Pumpkin & Beef Salad (AIP, Paleo, Low-Carb)

Pumpkin & Beef Salad (AIP, Paleo, Low-Carb)

Pumpkin & Beef Salad is the perfect go to dish during the busy work week! It’s super quick and simple to prepare, and loaded with heart healthy omega 3’s from grass-fed beef, antioxidants from dark leafy greens and fiber from pumpkin. These simple ingredients come together to make this salad absolutely delicious & extremely satisfying.

OK, so I’m only human which means there are many moments where the thought of spending an hour in the kitchen to prepare a healthy meal is just not appealing (especially after a long day of work).

Given that these moments happen quite often and I refuse to settle for low-quality food, I created a handful of go-to recipes that I can whip up in 20-minutes or less.

This Pumpkin & Beef Salad recipe is a heartier version of my Beef Salad and one of my go-to meals when lazy and hungry Jen strikes.

It also makes for a great post-workout meal since 1 cup of cooked pumpkin has 564 mg of the refueling nutrient potassium. Potassium helps to restore the body’s electrolytes after a heavy workout and keeps muscles functioning optimally.

Pumpkin & beef salad

What you need for Pumpkin & Beef Salad:

  • Grass-fed ground beef
  • Lemon
  • Garlic
  • Cumin (omit for AIP version)
  • Coriander
  • Canned pumpkin
  • Salad greens
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic or apple cider vinegar

Want more quick & healthy dinner recipes? You’re going to love these …

 

Pumpkin & beef salad

Pumpkin & Beef Salad

Pumpkin & Beef Salad is the perfect go to dish during the busy work week! It’s super quick and simple to prepare, and loaded with heart healthy omega 3’s from grass-fed beef, antioxidants from dark leafy greens and fiber from pumpkin. These simple ingredients come together to make this salad absolutely delicious & extremely satisfying. 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: AIP, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 2

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp cumin, (omit for AIP version)
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 398 ml canned pumpkin
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste (omit for AIP version)

Salad

  • 8 cups salad greens
  • 4-5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic or apple cider vinegar, (I like to mix the two)
  • Sea salt , to taste

Optional toppings

  • Toasted pine nuts , (omit for AIP version)
  • Sprouts of choice

Instructions
 

  • Add ground beef and lemon juice to pan. Break a part meat as you cook over medium heat.
  • When beef is 3/4 of the way done, add garlic, cumin, coriander, salt & pepper.
  • Cook until garlic becomes fragrant then mix in pumpkin. Cook for 5-minutes. Taste and add more salt if needed.
  • In a large bowl, dress salad greens with oil, vinegar and sea salt. Toss salad and place onto a dish.
  • Add cooked pumpkin & beef onto the salad and enjoy!
Keyword gluten free, grain free, grass fed beef, healthy salad, pumpkin, soy 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
Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies (Paleo, Keto)

Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies (Paleo, Keto)

Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies is a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love! Sheet pan meals are a quick way to get dinner on the table fast with little clean up since you’re cooking veggies and protein all on one pan.

Lately, I’ve been preparing meals for more than one hungry belly during the work week, so I’ve started to experiment with different ways of putting together healthy whole food meals that are easy enough to manage even with a busy schedule.

Sheet pan dinners have made it high on my list of go-to meals during the week and I’ll explain why …

Here’s what makes sheet pan dinners so great:

1. They’re quick to put together (unless you’re super slow at chopping veggies) and typically cook in under 35-minutes.

2. Clean up is easy since everything is being cooked (and can be prepared) on one pan.

3. It’s an easy way to cook for multiple people or cook enough so that you end up with leftovers for the busy week ahead.

4. The combinations of  meat/fish, vegetables and marinades are endless, so you’ll never get bored of sheet pan dinners.

5. Allowing your meats and veggies to cook together in a marinade (or just some simple seasoning) is a great way to achieve a flavourful end product.

Now check out this delicious sheet pan dinner recipe!

If you’re looking for another great sheet pan meal idea, you’ve got to try my Honey Balsamic Chicken & Veggies!

Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies

What you need for Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies

* Make this recipe dairy free & AIP friendly by replacing butter/ghee with avocado oil.

