Your Paleo Christmas Menu Plan
What are you cooking this Christmas? Are you going with a traditional menu, or perhaps you're serving up something completely alternative?
It can be hard to stick to your good Paleo intentions over Christmas – particularly if you’re having to cater for lots of relatives, who perhaps don’t follow a healthy lifestyle like you do.
Traditional Christmas recipes are often full of the dangerous white stuff – sugar. How can you take the sugar out of the equation, without taking the fun away too?
Sarah Wilson has got a great festive ebook, to go along with her “I Quit Sugar” series. The “I Quit Sugar Christmas Meal Plan” contains three entire, step by step, Christmas meal plans that you can follow, or mix and match. There is a big buffet menu, a sugar free version of the traditional Christmas menu – as well as a summer barbeque menu for those of us celebrating from the Southern Hemisphere. The meal plans are organised to be made in advance, leaving the big day itself a lot less stressful!
The book also features a leftovers menu (we know we all end up with enough food to last the rest of the year!), homemade sugar free gifts (much better than buying gifts), cheat dishes, fermented recipes (great for your gut health) and bonus recipes from other bloggers (including Gwyneth Paltrow).
If you want to check out the Christmas Meal Plan ebook, you can find it here.
What are your menu plans this Christmas? I’d love to hear what you’re organising, so please share in the comments below!
Planning a Paleo-Friendly Christmas Feast
Whether you're keeping things simple or going all out with a multi-course banquet, there are plenty of ways to keep your Christmas meal delicious and nourishing without straying from your Paleo goals. With just a little forward planning and creativity, you can create a festive menu that celebrates the season without leaving you feeling bloated or sluggish.
Entrées and Starters
Instead of the usual bread-heavy platters or sugary nibbles, why not begin with light, fresh appetisers that complement the main event? Think:
- Prawns with garlic and lime: A classic Australian Christmas starter, grilled prawns tossed in garlic, lime juice, and olive oil always impress.
- Stuffed mushrooms: Fill button mushrooms with a mix of almond meal, herbs, and chopped veggies for a satisfying bite.
- Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus: These are quick to assemble, look elegant on a platter, and pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling mineral water with lime.
The Main Event
For the main course, there’s no need to rely on sugar-laden glazes or breadcrumb-heavy stuffing. A perfectly cooked piece of meat, paired with seasonal veggies, can be a showstopper. Some Paleo-friendly main dish ideas include:
- Herb-crusted lamb shoulder: Rubbed with rosemary, garlic, and olive oil and slow roasted until tender.
- Stuffed turkey breast: Rolled with spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and pine nuts for a festive, nutrient-dense twist.
- Grilled salmon with a macadamia crust: A nod to summer with heart-healthy fats and vibrant flavours.
Side Dishes to Shine
Forget soggy bread stuffing and syrupy sweet potato casseroles. Fresh, seasonal produce can more than hold its own on the Christmas table:
- Roasted vegetables: A mix of carrots, parsnips, pumpkin, and Brussels sprouts tossed in coconut oil and herbs makes a colourful side.
- Cauliflower mash: A silky smooth alternative to mashed potatoes, especially with garlic and ghee.
- Grain-free stuffing: Use a base of almond meal, celery, onions, and herbs, baked in a dish or inside your roast.
Don’t Forget the Sauce
What’s Christmas without gravy? Skip the flour-based roux and thicken your gravy naturally using a reduction method or arrowroot flour. Cranberry sauce can also be made Paleo by using fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a touch of raw honey or stevia instead of sugar. These little adjustments can make a big difference without sacrificing flavour.
Delightful Desserts Without the Guilt
This is where things can get tricky — traditional Christmas desserts are often loaded with processed sugar, flour, and dairy. Fortunately, Paleo dessert options are just as festive and indulgent, minus the crash:
- Paleo Christmas pudding: Made with almond meal, dates, eggs, and plenty of spices for that unmistakable holiday flavour.
- Chocolate avocado mousse: A decadent but nourishing dessert topped with berries and coconut cream.
- Coconut flour shortbread: Perfect with a post-lunch tea or coffee alternative.
Drinks That Keep You on Track
It’s easy to overdo it with drinks at Christmas — but many festive beverages are full of hidden sugars and additives. If you’re looking to keep things Paleo, try offering:
- Infused sparkling water: Think combinations like cucumber and mint or lime and basil.
- Kombucha: A great gut-friendly alternative that still feels celebratory.
- Paleo eggnog: Made with coconut milk, egg yolks, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla.
