🏀 Paleo Playbook: The Ultimate March Madness Game Day Menu 🏀
Safe foods? On deck. No judgment—just a championship-level spread, whether you’re sticking with the classics or subbing in paleo favorites. This autism-friendly, paleo-approved March Madness spread is packed with game-day flavor while staying gluten-free, dairy-free, and gut-friendly. Plus, a Paleo Shamrock Shake for a festive St. Patrick’s Day touch!
🔥 Tip-Off Snacks & Starters
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Crispy, spicy, and perfect for dunking!
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower florets
- Avocado oil
- Almond flour
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Primal Kitchen buffalo sauce
Instructions:
- Coat cauliflower in seasonings.
- Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- Toss in buffalo sauce.
👉 Serve with: Dairy-free ranch (Primal Kitchen or homemade with coconut yogurt & dill).
Sweet Potato Nachos
A crunchy, nutrient-packed swap for tortilla chips!
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced sweet potatoes
- Avocado oil
- Sea salt
- Ground cumin
- Paleo ground beef (seasoned with chili powder & garlic)
- Coconut yogurt sour cream
- Fresh guacamole
- Diced tomatoes
Instructions:
- Bake sweet potato rounds at 425°F for 20 minutes.
- Layer with toppings.
👉 Game-Changer: Add dairy-free cheese like Violife cheddar shreds or a homemade cashew queso.
🍗 Slam Dunk Mains & Finger Foods
Paleo Chicken Nuggets (Lakers Gold Style!)
Crunchy, juicy, and kid-approved!
Ingredients:
- Chicken breast
- Almond flour
- Arrowroot starch
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Eggs
- Avocado oil
Instructions:
- Coat chicken in mixture.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes (or bake at 425°F for 20 minutes).
👉 Dipping Sauces: BBQ, honey mustard, or buffalo ranch.
Paleo Sliders on Lettuce Wraps
Mini burgers, big flavor—without the bun!
Ingredients:
- Grass-fed beef
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Lettuce leaves
- Caramelized onions
- Paleo ketchup (Primal Kitchen)
- Pickles
Instructions:
- Grill patties.
- Wrap in lettuce and top with fixings.
👉 Extra Win: Serve with crispy baked sweet potato fries.
Paleo Mac & Cheese (Game-Winning Comfort Food!)
A creamy, dairy-free version of this classic.
Ingredients:
- Cassava pasta
- Coconut milk
- Avocado oil
- Daiya or Miyoko’s dairy-free cheese
- Turmeric (for that Laker gold color!)
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt
Instructions:
- Cook pasta.
- Melt the cheese sauce.
- Mix and serve hot!
👉 Bonus: Top with crispy almond flour breadcrumbs.
🥤 Championship Drinks & Desserts
Paleo Shamrock Shake (St. Patrick’s Day Special!)
A creamy, minty shake that’s dairy-free and refined sugar-free!
Ingredients:
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ avocado
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Handful of spinach (for color!)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Blend until smooth.
👉 Upgrade It: Add coconut whipped cream & dark chocolate shavings on top!
Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies (Soft, Chewy & Gluten-Free!)
Crunchy on the edges, soft in the center, and totally paleo-approved.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- ½ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (or flax egg for egg-free)
- ½ cup paleo chocolate chips (Hu Kitchen or Enjoy Life)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Whisk wet ingredients separately, then combine with dry.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
👉 Bonus Tip: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra game-day magic!
🏀 Final Score
This Paleo Playbook Menu brings all the March Madness energy without the gluten, dairy, or stress. Whether you’re hosting a watch party or just need crowd-friendly eats, this menu scores big on flavor and inclusivity.
Enjoy the games! 🏆🍕