My boyfriend and I are embarking on a one month challenge to not eat bread and see if we drop any extra weight, so for any of you who have considered a breadless diet, we’ve compiled a few bread-free dinner ideas to help make things a bit easier. No, we’re not jumping on board the gluten-free train, but rather trying to cut out white flour and unnecessary carbs. As two NYC residents, we’re both big on bagels, tacos, and pizza, but these foods are definitely not doing our waistlines any favors. My cousin recently did a “paleo” diet and lost a lot of weight, so we’d like to try our own little version by cutting out breads, crackers, pastries, etc. Here are some bread-free dinner ideas whether you’re gluten free or just trying to step up your diet game:
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Successfully subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.
1. Shepherd’s Pie
/filters:quality(70)/content/j2/kn/xmbutrbo_600x400.jpg)
One of our first bread-free dinner ideas is this delicious mix of meat, potatoes, and vegetables-all wrapped up into one. Traditional shepherd’s pie calls for lamb, but organic ground beef or ground turkey would also work just as well (this then becomes a cottage pie.) For the full recipe, visit foodnetwork.com, but replace the white flour with almond flour).
Oh, there are so many! Think lettuce wraps, collard greens, portobello mushrooms, cucumber slices, and even bell pepper halves. You can get really creative!
Absolutely! You won’t even miss the bread. You can make scrumptious meals with proteins like chicken or fish, add lots of veggies, and maybe even some fun alternatives like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Yes, lots! You can try making Peruvian roasted chicken or Brazilian chicken stews. These recipes are packed with flavor and totally bread-free!
A bread substitute is anything you can use instead of bread to hold or wrap your food. Think things like lettuce, vegetables, or other inventive ideas like sweet potato slices.
Focus on flavor and variety. Use different textures and lots of spices. Include protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. You'll be surprised how satisfying a bread-free meal can be!
2. Spaghetti Squash Spaghetti
/filters:quality(70)/content/tt/sy/qp82z1ty_600x480.jpg)
Yes, you’re reading that right. If you halve a spaghetti squash and place it in a baking pan with ¼ inches of water, the squash becomes nice and soft and you can scrape at it with a fork to create little spaghetti strands. If you’re not a fan of squash, but a huge pasta lover like we are, mask the squash flavor with a killer meat sauce.
This clever veggie alternative is absolutely fabulous for those on a gluten-free diet or for anyone looking to cut down on carbs. And the best part? It's so easy to personalize! Toss the "noodles" with a splash of olive oil, garlic, freshly cracked pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a simple yet satisfying dish. Or go all out with a homemade pesto or Alfredo sauce for a more decadent dinner option. It's such a versatile base that, before you know it, it'll be a regular on your meal rotation.
Oh, there are so many! Think lettuce wraps, collard greens, portobello mushrooms, cucumber slices, and even bell pepper halves. You can get really creative!
Absolutely! You won’t even miss the bread. You can make scrumptious meals with proteins like chicken or fish, add lots of veggies, and maybe even some fun alternatives like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Yes, lots! You can try making Peruvian roasted chicken or Brazilian chicken stews. These recipes are packed with flavor and totally bread-free!
A bread substitute is anything you can use instead of bread to hold or wrap your food. Think things like lettuce, vegetables, or other inventive ideas like sweet potato slices.
Focus on flavor and variety. Use different textures and lots of spices. Include protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. You'll be surprised how satisfying a bread-free meal can be!
3. Chipotle Lime Salmon
/filters:quality(70)/content/x5/bk/zw3ezo5d_600x397.jpg)
Salmon has a ton of health benefits as it is, so this dish is the perfect mix of fabulous flavor and nutrition. Instead of pan-searing the salmon, place fresh fillets on a baking pan, rub with olive oil, lime juice, salt, and chipotle, and bake for 12-15 minutes at 350.
Chipotle Lime Salmon is an easy and delicious dinner idea that is both healthy and flavorful. It is a great choice for those looking to cut back on carbs while still enjoying a delicious meal. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health. It is also a good source of lean protein and is low in calories. To make this dish, simply place fresh salmon fillets on a baking pan, rub with olive oil, lime juice, salt, and chipotle, and bake for 12-15 minutes at 350. Serve with a side of vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
Oh, there are so many! Think lettuce wraps, collard greens, portobello mushrooms, cucumber slices, and even bell pepper halves. You can get really creative!
Absolutely! You won’t even miss the bread. You can make scrumptious meals with proteins like chicken or fish, add lots of veggies, and maybe even some fun alternatives like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Yes, lots! You can try making Peruvian roasted chicken or Brazilian chicken stews. These recipes are packed with flavor and totally bread-free!
A bread substitute is anything you can use instead of bread to hold or wrap your food. Think things like lettuce, vegetables, or other inventive ideas like sweet potato slices.
Focus on flavor and variety. Use different textures and lots of spices. Include protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. You'll be surprised how satisfying a bread-free meal can be!
4. Beef Stew
/filters:quality(70)/content/jc/ty/nznd1ukw_600x400.jpg)
Stews and soups are the perfect options for bread-free meals, so long as they’re noodle-free! Beef stew is a slow cooking but oh-so-delicious meal that can be made in bulk and stored in your fridge for meals for the rest of the week. Brown your beef and onions first, then combine canned tomatoes, garlic, carrots, celery, and your favorite herbs for a deliciously flavorful stew (for the full recipe visit paleoplan.com).
Beef stew is a hearty and comforting meal that is perfect for a bread-free dinner. It is easy to make and can be cooked in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. The key to a delicious beef stew is to brown the beef and onions first, as this adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. You can then add canned tomatoes, garlic, carrots, celery, and herbs of your choice to create a flavorful stew.
Beef stew is a great meal for meal prepping, as it can be made in bulk and stored in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week. It is also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you may have in the fridge. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can omit the potatoes and serve the stew with a side of cauliflower rice.
Beef stew is a great source of protein and nutrients, as it contains lean beef, vegetables, and healthy fats. It is also a great source of iron, which is important for energy production and immunity.
Oh, there are so many! Think lettuce wraps, collard greens, portobello mushrooms, cucumber slices, and even bell pepper halves. You can get really creative!
Absolutely! You won’t even miss the bread. You can make scrumptious meals with proteins like chicken or fish, add lots of veggies, and maybe even some fun alternatives like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Yes, lots! You can try making Peruvian roasted chicken or Brazilian chicken stews. These recipes are packed with flavor and totally bread-free!
A bread substitute is anything you can use instead of bread to hold or wrap your food. Think things like lettuce, vegetables, or other inventive ideas like sweet potato slices.
Focus on flavor and variety. Use different textures and lots of spices. Include protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. You'll be surprised how satisfying a bread-free meal can be!
As part of taking control over your health and wellbeing, it's important to pay attention to the amount of sugar you consume daily. Did you ever wonder how many grams of sugar are in a teaspoon? Understanding this can help you make healthier choices and avoid those sneaky sugars that add up throughout the day. No doubt, your body will thank you!
5. Chicken Fajita Salad
/filters:quality(70)/content/um/i5/g5q81alm_600x400.jpg)
Salads are also a safe bet when choosing to go bread-free. Cook strips of boneless, skinless chicken in a pan and season with pre-packaged fajita mix and a few tablespoons of water. Add to a bed of romaine lettuce with chopped red bell paper, avocado, and tomatoes. Use any dressing of your liking, but I recommend keeping it simple with some oil and balsamic.
Oh, there are so many! Think lettuce wraps, collard greens, portobello mushrooms, cucumber slices, and even bell pepper halves. You can get really creative!
Absolutely! You won’t even miss the bread. You can make scrumptious meals with proteins like chicken or fish, add lots of veggies, and maybe even some fun alternatives like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Yes, lots! You can try making Peruvian roasted chicken or Brazilian chicken stews. These recipes are packed with flavor and totally bread-free!
A bread substitute is anything you can use instead of bread to hold or wrap your food. Think things like lettuce, vegetables, or other inventive ideas like sweet potato slices.
Focus on flavor and variety. Use different textures and lots of spices. Include protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. You'll be surprised how satisfying a bread-free meal can be!
Gallery Spotlight
Save and share the images that inspire you. Tag @allwomenstalk to get featured.
Save
6. Chicken Salad Wraps
/filters:quality(70)/content/yv/l7/cn93rf3t_600x400.jpg)
Your best friend and one of the best substitutes for bread during your diet will be fresh romaine hearts. Wrap any type of meat and veggie concoction in a hefty romaine leaf and you’ve got a breadless wrap in no time. For chicken salad: combine shredded chicken, a bit of mayo, halved grapes, and chopped walnuts. Wrap in romaine, and go!
Oh, there are so many! Think lettuce wraps, collard greens, portobello mushrooms, cucumber slices, and even bell pepper halves. You can get really creative!
Absolutely! You won’t even miss the bread. You can make scrumptious meals with proteins like chicken or fish, add lots of veggies, and maybe even some fun alternatives like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Yes, lots! You can try making Peruvian roasted chicken or Brazilian chicken stews. These recipes are packed with flavor and totally bread-free!
A bread substitute is anything you can use instead of bread to hold or wrap your food. Think things like lettuce, vegetables, or other inventive ideas like sweet potato slices.
Focus on flavor and variety. Use different textures and lots of spices. Include protein, healthy fats, and plenty of veggies. You'll be surprised how satisfying a bread-free meal can be!
7. Pork Tacos
/filters:quality(70)/content/jo/n6/pqhcu23o_600x397.jpg)
As mentioned previously, I absolutely love tacos, and the thought of not being able to have them during this diet is pretty sad news. However, I found a recipe that uses a butter lettuce leaves instead of taco shells. These aren’t nearly as good as a fresh tacos from an authentic taco stand, but it helps fill the void. Make pulled pork by slow cooking shredded pork, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Strain the pork from the broth, place on a butter lettuce leaf, and add a bit of lime, cilantro, and avocado.
Breads are so good in so many ways, but if you get a little creative and talk yourself into sticking to a bread-free diet, you might just be successful at it. My boyfriend and I are doing this diet as an experiment to see how well cutting bread out for a period of time helps with weight loss, but we of course are going to try to eat our healthiest despite the lack of bread. Eating French fries and fried chicken doesn’t make up for not eating a bun or a roll, so we’ll be cognizant of our breadless choices. Have you ever thought about skipping bread for a period of time? We’d love to know how it worked out for you!
Snapshot Survey
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Please subscribe for your personalized newsletter:
Successfully subscribed!
Thank you for subscribing! Check your inbox for personalized content.
Comments
Add allwomenstalk.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.EST 2005
Evolve. Empower. Elevate.
- Creators on the platform
- 3,000+
- Total social reach
- 12M+
- Features published
- 100K+
Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.
Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.
- 🔥Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
- 🏅Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
- ⚡️Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.
It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.
Feedback Junction
Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge