The Paleo Recipes You Can't Live Without

Lizzie Fuhr
Lizzie Fuhr

No longer reserved for CrossFitters, the Paleo diet has quickly gained momentum, becoming all the rage in 2014. Whether it's to gain muscle or to lose inches, focusing on protein while ditching dairy and gluten seems to work for many people out there. We posted tons of Paleo recipes this year, but these are by far our favorites.

Coconut Chia Pudding
Lizzie Fuhr

Coconut Chia Pudding

For the first meal of the day, mix the ingredients together the night before, pop your jar in the fridge, and look forward to coconut chia pudding the next day. High in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, this sweet, chia-filled treat is a make-ahead recipe that will save you time, fill you up on fiber, and help you debloat.

Baked Egg in Avocado
Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Egg in Avocado

Eggs are another filling Paleo breakfast. And for a one-two punch of omega-3s in your breakfast, try baked eggs in avocado. This low-sugar, high-protein, and fiber-filled breakfast will kick off your day on a healthy high note.

Morning Protein Smoothie
Leta Shy

Morning Protein Smoothie

When you're in a rush, this high-protein, low-calorie smoothie from pro surfer Erica Hosseini is a quick recipe that provides a healthy start to the day. Just make sure to find a raw protein powder that's Paleo-friendly!

Can't get enough? Here are more Paleo breakfast ideas.

Stuffed Peppers
Lizzie Fuhr

Stuffed Peppers

Now on to lunch and dinner! With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a fresh, clean meal with more than 30 grams of protein. You'll be glad to know these satisfying Paleo stuffed peppers are under 300 calories per serving, making them a perfect lunch or a light supper after an evening workout.

Carrot and Cabbage Detox Salad
Lizzie Fuhr

Carrot and Cabbage Detox Salad

This colorful detox rainbow salad will add some brightness and flavor to your day. The water content in romaine works to hydrate your body, while the high-fiber content in the red cabbage and carrots aids in healthy digestion. All these veggies are in season throughout Fall and Winter, so you can make this recipe a staple in your clean diet!

Cauliflower "Rice" Stir-Fry
Lizzie Fuhr

Cauliflower "Rice" Stir-Fry

This grain-free cauliflower "rice" stir-fry has zero cholesterol, is low in sodium, and offers your entire daily recommended intake of vitamin A and vitamin C in just one meal. This nutrient-dense recipe is filling, delicious, and full of fresh, bright flavors.

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup
Lizzie Fuhr

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Soup

Thick and creamy butternut squash soup with curry and coconut milk is warming and subtly sweet. Light coconut milk contains 68 percent less fat than the regular stuff, significantly cutting the calories of this tasty Fall soup! Just be sure to skip the yogurt garnish.

Crockpot Mexican Chicken
Lizzie Fuhr

Crockpot Mexican Chicken

For a healthy, protein-rich meal that doesn't rely on dairy for flavor, try this delicious Mexican-style chicken recipe full of fresh ingredients. This preparation results in an absolutely delicious, fall-off-the-bone piece of meat. Instead of the black beans, serve over a bed of fresh greens or spaghetti squash for a complete Paleo meal.

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai
Lizzie Fuhr

Spaghetti Squash Pad Thai

The versatile spaghetti squash shines in Paleo-friendly pad thai. This lower-carb riff on the classic rice noodle dish has over 300 percent of your recommended vitamin C and vitamin A for the day, more than 50 percent of your calcium, and over 30 percent of your iron.

Carrot Fettuccine
Jenny Sugar

Carrot Fettuccine

Satisfy your pasta cravings with carrot fettuccine. The "pasta" ribbons are made using a simple vegetable peeler and sauteed with mushrooms, red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a Paleo-approved bowl of comfort.

If you're itching for more ideas, check out these Paleo lunch and dinner recipes.

Bacon and Brussels Sprout Skewers
Lizzie Fuhr

Bacon and Brussels Sprout Skewers

Paleo-eaters need some amazing snacks, too. For a naturally gluten-free noshable or appetizer, these bacon and brussels sprout skewers are just 150 calories per serving.

Almond Butter Apricot Bites
Jenny Sugar

Almond Butter Apricot Bites

Or for a sweeter snack, this Paleo treat is also vegan and is perfect for snacking on before a workout.

Baked Sweet Potato Crisps
Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Sweet Potato Crisps

Satisfy your crunchy Paleo cravings with these baked sweet potato chips. Take yours for a dip in spicy guacamole full of minced chili and crispy bacon.

Homemade Strawberry Fruit Leather
Jenny Sugar

Homemade Strawberry Fruit Leather

For a chewy snack, with an oven and a lazy afternoon, it's easy to whip up a batch of striped apple fruit leather, made with just applesauce.

For more ideas, keep hunger at bay with these satisfying Paleo snack recipes.

Pecan Pie Bars
Lizzie Fuhr

Pecan Pie Bars

And let's not forget dessert! With all-natural ingredients and no added sugar, this reinvented Paleo pecan pie recipe is a tasty treat all year round. This dessert's gooey filling, moist texture, and crumbly crust will satisfy anyone's sweet tooth.

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lizzie Fuhr

Chocolate Chip Cookies

It's hard to believe, but these chocolate chip cookies are Paleo and vegan! It's tough for these two dietary needs to meet in the middle for a decadent dessert, but these rich-tasting cookies make it happen.

Banana Nut Butter Ice Cream
Jenny Sugar

Banana Nut Butter Ice Cream

Made with only two ingredients — frozen bananas and peanut butter — this two-ingredient ice cream won't make you miss the real thing one bit. Make it Paleo-friendly by swapping out the peanut butter for your favorite nut butter like almond or sunflower seed.

If your sweet tooth hasn't been satiated, here are more scrumptious Paleo dessert recipes to try.