35 Whole30 Dinners That Won’t Make Beginners Cry Into the Skillet

Whole30 can make meal prep feel a bit over the top. I know how instinctive it feels to reach for every sauce on the shelf in the middle of a Whole30. The biggest lesson I have learned is to keep it simple. Have a few proteins, some quick cooking veggies, and a short list of flavor builders (lemon + garlic, taco, herb and sweet potato).

This starter pack will help keep it simple, using ingredients that will feel cohesive, will use minimal tools to prep, and will create meals that feel like they are actually worth the effort to make. If it’s your first Whole30, start with five selections. Repeating is option is encouraged!

1) Sheet Pan Chicken

When dinner needs to prepare itself as I ‘clean the kitchen’ (standing around eating some obedient olives), I depend on this. Toss chicken with garlic, lemon zest, olive oil. Let everything get those crisp, toasty corners. With the lemon, it feels like cheating, but in the best way. It creates a ‘sauce’ from the juice of the pan. Feel free to add them in at the same time as the chicken if the broccoli burns before the chicken is done. No one is judging.

2) One Pan Taco Skillet

I have very little romantic energy and I have 20 min to make dinner, so this is my weeknight dinner. I have to start with the ground turkey and the onion, and after that I have to add some cumin, chili powder, salt and garlic then throw in some tomatoes and riced cauliflower and stir it all together.

It probably won’t smell as good as our taco night dinners, but it’s something, at least the tortillas are included, that makes me feel a little better. If you have an avocado ripe enough, you can slice and add some on top.

3) Baked Salmon Dinner

Salmon provides the impression of having everything in order. Bake salmon with lemon slices, dill, olive oil, salt, and slide the asparagus onto the same tray for an easy side. The most important thing to focus on is to not overcook it. Take it off the heat when the fish flakes very easily, and still looks juicy. I’ve brought this for skeptical customers who ‘hate fish’ and seen them eat it without saying a word.

4) Bunless Burger Bowls

This is an easy recipe that will satisfy your craving for diner food. All you have to do is season the beef burger patties with just beef, salt, and pepper. Then layer them in a bowl with some lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion. To get that special sauce kind of vibe, mix compliant mayo with mustard and add a little pickle juice and some paprika. The perfect blend of crunch and mess to brighten your Tuesday.

5) Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken

When trying to be more responsible with my time and concentrating on the task that I attempt to do at 8 AM, I start to make some things for the week, but then you quickly forget about them until the smell wafts through the house! Place some chicken breast or chicken thighs in the slow cooker with some ‘$0’ sugar salsa, some cumin, and some salt, and cook until it can be shredded.

The chicken is extremely juicy and has an amazing citrusy flavor. The chicken can be placed on top of some salad greens, roasted sweet potato, or cauliflower rice. If this is your first time doing Whole30, watch out for the salsa, as there could be some sneaky sugar in there, so check the Whole30 approved labels!

6) Shrimp Zucchini Noodles

The spiralized zucchini can be sometimes too soggy or to crunchy. The trick is, rapid heating. Quickly sauté your shrimp in some olive oil with some garlic and then add in the zoodles to heat them up. It goes from being a sad diet bowl to an actual dinner with some red pepper flakes, parsley, and lemon zest. If your zoodles release some water it’s okay, just dab it up with a paper towel and don’t worry about it.

7) Egg Roll Bowl

When I want something light and comforting, this is often what I turn to. It also helps use up half a head of cabbage hanging out in the crisper drawer. I start with browning the ground pork (or turkey) and then add the chopped cabbage and carrots and cook until everything is soft. I usually leave the carrots a little crunchy, and then for the takeout flavor, I add coconut aminos, ginger, and garlic. Thankfully it reheats well!

8) Greek Style Chicken

For my warm weather reset dinner, the chicken is seasoned and cooked to a beautiful brown. I prepare a rest sauce with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes mixed in olive oil and lemon juice with a dash of salt. During the sauce prep, I sprinkle the chicken with oregano, garlic and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. As for the feta cheese, you will likely miss it for the first 30 seconds, but you will stop caring after that.

9) Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Yes, we’re having apples for dinner. Believe me on this choice. The roasted apples and onions soften. When combined with the pork tenderloin, it may taste like the dish was prepared at a five-star restaurant. To achieve a warm brown color, tenderloin should first be seared, and then it should be roasted until it is barely done. This looks ‘corporate’ even if your only other ‘corporate’ colleague is you sitting at home in sweat pants. If you dislike apples, you can use pears instead and pretend that was your plan the whole time.

10) Chicken Stir Fry

In the beginning, I thought every stir fry needs a sort of ‘sauce hierarchy’ technique, but it turns out it really fine, it really just the order of steps and the ability to control the time and temperature. To begin with, get your chicken strips.

Once they are done, just chicken, then add the broccoli and the peppers and just keep stirring them so that they do not become sad and steamed. The garlic and the ginger together with the coconut aminos are sweet and savory. Cashews really help in transforming the whole meal from a fridge clean-out meal to an actual real dinner and they add the crunch that is very much needed.

11) Turkey Meatballs

I appreciate recipes that can be adapted, and meatballs provide a great example. Mix ground turkey with egg, minced onion, garlic, and salt, and bake or pan-sear until cooked through. Sauté and add to the noodles made from zucchini or the spaghetti squash. When I made these for the first time, I learned a new lesson when I forgot to add the salt. I have discovered how important it is to season your meat.

12) Steak Salad

Here’s my workaround when a meal craving strikes but I want a salad. Steak can either be done in a pan by searing it or go the grill way. Once totally cooked, you must let it rest (as hard as that may be, it’s very important).

After it’s done resting, cut it up against the grain so that the pieces are more tender. For a potent chimichurri sauce, mix olive oil and red wine vinegar, with garlic, freshly ground pepper and salt, plus chopped parsley and cilantro. Drizzle it over the greens and even salad haters will start to love greens.

13) Chicken Sweet Potato Hash

Whole30 considers breakfast-for-dinner even more of a loophole. Once you have sweet potatoes that are sautéed so they are both tender and browned, mix in some leftover chicken and onions. Top with fried eggs and let a yolk act as the sauce (it’s a bit of magic).

Timing for the sweet potatoes to reach perfection isn’t something you have to worry about. Simply be patient while you chop them into smaller pieces. Remember that larger sections will need more time to finish, and may test your determination.

14) Coconut Curry Chicken

If I am being honest, I wish this took longer than it actually did. First, prepare the chicken by cooking it in a mixture of coconut milk, curry powder, garlic (diced), and ginger (diced). Secondly, add chopped carrots, and then add the greens last so they remain lively.

To comply with Whole30, serve it over cauliflower rice as it will soak up all that sauce. Also, keep in mind that some curry powders are spicier than others. If you don’t like sweating while you eat, start with a small amount.

15) Baked Chicken Tenders

I absolutely want to make chicken tenders now. I will give it a shot. First, crack an egg into a bowl, then add some seasoned almond flour. Then, take the chicken tenders that you want to make, and dip them in this mixture. After that, you will want to bake the tenders, and when they reach a golden brown color, and are crunchy all the way through, they are done cooking.

An example of a dip for these tenders could be one that combines mayo with lemon and garlic. Most people think these tenders are good enough even if they don’t taste like a deep fry, and plus it is a lot easier with the clean up.

16) Beef and Broccoli

Aside from the takeout container, this is how near rule-breaking I could get. If you’re in a rush, combine coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil (if you’re strict, check your program rules) and stir-fry the beef slices. To add brightness, incorporate the broccoli last. I’ve previously charred the beef, and it’s helpful to think about the time, so make sure to slice it thin.

17) Balsamic Pork Chops

I recall having a pork chop dish that developed a reputation for being dry. My kitchen is one of many that have built this reputation for dry pork chops. To make sure they are juicy, sear them at a higher temperature, then lower the temperature for the rest of the cooking. Also, cook the mushrooms in the same pan and then add a little balsamic vinegar to prepare a fast and simple sauce. Its taste is sophisticated and slightly bitter; reminiscent of a dinner that shouldn’t be lit by candles.

18) Salmon Dinner Salad

I wanted my dinner to feel a bit more organized this time around, which is why I’ve got matching containers and a label maker. Baby potatoes can be added if you want a meal that’s a bit heartier. Otherwise, you can have some greens with cooked salmon, green beans, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. For the dressing, mix olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. It looks like it may be complicated, but it’s really just good components coming together.

19) Roasted Chicken Sausage

This dinner will be incredibly easy, as long as you find compliant ones (you’ll need to check the labels, as most sausages have sugar and other additives). Just brown and caramelize the cut sausage with the peppers and onions. You can serve this as is, over cauliflower rice, or in lettuce cup wraps. This is the meal I make when my motivation is hiding under the couch somewhere.

20) Shrimp Fried Rice

Real fried rice? A beautiful dish can be made out of shrimp or egg stir fry, which can be complemented by rice made from cauliflower (just try not to drown the cauliflower with all the sauces!). Start by prepping the shrimp, then scramble your eggs. Finally, for the cauliflower rice stir-fry, you’ll need to use some garlic as well as a few carrots and some scallions. For a sweet and salty finish, use some coconut aminos. The only way this dish won’t be a good way to improve your long day is by going too far with the spices and making it taste bland and mushy from all the cauliflower.

21) Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Although it might seem a bit gimmicky, going for lettuce wraps is a great choice if you want something a bit fresher. Cook minced chicken with garlic, ginger, and coconut aminos. You can roll them in the leaves of the lettuce. You can add shredded carrots, sliced cukes, and some herbs for extra crunch. And since this isn’t a clean-freaks event, please be sure to eat these over a plate.

22) Just Roast Beef

Although roasting a beef might seem a bit daunting at first, it just takes a bit of practice with the meat thermometer. To your liking, roast some carrots and onions with it, and sprinkle with some salt, pepper, and garlic. Once it’s done, let it rest to prevent the tragedy of a board covered in juices. Think of the lunches you’ll be gift to yourself which will be as easy as salads and hashes (which are quick to prepare).

23) Turkey Chili

If the flavor develops early enough, your chili can be heartless, i.e. without the beans. Prepare your ground turkey and onions along with the other seasonings. Then let it simmer until it thickens with the tomatoes, peppers, and broth. The addition of diced avocado and cilantro will also refresh you. Diced sweet potatoes, unlike beans, can provide the lacking protein without compromising the vibe.

24) Pan-Seared Cod

Cod has a mild taste, so if you are apprehensive about seafood, it may be a good choice for a “learning fish”. Pat it dry, toss it in a hot, oiled pan and let it sear until it releases. For a simple side that won’t outshine the cod, sauté some green beans with garlic. Until now, I have only had sticks with cod in them, so I am looking forward to this. With a well-heated skillet or a good non-stick pan, a lot of heartbreak can be avoided.

25) Spaghetti Squash

I do not enjoy pretending that spaghetti squash is the same thing as pasta because that is not the case. I do, however, think it is still good. After you roast the squash until it becomes shready, you mix it with a basic meat sauce consisting of ground beef or turkey (use no sugar added marinara).

If you want to be more virtuous, you can add mushrooms or spinach. It may have a different texture, but for the most part it can fill the void of a bowl of red sauce.

26) Chicken Thighs

Chicken thighs during the Whole30 program are like a reliable friend. They are simple to prepare and their price point is more affordable than other meat options. If using skin-on chicken thighs, start by searing them to achieve that desired crispy skin.

