12 Aip Elimination Phase Recipes for Gut-Friendly Meals

Questioning what to cook during the elimination phase? These 12 AIP elimination phase recipes prove you can eat deliciously without compromising your gut health.

From cozy breakfasts to comforting dinners and simple snacks, these dishes are designed to be approachable, budget-friendly, and family-friendly while staying true to AIP guidelines.

Keep reading to discover each recipe, plus swaps, storage tips, and serving ideas that make weeknight cooking easy and enjoyable.

What Makes These Recipes Worth Trying?

Not sure if AIP elimination phase recipes can be tasty and satisfying? Spoiler alert: they can be incredibly flavorful and easy to prepare.

• Easy prep
• Simple ingredients
• Great for weeknights
• Make-ahead friendly
• Family-friendly
• Budget-friendly

Note: Nutrition estimates are approximate. Always tailor portions to your needs and consult a professional if you have specific dietary requirements.

Overview Table

Not sure where to start? Use the table below to pick your recipe by time, flavor, or occasion – then jump straight to it.

Citrus-Glow Salmon With Cauli-Rice

Difficulty: Easy | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Serves: 2

Bright citrus meets tender salmon in a quick skillet session. This dish is ideal for a weeknight when you want something light yet satisfying and full of sunshine.

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup riced cauliflower
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook salmon 3-4 minutes per side until opaque and flaky. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic, cook 30 seconds. Add orange juice and lemon juice, simmer 2 minutes.
4. Stir in cauliflower rice and lemon zest; cook 3-4 minutes until tender. Return salmon to pan to warm through 1 minute.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.

Easy Swaps:

• No salmon? Use cod or chicken breast instead.
• No orange juice? Use a splash of lime juice plus a teaspoon honey for balance.
• No cauliflower rice? Use finely chopped broccoli rice or shredded cabbage for texture.

Helpful Tip:

Make a quick batch of cauli-rice ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 320 calories – 28g protein – 14g carbs – 18g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Herbed Quinoa-Free Veggie Patties

Difficulty: Easy | Prep: 25 min | Cook: 8 min | Serves: 4

These patties rely on hearty vegetables and binding without quinoa. They stay juicy inside with a crisp edge and are perfect for flexible lunches or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup finely grated zucchini
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potato, zucchini, carrot, eggs, coconut flour, thyme, salt, and pepper until a cohesive mixture forms.
2. Shape into 6 patties. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook patties 3-4 minutes per side until golden and firm to the touch.
4. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Easy Swaps:

• No eggs? Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg).
• No coconut flour? Use almond flour, but adjust quantity to 2-3 tablespoons.

Helpful Tip:

Make extra batter and refrigerate for up to 2 days; patties crisp beautifully when pan-seared straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 210 calories – 9g protein – 26g carbs – 9g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Creamy Coconut Turmeric Chicken

Difficulty: Medium | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Serves: 4

A silky coconut base brightened with turmeric and ginger. This dish feels indulgent but stays friendly to AIP tips when served with simple greens or cauliflower rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional)

Instructions:

1. Season chicken with salt. Sear in oil until golden on both sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Return chicken, cover, and cook 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
4. Add spinach if using and simmer 1-2 minutes until wilted. Serve warm.

Easy Swaps:

• No coconut milk? Use dairy-free mayo thinned with water for creaminess, or cashew cream if tolerated.
• No spinach? Use kale or arugula for a peppery bite.

Helpful Tip:

Cook the chicken in a wide pan to maximize surface area for browning; a good sear adds depth to the sauce.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 320 calories – 22g protein – 7g carbs – 23g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Garlic-Lemon Shrimp Zucchini Noodles

Difficulty: Easy | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 5 min | Serves: 2

Fast, fresh, and light. Zoodles dance in a garlicky lemon sauce with shrimp that cooks in minutes for a bright, weeknight friendly plate.

Ingredients:

• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side until pink. Remove.
2. Lower heat, add remaining oil and garlic; sauté 30 seconds.
3. Add lemon juice and zucchini noodles; toss 1-2 minutes until just tender.
4. Return shrimp to pan to warm through, and serve with parsley.

Easy Swaps:

• No shrimp? Use scallops or thinly sliced chicken breast.
• No zucchini? Use carrot ribbons or shirataki noodles for a different texture.

Helpful Tip:

Use a wide pan to toss the zoodles quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent soggy noodles.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 210 calories – 26g protein – 6g carbs – 9g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Sweet Potato Sunrise Breakfast Hash

Difficulty: Easy | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 2

A morning-friendly skillet with sweet potato, onion, and greens. It feels like a cozy hug and keeps you satisfied well into midday.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, diced
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 eggs, sunny side up

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potato and onion; cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
2. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in spinach until wilted.
3. If using eggs, push hash to the side and crack eggs into the pan; cook 2-3 minutes until set.
4. Serve warm or with eggs on top if desired.

