As the days grow shorter and temperatures plummet, the desire for warm, comforting meals intensifies. However, the common perception of winter cuisine as heavy and unhealthy doesn't have to be the reality. It's entirely possible to enjoy hearty, satisfying dishes that are also nutritious and beneficial for your well-being. Let's explore a variety of easy and healthy winter meal recipes that will keep you feeling cozy and energized throughout the season.
Embracing Cozy and Healthy Winter Dinners
Winter is the perfect time to snuggle up in blankets, read a book, watch a movie, or plan for the week ahead. As the chill of winter sets in, warm up your kitchen and your heart with some cozy, healthy winter recipes. These meals should feel like a warm hug, incorporating better-for-you ingredients while remaining hearty and satisfying.
Soups, Stews, and Chilis: Edible Blankets
What’s cozier on a winter night than a bowl of piping hot soup, stew, or chili? From creamy vegetable soup to rich lentil stew, these dishes are like edible blankets, warming you from the inside out. Packed with seasonal veggies and soul-soothing flavors, soups, stews, and chilis are the perfect companions for chilly evenings.
- Creamy Vegetable Soup: You can roast and use almost any vegetables you have at home in this Creamy Vegetable Soup. Try winter squash, celery, onion, or tomatoes. And if you have homemade vegetable stock, use that instead of water for a more flavorful broth.
- French Lentil Stew: This French Lentil Stew is thick, rich, and chock full of flavors you’ll love. Look for French (small green) lentils, which hold their shape but cook relatively quickly. This recipe makes a perfect winter lunch, as well, so make a batch and freeze some for later.
- Greek Lentil Soup: This Greek Lentil Soup starts with The Healthy Cook’s Simple Lentil Soup and adds flavor and freshness from baby greens, lemon, scallions, and dill.
- Italian Bean & Kale Stew: Simple to prepare but perfect for a cold winter night, this stew is brothy and rich. Try this tasty and simple soup, in which carrots shine and mushrooms bring out fabulous umami notes.
- Two Bean Chili: Nothing says winter like a warm bowl of chili! And don’t worry if you’re not keen on spicy foods. Simply swap half a green bell pepper for the jalapeños, and you have a mild version of this fabulous chili. Add a dollop of low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for the perfect finishing touch.
- Black Bean Soup: This lightly smoky soup is on rotation in Kate’s kitchen all winter long. Try it, and it might become a favorite for you, too! Packed with fiber and bold flavors, it’s a comfort food classic that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Sausage Sweet Potato & Kale Soup: This soup is packed with veggies and protein. It’s made with only a few ingredients, but you’d never know from the punch of flavor. Best served with a warm slice of bread, this dinner is perfect for a cozy night in.
Hearty Salads: Beyond Summer Fare
Who says salads are just for summer? A hearty salad is perfect for a cozy winter night. Think crispy Brussels sprouts in citrus dressing, quinoa tossed with winter fruit, and tart apples mixed with your favorite greens. It’s a delicious way to stay cozy and healthy during the chilly months.
- Quinoa & Winter Fruit Salad: This recipe marries the simple, earthy flavors of quinoa and the bursting flavor of orange and pomegranate. A tri-color quinoa mix (white, red, and black) makes for an even more colorful dish, but regular (white) quinoa tastes just as good.
- Crunchy Brussels Salad: Raw Brussels sprouts not for you? Use another winter salad green-try kale or any green cabbage-in this Crunchy Brussels Salad. For a lighter texture, go with shredded romaine. And try using Meyer lemons; they’re in season from November to March and are slightly sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons.
- Wild Rice & Pomegranate Salad: Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of leftover wild rice to boost your meal to the next level, so if you’re looking to try a truly unique salad, look no further. Brands like Lundberg and Bob’s Red Mill sell blends that mix wild rice with other whole grains. But in a pinch, you can also use any leftover cooked whole grain (or combination of whole grains) you have on hand.
- Waldorf Salad Redux: Want to wake up your taste buds? Add sweet-tart fruit to a savory salad, like this Waldorf Salad Redux inspired by the classic Waldorf.
- Citrus & Winter Greens Salad: Not only is this Citrus & Winter Greens Salad sweet and hearty, but it can also hang out in the fridge while you’re putting the finishing touches on other dishes. Delicious and convenient!
