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Overhead view of BBQ sauce in a mason jar.
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Whole30 BBQ Sauce (Paleo)

This easy Whole 30 BBQ sauce is smoky, sweet, and flavor packed! Made with real ingredients and sweetened with dates, making it Paleo approved as well. Great for grilling, slow cooker meats, tacos, and as a dipping sauce.
Course condiments, dressings, sauces
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 16
Calories 47kcal
Author Sara

Equipment

  • 1 food processor
  • 1 small saucepan

Ingredients

  • 8 pitted dates
  • 2- 6 oz. cans tomato paste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup coconut aminos
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • ½ tsp. fine sea salt
  • ½ tsp. pepper
  • ½ -¾ cup water (see notes)

Instructions

  • Soak the dates in HOT water for 15 minutes. Save the water as you will use this to thin the BBQ sauce.
  • Add soaked dates and remaining ingredients to a food processor (start with ½ cup water). Blend on high speed until ingredients are mixed and BBQ sauce is smooth (scrape down sides of food processor if needed). Add additional water if you'd like a thinner consistency.
  • Transfer to a small sauce pan and simmer on low for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps the flavors meld together.
  • Serve immediately, or allow to cool before transfering to the fridge.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • A smaller food processor (7 or 8 cups max) works best. 
  • Start by adding ½ cup water. You can add more based on  how thin you want your BBQ sauce to be.
  • After sauce has simmered, taste the BBQ sauce. If you'd like it spicier or more smoky, you can add a little extra smoked paprika and/or chili powder.
  • If you aren't needing this to be Whole 30, but do want a Paleo BBQ sauce, you can add a little honey to get more sweetness if desired. Note: Honey is NOT Whole 30 approved. 
  • Serving size is based on 2 tbsp. sized servings. 
  • Sauce should be stored in an airtight container (I prefer a mason jar) in the fridge and will stay good for up to 2 weeks.
  • This recipe makes about 2 cups.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 173mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 417IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg