When we’re wrapping our heads around a new way of eating, such as a grain free lifestyle, much brain power goes towards “What can I eat now that other foods are off limits?” It often leaves a small portion of mental energy devoted to creating colorful, varied meals.
As a result, I frequently hear that people get bored with paleo. “I’m tired of grilled meat and sauteéd veggies, but I don’t know what else to eat.” This recipe, simple in preparation and minimalist in presentation, provides a flavorful solution to boring meat and veggies.
If you’re looking for a make-ahead meal for work or school lunches, you’ll love this. It’s travel friendly, and delicious without re-heating.
About the ingredients in the Essential Paleo Casserole
Paleo mayonnaise — Traditional casseroles contain cheese, but this recipe relies on mayo to provide richness and creaminess. Because most mayonnaise contains inflammation-perpetuating vegetable oil (corn, canola, safflower or soy), use a homemade version or an avocado oil mayo. I highly recommend Primal Mayo, and I worked with Thrive Market to offer you a free jar of the mayo here.
Coconut milk — Coconut milk add creaminess to the base of the casserole. It’s essential to use canned coconut milk, not the rather pathetic and watery coconut milk found in cartons.
Eggs — Eggs combine with the mayo and coconut milk to create the binder. If you know me, you already know what I’m going to say next… egg substitutes will not work in this recipe.
Canned wild salmon — I use Wild Planet canned salmon as the primary protein in this paleo casserole, but feel free to use whatever protein you have on hand. I’ve substituted shredded rotisserie chicken, and one time I used bacon crumbles for an almost rapturous result.
- 4-5 cups broccoli florets, from about 3 heads broccoli
- 2 Tbs. coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms, such as button or shiitake
- 4-5 green onions, sliced thinly
- 1 can wild salmon, flaked -- recommended brand available here (substitute 1-2 cups cooked shredded chicken)
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup paleo mayonnaise, get a free jar from Thrive here
- ½ cup full-fat canned coconut milk, recommended brand here
- Pinch of salt
- Pepper
- Smoked paprika, optional
- Preheat the oven to 350 and have ready a small (8x8) casserole dish.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a big pinch of salt, and boil the broccoli until just tender but still slightly crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saute pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and don't stir for a minute or two, until fragrant and golden on one side. Then stir and saute until tender.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, mayo, coconut milk, a pinch of salt, and some pepper.
- In the casserole dish, combine the broccoli, mushrooms, salmon, and green onions. Spread evenly in a dish. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the veggie mixture, and press down the veggies into the eggs.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika. Bake for 40 minutes, until set. Cool for 10 minutes before enjoying. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for a few days.
Thanks for sharing this fantastic paleo recipe…..I really appreciate it
This is a fantastic recipe, thank you so much for your generously sharing your experience and recipes and all the helpful info on alternative treatments! I thought I had broccoli in the freezer, but didn’t (typical of me), but I did have Brussels sprouts and cauliflower, so I used 2 small bags of Brussels sprouts and 1 of cauliflower, and cut them into small slices after they were cooked. My husband and I both enjoyed the result and I will make this dish again, and we’ll try it with the broccoli. Keep up your good work! Much appreciated!
i just can’t buy paleo mayonnaise and i don’t tolerate regular. Is there something I can substitute for the mayo? Should I add coconut aminos and more milk? and or an egg?
You can make your own mayo with healthy oil, such as avocado oil. Just google “mayonnaise recipe” and use avocado oil in place of vegetable oil.