No One Will Know That These Side Dishes Are Whole30 Approved
:upscale()/2017/07/07/875/n/1922729/f576b275595fe872903824.81423312_edit_img_cover_file_43717203_1499454515.jpg)
If you're following the superstrict Whole30 plan, you might think that hosting a party is out of the question. Surely none of your friends want to be subjected to a life without dairy, gluten, or . . . fun. And quite honestly, you don't want to be surrounded by temptation in your own house. Not so fast! There are plenty of delicious appetizers and small side dishes that are Whole30 compliant and still tasty and beautiful — you'll be proud to serve them at your next get-together.
:upscale()/2013/12/25/014/n/1922729/0951591180fce8af_Lunch-Dinner-Czech-Spiced-Meatballs.jpg)
Czech-Spiced Meatballs
A creative blend of traditional Czech spices and fresh herbs gives these nutritious, protein-packed pork meatballs their delicious flavor, while just one egg and a little mustard act as the binder that holds them together.
:upscale()/2016/04/13/856/n/1922729/4d775c903f3d43b5_a193298ffa718070_cucumber-cups.xxxlarge.jpg)
Cucumber Cups With Tapenade
Missing crackers on the Whole30? Try these cucumber cups with tapenade. The one-bite snack has a satisfying crunch but also has the hydrating benefits of cucumber.
:upscale()/2016/04/13/856/n/1922729/8b3354d4678bafe8_11f074ca2d0a923c_kabocha-squash-photo.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Kabocha Squash Fries
Believe us when we say these kabocha squash fries are addicting. As in, you better make two batches or your guests are going to be very mad at you. To make sure it's Whole30 approved, be sure to skip out on the Greek yogurt dipping sauce.
:upscale()/2014/11/21/033/n/1922729/c6d3459dbc1accbe_25ae341df1625d86_brussels-skewers.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Skewers
Elegant enough for a special event and simple enough for a weekday get-together, these bacon and brussels sprouts skewers keep portion control in check — each is just over 150 calories and offers more than 10 grams of protein.
:upscale()/2013/12/25/014/n/1922729/4afc8c38d639bb73_Snack-Seaweed-Chips.jpg)
Seaweed Chips
Craving the crunch of potato chips but on a Whole30 diet? Welcome these seaweed chips to your roster or appetizers. They're cholesterol-free and high in vitamin A, and seven of these spicy seaweed chips are only 42 calories.
:upscale()/2014/05/28/808/n/1922729/5d0dbece02a0c33c_stuffed-peppers.jpg)
Stuffed Peppers
With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy a fresh, clean side dish with more than 30 grams of protein. You'll be glad to know these satisfying Whole30 stuffed peppers are under 300 calories per serving, making it a perfect supper if you decide on increasing the serving size.
:upscale()/2013/10/22/676/n/1922729/ff3947ba9c37b138_sweet-potato-salad.jpg)
Spicy Sweet Potato Salad
This spicy sweet potato salad can serve as a special side dish. High-fiber sweet potatoes can regulate blood sugar and help you lose weight, while a spicy, antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together.
:upscale()/2013/12/25/014/n/1922729/c32e529fe751ca8f_Snack-Kabocha-Squash-Hummus.jpg)
Kabocha Squash Hummus
For an alternative to traditional hummus (which, unfortunately, isn't allowed on a Whole30 plan), look to kabocha squash hummus for inspiration. It's high in vitamin A from the squash and brings healthy fats from the tahini and olive oil to your table.
:upscale()/2015/06/08/499/n/1922729/4ba34d2975ef915f_27ec2808c03172b6_carrot-chips.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Carrot Chips
Aside from a healthy dose of vitamins A and C and fiber, carrots contain antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of cancer and also improve your immune system. The entire batch of these carrot chips contains just 79 calories and offers four grams of filling fiber.
:upscale()/2017/06/14/888/n/1922729/857284da59419a2bd5cfd8.70070599_wms.jpg)
Watermelon Mango Salsa
The trick to not growing bored with your Whole30 diet? Learn how to chop up quick, fresh salsas like this watermelon mango variety to spoon over chicken and fish or serve alongside veggie as a dip.
