATS & VEGGIES

Load up on grass fed beef, pasture raised chicken and eggs, and lean pork. Load up at your “taco” with organic tomatoes, onions, sweet peppers, jalapeno peppers, sweet potatoes, lettuces, fresh cilantro, and avocados.

What chips are Whole30 approved? ›

Barnana Organic Plantain Chips are one of the few chips allowed on Whole30 because they're made of three simple ingredients: plantains, coconut oil, and Himalayan sea salt. Just stick to the Pink Salt option, as the other flavors have some added sugars that aren't Whole30-compliant.

Is Dave's Killer Bread Whole30 approved? ›

Not all of these are Whole30, but the ones with a * next to it, are! Dave's Killer Bread — Although this bread is not gluten-free, it is a great clean bread that tastes fantastic!

Are pickles OK on Whole30? ›

Yes, both pickles and bananas are allowed on Whole30. Yet if they are a potential trigger food for you (for instance, the sweetness of bananas sets off a craving for other treats or makes you want to binge on the fruit), then you may consider including them on your “don't eat” list.

Can I have a cheat day on Whole30? ›

During the month-long elimination period, no cheating is allowed. It's recommended that you start the challenge over if you get off track. The founders claim that strict adherence to the diet allows your body to reset in isolation from certain foods that may cause inflammation, gut disruptions, or hormone imbalances.

Can one cheat day ruin your whole diet? ›

While your metabolism may go up in the immediate aftermath of a splurge, it doesn't stay that way for long enough to make a significant difference. “Cheat day calories can add up fast and bring your weight loss progress to a screeching halt — or even reverse it,” Taylor warns.

Will one cheat meal ruin my diet? ›

If you're healthy, your body knows how to regulate itself after a cheat meal. Aside from feeling bloated, less active, and a temporary increase in water weight (excess sodium in many processed foods means you'll hold on to more water) a cheat here or there won't do much harm.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of Whole30? ›

Popular diets (i.e., Atkins and Whole30) instruct dieters to prepare for a “withdrawal” syndrome marked by headaches, fatigue, irritability, and cravings that follows the timeline of drug withdrawal (i.e., emerges in the first days after dietary change and peaks on Days 2–5).

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