<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (2024)

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30 dinner ideas for 30 days

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (1)

By PureWow Editors

Published Oct 30, 2015

If “What are we having for dinner?” is a question that fills you with dread every single night, maybe it’s time to stop asking it.

Our brilliant solution: meal templates. Simply assign a different theme (say, “pizza” or “casserole”) to each night of the month and then cook something that falls into that category. No guesswork. Plenty of creativity.

Here, 30 templates (and even more recipe ideas) to get you started.

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (2)

Dish

Day 1: Pizza Night

15 minutes: Pita Pizza

30 minutes: Egg Florentine Pizza

60 minutes: Sweet Potato and Rosemary Pizza

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (3)

ERIN MCDOWELL

Day 2: Chicken Night

15 minutes: Greek Chicken Cutlets

30 minutes: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

60 minutes: Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (4)

ERIN MCDOWELL

Day 3: Salad Night

15 minutes: Warm Beef and Veggie Amaranth Salad

30 minutes: Prosciutto, Pear, Roasted Endive and Candied Walnuts Salad

60 minutes: Falafel Salad with Spicy Yogurt Sauce

Day 4: Pasta Night

15 minutes: Cacio e Pepe

30 minutes: Orecchiette with Sausage and Kale

60 minutes: Angel Hair Pasta with Mushroom, Basil and Fried Egg

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (6)

Knead for Food

Day 5: Breakfast For Dinner Night

15 minutes: Amaranth Pancakes

30 minutes: Breakfast Burrito

60 minutes: Italian Sausage and Ricotta Frittata

Day 8: Stir-fry Night

15 minutes: Spicy Chicken Stir-Fry with Peanuts

30 minutes: Steak Stir-Fry

60 minutes: Black Pepper Stir-Fried Noodles

Day 9: Sandwich Night

15 minutes: Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Avocado

30 minutes: Bourbon Caramelized Bacon and Heirloom Tomato BLT

60 minutes: Chicken Parmesan Panini

Day 12: Soup Night

15 minutes: Classic Black Bean Soup

30 minutes: Ginger Carrot Bisque

60 minutes: Potato Leek Soup

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (14)

Day 13: Steak Night

15 minutes: Broiled Flank Steak with Warm Tomato Topping

30 minutes: Steak Tacos Al Carbon

60 minutes: Oven Sirloin Steak Stew

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (15)

Day 14: Seafood Night

15 minutes: Grilled Salmon with Heirloom Tomatoes

30 minutes: Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Seared Scallops

60 minutes: Seared Halibut with Citrus Beurre Blanc

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (17)

Chef Nellie's Catering

Day 16: Burger Night

15 minutes: Mustard-Glazed Mushroom Burger

30 minutes: Andouille Slider Burgers with Caramelized Onions

60 minutes: Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger

Day 17: Cheese Night

15 minutes: Make Your Own Cheese Plate

30 minutes: Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

60 minutes: Truffled Mac & Cheese

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (19)

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Day 18: French Night

15 minutes: Easy Cheese Fondue

30 minutes: French-Style Chicken with Peas and Bacon

60 minutes: Ratatouille

Day 19: Chili Night

Day 20: Tapas Night

15 minutes: Tortilla Espanola

30 minutes: Tapas Feast

60 minutes: Chilled Mussels with Saffron Mayonnaise

Day 21: Italian Night

15 minutes: Tuna Bucatini

30 minutes: Brown Butter Ravioli with Rotisserie Chicken, Walnuts and Sage

60 minutes: Spaghetti and Meatballs

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (24)

PHOTO: LIZ ANDREW/STYLING: ERIN MCDOWELL

Day 23: Potato Night

15 minutes: Easy Potato Gnocchi

30 minutes: Baked Eggs and Potatoes

60 minutes: Baked Potato Soup

Day 24: Comfort Food Night

Day 26: Waffle Night

Day 27: Curry Night

15 minutes: Curried Quinoa Salad with Cucumber-Mint Raita

30 minutes: Squash Coconut Curry

60 minutes: Thai-Style Beef and Broccoli Curry

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (29)

Jamie Oliver

Day 28: Gluten-free Night

15 minutes: Pan-Roasted Grouper with Provencal Vegetables

30 minutes: Honey-Mustard Teriyaki Chicken and Peach Kabobs

60 minutes: Grilled Cauliflower with Winter Pesto

Day 29: Taco Night

15 minutes: 15-Minute Stir-Fried Steak Tacos

30 minutes: Caribbean Chicken Tacos

60 minutes: Build-Your-Own Tacos

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (31)

The Kitchn

30: Leftovers Night

Your fridge is stocked after 29 days. Mangia!

<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (32)

PureWow Editors

Our editorial team works with a variety of writers and experts across all fields to produce thoroughly researched stories that resonate with you. Our mission is to be that...

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<p>30 dinner ideas for 30 Days</p> (2024)

FAQs

What is a Whole30 meal plan? ›

On Whole30, you can eat meat, vegetables, fruit, tree nuts and seeds, and healthy fats. However, you must avoid sugar, grains, legumes, dairy, alcohol, and processed food additives. Although it would be difficult and very restrictive to maintain long term, the Whole30 is designed to be done only for 30 days.