:upscale()/2013/10/22/676/n/1922729/55cf611c81be917f_pumpkin-coconut-bisuqe.jpg)
Pumpkin Bisque
Even if you've decided to cut back on dairy for your Whole30 plan, it's possible to warm up with a creamy bowl of hot soup that doesn't lay on the cream or calories too heavily. This light pumpkin-coconut bisque is a perfect starter to any meal.
:upscale()/2013/10/22/676/n/1922729/99faab22409b2420_detox-salad.jpg)
Carrot and Cabbage Salad
This colorful rainbow salad will add some brightness and flavor to any dinner. 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 readily available, so you can make this recipe a staple in your clean diet all year.
:upscale()/2017/06/14/905/n/1922729/241b58c9e5ba1db4_moroccan-sweet-potato-salad-image-683x1024.jpg)
Moroccan Sweet Potato Salad
This Moroccan sweet potato salad will taste like candy come day 15 on the Whole30 plan. Go light on the dates (dice up only two or three) if you really want to stay compliant with the diet.
:upscale()/2015/06/24/119/n/1922729/4b0edfb6b22032b9_mango-salsa.jpg)
Mango Red Pepper Salsa
This mango red pepper salsa would fare well with steak and pork chops.
:upscale()/2013/12/25/014/n/1922729/eaff06b1aede5e44_Snack-Brussels-Sprouts-Chips.jpg)
Brussels Sprouts Chips
Looking for a high-fiber and low-calorie salty snack? It's time to whip up a batch of crispy brussels sprouts chips made from the roasted veggie's leaves.
:upscale()/2017/06/14/879/n/1922729/ddde681c486aa1a7_b244061ed764af44_Shrimp-With-Gremolata.jpg)
Grilled Shrimp With Gremolata
To remain Whole30 compliant, opt for melted ghee as the neutral oil listed in the grilled shrimp with gremolata recipe.
:upscale()/2017/04/13/879/n/1922729/b51879e60495d082_a4f75663972da6fe_artichokemushroom.jpg)
Warm Artichoke and Mushroom Salad
For your next dinner party, make a big bowl of bright flavors. Our artichoke and mushroom salad offers loads of health benefits, including fiber and B vitamins. The recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights, too.
:upscale()/2014/04/09/610/n/1922729/cfbb6783d0b07517_paleo-pasta-2.jpg)
Carrot Fettuccine
Satisfy your pasta cravings with carrot fettuccine. The "pasta" ribbons are made using a simple vegetable peeler and are sautéed with mushrooms, red peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for a Whole30-approved bowl of comfort.
:upscale()/2017/06/14/874/n/1922729/7fd39c575941956f8e5962.12044341_e5ec76578b077a58_Roasted-Tomatoes.jpg)
Roasted Tomatoes With Herbs
Top grilled chicken with these juicy roasted tomatoes coated in garlic and fresh herbs.
:upscale()/2015/03/27/807/n/1922729/6740d35ed3e40dd3_d63d6e371e0e26f4_asaparagus-and-smoked-salmon.xxxlarge_1_.jpg)
Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Bundles
Asparagus and salmon combine their superfood powers to create one delicious and nutritious appetizer that offers more than 10 grams of protein per serving. An added bonus: these quick and easy bundles are a breeze to make in advance.
:upscale()/2016/04/13/856/n/1922729/ae1909281a9f1bc0_0dca0fc1a565f731_guac-main.xxxlarge_2x.jpg)
Guacamole
Thank goodness — guacamole is a definite yes on the Whole30 plan. Just be sure to skip the chips and serve alongside fresh veggies instead.
:upscale()/2013/12/25/014/n/1922729/352c26c36ecdd6ee_Snack-Babaganoush.jpg)
Babaganoush
This lightened-up version of the traditional eggplant dip babaganoush eliminates olive oil from traditional recipes but not at the price of flavor or texture. This Middle Eastern recipe is a great alternative when you're craving hummus on a Whole30 plan.
:upscale()/2015/12/09/804/n/1922729/1876c17d_dcf91607_cheesy-kale-chips.xxxlarge.jpg)
Baked Kale Chips
Light, crispy, and nutty, with the perfect amount of salt to complement the subtle taste of kale, you'll have a hard time not reaching for another and another of these kale chips. Dress them up with your favorite herbs or spices.
:upscale()/ps-image-unavailable.png)
Prosciutto and Melon
For a delicious appetizer when you're in a bind for time, the sweet and savory combination of honeydew wrapped in prosciutto can't be beat.