Looking for more wholesome chicken dinner recipes? You’re going to love these …

Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies

Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies

Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies is a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love! Sheet pan meals are a quick way to get dinner on the table fast with little clean up since you’re cooking veggies and protein all on one pan. 
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 3

Ingredients
 

  • 8 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on
  • 8 medium carrots, cut crosswise then lengthwise
  • 1 bunch asparagus, cut stalks into three
  • 1 pack whole mushrooms, cut in half
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup butter or ghee*, melted
  • 1/2 lemon, juice only
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions
 

  • Mix butter/ghee, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, sea salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Place chopped veggies into a large bowl and add 3/4 of the butter marinade. Toss until veggies are all coated and spread onto sheet pan. You can also coat veggies directly on the sheet pan.
  • Place chicken thighs on top of the veggies, sprinkle with some salt and brush them with remaining marinade.
  • Bake at 425F for 30-35 minutes.
  • Optional step: If you want to cook off some of the pan juices at the end, remove chicken thighs first (keep covered on a plate or in a glass container) and broil veggies on Hi for 3-5-minutes

Notes

* Make this recipe dairy free & AIP friendly by replacing butter/ghee with avocado oil.
Keyword asparagus, butter, carrots, chicken thighs, ghee, gluten free, grain free, lemon, rosemary, sheet pan dinners, soy free, vegetables
Beef Salad (AIP, Keto, Paleo)

Beef Salad (AIP, Keto, Paleo)

This Beef Salad is the perfect go to dish during the busy work week! It’s super quick and simple to prepare, and it’s loaded with heart healthy omega 3’s from grass-fed beef, plus packed with antioxidants from dark leafy greens. The simple flavours of garlic, lemon and basil come together to make this salad absolutely delicious. Warning! This dish is shockingly filling for a salad.

DID YOU KNOW? Grass-fed beef contains significantly higher levels of omega-3s (between 2 and 5 times more) than grain-fed beef.

Omega-3s play an important role in your health and can help with:

  • Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome
  • Inflammation
  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • Prevention of Cancer
  • Fatty Liver
  • Bone and Joint Health
  • Depression, Anxiety & Mental Disorders
  • Eye Health
  • Risk Factors for Heart Disease
  • ADHD in Children
  • Age-Related Mental Decline
  • Menstrual Pain

You can find grass-fed beef at grocery stores like Nature’s Emporium, Ambrosia and Whole Foods. I also suggest checking your local grocery stores for grass-fed beef.

If you’re looking to shop online, I highly recommend Wild Meadows Farm or Brooker’s Natural Meats. They offer great prices on quality meats.

Always look for 100% grass-fed beef. Organic is NOT the same as grass-fed.

Beef Salad (AIP, Paleo, Keto)

What you need for Beef Salad:

  • Ground beef
  • Lemon
  • Garlic
  • Dried basil
  • Salad greens
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Sea salt & black pepper

Want more quick & healthy dinner recipes? You’re going to love these …

The Big Beef Salad AIP Paleo

Beef Salad

This Beef Salad is the perfect go to dish during the busy work week! It's super quick and simple to prepare, and it's loaded with heart healthy omega 3's from grass-fed beef, plus packed with antioxidants from dark leafy greens. The simple flavours of garlic, lemon and basil come together to make this salad absolutely delicious. Warning! This dish is shockingly filling for a salad.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: AIP, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 2

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb grass-fed ground beef
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 8 cups salad greens
  • 4-5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add ground beef and lemon juice to pan. Break a part meat as you cook over medium heat.
  • When beef is 3/4 of the way done, add garlic, basil, salt & pepper. Continue cooking until meat is browned.
  • In a large bowl, dress salad greens with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and sea salt. Toss salad and place onto a dish.
  • Add cooked ground beef onto the salad and enjoy!
Keyword antioxidants, dairy free, extra virgin olive oil, gluten free, grass fed beef, omega 3, quick meals, Salad
Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken (Paleo, Low-Carb)

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken (Paleo, Low-Carb)

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken & Veggies is a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love! Sheet pan meals are a quick way to get dinner on the table fast with little clean up since you’re cooking veggies and protein all on one pan.

Sheet pan dinners have made it high on my list of go-to meals during the week and I’ll explain why …

Here’s what makes sheet pan dinners so great:

1. They’re quick to put together and typically cook in under 35-minutes.

2. Clean up is easy since everything is being cooked (and can be prepared) on one pan.

3. It’s an easy way to cook for multiple people or cook enough so that you end up with leftovers for the busy week ahead.

4. The combinations of meat/fish, vegetables and marinades are endless, so you’ll never get bored of sheet pan dinners.

5. Allowing your meats and veggies to cook together in a marinade (or just some simple seasoning) is a great way to achieve a flavourful end product.

Now check out this delicious sheet pan dinner recipe!

If you’re looking for another great sheet pan meal idea, you’ve got to try my Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies.

