7-Day Whole30 Diet Dinner Plan

The Whole30 diet (the stricter sister of the Paleo diet) has been a popular diet trend, promising benefits like weight loss, increased energy levels and relief from chronic pain and digestive issues—as long as you faithfully follow the strict set of rules for what you can and cannot eat.

Even though it's not totally in line with all of our principles of healthy eating—for example, unless there's a really good reason to do so, you don't have to give up beans and whole grains—the Whole30 diet plan does have some components we agree with. Whole30 followers are encouraged to choose whole foods with real ingredients, cut out added sugar and read nutrition labels carefully—all sound advice for a healthy diet.

But the plan also calls to eliminate all types of dairy, legumes and grains (including healthy whole grains, like oats, rice and quinoa), which are all healthy foods that provide beneficial nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and fiber. Research shows that unless you have an allergy or a true sensitivity to certain foods, there is no reason to exclude these foods from your diet—and doing so can actually cause more harm than good.

Read More: ​The Whole30 Diet: Pros & Cons, Plus What You Need to Know Before You Get Started

While we're not super-fans of the Whole30 diet, we definitely identify with the healthier points. If you've been inspired to try the Whole30, we suggest taking a more balanced approach rather than completely restricting whole food groups.

The recipes in this seven-day dinner plan meet Whole30 criteria and feature whole foods and no added sugar. To help you get the full range of nutrients you need each day, we include healthy breakfast and lunch recipes that use hearty whole grains, calcium-rich dairy and fiber-packed legumes. This simple Whole30 meal plan makes it easy to eat healthy whole foods all week long.

Day 1

Pictured recipe: Broiled Ginger-Lime Chicken

Flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and lime, the marinade in this healthy recipe yields juicy, tender, lip-smacking-good chicken thighs. Serve this tangy chicken with Cauliflower Rice and a leafy-green salad dressed with olive oil, lime juice and a pinch each of salt and pepper.

Try the Chickpea & Potato Hash for a satisfying breakfast, and for lunch, the easy Tuna & White Bean Salad over leafy greens.

Day 2

Pictured recipe: Vegetarian Thai Red Curry

This flavorful vegetarian Thai red curry recipe matches sweet potatoes with fresh dandelion greens and asparagus, though you can substitute cauliflower florets, cubed Asian eggplant, squash or carrots. 

For breakfast, try the Apple-Peanut Butter Smoothie and skip the optional honey in this recipe—the natural sweetness from the apple is just right. For lunch, the Kale Salad with Spiced Tofu & Chickpeas gets a nice crunch from roasted chickpeas.

Day 3

Pictured recipe: Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto & Shrimp

Cut some carbs and use spiralized zucchini in place of noodles in this zesty pesto pasta dish recipe. Top with Cajun-style seasoned shrimp to complete this quick and easy dinner.

For breakfast, try the Avocado Toast with Egg, Arugula & Bacon on sprouted-grain bread, which is made without added sugars. For lunch, the no-cook Black Bean & Mango Salad makes for a colorful meal.

Day 4

Pictured recipe: Taco Lettuce Wraps

Don't limit yourself to lettuce for this low-carb, gluten-free taco lettuce wrap recipe—any fresh green sturdy enough to wrap around 1/2 cup of filling works.

For breakfast, try the fruity Vegan Smoothie Bowl, and for lunch the quick-cooking Ravioli & Vegetable Soup.

Day 5

Pictured recipe: Coriander-&-Lemon-Crusted Salmon with Asparagus Salad & Poached Egg

Crushed coriander seeds and lemon zest give this healthy salmon recipe complex flavor that pairs beautifully with a shaved asparagus and poached egg salad.

For breakfast, the Quinoa & Chia Oatmeal will warm you up and keep you feeling full till lunch. The Pasta Salad with Black Beans & Avocado Dressing holds up well in the fridge and is a great make-ahead lunch for work.

Day 6

Pictured recipe: Paprika Chicken Thighs with Brussels Sprouts

In this healthy chicken recipe, paprika-rubbed chicken thighs are nestled into Brussels sprouts and shallots and roasted on a sheet pan in the oven for a healthy one-pan dinner. We highly recommend using smoked paprika—the subtle smoky flavor sets this dish apart. If you can't find smoked paprika, regular will work.

For breakfast, try Jason Mraz's Avocado Green Smoothie, and for lunch, the Easy Vegetarian Chili. Freeze what you don't use of the chili and pull it out later for a quick dinner or premade lunch.

Day 7

Pictured recipe: Fish with Coconut Shallot Sauce

This easy fish recipe with a flavorful garlic, thyme and coconut sauce is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Serve with the Pineapple & Avocado Salad.

For breakfast, try the Tomatillo Breakfast Tacos on corn tortillas, and for lunch the cheesy Kale & Gruyère Panini on sprouted-grain bread.