25 Tasty Paleo Meal Prep Ideas

The Paleo diet, short for Paleolithic, suggests sticking to the basic foods eaten by prehistoric humans. The plan focuses on grass-fed lean meat, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, eggs, fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Sounds simple enough in theory, but in practice? Life gets hectic, and finding time to cook every meal from scratch isn’t easy. That’s where meal prep comes in.

Whether you're researching the Paleo diet for the first time or simply hunting for new recipes, having a stockpile of ready-to-go meals makes all the difference to keep things stress-free. 

Explore 25 mouthwatering Paleo meal prep ideas below for breakfast, lunch and dinner that will fuel your body, save you time and keep your taste buds happy!

Paleo breakfast meal prep ideas

Whether you’re rushing off to work or enjoying a slow morning at home, these breakfast Paleo meal prep recipes are designed to keep you full, focused and energized throughout the day.

1. Banana nut Paleo pancakes

Go bananas for this sweet Paleo spin on traditional pancakes. It’s easy to whip up a big bowl of batter and freeze as many pancakes as you need for the week. Keep it grain-free and dairy-free with coconut flour and almond milk. Toss in some walnuts to add texture, and top it all off with a drizzle of organic honey or maple syrup.

2. Gluten-free Paleo almond bread 

This gluten-free almond flour Paleo bread is a match made in heaven for your morning coffee. Bake multiple loaves at once, freeze them and enjoy a slice or two for breakfast.

3. Chicken sweet potato waffles

Chicken and waffles are a popular pairing, but when their powers combine in this Paleo recipe, your taste buds are in for a treat. By combining chicken breasts, sweet potato, almond flour and other ingredients and then pouring the mixture into a waffle iron, you can create perfectly portable patties in minutes. Make a big batch and stash them in the freezer so you’ll always have a creative backup breakfast.

4. Paleo blueberry muffins

These Paleo blueberry muffins are gluten-free, dairy-free and freezer-friendly for up to two months! They’ll satisfy your sweet tooth without refined sugar, and the almond butter and almond flour add extra protein to keep you energized.

5. Bacon egg chive bites 

Start your day off right with the winning combo of bacon and eggs, perfectly accented by fresh chives and paprika. If you use a muffin pan to prep and freeze a batch in advance, you’ll have a portable breakfast bite that’s great for busy mornings.

6. Cauliflower carrot breakfast bowls 

Eggs, spinach, carrots, red onion and cauliflower unite in this colorful and savory veggie breakfast bowl. Layer the roasted ingredients in meal prep containers and add chili powder for an extra kick that's sure to wake you up.

7. Breakfast burritos

Who doesn't love a breakfast burrito? Packed with chorizo, potatoes, veggies, scrambled eggs and cheese, this grain-free Paleo recipe is a great grab-and-go option that can be frozen for up to three months.

8. Eggs in bell pepper rings

Start your day with a serving of vegetables, courtesy of this fun Paleo breakfast twist on stuffed bell peppers. They’re gluten- and dairy-free and pack more than 13 grams of protein per serving!

Paleo lunch meal prep ideas

Instead of turning to the all-too-convenient temptation of the vending machine or drive-thru window, stay organized and save money by sticking to whole, nutrient-dense Paleo meals for your lunch break. 

With these delicious recipes, you can build the perfect Paleo meal plan for lunch at work or home.

9. Red curry chicken soup 

Chicken broth forms the base of this flavorful soup, while onion, garlic, ginger and Thai red curry paste give it an extra kick. Add a little greenery with chopped green onion and fresh cilantro, and use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to keep it Paleo. Whether you choose stovetop or slow cooker prep, this soup can be stored in your freezer for up to a month.

10. Ground turkey bowls with cabbage rice

Veggie rice bowls are a quick and easy meal prep lunch, and cabbage rice is a low-carb, grain-free substitute for the Paleo diet. To experiment with different flavors, try carrot rice or zucchini rice as a base, then add kale, sweet potato and Brussels sprouts.

11. Taco salad jars

Salad doesn't always have to be served in a bowl! These customizable low-carb, gluten-free jars start with a base of salsa and avocado, followed by layers of cooked chicken breast, roasted veggies and leafy greens. They last about a week in the fridge, and they make perfect mess-free packed lunches for work.

12. Beef bulgogi lettuce cups

These lettuce cups are zesty, sweet and savory all at once. The tenderized beef bulgogi is sweetened with dates, while coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, kimchi and other ingredients elevate the flavor.

13. Paleo pad thai

This grain-free Paleo pad thai is easy to make and store. Chicken and creamy sauce are the stars of the show, with a supporting cast of colorful veggies. Portions can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to five days.

14. Granola parfaits

Add some sweetness to your day with a burst of fresh berries, fruit purée, dairy-free yogurt and grain-free granola with nuts and seeds. When stored in lidded jars, these parfaits will keep for about four days. This super simple Paleo lunch idea also works great for breakfasts and snacks!

15. Greek chicken breast with tabbouleh

With cauliflower rice tabbouleh, kalamata olives and a rich tzatziki sauce, this fresh and flavorful chicken breast recipe will have you feeling like a Greek goddess. To make it Paleo, simply use coconut cream instead of yogurt in the tzatziki sauce.