If you do choose to indulge in alcohol, opt for dry red wine or clear spirits with soda and fresh citrus — and alternate each drink with a glass of water to stay hydrated.
Festive Food Prep Tips
To reduce stress on the day and avoid falling into convenience traps, consider these simple ideas:
- Prep in stages: Chop veggies and make sauces the day before.
- Double your recipes: That way, you’ll have enough leftovers to avoid cooking for a few days afterwards.
- Delegate: If you’re hosting, assign family members or guests dishes to bring — just give them a Paleo-friendly brief.
Making Peace with Holiday Eating
Remember, one of the joys of Christmas is connection and celebration. If you end up having a few non-Paleo bites, don't beat yourself up. Mindful indulgence is very different from mindless binging. Focus on the company, the conversation, and the experience — not just the food. The key is to make intentional choices rather than reacting out of habit or pressure.
Gifting the Paleo Way
If you're exchanging gifts this year, why not share your healthy lifestyle with those you love? Some ideas include:
- Jars of homemade spice rubs or dukkah
- Paleo cookies in festive packaging
- DIY bath salts or natural beauty products
- Beautifully wrapped raw chocolate truffles
These gifts are thoughtful, personal, and far healthier than mass-produced options from the shops.
Enjoy a Joyful, Nourishing Christmas
At the end of the day, Christmas is about celebration, gratitude, and time with loved ones. By planning ahead, preparing wholesome alternatives, and staying connected to your intentions, you can enjoy a festive season that feels just as joyful — without the food coma or post-holiday regret. Wishing you a beautiful and nourishing Christmas!
What’s on your Paleo Christmas menu this year? Share your ideas and inspiration below — I’d love to hear how you're making the season delicious and healthy.
The Ultimate Paleo Guide to Christmas Dinner
So on the face of it you might be thinking Paleo and Christmas don’t go together. Perhaps you need to have a week or two “off” your Paleo diet until the festivities are over? Not so fast! Your Christmas Dinner might just be a lot more Paleo than you realised!
Turkey
Turkey is a fantastic Paleo meat! Make sure your turkey is from a good source and fully pastured (you might need to order this in advance to ensure you get a good one!) and you’ll have a great high protein, low carb meat to base your lunch around.
Gravy
Use the meat juices to make a beautifully Paleo gravy. Once you’ve made a proper gravy, you’ll wonder how you used to eat instant gravy mixes!
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce and turkey is an amazing combination – and of course cranberries are Paleo – just make your own sauce instead of buying a sugar laden version, perfect for Christmas dinner
Paleo Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 750ml (3 cups) of cranberries
- Juice of two oranges
- 1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Paleo Cranberry Sauce How To:
Boil the orange juice and add the cranberries. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 – 10 minutes until the berries have all burst and released their flavour. Remove from the heat and add the cinnamon and zest. Stir and allow to cool before refrigerating. Will keep for a few days in the fridge.
Potatoes
Potatoes are off the menu – but all is not lost! Just replace them with sweet potatoes which are perhaps even more delicious.
Brussels Sprouts
Sprouts are a perfect green, so pile them up high! If you’re not so keen on the taste try cooking them up with a bit of ginger for a great taste.
Christmas Pudding
Traditional Christmas puddings are often very wheat and sugar based – but who says you have to be traditional? How about chocolate avocado mousse for afters?
Creating the Ultimate Paleo Christmas Experience
While it might take a little extra planning, a truly delicious and satisfying Christmas meal that’s entirely Paleo-friendly is absolutely within reach. From festive drinks and snacks to innovative side dishes and decadent desserts, there are endless ways to celebrate the season without breaking from your healthy lifestyle.
Festive Starters to Kick Off the Meal
It’s easy to get stuck on the mains, but a good starter sets the tone for the whole feast. Impress your guests and satisfy your hunger with options like:
- Prawn skewers with lime and coriander: A refreshing seafood starter perfect for an Aussie summer Christmas.
- Devilled eggs with avocado and paprika: A creamy and satisfying bite with festive flair.
- Charcuterie board: Use nitrate-free cured meats, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber spears, and raw nuts to build a Paleo-friendly grazing platter.
Christmas Vegetables – The Paleo Way
Skip the marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes and grain-laden stuffings. This year, focus on whole, seasonal vegetables prepared in ways that enhance their natural flavour. Try:
- Maple-roasted carrots and parsnips: Tossed in coconut oil and a drizzle of 100% pure maple syrup, these are a sweet and savoury hit.
- Cauliflower gratin: Replace traditional cheese sauce with one made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk for a creamy bake.