Once the skin is crispy, pour in a jar of diced tomatoes, a few minced cloves of garlic, and some sliced olives to create a sauce and pull everything together. This dish may give you nostalgic vibes of holiday meals, even when the setting was placed next to a stack of mail. This pairs nicely with roasted cauliflower or some simple steamed greens.

27) Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potatoes

The ultimate convenience is having an entire meal in one vessel, like a stuffed sweet potato. Bake the sweet potatoes until the flesh is soft enough to scoop into. Once that step is complete, scoop out some flesh and mix it with shredded chicken and hot sauce (along with compliant ghee or other fat of choice).

For a finishing touch that screams buffalo, add some diced crispy celery on top. If you like ranch, compliant ranch will make this feel like the sports-bar food you can feel good about.

28) Garlic Lamb Chops

I can see why some people think lamb is polarizing. It has a very distinct profile. Lamb chops are also very easy to prepare, and if you enjoy lamb, you can make it look like you put a ton of effort into it. They need to be cooked quickly so that they remain tender. For your seasoning, lamb goes well with rosemary and garlic, plus salt and pepper. To ensure that lamb stays the star of the dish, serve it with simply roasted zucchini.

29) Chicken Vegetable Soup

The simplicity and quick preparation of soups makes them a great option when I need to destress, plus they are gentle on the stomach. Simply add chicken to the pot along with your choice of veggies: carrots, celery, onions, garlic, and perhaps some herbs if you want to get fancy and let it simmer on low.

Once the chicken is cooked, shred it, add some seasoning and you are done! I get it, there are some who are doing Whole30 that may react differently to more substantial meals and prefer something lighter in the evenings.

30) Creamy Tuscan Chicken

The name may seem like an exaggeration but the flavor is soft and cozy. After you finish searing the chicken, let it finish cooking in the coconut milk with the garlic, sun dried tomatoes (included ingredients) and spinach until a sauce cooks down that is rich and savory. If you have roasted potatoes, you can even serve it over cauliflower mash too.

31) Grilled Chicken

Making mango salsa is actually very simple as it is mostly cutting things up (and trying your best not to eat all the mango before mixing it in). The chicken can be seasoned and cooked as per usual (salt, pepper, maybe a sprinkle of cumin) and then you just add some salsa on top. Most of the work is done by lime and cilantro. If you can’t find a ripe mango, you can easily replace it with pineapple.

32) Garlic Herb Chicken

If you think mashed cauliflower is a chore or even painful, it really doesn’t have to be, and it can be really enjoyable! Just blend the cooked cauliflower with a little garlic, ghee (or olive oil), then season with some salt and pepper, and serve it with herbs and pan-seared chicken. The last time I did it, I felt like a loser because I under-seasoned the mash. Salt is your friend here.

33) Chicken Fajita Skillet

Slice and stir is all there is to this recipe. It looks complicated, but really is quite simple. Cook chicken strips with fajita spices, then sauté peppers and onion until they are soft and slightly charred. The dip can also be served with cubed avocado and salsa (or use lettuce cups for dipping). It’s not considered anything unethical if you buy pre-sliced peppers.

34) Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Budget friendly and extremely easy to prepare. They feel quite picnic-like. After adding some heaped mounds of seasoning like paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper, you then place them in the oven until the skin is nicely golden and crispy, and the meat is cooked all the way through. For a quick and easy slaw, just mix some shredded cabbage with mayonnaise, vinegar and a bit of salt. If you have kids (or fussy grown ups) this one tends to disappear very quickly.

35) Steak and Sweet Potatoes

There are many pros to cooking while camping. One example would consist of sweet potatoes. You could make it by combining it with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Next would be defrosting some steak and seasoning it with salt and pepper before cooking it to whatever level of doneness you prefer.

To make a dip that will make the wedges completely disappear, you would combine mayonnaise, some grated garlic, and a little lemon juice. I like to do this on a Friday when I lack the willpower to resist and want something that feels like a bit of a treat.