Easy Swaps:

• No spinach? Use kale or arugula; add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
• No sweet potato? Use diced butternut squash or potato, adjusting cook time.

Helpful Tip:

Make a larger batch on Sunday and reheat in the microwave with a splash of water to refresh the texture.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 290 calories – 6g protein – 38g carbs – 12g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Herbed Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Difficulty: Easy | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Serves: 4

Light, crunchy, and fresh, these wraps are a great way to feel full without heaviness. The aroma of chopped herbs makes this a crowd-pleasing option even for picky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 carrot, finely minced
• 2 green onions, sliced (green parts only)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 head butter lettuce or romaine leaves
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add turkey and cook until browned, breaking up lumps for about 6-8 minutes.
2. Stir in carrot and green onions; cook 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
3. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spoon mixture into lettuce leaves and garnish with cilantro.

Easy Swaps:

• No green onions? Use chives or finely minced celery for a similar bite.
• No lettuce? Use collard greens or romaine cups for sturdy wraps.

Helpful Tip:

Double the turkey mixture for lunches; it reheats well and stays flavorful.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 240 calories – 22g protein – 6g carbs – 14g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Cranberry Orange Roasted Chicken Thighs

Difficulty: Medium | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Serves: 4

Aromatics and a hint of sweetness make this one-pan chicken a weeknight hero. The cranberries pop against the citrus for a festive vibe without extra fuss.

Ingredients:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup water or broth

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in a skillet 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
2. Transfer to a baking dish. Add cranberries, orange slices, oil, and water around the chicken.
3. Bake 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165F and cranberries burst.
4. Let rest 5 minutes before serving with a spoonful of pan sauce.

Easy Swaps:

• No cranberries? Use chopped dried cherries or blueberries for a similar tart-sweet note.
• No orange? Use lemon slices for a tangy twist.

Helpful Tip:

Roast in a rimmed sheet pan to keep juices from pooling; the edges stay crispier that way.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 310 calories – 28g protein – 8g carbs – 18g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Pumpkin Seed Pesto Pasta (Zoodle Style)

Difficulty: Medium | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Serves: 3

AIP-friendly pesto that skips pine nuts but still delivers rich, herb-forward flavor on a bed of zoodles. Comforting and fresh all in one bowl.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups packed fresh basil
• 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
• 2 cloves garlic (optional for AIP)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 3 medium zucchini, spiralized

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine basil, pumpkin seeds, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding a splash of water if needed.
2. Pad dry the zucchini noodles and toss with pesto until coated.
3. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Easy Swaps:

• No pumpkin seeds? Use sunflower seeds or almond butter for a nuttier pesto.
• No zucchini? Use spaghetti squash strands if available.

Helpful Tip:

Lightly salt the zucchini after spiralizing to draw out moisture; pat dry before mixing with the pesto.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 290 calories – 7g protein – 12g carbs – 24g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Apple Cinnamon Chicken Skillet

Difficulty: Easy | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 20 min | Serves: 4

Sweet-tart apples meet savory chicken in a cozy skillet. This dish feels like a comforting hug on a chilly evening and still keeps things light.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 apples, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Brown chicken in oil 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add apples and cinnamon; sauté 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Return chicken, add broth, cover, and simmer 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

Easy Swaps:

• No apples? Use pears for a similar texture with a different sweetness.
• No broth? Use a splash of water plus a pinch of sea salt.

Helpful Tip:

Slice apples uniformly for even cooking; a quick splash of lemon juice prevents browning if you prep ahead.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 270 calories – 28g protein – 18g carbs – 8g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Creamy Avocado Herb Dip with Veggies

Difficulty: Easy | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Serves: 4

Silky avocado, bright herbs, and a touch of lime make a dip that doubles as a sauce for veggies or meat. Perfect for snacking, lunch boxes, or party trays without the heaviness.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe avocado
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• Salt to taste
• Assorted raw veggies for dipping

Instructions:

1. Mash avocado with olive oil and lime juice until smooth but still a little chunky.
2. Stir in cilantro and salt. Serve with veggies.

Easy Swaps:

• No avocado? Use mashed white bean paste if tolerated, or a simple olive oil + lemon drizzle with herbs.
• No cilantro? Use parsley or chives for a milder herbal note.

