Streamline Party Planning with Paleo-Friendly Base Dish Ideas

We have all experienced how truly meaningful it is to gather with a group of friends, family, or co-workers and celebrate for reasons big and small. In addition to understanding just how special it is to enjoy community and the company of others, taking care of the environment and our individual health have also become increasingly top of mind.

But it can be overwhelming to try to plan events that are considerate to different budgets, multiple dietary needs, and environmental impact all the while not being too inconvenient to pull off. These general concepts of sustainable party planning are a first step to getting started. But after you’ve approached that list, it’s time to start diving into the details. 

First up: the menu. If you’re a busy parent, work odd hours, or maintain a tight training schedule, simplicity and smart prep are key. Imagine hosting a celebration where the menu feels effortless to put together, minimizes food waste and single-use plastics, and satisfies your guests’ preferences while being healthy enough that people leave happy and awake rather than bloated and fatigued. It’s possible, with something called a Paleo “base dish.” 

The Base Dish 

A base dish is a foundational recipe that can be customized with toppings, mix-ins, or sides. They are inherently suitable to several dietary restrictions or preferences—such as for those who avoid dairy, gluten, legumes, and added sugars. Other common allergens (like nuts or seeds) and preference in protein types (such as for vegetarians or vegans) can also be easily accounted for when applying the base dish method. 

Base dishes can also be made from common dishes most already enjoy and work well for a wide variety of events, from book club to post-wedding brunch. Familiar examples include:

• Bowls of cauliflower rice or mashed sweet potatoes with customizable toppings,
• Lettuce wraps or taco boats with various proteins and Paleo-friendly sauces,
• Build-your-own roasted veggie platters with optional dips and garnishes,
• Soup parties with Paleo add-ins like shredded chicken or spiralized veggies. 

Base Dish Basics

To build a successful menu, start by focusing on whole, nutrient-dense base ingredient options like root vegetables, meats, and non-starchy vegetables. Provide at least one meat and one non-meat option that are easy to cook in large amounts. This might look like roasted vegetables on a cookie sheet or lean meats that can cook quickly in a nontoxic air fryer.

From the base, build up with the mindset of balanced nutrition and variety in flavor and textures. Make sure proteins, healthy fats, and various veggies of multiple colors are available. As always, prioritize produce that are in season. (For help with picking fresh produce, understanding their benefits, and learning tips for prepping and serving, check out The Fresh Pick.)

Keep marinades or seasonings simple and allow guests to season to their taste afterward. To keep things Paleo, remember to leave salt off the table. 

Divided in Prep, United in Celebration 

Work smarter, not harder. One of the best prep tips the base dish concept maximizes on is prepping ingredients, not meals. Prep these in advance and serve on reusable serving platters that can go from fridge to oven to countertop seamlessly, and you’ll be glad of the time you’ve saved for doing dishes afterward.

Cleanup can be made even easier by asking guests in advance to bring food storage containers to take home leftovers. And anyone bringing pre-prepped ingredients to a “build-your-own” celebration should have ingredients clearly labeled so guests walking down a buffet line can move with confidence and ease. 

Guests who want to contribute can be divided among food groups like base, toppings, dressings, and sides; or they can volunteer to arrive early to set up or stay after for cleanup. Either way, make sure all are aware what it means for a dish to be within Paleo guidelines—especially those who may be bringing storebought condiments or are baking items using unmarked items in their pantry. 

Sample Base Dish Menus 

Looking for pointers on how to create a base dish menu by meal type? We’ve built out the sample menus below to include separate bases, toppings, dressings, and sides to lay out like a buffet. The food items within the menus below can be stored as ingredients after the celebration and upcycled into completely new dishes in the following days for either you or your guests. 

Simply prep the ingredients and allow guests to turn them into meals (with clear labeling of ingredients). Another way to reduce waste is to consider that you don’t need enough of each ingredient for every single person, especially bases—as when options have been laid out, people will often not select every one. 

Build-Your-Own Savory Breakfast Bowls 

• Bases: Scrambled eggs or egg wraps, cauliflower rice, grain-free waffles, or roasted sweet potatoes 
• Toppings: Sautéed vegetables, chopped pork belly, avocado slices, and diced Roma tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes 
• Dressings: Paleo mustard, guacamole, and peach salsa 
• Sides: Fresh berries, almond butter, smoothies, tea or coffee, and coconut milk creamer 

Want inspiration from full meals? Check out similar ready-to-go recipes below. 

Grain-Free Power Bowls for Lunch or Dinner 

• Bases: Mashed sweet potatoes, mixed greens, or cauliflower rice 
• Toppings: Grilled chicken, grass-fed beef strips, baked salmon, roasted zucchini or squash, avocado, roasted brussels sprouts or broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, and diced red onion 
• Dressings: Paleo chimichurri, olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette, and tzatziki 
• Sides: Sliced cucumber, carrots, or celery with guacamole or Paleo ranch; and beet or kale chips 

Want inspiration from full meals? Check out similar ready-to-go recipes below. 

Build-Your-Own Dessert Cups 

• Bases: Dairy-free yogurt, grain-free crumble, fresh fruit medley, or dairy-free ice cream 
• Toppings: Toasted coconut flakes, dark chocolate shavings (85% cacao or higher), chopped nuts, fresh berries, pickled fruit 
• Sides: Grain-free chocolate chip cookies 

Want inspiration from other desserts? Check out similar ready-to-go recipes below. 

Make Base Dishes Work for You

Ultimately, the base dish concept is meant to work for you. It should simplify your party planning while staying sustainable and inclusive. Customize this process to fit the setting, people, and purpose of your gathering. Experiment with the menus above, get creative with toppings, be reliable with bases, and you’re sure to have happy and well-fed guests already looking forward to the next celebration.