Kale Chips
Kale is nothing short of a superfood! Not only is it brimming with vitamins K, A and potassium, it also delivers a healthy hit of calcium, magnesium and immune-boosting vitamin C.
You can use the leaves to make baked kale chips, which are a crunchy, nutritious snack. Best of all they are super easy to make.
Sweet Potato Souffle
This elegant sweet potato soufflé side dish, seasoned with Maple syrup and cinnamon, is so tasty it almost feels like dessert. As an added bonus, it is not at all intimidating to make. It can be enjoyed all year long, but in our house we tend to bring it out with the rest of our "comfort foods" in fall when the weather turns cold, particularly over Thanksgiving weekend.
Creamy Fennel Apple Carrot Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that goes with just about anything. This Paleo version has the perfect combination of sweetness and tang, plus it's a great way to add colour and crunch to any meal.
Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts
This recipe will cause Brussels sprout skeptics to rethink their position on these nutrient-packed tiny cabbages.
Chinese Take-out
Check-out this healthy version of Chinese take-out.
Caprese Salad Sticks
This perfect party appetizer is hardly reinventing the wheel, but sometimes we just need gentle reminders about the simplicity of eating real food. You'll be reaching for these cute and colourful little finger food skewers when all your cherry tomatoes ripen at the same time, but they're always a nice treat at any time of the year.
Stuffed Goat Cheese Peppers
Bring these tasty appetizers along to the party, and you'll be making friends in no time! Being simple to prepare and easy to clean up, goat cheese stuffed peppers are an excellent go-to dish for large crowds as well as smaller gatherings.
Brussel Sprouts with Garlic Butter & Almonds
Thought you didn't like Brussels sprouts? Only eat them because they're good for you or because your mother said so? Filled with vitamins A and C, as well as a hefty dose of both potassium and calcium, these mini cabbages are nothing short of a superfood. Cooking them in butter, onions and garlic -- and topping with slivered almonds -- helps to make this the go-to side dish that sends everyone back for seconds.
Primal Stuffing
When Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter approaches, it might be time to start thinking about making the big feast as real as possible. Some things already get the seal of approval - lots of turkey, seasonal vegetables. Other things are not so friendly. Primal stuffing to the rescue!
Brussel Sprout Slaw
This is a favourite in our house. It's a great way to get the goodness of Brussels sprouts and disguise them from someone who may not like regular steamed option. By cooking the sprouts in bacon fat and topping them with pecans you'll completely forget that they are good for you!
Cauliflower Risotto
Many thanks to one of our readers for this recipe. Cauliflower risotto makes a great side dish for poultry, salmon, or pork chops. To avoid ending up with a bowl full of mush (Good Night Moon, anyone?), do not overcook. Stop when the cauliflower is al dente.
Cauliflower Rice
Due to its high carbohydrate content and relatively poor nutritional profile, rice is not included on a typical Primal or Paleo eating plan. Luckily cauliflower rice can be substituted for traditional rice in curries, stir fries, and even sushi. Even those with the keenest of taste buds will be hard pressed to notice the difference! And at about 1/10th of the carbs and far more micro nutrition, you simply can't go wrong with this rice replacement.
Cauliflower Soup
This is a guest recipe from Carolyn's mother, Anne Beatty, featuring one of her soup creations...cauliflower soup.
Mashed Cauliflower
If the thought of serving a holiday dinner without potatoes is troubling, then try using cauliflower as an alternative. They look like potatoes, but without the big carbohydrate hit.
Shrimp Rolls
Who says sushi and real food are not compatible? Cauliflower makes an excellent substitute for rice when it is run through the food processor. Try your own variations. Crab meat, tuna or salmon can be used instead of shrimp. Cucumber, celery or sweet potato strips can be used instead of asparagus.
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
This cauliflower crust pizza is so good it’s hard to believe it is gluten and grain-free! And similar to our other winning pizza recipe, it passes the "pick up test" -- it doesn't fall apart when you pick it up with your hands. After all, isn't this what we're looking for in a good pizza?
Lettuce Wraps
Upon switching to real food, people will typically mourn the loss of bread in their diets, particularly the familiar sandwich that so many take to work. Lettuce wraps solve this problem entirely. Whatever you used to put inside your traditional sandwiches, wrap it up in a lettuce leaf and away you go! It doesn't get much easier than this.
Avocado Kale Salad
With kale and avocado as the two main ingredients, this is the definition of nutrient-density-in-a-bowl. Simple to make yet packed full of flavour, everyone is sure to love this classic salad.
Avocado Beet & Goat Cheese Salad
Full of beautiful colours and a combination of flavours, this salad is perfect for a luncheon. Red beets contrast nicely with creamy avocados and goat cheese, while fresh red onions and spinach add a crunchy finish.
Avocado Cucumber Salad
Avocados are great real eating food. They are high in nutrients and good fats, including Omega-3 fatty acids. They help to boost the good HDL cholesterol. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect. Besides forming the base of guacamole, avocados are a delicious way to enhance a real food omelette, soup, or as this recipe will show, salad.
Bacon Wrapped Sweet Potatoe
I'm a big fan of simple recipes, especially simple recipes where the finished product is worthy of proudly displaying to friends and family at your next potluck party. With step-by-step photo instructions, this appetizer is sure to become a family favourite at your house, too.
Spiced Nuts
Spiced nuts are a great go-to dish for entertaining. Scatter a few small bowls where your guests tend to gather for drinks and conversation, and watch them disappear.
Thai Chicken Satays
You'll fall in love with the succulent taste of this satay recipe. Strips of chicken (or beef) are marinated in a special Thai mixture, then skewered and broiled in the oven or grilled on the barbecue. They are then served with a Paleo-friendly dipping sauce for the ultimate taste sensation. Keep these crowd-pleasing skewers in mind for your next cocktail party.
Slow Cooker Meatballs
Meatballs are always a hit with the entire family. Mixed with Primal approved barbecue sauce, these make a great party appetizer. Serve them over spaghetti squash noodles and you have a healthy, low-carb replacement for a classic favourite -- "spaghetti" and meatballs.
Guacamole Deviled Eggs
We've taken this classic appetizer one step closer to Primal perfection with the addition of avocado, a source of healthy fat. Or pair with a side of veggies and fruit for a quick meal option.
Sunflower Sesame Seed Crackers
Looking for a simple yet tasty cracker recipe that passes the "crunch test?" Look no further than this recipe. With only two ingredients, you really can't go wrong.