Helpful Tip:

Spritz with a touch more lime juice if you store leftovers to prevent browning.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 150 calories – 2g protein – 9g carbs – 12g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Baked Herb Cod with Steamed Greens

Difficulty: Easy | Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Serves: 4

Gentle, flaky cod bathed in herbs pairs beautifully with brisk, bright greens. A simple, clean flavor profile that still feels special enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (4 oz each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, or chard)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425F. Brush cod with oil, season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Bake 12-15 minutes until flaky.
2. While cod bakes, steam greens until just tender. Squeeze lemon over greens and toss.
3. Plate cod with greens and extra lemon wedges.

Easy Swaps:

• No cod? Use haddock or pollock for a similar texture.
• No greens? Use steamed broccoli or green beans for color and crunch.

Helpful Tip:

Line a baking tray with parchment for easy cleanup; fish browns nicely with a light brush of oil.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 210 calories – 28g protein – 6g carbs – 9g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Ginger-Ghee Ground Pork Lettuce Cups

Difficulty: Medium | Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Serves: 4

Savory pork with a gingery kick tucked into crisp lettuce cups. A fun, hands-on meal that feels like a party plate without any dairy or grains.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
• 1 head butter lettuce
• Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a skillet. Add pork, breaking it apart as it cooks until no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes).
2. Add ginger and garlic; cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in coconut aminos and adjust seasoning.
3. Spoon pork into lettuce leaves and garnish with green onions if desired. Serve immediately.

Easy Swaps:

• No ghee? Use olive oil or avocado oil for a dairy-free option.
• No coconut aminos? Use a splash of tamari (gluten-free) with a pinch of sugar substitute if needed.

Helpful Tip:

Rinse and pat lettuce leaves dry well to avoid soggy cups. They should crisp slightly when filling right before serving.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving):

Approx. 260 calories – 20g protein – 8g carbs – 16g fat. These are rough estimates only and will vary based on ingredients and portion size.

Not sure where to start? Use the table above to pick your recipe by time, flavor, or occasion – then jump straight to it.

How To Choose The Best Recipe For You

Think about how much time you have, what ingredients you already have, and which flavors you crave today. If you want something quick, pick Easy Swaps recipes. If you crave comfort, choose one of the Creamy or Hash options. For a lighter bite, try the lettuce cups or zoodles.

Consider your skill level and whether you want to batch for the week. These recipes are designed to be flexible and forgiving, with swaps that keep you moving forward even when a pantry item is missing.

Storage And Make-Ahead Tips

Most of these recipes store well in the fridge for 2-4 days. Some components, like cauli-rice or pesto, keep best separately. Here are practical tips to stay confident in the kitchen.

• Leftovers last 3-4 days in a sealed container in the fridge.
• Best fresh: shrimp zoodles and lettuce cups are best enjoyed soon after cooking.
• Store components separately to prevent sogginess (protein, sauces, and veggies).
• Prep ingredients ahead: wash and chop veggies, mix sauces, or portion proteins for quick assembly.
• Reheating: gentle reheating on the stove or in the oven helps maintain texture; avoid microwaving more than 2 minutes at a time.

What To Serve With These Recipes

Try these sides and pairings to round out your meals without breaking AIP rules.

• Grilled chicken or fish with a squeeze of lemon
• Crusty gluten-free bread or mashed cauliflower for a filling option
• Rice substitutes like cauliflower rice or mashed sweet potato
• Fresh green salad with a simple olive oil dressing
• Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
• Herbal teas or unsweetened sparkling water as drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store these meals for the week?

Store cooked proteins and vegetables in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Sauces and pesto can also be kept separately to preserve flavor and texture.

Can I swap ingredients if I have allergies?

Yes. Use substitutions that fit your dietary needs. For example, swap coconut products with olive oil or almond butter if tolerated, and replace leafy greens with other vegetables you enjoy.

How long do these recipes take from start to finish?

Most recipes take 15-30 minutes of active cooking with additional passive oven time where applicable. Refer to each recipe’s Prep and Cook times for specifics.

Are these beginner-friendly?

Yes. The majority are designed for beginners with clear steps and simple ingredients. Use the Easy Swaps section to adjust as needed.

What if I need to make ahead for a party or meal prep?

Some dishes reheat well, like the Salmon, Chicken, and Pork Lettuce Cups. Consider separating sauces and greens and assembling at serving time to keep textures crisp.

What are good serving ideas for these meals?

Pair with simple sides like greens, roasted vegetables, or a light fruit option. AIP-friendly salads or cucumber-based dishes also work well to balance flavors.

Ready to cook tonight? Pick one recipe, grab your ingredients, and start sizzling. These dishes are easy, comforting, and totally doable without stepping outside your elimination phase goals.