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Paleo

What you need for Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken:

  • Chicken legs
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Eggplant
  • Mushrooms
  • Garlic
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Honey
  • Whole grain mustard
  • Oregano
  • Avocado oil
  • Sea salt & black pepper

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

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Paleo

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken & Veggies

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken & Veggies is a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love! Sheet pan meals are a quick way to get dinner on the table fast with little clean up since you’re cooking veggies and protein all on one pan.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

  • 6 whole chicken legs, bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 2 zucchini, cubed
  • 1 eggplant, cubed
  • 1 pack whole mushrooms, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Honey Balsamic Marinade

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425F.
  • Mix honey balsamic marinade together in a small bowl.
  • Coat thighs with the marinade in a large bowl.
  • While the chicken is marinating, prepare veggies and place in a bowl or on your sheet pan and coat with oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • After chicken has marinated for 15-minutes, place chicken thighs on top of veggies on the sheet pan.
  • Bake at 425F for 35-minutes.
  • Remove chicken from pan (cover to keep warm) and then place pan with veggies on top rack and broil for up to 5 minutes to cook off some juices from the pan (optional).
Keyword chicken dinner, chicken legs, eggplant, gluten free, grain free, healthy dinner, honey, mushrooms, sheet pan meal, sweet potato

 

Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing (Gluten, Grain & Dairy Free)

Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing (Gluten, Grain & Dairy Free)

Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing will be one of the best sides to your turkey this Thanksgiving! It’s a gluten, grain + dairy free stuffing made with simple and real ingredients. You’ll be shocked at how much it tastes like “real stuffing”… but healthier and better for you!

I don’t know about you, but stuffing is by far my favourite Thanksgiving dish!

Traditionally, my family prepares stuffing with bread, which really sucked when I stopped eating grains years ago. I refused to give up my favourite Thanksgiving side so instead, I created a stuffing recipe that’s not only grain free and healthy, but that my whole family enjoys too!

Why Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing is so good

  • It tastes like “real” stuffing but is made with all healthy ingredients, like veggies and meat.
  • This healthy stuffing recipe is perfect with chicken or turkey, making it a great side dish for both weeknight dinners and Thanksgiving.
  • The ingredients are super versatile: you can swap out what you like and have.

Tips for this Paleo stuffing recipe

  • Save time by using a food processor to roughly chop all your veggies.
  • Replace dates with dried cranberries, if you prefer.
  • This healthy stuffing reheats well, so you can make it ahead of time and save the leftovers for a quick weekday meal.
  • You can make this entire paleo stuffing recipe in a large oven-proof skillet, or you can bake it in a casserole/baking dish as per my instructions.
  • Find ethically raised and quality sausage + bacon HERE.

Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing

What you need for Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing:

  • Sausage stuffing
  • Bacon
  • Eggs
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Celery
  • Onion
  • Mushrooms
  • Pecans
  • Dates
  • Broth
  • White wine
  • Avocado oil

Want more healthy Thanksgiving recipes? You’re going to love these:

Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing

Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing

Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing will be one of the best sides to your turkey this Thanksgiving! It's a gluten, grain + dairy free stuffing made with simple and real ingredients. You’ll be shocked at how much it tastes like “real stuffing”… but healthier and better for you! 
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Paleo
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

  • 1 lb sausage stuffing, Italian or regular
  • 6 strips bacon, sliced
  • 2 pastured eggs, beaten
  • 2 sweet potatoes, diced
  • 5 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 pack mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sliced dates, optional
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp white wine
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper , to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • Bake sweet potatoes in avocado oil, sea salt and black pepper for 30 min. Set aside in a large bowl.
  • Over medium heat, cook bacon in a large frying pan until fat starts to render.
  • Add onions and cook until soft then add celery and cook for a few minutes.
  • Add sausage stuffing, mushrooms and white wine. Break meat apart and mix well. Cook until sausage is no longer pink.
  • Add meat mixture into bowl with sweet potatoes.
  • Add pecans, dates, broth, eggs, sea salt and black pepper into bowl and mix well.
  • Place mixture into a 9x13 baking dish and bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.

Notes

  • If you can't find sausage stuffing, then just remove casing from regular sausage.
  • Save time by using a food processor to roughly chop all your veggies.
  • Replace dates with dried cranberries, if you prefer.
  • This healthy stuffing reheats well, so you can make it ahead of time and save the leftovers for a quick weekday meal.
  • You can make this entire paleo stuffing recipe in a large oven-proof skillet, or you can bake it in a casserole/baking dish as per my instructions.
  • Find ethically raised and quality sausage + bacon HERE.
Keyword bacon, dates, fall, sausage, stuffing, sweet potato, thanksgiving