16. Bison roast with mashed parsnips

Bison steaks are packed with iron and omega-3 fatty acids, while whipped parsnips with coconut cream and chives create a delightful alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. These robust flavors and limited ingredients make for simple meal prep that’ll have you looking forward to lunchtime.

Paleo dinner meal prep ideas

Whether you’re cooking for one, two or the whole family, these Paleo dinners are sure to please and are easy to prepare ahead of time. 

17. Grilled lamb chops with herb marinade

These tender lamb chops are marinated in a blend of fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. The high-quality protein and the healthy fats from olive oil will keep you full and energized, while the simple marinade enhances the meat's natural flavors without added sugars or artificial additives. This one is sure to become a family favorite you’ll return to time and time again.

18. Hot honey salmon bowls 

Packed with flavor and crunch, these succulent salmon bowls are perfect for a quick and easy dinner at home. Swap out the white rice for cauliflower rice or cabbage rice to make it Paleo. This satisfying and nutrient-rich meal offers a balanced combination of protein from the fish, healthy fats from the honey glaze and fiber from the vegetables.

19. Bone broth soup 

This homemade bone broth soup is filled with essential nutrients, amino acids and minerals that support gut health, joint function and overall wellness. It’s also highly versatile, allowing the addition of Paleo-friendly proteins like shredded chicken or beef. Best of all, bone broth stores well, making it perfect for batch cooking and easy reheating throughout the week.

20. Turkey burgers 

Craving a burger? There's no need to reach for fast food when delicious recipes like these exist! These juicy turkey burgers only need a few simple ingredients, and you can use lettuce wraps instead of buns to keep them Paleo. Store meal-prepped patties in the fridge in an airtight storage container for up to four days or in the freezer for four months.

21. Grilled steak with pistachio pesto

Simple grilled steak is elevated with a unique pistachio pesto sauce. This dish is entirely Paleo-friendly, avoiding dairy, grains and processed ingredients while delivering bold and satisfying flavor. The pesto sauce will last about two weeks in the fridge and also tastes great paired with roasted vegetables or fresh salad.

22. Cilantro lime chicken 

These succulent chicken thighs and accompanying zesty marinade are packed with fresh, vibrant flavors. The marinade helps the chicken stay tender even after reheating, making it a convenient and tasty choice for batch cooking. This Paleo recipe is the perfect choice for an easy dinner you can enjoy throughout the week. Pro tip: You can even repurpose it into tacos!

23. Barbecue shredded chicken 

This slow-cooked chicken dish is packed with protein and infused with smoky, spicy and tangy flavor without the processed sugars or additives found in traditional barbecue sauce. Since the chicken is shredded, it’s highly versatile for multiple meals throughout the week, like lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice or with roasted vegetables.

24. Winter kale salad with pomegranate 

This Paleo vegan winter salad is made with kale, crunchy nuts, seasonal fruits and a flavorful Paleo-friendly dressing. It provides a balanced blend of fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants. Plus, since kale holds up well even after being dressed, it’ll stay fresh for days.

25. Cauliflower fried rice with pork 

Rice is not part of the Paleo diet, but with a little help from a food processor, you can create a cauliflower substitute that might be even more delicious. Mushrooms, pork, onion and ginger add a symphony of savory flavor to the dish. Top with fish sauce and enjoy!

Paleo meal prep FAQ

Trying out a new diet can be confusing at times, but we’ve got all the info you need to start the Paleolithic diet and meal prep like a pro.

What is the Paleo diet?

The Paleo diet, sometimes called the caveman diet or the Stone Age diet, centers the whole foods hunters and gatherers would've consumed in the Paleolithic era. This means eating a limited diet mainly made up of lean grass-fed meats, fish high in omega-3s, fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds.

What should you avoid on a Paleo diet?

While following a Paleo diet, avoid consuming dairy products, oats, cereal, pasta, legumes, processed foods, soda and other sources of refined sugar and added salt. Having trouble cutting out dairy? One popular Paleo substitution is unsweetened nut-based milk instead of cow’s milk.

What are the ideal macros for Paleo?

The Paleo diet focuses on nutrient-dense foods without actually defining ideal macronutrient ratios. However, research on hunter-gatherer diets suggests they typically fell within a broad range of 19%-35% protein, 22%-40% carbs and 28%-58% fat.

What is the 85-15 rule for Paleo?

When Dr. Loren Cordain developed the Paleo diet, he was wise enough to factor in some wiggle room (or “cheat days,” if you prefer). In his 2002 book u0022The Paleo Diet,u0022 Dr. Cordain recommends adhering to the Paleo diet 85% of the time and eating whatever you want the other 15% of the time. This flexibility makes it easier to stick to the diet long term, and this is where we get the “85-15 rule.” 

Can you have coffee on Paleo?

Roasted coffee beans were probably not part of the human diet during the Paleolithic era. Strict modifications of Paleo, like the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), definitely forbid it. However, black coffee is rich in antioxidants and is fine to enjoy in moderation on a flexible Paleo diet.

Simplify your Paleo meal prep with Instacart

Ready to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying flavorful, nourishing meals? 

With a collection of delicious recipes at your fingertips, meal planning for a Paleo diet doesn’t have to be difficult. Instacart simplifies your Paleo meal prep process.  Place an order and get everything delivered right to your door.