Creamy Dill Coleslaw (Keto, Paleo)

Creamy Dill Coleslaw (Keto, Paleo)

Creamy Dill Coleslaw is the perfect healthy go-to side dish when you’re short on time or preparing food for multiple people. This plant-based, keto & paleo friendly side is packed with nutrients that are detoxifying and waistline loving.

DID YOU KNOW? Cabbage is packed with many beneficial vitamins, minerals, plus water and fiber, making it a great vegetable for weight loss & gut health.

Cabbage is full of gut-friendly insoluble fiber, a type of carbohydrate that can’t be broken down in the intestines. Insoluble fiber helps support digestive health by adding bulk to stools and promoting regular bowel movements.

In addition, cabbage is rich in soluble fiber, which has been shown to increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut, like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

Now, the trick to making a quick coleslaw with cabbage is using a food processor. Simply throw all ingredients in and process until everything is roughly chopped and well combined.

There’s a lot of room for creativity with coleslaw which makes it a fun side dish to prepare. Feel free to use different veggies, herbs and spices. Also, if you don’t have a healthy version of mayo (without vegetable or seed oils), I recommend replacing mayo with 1/2 an avocado or full fat coconut yogurt/kefir.

Creamy Dill Coleslaw Plant-Based Paleo Keto

What you need for this recipe:

  • Cabbage
  • Carrots
  • Dill
  • Green onion
  • Garlic
  • Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • Avocado oil mayo
  • Sea salt & black pepper

Serve Creamy Dill Coleslaw with:

Creamy Dill Coleslaw Plant-Based Paleo Keto

Creamy Dill Coleslaw

Creamy Dill Coleslaw is the perfect healthy go-to side dish when you're short on time or preparing food for multiple people. This plant-based, keto & paleo friendly side is packed with nutrients that are detoxifying and waistline loving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 3

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 large green cabbage
  • 2 large carrots
  • 4 sprigs fresh dill , or 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 green onion
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil mayo*
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Chop cabbage, carrots and green onion into large chunks.
  • Place all ingredients into a food processor and process until vegetables are roughly chopped and ingredients are well combined. Do not over process.
  • Eat right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge and use within a day.

Notes

If you don't have a healthy version of mayo (without vegetable or seed oils), I recommend replacing mayo with 1/2 an avocado or 2 tbsp. full fat coconut yogurt/kefir.
Keyword cabbage, carrots, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, healthy side, raw, super bowl
Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato “Buns” (Gluten Free, Paleo)

Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato “Buns” (Gluten Free, Paleo)

Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato “Buns” is made with whole & simple ingredients and free of added sugars. It’s a healthy gluten & grain free + paleo friendly dish. This comfort food classic will definitely be a hit with the whole family!

Are you looking for a gluten free and gut friendly replacement for buns or bread?

Sweet potato “buns” to the rescue!

Not only are sweet potato “buns” tasty, but this whole food is packed with nutrients that you won’t get from plain old bread.

There are so many classic dishes and sandwiches that you can easily transform into a healthy and gut-friendly alternative with a little help from these “buns”.

Try sweet potato “buns” with:

  • Sloppy Joes (see recipe below)
  • Burgers and sliders
  • Bacon, egg, lettuce & tomato sandwich (BELT)
  • Tuna sandwich
  • Pulled pork sandwich

Cut sweet potato into rounds (like I did for this recipe) OR lengthwise for larger “buns” and cook using the instructions below. Fill your sweet potato “buns” with yummy ingredients and grab it with your hands or dig in with a fork and knife – whatever your heart desires.

Healthy sides to pair with Sloppy Joes …

What you need for Sloppy Joes:

  • Ground beef
  • Onion
  • Pepper
  • Garlic
  • Tomato paste
  • Yellow mustard
  • Coconut aminos
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Smoked paprika
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Avocado oil
  • Sea salt & black pepper

Want more wholesome dinner recipes? You’re going to love these …

Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato Buns

Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato "Buns"

Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato "Buns" is made with whole & simple ingredients and free of added sugars. It's a healthy gluten & grain free + paleo friendly dish. This comfort food classic will definitely be a hit with the whole family. 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Grain Free, Paleo
Servings: 3

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb ground beef, grass-fed
  • 1 tsp avocado oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1/2 yellow/red/orange pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1/3 cup water
  • 3 oz tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1/2 tsp coconut aminos
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Sea salt and black pepper , to taste

Sweet Potato "Buns"

  • 2 large sweet potatoes
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • Sea salt , to taste

Instructions
 

  • Heat avocado oil in pan then add onion and pepper. Cook over medium heat for 5-minutes or until onions become soft.
  • Add garlic and beef. Break a part beef and cook until beef is no longer pink.
  • In a separate bowl mix sauce ingredients together then add mixture to pan with beef. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Let cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. You can also lower the temperature and let cook for longer to get more flavour out of this dish.
  • Serve in-between sweet potato buns.

Sweet potato "buns"

  • Preheat oven to 350F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Cut sweet potatoes into 1/4 inch rounds with the peel intact.
  • Place sweet potato rounds in a single layer on baking sheet, brush both sides with oil and sprinkle with sea salt.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Flip halfway through baking time.
Keyword coconut aminos, grass-fed, ground beef, healthy dinner, healthy meals, sweet potato

Sloppy Joes with Sweet Potato "Buns" (Paleo, Gluten Free)

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie (Dairy Free, Paleo)

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie (Dairy Free, Paleo)

If you’re a fan of mint chocolate chip ice cream then this smoothie recipe is for you! Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie is chocolatey, refreshing and delicious–and filled with all the right ingredients to make a healthy & complete meal. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch or dinner!

What makes Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie so healthy

  1. The right balance of macronutrients including high-quality protein, which is often missing in most smoothie recipes. Protein is not only a source of vital nutrients required for optimal health, but it’s also essential for sending healthy hormonal signals throughout your body.
  2. No excess fruit or juices, which keeps your blood sugar levels in check while still giving you small doses of powerful nutrients and fiber found in whole fruits.
  3. Healthy fats for optimal health and a smaller waistline! Healthy dietary fat not only fuels every cell in your body, but also allows you to absorb fat-soluble vitamins found in fruits and vegetables.
  4. Loaded with green goodness which provides antioxidants to combat free radicals & essential vitamins and minerals + supports detoxification, collagen production, gut health, weight loss, & disease prevention.
  5. Gut friendly & healing ingredients that are FREE OF gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, grains, fillers, artificial flavours, colours, preservatives or sweeteners + other common gut irritants.

Feel free to use your favourite protein powder in this recipe or you can try my go-to protein powder. This awesome & gut friendly protein powder will make all your smoothies taste like dessert in a cup! It’s squeaky clean, free of common gut irritants & naturally sweetened with stevia (so no blood sugar spikes).

If you’re using vanilla flavoured protein powder

To achieve a rich chocolate flavour from your smoothies when using vanilla flavoured protein powder just add 1-2 teaspoons of cacao powder into your blender along with the other smoothie ingredients. Blend & enjoy!

Cacao is the purest form of chocolate which is why I recommend it. It’s an easy find since most grocery stores carry it nowadays. You can also find cacao powder online.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie

What you need for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie:

Want more healthy smoothie recipes? You’re going to love these …

If you’re looking for more gut friendly smoothie recipes, get my FREE Quick-Start Guide To Smoothies or grab my smoothie e-book which has 32 dessert-inspired smoothie recipes for IBS & weight loss!

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie

If you’re a fan of mint chocolate chip ice cream then this smoothie recipe is for you! Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Smoothie is chocolatey, refreshing and delicious--and filled with all the right ingredients to make a healthy & complete meal. Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Lunch, Smoothie
Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 1

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup spinach, frozen
  • 2-3 soft dates, pitted
  • 1-2 tsp cacao powder, see notes
  • 1 scoop PurePaleo Protein, chocolate or vanilla
  • 4-5 fresh mint leaves , or 1 drop peppermint essential oil (food-grade) or 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 3/4 cup full fat or light coconut milk, canned
  • A few ice cubes, optional
  • 1 tbsp cacao nibs, stirred in after blending

Instructions
 

  • Blend all ingredients using a high-powered blender.
  • Pour into your favourite smoothie cup, stir in cacao nibs and enjoy!