What happens after 30 days of Whole30 diet? ›

Step Two: Reintroduction

The reintroduction period is perhaps the most important Whole30 stage. This is where you really learn how the foods you used to eat (and eliminated for the last 30 days) affect how you look, feel, and live.

How do I eat enough on Whole30? ›

Make sure you are eating enough at every meal — protein, fat, + carbs are the main components of each meal, ++ make sure that you feel full + never, ever hungry. If you're hungry, eat more! You should never feel that you have not had enough to eat.

What to cook for 30 guests? ›

19 Ideas For Easy Meals For Large Groups
  • Taco Bar. A taco bar is one of the best inexpensive meals for large groups. ...
  • Meatballs. ...
  • Butter Chicken. ...
  • Lasagna. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Homemade Pizza. ...
  • Baked Pasta. ...
  • Skewers.
Apr 4, 2023

Are potatoes ok on Whole30? ›

Are Potatoes Whole30? Yes! As of January 2021, all varieties of potatoes are included in the Whole30 diet. Yet, the catch is that fries and chips are not included in the diet as they are not considered to be “real” or whole foods.

What foods can you eat on Whole30? ›

What should be on your Whole30 shopping list?
Meat/ProteinVegetablesHealthy Fats
Pasture-raised porkBroccoliCoconut oil
Wild-caught salmon filetsGreen beansGhee
ShrimpSweet potatoesNut butters (no added sugar or additives)
Eggs (organic and pasture-raised)CarrotsCoconut milk (full-fat and no additives)
2 more rows

What is the hardest day of Whole30? ›

On Days 10 and 11, you are statistically the most likely to quit your Whole30. (That's why they're “the hardest days.”) By this point, the newness of the program has worn off, and though you've made it through most of the unpleasant physical milestones, you've yet to experience significant benefits.

Do you actually lose weight on Whole30? ›

Whole30 has gained a reputation as an effective program for weight loss and overall health improvement. Many individuals have reported successful weight loss outcomes while following the Whole30 guidelines.

Can you eat eggs on Whole30? ›

What can you eat on Whole30? Eat real food. As defined by Whole30, that includes meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruit, healthy fats (like olive and coconut oils, and ghee), herbs, spices, and seasonings.

Why do I feel so bad on Whole30? ›

Some downsides include Whole30 side effects like digestive problems, worsened food cravings, and reduced nutrient intake. The diet restricts certain foods and food groups, which, if followed long-term, can result in nutrient deficiencies.

Do you gain weight back after Whole30? ›

Many people will lose weight on a diet like Whole30, but weight loss isn't the only goal. The diet can also help if you are at risk for diabetes, and help with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. But after a 30-day wonder diet like Whole30, it's likely weight will return if you don't follow a few rules.

Why am I so hungry on Whole30? ›

You're just not eating enough

Trying to reduce your caloric intake while also eliminating food groups might leave your stomach growling. The cure for a constant feeling of hunger while following Whole30 might simply be to consume bigger portions that leave you feeling satisfied.

What is the cheapest food to feed a crowd? ›

Cheap tricks for the best outdoor cookouts.
  • 1 / 7. Hot Dog Snack Board. ...
  • 2 / 7. No-Cook Dip and Veggie Summer Board. ...
  • 3 / 7. Instant Pot Pulled Porchetta Sandwiches. ...
  • 4 / 7. Chicken Caesar Salad Skewers. ...
  • 5 / 7. Chopped BBQ Chicken Salad. ...
  • 6 / 7. Fish Tacos. ...
  • 7 / 7. Ice Cream Sandwiches for a Crowd.
Apr 19, 2023

How much buffet food do I need for 30 guests? ›

Each adult will consume 1 pound of food total; children, about 1/2 pound. The more options you have, the less you need of each; decrease the main course portion sizes by 1 to 2 ounces if served on a buffet.

What foods should you avoid on Whole30 diet? ›

Whole30 is a 30-day elimination diet with rules including the removal of alcohol, sugar, legumes, grains, dairy, and all processed foods. Followers of the diet have noted weight loss and increased energy, along with the identification of any problem foods.

Is Chick Fil A Whole30 approved? ›

Chick-fil-A

They're off-limits because they contain ingredients like cornstarch, molasses, and soybean oil. Even the fruit cups contain added sugar, and the salads have ingredients like soybean oils and cornstarch.

Do you lose weight on Whole30? ›

That said, plenty of people who try the Whole30 diet do end up losing some weight. “The benefit of Whole30 is that it encourages eating whole foods, which are foods in their most natural state,” says Sara Haas, RDN, a nutrition expert with formal training in the culinary arts.

What are the side effects of the Whole30 diet? ›

The abrupt decrease in added sugar and processed carbs can leave you feeling lethargic, headachy, and brain-foggy until your metabolism adjusts. Cravings for the foods or drinks you've eliminated can also make you cranky, fidgety, and easily irritated. (Food dreams are common here, too.)

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