Delicious examples of examples of paleo side dishes you’ll actually cook

Fast, flavorful examples of paleo side dishes for weeknights

Let’s start with the kind of examples of paleo side dishes you can pull together when it’s 6:30 p.m., you’re hungry, and the takeout apps are whispering your name.

One of the best examples for pure simplicity is roasted vegetables tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chop a mix of carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower, spread them on a sheet pan, and roast at 425°F until browned at the edges. The high heat brings out sweetness, and you can switch up the seasoning with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried Italian herbs. This is a real example of a side that works with almost any protein.

Skillet green beans are another example of a fast paleo side dish. Sauté fresh green beans in avocado oil with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon at the end. If you eat nuts, sprinkle on some toasted almonds for crunch. In under 15 minutes, you have a side that feels restaurant-level but is completely paleo-friendly.

If you miss rice, cauliflower rice is one of the classic examples of examples of paleo side dishes that people actually keep making. You can buy it pre-riced in the freezer section or pulse fresh cauliflower in a food processor. Sauté it in a skillet with olive oil, onion, and a bit of salt. You can keep it plain, or turn it into a cilantro-lime “rice” to serve with tacos by adding lime juice and chopped cilantro.

These fast sides share a theme: simple ingredients, high heat, and bold seasoning. When you think about examples of paleo side dishes, focus on what you can add (color, texture, herbs, acid) instead of what you’ve removed (grains, dairy).

Comfort-food style examples include potatoes, mash, and fries

Paleo doesn’t mean you never get cozy, starchy sides. In fact, some of the best examples of paleo side dishes are comfort-food inspired.

Take roasted sweet potato wedges. Slice sweet potatoes into thick wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, and a little smoked paprika or cinnamon, then roast until the edges caramelize. These are a real example of a side that feels like fries but lines up with paleo guidelines. They’re perfect with burgers made from grass-fed beef or turkey.

Mashed root vegetables are another example of a paleo side that hits the mashed potato craving. Steam or boil a mix of cauliflower and parsnips, then blend or mash with ghee (or olive oil), salt, pepper, and roasted garlic. The cauliflower lightens the texture, while parsnips add a gentle sweetness. It’s creamy, spoonable, and lovely under a piece of roasted chicken.

If you tolerate white potatoes in your version of paleo (some people do, some don’t), oven-baked potato wedges cooked in avocado oil with plenty of salt and pepper can fit into a real-world paleo-style plate. Harvard’s School of Public Health notes that potatoes are a starchy vegetable and best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching blood sugar swings (Harvard T.H. Chan). Building your plate around protein and non-starchy vegetables, with potatoes as a side, helps keep things more balanced.

Another example of a comfort-style paleo side dish is baked spaghetti squash strands tossed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. It twirls on a fork like pasta, but it’s just a vegetable in disguise. Add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if you like a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Fresh, crunchy salad examples of paleo side dishes

When you want something light and crisp, salad is an easy example of a paleo side dish that can be endlessly customized.

A basic mixed greens salad is one of the simplest examples of examples of paleo side dishes. Start with a mix of leafy greens (romaine, spinach, arugula), add sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss with a dressing made from extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. That’s it. No sugar, no seed-oil-heavy bottled dressings.

For a heartier salad example, try a shredded cabbage slaw. Use green and purple cabbage, grated carrot, and chopped cilantro. Dress it with lime juice, olive or avocado oil, and a pinch of salt. This kind of slaw holds up in the fridge for a couple of days, which makes it one of the best examples for meal prep.

You can also build a Mediterranean-inspired salad as a real example of a paleo-friendly side: chopped cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and plenty of fresh parsley, all tossed with lemon and olive oil. Skip the cheese if you’re staying strictly paleo, or keep a little if you’re more flexible and following a “primal” style approach.

If you’re wondering about nutrition, the CDC emphasizes that vegetables of all colors support overall health and are worth featuring at most meals (CDC – Vegetables). Salads are an easy way to stack that veggie deck.

“Fake-out” grain examples: cauliflower rice, veggie noodles, and more

Some of the most fun examples of paleo side dishes are the ones that pretend to be grains or pasta but are actually vegetables.

We already talked about cauliflower rice, but you can take it further with fried “rice.” Sauté cauliflower rice with diced carrots, peas or green beans, scrambled egg (if you eat eggs), coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and green onions. This is a real example of a side dish that feels like takeout but stays within paleo boundaries.

Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are another popular example of a paleo side. Spiralize zucchini into noodles, quickly sauté them in olive oil or ghee for just a couple of minutes (so they stay a bit firm), then toss with pesto or a simple garlic and olive oil sauce. Serve them under meatballs, grilled shrimp, or sliced steak.

Butternut squash “rice” is less common but worth trying. Pulse raw butternut squash cubes in a food processor until rice-sized, then sauté with onion and garlic. The result is slightly sweet and pairs beautifully with roasted pork or chicken.

These examples of examples of paleo side dishes all share a trick: they mimic the texture or role of grains on the plate, which can make paleo eating feel more familiar, especially when you’re just starting out.

Crowd-pleasing examples include party and holiday sides

Paleo side dishes don’t have to scream “diet food.” Some of the best examples are dishes you can bring to a potluck or holiday dinner and no one will guess they’re paleo.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is a classic example of a paleo side dish that disappears fast. Halve the sprouts, toss with chopped bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until the edges are crispy and browned. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar at the end adds a little tangy sweetness.

Another party-friendly example is a big tray of roasted mixed vegetables: bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and mushrooms. Toss with olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs. These are colorful, flavorful, and work at room temperature, which is handy for gatherings.

For holiday meals, mashed cauliflower-parsnip, roasted carrots with thyme, and a big green salad with pomegranate seeds and toasted nuts are all real examples of paleo side dishes that feel festive. If you’re skipping traditional stuffing, you can roast a pan of cubed butternut squash with onions, celery, apples, and sage for a stuffing-inspired side without bread.

If you’re managing specific health issues while planning these sides, it can help to check general guidance on added sugars, fats, and sodium from sources like the NIH or Mayo Clinic. Paleo-style sides naturally lean into whole foods, which lines up with many of these recommendations.

2024–2025 trends: simple, air-fried, and globally inspired

Paleo recipes in 2024–2025 have leaned hard into two things: convenience and big flavor. That shows up clearly in newer examples of paleo side dishes.

Air fryer vegetables are everywhere. Air-fried sweet potato fries, Brussels sprouts, and green beans are some of the best examples of sides that feel indulgent but use less oil than deep frying. Toss vegetables lightly in avocado or olive oil, season well, and air fry until crisp at the edges.

Global flavors are another trend. You’ll see real examples like:

• “Mexican-style” cauliflower rice with cumin, chili powder, and lime.
• “Thai-inspired” cucumber salads with lime, fish sauce (check ingredients), and fresh herbs.
• “Middle Eastern-style” roasted carrots with cumin, coriander, and tahini drizzle.

These examples include bold spices, citrus, and fresh herbs, which keep paleo side dishes from getting boring. Social media feeds are filled with short videos of people prepping a sheet pan of spiced veggies or tossing together a five-ingredient slaw, because the appetite for quick, realistic sides is only growing.

Putting it together: how to build a plate with these examples

Knowing a bunch of examples of examples of paleo side dishes is helpful, but the magic is in how you combine them into meals that feel satisfying.

One easy formula is: protein + 2 sides. For example:

• Grilled chicken thighs with roasted broccoli-cauliflower mix and mashed cauliflower-parsnip.
• Baked salmon with a big mixed greens salad and roasted sweet potato wedges.
• Grass-fed burger patties (no bun) with air-fried sweet potato fries and cabbage slaw.

Rotate through the examples of paleo side dishes we’ve talked about: one fresh (like a salad or slaw) and one cooked (like roasted veggies or a mash). This keeps textures interesting and helps you get a variety of nutrients without overthinking it.

If you meal prep, choose real examples that store well: roasted root vegetables, cabbage slaw, and cauliflower rice all hold up in the fridge. More delicate sides like zucchini noodles are better made the day you’ll eat them.

The bottom line: when you focus on vegetables, healthy fats, and simple seasonings, the best examples of paleo side dishes become the part of the meal you look forward to, not just the supporting act.

FAQ: Real-world questions about paleo side dishes

What are some easy examples of paleo side dishes for beginners?
Easy examples include roasted mixed vegetables, simple green salads with olive oil and lemon, cauliflower rice, sautéed green beans with garlic, and roasted sweet potato wedges. All of these use basic pantry ingredients and don’t require special tools.

Can you give an example of a paleo side dish that kids usually like?
A common kid-approved example of a paleo side dish is sweet potato fries baked in the oven or air fryer. Roasted carrots with a little honey (if you include it) and cinnamon, or mashed cauliflower mixed with a bit of ghee, are also kid-friendly options.

Are white potatoes allowed in examples of paleo side dishes?
Strict paleo plans often avoid white potatoes, but many modern, real-world examples include them in moderation, especially baked or roasted with the skin on. If you’re following a specific program, check its guidelines and consider your own blood sugar and health goals.

What are the best examples of paleo sides for meal prep?
Some of the best examples for meal prep are roasted root vegetables, cabbage or broccoli slaw, cauliflower rice, and roasted Brussels sprouts. These hold up well in the fridge and reheat without turning mushy.

Do examples of paleo side dishes always have to be low-carb?
Not necessarily. Many examples, like sweet potatoes, winter squash, and some fruits in salads, contain natural carbohydrates. Paleo focuses more on food quality and avoiding highly processed ingredients than on strict carb counts, unless you’re combining it with a low-carb approach for specific health reasons.

What’s a good example of a paleo side dish for holidays like Thanksgiving?
A good example is mashed cauliflower-parsnip with garlic and ghee, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, or a big salad with mixed greens, toasted nuts, and pomegranate seeds. These feel festive and satisfying without relying on bread or traditional stuffing.