Notes

  • If you're using vanilla protein powder, add 2 tsp of cacao powder. If you’re using chocolate protein powder, add 1 tsp of cacao powder. Feel free to add more cacao powder for a smoothie that's rich in chocolate flavour.
  • Get PurePaleo Protein powder HERE or check out my protein powder checklist to source out a different high-quality protein powder.
Keyword cacao, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, healthy breakfast, healthy smoothie, peppermint essential oil, protein powder, sugar free

 

Pumpkin Chili (Low-Carb, Paleo)

Pumpkin Chili (Low-Carb, Paleo)

Pumpkin Chili is a hearty, paleo friendly and low-carb chili with a unique combination of pumpkin, zucchini, warming spices and cocoa. Your palate will be pleasantly surprised at how well these flavours come together.

You have the option of using either beef or turkey in this recipe–both work really well. Also, feel free to swap out canned pumpkin for roasted pumpkin OR if you don’t have any pumpkin on hand, you can use butternut squash, acorn squash or another similar squash.

So, if you’re a fan of chili and looking for a new recipe to test out on a cold fall or winter day, I highly recommend giving this non-traditional chili a try!

Would love to hear your thoughts on this recipe if you test it out. Just leave a comment below 🙂

If you’re looking for a more traditional chili recipe, check out my Beef & Black Bean Chili.

 

Pumpkin Chili

What you need for Pumpkin Chili:

  • Grass-fed ground beef or pastured turkey
  • Avocado oil
  • Yellow onion
  • Garlic
  • Zucchini
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Chili powder
  • Cocoa powder
  • Nutmeg
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cinnamon
  • Cumin
  • Canned pumpkin

Want more wholesome pumpkin recipes? You’re going to love these…

Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin Chili 

Pumpkin Chili is a hearty, paleo friendly and low-carb chili with a unique combination of pumpkin, zucchini, warming spices and cocoa. Your palate will be pleasantly surprised at how well these flavours come together. You have the option of using either beef or turkey in this recipe--both work really well.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 3

Equipment

  • Large pot

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb grass-fed ground beef or pastured turkey
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large zucchini, diced
  • 398 ml canned diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 12 oz water
  • 398 ml canned pumpkin

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, cook ground meat over medium heat. Set aside.
  • Add avocado oil to pot and sauté garlic and onion until fragrant. Add zucchini and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in tomatoes, cocoa powder, all spices, salt and pepper. Add water.
  • Add cooked meat back to pot along with pumpkin. Stir ingredients.
  • Bring ingredients to a boil then reduce heat, cover pot and simmer for 1 hour.
Keyword chili, cocoa, dairy free, fall, gluten free, pumpkin, winter
Italian Sausage & Kale Soup (High-Fiber, Low-Carb, Paleo)

Italian Sausage & Kale Soup (High-Fiber, Low-Carb, Paleo)

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet and someone tells you that you need processed foods like breads, pastas and cereal grains in order to get adequate amounts of fiber in your diet, hit them with this fact …

One serving of kale contains more fiber than 3 slices of whole wheat bread!

Don’t forget to throw in a “KALE YEAH!” at the end 😉

Italian Sausage & Kale Soup

INGREDIENTS:
6 slices pastured bacon (diced)
2 pounds Italian sausage (casing removed)
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 small yellow onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 large sweet potato (peeled and cut into small cubes)
4 cups chicken broth (store-bought or homemade)
4 cups filtered water
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (I made my own blend using oregano, basil, rosemary, & fennel seeds)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4-5 large kale leaves (chopped)
1 cup full-fat coconut milk (canned)
1 lemon (juice only)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Using a big stove-top pot, cook bacon over medium-low heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pot and set aside. Drain excess fat from pot.

2. Add sausage to pot and break apart meat. Cook at medium heat until sausage is brown and a little crispy. Remove sausage from pot and set aside.

3. Add avocado oil to pot and sauté onion and garlic until onion becomes translucent. Add sausage, potatoes, chicken stock, water, seasoning, salt and pepper.

4. Bring heat to medium-low, cover pot and let cook for 30-minutes.

5. Add kale to pot and let cook for 5-minutes.

6. Stir in coconut milk, lemon juice and bacon. Let cook for another 5-minutes.

7. Taste and add additional salt/seasoning if needed.

Mediterranean Cobb Salad (Paleo, Keto, AIP Version)

Mediterranean Cobb Salad (Paleo, Keto, AIP Version)

Mediterranean Cobb Salad is a flavourful and delicious salad that serves as a complete meal. It’s packed with tons of nutrients, antioxidants, healthy fats & protein. Enjoy for lunch or dinner! Dairy free, paleo, low-carb, keto + AIP version provided.

DID YOU KNOW? Most restaurant salad dressings contain low-quality industrial seed and/or vegetable oils that are oxidized.

These inflammatory oils can cause a long list of health problems even when consumed in small quantities over a period of time.

When ordering salads at restaurants, I always request no dressing and ask for olive oil and balsamic vinegar (or whatever vinegar they have) instead.

When preparing salad dressings at home, I opt for heart healthy and anti-inflammatory oils like extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil. These high-quality fats allow us to absorb fat-soluble vitamins from food and support all our hard working cells therefore keeping us healthy and youthful.

Consider replacing inflammatory vegetable and seed oils in your diet with healthier oils like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil and coconut oil.

Mediterranean Cobb Salad Paleo, Keto AIP

What you need for Mediterranean Cobb Salad:

  • Chicken thighs (bone in, skin on)
  • Hard boiled eggs (omit for AIP version)
  • Avocado
  • Cherry tomatoes (replace with olives for AIP version)
  • Mushrooms
  • Red onion
  • Spring mix salad
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Avocado oil and/or extra virgin olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Lemon
  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano
  • Smoked paprika (omit for AIP version)

Looking for more healthy salad recipes? You’ll love these …

Mediterranean Cobb Salad Paleo, Keto AIP

Mediterranean Cobb Salad

Mediterranean Cobb Salad is a flavourful and delicious salad that serves as a complete meal. It's packed with tons of nutrients, antioxidants, healthy fats & protein. Enjoy for lunch or dinner! Dairy free, paleo, low-carb, keto + AIP version provided. 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: AIP, Keto, Low-Carb, Mediterranean, Paleo
Servings: 2

Ingredients
 

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone in, skin on
  • 2 hard boiled eggs, cut in half , (omit for AIP version)
  • 1 avocado, skin removed, cut in half
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half, (replace with olives for AIP version)
  • 1 pack sliced mushrooms
  • 1 small red onion, sliced
  • 8 cups spring mix salad
  • 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp avocado oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Chicken marinade

  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, omit for AIP version
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Salad dressing

  • 4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Sea salt , to taste

Instructions
 

Chicken

  • Preheat oven to 425F.
  • Add ingredients for chicken marinade to blender or food processor and create a marinade for chicken.
  • Coat chicken thighs in marinade (Optional: Let marinate overnight or for a few hours if possible) then bake for 30-35 minutes. Prepare other items below while chicken cooks.

Onion & Mushrooms Sauté

  • Using a stove top pan, heat 1 tsp avocado oil then add onion and mushrooms.
  • Add 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar and sea salt.
  • Cook over medium-low heat until all pan juices have cooked off. Cover and keep warm.

Salad

  • In a large bowl, toss spring mix salad with salad dressing ingredients.
  • Divide salad onto two plates. Add cherry tomatoes, avocado, eggs, onion/mushroom sauté & chicken thighs. Top with fresh ground black pepper.

How to make perfect hard boiled eggs

  • Place eggs in a pot and cover with cool water by inch.
  • Bring water to a boil over high heat.
  • Once water begins to boil, remove pot from burner and allow eggs to cook in the pot of hot water for 8-10 minutes.
  • Drain water and immediately run cold water over eggs until cooled.
  • Peel and enjoy in your favourite recipe or on its own.
Keyword avocado, chicken, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, healthy salad, mushrooms, onion, soy free, tomatoes