- Roasted beetroot with thyme: Earthy, vibrant, and packed with nutrients, beets bring colour and flavour to the table.
Fresh Summer Salads for the Southern Hemisphere
For those of us celebrating Christmas under the sun, a crisp salad is the perfect addition to a warm weather meal. Some ideas include:
- Watermelon, cucumber and mint salad: Light, hydrating and festive in colour.
- Roasted pumpkin and spinach salad: Add toasted pepitas and a lemon-tahini dressing for extra zing.
- Shaved fennel and apple slaw: Crunchy, sweet and ideal for cutting through the richness of roast meats.
Paleo-Friendly Stuffing Alternatives
Traditional stuffing is a no-go on Paleo, but you can still recreate the flavours you love with a few simple swaps. Use a mix of ground nuts, vegetables, and herbs for a nutrient-rich alternative. One easy combo:
- 1 cup almond meal
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 1 egg (to bind)
- Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary and parsley
Mix, stuff into your turkey or bake separately for a crisp top and soft centre.
Celebratory Drinks That Stay on Track
Let’s face it — drinks are often where a lot of hidden sugar creeps in. This Christmas, swap sugar-laden punch and soft drinks for refreshing, low-sugar options like:
- Kombucha cocktails: Mix plain kombucha with lime juice and a sprig of rosemary for a grown-up mocktail. Add vodka if you’re including alcohol.
- Infused waters: Think strawberries and basil, or cucumber with lemon and mint.
- Iced herbal teas: Brew rooibos or hibiscus tea, chill, and serve over ice with citrus slices.
Decadent Paleo Desserts for a Sweet Finish
Just because you’re skipping sugar and grains doesn’t mean dessert has to be dull. A few indulgent options:
- Paleo pavlova: Made with whipped coconut cream and topped with fresh summer berries. You can find variations that use coconut sugar or monk fruit as a sweetener.
- Spiced poached pears: Cook pears in a blend of orange juice, cloves, cinnamon and star anise for a warm and elegant dish.
- Chocolate coconut truffles: Blitz dates, cacao powder, and shredded coconut in a food processor, roll into balls and refrigerate.
Gifting With a Healthy Twist
Food-based gifts can still be Paleo! Surprise friends and family with treats like:
- Jars of homemade almond butter spiced with cinnamon
- Sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade
- Raw energy balls in festive wrapping
These thoughtful gifts support your healthy values and show others how delicious clean eating can be.
Mindful Eating During the Festive Season
It’s not just what you eat that matters, but how you eat it. Slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and staying present during meals can help you enjoy your food more and avoid overeating. Remember to listen to your hunger cues and take breaks between servings.
Leftovers That Last
One of the perks of hosting is having leftovers. Instead of letting them go to waste, plan creative meals like:
- Turkey lettuce wraps: Add avocado, shredded veggies, and a squeeze of lime.
- Sweet potato hash: Combine leftover roasted veg with eggs for a Boxing Day brunch.
- Bone broth: Use your turkey carcass to make a healing, collagen-rich broth for soups and sauces.
Celebrate the Season, Your Way
Ultimately, your Christmas doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. If you love a fully traditional spread, tweak it to be Paleo-compliant. If you prefer something fresh and modern, build a menu from scratch. What matters most is how the food makes you feel — energised, nourished, and joyful.
How are you making your Christmas meal Paleo this year? Whether you’ve got a creative twist on a classic or a brand new favourite to share, I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
Paleo Griddled Tuna Steaks with Coriander
When cooking tuna steaks, only the best will do for my Griddled Tuna Steaks. Buy ‘Sushi Grade’ tuna, which you can effectively eat raw, and cook it to medium. This way, the fish will do the talking, and you won’t need overpowering sauces or marinades to make it palatable. This simple yet flavourful recipe is perfect for showcasing the quality of the tuna. The combination of coriander, capers, and lime creates a light and refreshing dressing that complements the natural taste of the fish. Creating these Griddled Tuna Steaks with Coriander and Capers allows you to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal that aligns with your Paleo lifestyle. The simplicity of the recipe lets the high-quality tuna shine, while the light dressing adds a refreshing touch. This dish is perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner.
Griddled Tuna Steaks with Coriander and Capers
These Griddled Tuna Steaks with Coriander and Capers are a simple yet delicious Paleo dish. Using sushi-grade tuna, this recipe ensures a perfect medium-cooked steak that's both tender and flavourful. The light dressing enhances the natural taste of the tuna, making it a delightful meal.
Servings: 2
Calories: 300kcal
Cost: 30
Equipment
- Griddle pan
- Food processor or blender
Ingredients
- 2 sushi grade tuna steaks
- 1 small handful fresh coriander roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp capers rinsed and dried
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 spring onions trimmed and chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- First, heat a griddle to a very high heat and brush with a little olive oil.
- Next, whizz together all the ingredients, bar the tuna, to form a light dressing. Set aside.
- When the griddle is really hot and the oil is smoking, throw on the tuna steaks. Sear for 1 and a half minutes on each side, so still pink in the middle.
- Remove from the heat, and drizzle with the dressing.
Moreover, this recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. It’s an excellent option for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal, ensuring everyone can enjoy a nutritious and flavourful dish. For more delicious Paleo recipes, don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media! Let us know how you enjoyed these Griddled Tuna Steaks with Coriander and Capers in the comments below. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Benefits of Tuna
Tuna is one of the most nutrient-dense seafood choices you can include in a Paleo diet. Rich in high-quality protein, it supports muscle repair and satiety, making it a great option for those focused on energy and body composition. It’s also a superb source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health, reduce inflammation, and may even contribute to clearer skin and enhanced cognitive function. By opting for sushi-grade tuna, you’re not only enhancing flavour, but you’re also avoiding harmful additives and preservatives that are often found in more processed varieties.
Perfecting Your Griddle Technique
To get the best texture and flavour, preheat your griddle or grill pan until it’s searing hot. Lightly oil the tuna steaks and season them with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper just before cooking. For medium doneness, cook each side for approximately 1½ to 2 minutes. This quick sear preserves the tuna’s juicy centre while giving a beautiful outer char. If you prefer your steak a little more rare in the middle (which many sushi lovers do), reduce the time slightly to achieve that perfect blush-pink interior.
Side Dishes That Complement Tuna Steaks
Griddled Tuna Steaks pair beautifully with a wide range of Paleo-friendly sides. Try serving them alongside roasted sweet potato wedges, a crisp Asian-style slaw, or grilled asparagus with lemon zest. A fresh cucumber and avocado salad with a squeeze of lime and a pinch of sea salt adds a cooling element that works particularly well with the coriander and caper dressing. You could also spoon some zesty cauliflower rice underneath the steak for a low-carb, nutrient-packed option that soaks up the juices perfectly.
Sustainability and Sourcing
Where your tuna comes from matters — not only for taste, but for the health of our oceans too. Look for wild-caught tuna, ideally pole-and-line or troll-caught, to ensure sustainable fishing practices are being followed. Overfishing and by-catch are serious issues with industrial tuna fishing, so taking a little extra time to find an ethical supplier pays off in both quality and environmental impact. Many speciality fishmongers or online seafood suppliers in Australia now offer transparent sourcing information.
Storing and Using Leftovers
If you have any leftover cooked tuna, don’t let it go to waste. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and use it the next day to make a refreshing tuna salad. Flake it into a bowl with baby spinach, chopped boiled egg, diced cucumber, avocado, and a light olive oil dressing. You could also stuff it into lettuce cups or use it as a protein boost in a wrap made with Paleo-friendly coconut or cassava tortillas. Cooked tuna will typically last up to two days refrigerated, though it’s best enjoyed sooner for maximum freshness.
Herb Substitutions and Variations
If coriander isn’t your favourite herb, try substituting it with flat-leaf parsley or fresh dill, both of which bring their own fresh twist to the caper-lime combination. You can also add finely chopped shallots or red chilli to the dressing for a bolder punch. Another delicious variation is to lightly brush the tuna steaks with a touch of garlic-infused olive oil before grilling to enhance depth of flavour without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the fish.
Wine Pairings and Presentation Tips
For those who enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied rosé complements the brightness of the lime and the richness of the tuna. When plating, consider layering the tuna over a bed of greens or a drizzle of the coriander and caper dressing, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-quality finish at home. This is one of those dishes where simple presentation makes a big impact.
Final Tips for Success
Always let your tuna steaks come to room temperature for about 15–20 minutes before cooking. This ensures even heat distribution and a perfect centre. Avoid overcooking — tuna dries out quickly and loses its flavour when well-done. Keep your dressing chilled until serving for a contrasting freshness against the warm steak. And don’t forget to season just before cooking, not too early, to preserve the moisture within the fish.
Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a solo treat, these Griddled Tuna Steaks with Coriander and Capers are sure to impress. With premium ingredients, minimal prep, and maximum flavour, they’re a shining example of how good Paleo can taste.