- Sweet & Sour Winter Salad: If you prefer a salad that’s both sweet and tart, this recipe will delight! Though any apple will do, pick a sweet-tart one like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp to pump up the sweet and sour. Or, for a dazzling mix, use half a sweet apple (Fuji or Gala) plus half a tart Granny Smith.
- Beet Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette: Explore the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, full of folate and fiber, tossed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette-the perfect balance of flavors this winter season!
- Roasted Carrot Lentil Salad: This salad is very hearty and has complex flavors.
Hearty Main Dishes: Comfort in Every Bite
This winter, a hearty main dish will help you feel cozy and nourished. These comforting meals are rich in flavor and warmth, making every bite feel like a treat. Pair them with your favorite sides, and you’ve got the ultimate winter feast.
Read also: Ultimate Meal Guide
- Winter Chicken Braise: Braising is perfect for winter meals, and this dish is a one-pot wonder: Along with flavorful chicken and perfectly braised veg, it makes its own sauce.
- Roasted Winter Veg Over Lentils with Spicy Herb Sauce: Want to see hearty winter vegetables really shine? Try this Roasted Winter Veg over Lentils with Spicy Herb Sauce. To pan-roast the vegetables instead of roasting them in the oven, use the second set of instructions in step 3.
- Roasted Roots with Spicy Yogurt: A simple recipe with complex flavors! The garam masala called for in this recipe is a spice blend that typically has fragrant “sweet” spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger but no chili powder. A tandoori masala is often a mild blend of sweet and savory spices with a hint of chili. If you’re looking for a quick dish, simply skip the yogurt sauce; roast the vegetables, then sprinkle with a mixture of the salt and spices while the vegetables are still hot.
- Paprika Chickpeas: This velvety sauce gets surprisingly creamy with puréed vegetables-no dairy needed. Of course, you can skip the puréeing if you’d like an even easier dish. Bonus: It freezes well.
- Grilled Sesame Chicken & Vegetables: If you’re in a warm climate, fire up the grill, and Grilled Sesame Chicken & Vegetables will be on the table in 30 minutes. Any leftovers make a great salad.
- Seafood Stew: This hearty stew is packed with seafood and protein, so we think it deserves a place in cozy main dishes. You can choose any combination of white fish and shellfish you like, which means it never gets dull.
- Chicken & Mushroom Stroganoff: This rich stroganoff served over a wild rice blend will blow you away. Browning the chicken on just one side gives you that savory flavor without overcooking. If you’re not keen to cut up chicken, substitute chicken tenders for the breasts.
- Chicken Mole: Kate’s simplified this recipe to include only ingredients you likely have in your pantry. While that makes it less complex than traditional Mexican moles, it still packs a ton of flavor. Bonus: The leftover chicken makes excellent stock.
- British-ish No-Bake Beans: Inspired by the beans served with a full English breakfast, these baked beans are far less sweet than the Boston-style versions. And this is a recipe that can serve as a great main course for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These beans are flavor-packed, easy to make, and freeze well.
- White Fish with Tomatillo Tartar: Kate’s white fish with tomatillo tartar is light, fragrant, and delicious. When shopping for tomatillos, look for them to be pale green with dry, papery skins. If you can’t find tomatillos in your grocery store, you can use one Granny Smith (or another tart variety) apple instead.
- Air-Fryer Chicken & Veggies: Air fryers heat up and cool down in just a few minutes, so you wind up with less heat in your kitchen, even when roasting at a high temperature.
Creative and Flavorful Side Dishes
Spice up your cozy winter nights by whipping up some fun and creative side dishes. These recipes add a tasty twist to dinner that makes meals feel extra special. Plus, they’re the perfect excuse to stay warm in the kitchen while trying something new and delicious.
- Garlicky Beans: This simple dish makes a stellar side for roasted chicken, fish, tofu, or tempeh. For a meal in a bowl, pair it with a whole grain like bulgur, farro, or wheat berries.
- Miso Roasted Winter Vegetables: This simple showstopper contrasts sweet and savory for added interest: sweet potatoes, golden beets, or acorn squash play beautifully alongside turnips, rutabaga, and red onions.
- Winter Vegetable Mash: A chilly winter evening might be the perfect time to enjoy this flavorful side dish. It pairs nicely with roasted chicken and Kate’s make-ahead gravy; just use chicken instead of turkey!
- Cauliflower with Lemon Pine Nut Dressing: Tender roasted cauliflower gets a zesty, nutty dressing for a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a simple, healthy dish that’s perfect as a side to roasted fish or chicken, and it’s guaranteed to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.
- Miso-Glazed Tofu & Squash: Want to see dinner come together in a flash? While the tofu and squash for this Miso-Glazed Tofu & Squash are broiling, stir-fry a heap of greens like bok choy, gai lan, or broccolini. If you want to make this recipe even more interesting, try it with edible pumpkin instead of winter squash.
- Brussels Sprouts with Orange Dressing: This recipe is guaranteed to become an instant classic. Brussels sprouts are best cooked quickly, so cutting them in quarters or slicing (or even shredding) them is worth the effort. And that orange dressing will knock your socks off!
- Roasted Delicata Squash: The browned flat surfaces of this roasted delicata squash deliver flavor to spare. Two tricks for perfect browning: Don’t line your baking pan, and use the lowest oven rack (the one closest to the heat source).
- Slow Cooker Stuffed Apples: This side dish is wonderful with pork roast and so effortless due to the use of the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Meals: Effortless Comfort
The slow cooker is a great kitchen tool, especially this time of year. You get the warm comfort meal without too much effort. Win-Win!
- Slow Cooker Chili: This recipe is a take on the classic chili recipe-a total winter staple! It might be one the easiest winter dinner recipes and makes enough for leftovers to last the week!
- Slow Cooker Gnocchi Minestrone Soup: This soup is all sorts of hearty and comforting yet still packed with healthy vegetables. If you want to add in some more protein, then putting chicken or sausage in this soup would be delicious.
- Slow-cooker chicken and dumplings: This dish is an easy weeknight comfort food, and my kids adore them!
Sweet Endings: Heart-Healthy Desserts
‘Tis the season to bring a touch of comfort and joy to chilly evenings. And what’s cozier than a little dessert by the glow of a fire (or your favorite blanket)?
- Chocolate Chia Pudding: Got some chia seeds and a handful of other ingredients? Try The Healthy Cook's sweet, satisfying Chocolate Chia Pudding. It’s the ultimate dessert that’s as healthy as it is a treat! Packed with fiber, protein, and mineral-rich chia seeds, it’s a nutritious powerhouse you can make your own; dress it up with your favorite chopped nuts or fresh or frozen berries!
- Apple Raspberry Almond Crisp: Kate’s crisp should not be missed. The star of this dessert is the perfect harmony between tender, sweet apples (full of fiber!) and tart raspberries (full of Vitamin C!), topped with crunchy almond slivers. You can swap the raspberries for your favorite fruit as you wish! This Apple Almond Crisp is a versatile treat that’s sure to impress.
Global Flavors for Winter Warmth
- Vegan Chicken Pho: The secret to chicken-rich pho broth without any chicken? Cookbook author Andrea Nguyen has the answer: nutritional yeast, a shelf-stable, vegan ingredient chock-full of umami.
- Moroccan Harira Soup: Instead of a lamb-based broth with grains, which is traditional to Moroccan harira soup, this vegan, gluten-free version is loaded with legumes and vegetables, and packs some heat.
Quick & Easy Winter Dinners
As we get deeper into the winter season, you might find yourself in meal rotation ruts. You might not be feeling inspired, don’t know what to make or you don’t feel like cooking. A trick is to plan simple meals you actually look forward to eating (rather than meals you think you should eat). It’s about mindfully choosing satisfying healthy winter recipes.
- 20 Minute Garlic Butter Cashew Chicken: File this recipe under easy winter meals. It’s a one pan dinner, done in under 30 minutes. You could add other vegetables like mushrooms, peppers and kale too. Serve it over rice, or with soba noodles for a more nourishing fake-out-take-out noodle bowl.
- Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowls: When you want easy winter recipes, a salmon rice bowl is a good option. With simple ingredients, this recipe will be fresh and satisfying. You can also add or use different vegetables based on what you’re in the mood for like carrots, peppers, scallion, radish and shredded cabbage.
- Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce: This option is great if you’re looking for recipes with butternut squash, vegetarian winter recipes and just easy winter dinner recipes in general. This sauce is silky without cream. Pair with lentil pasta for a fiber and protein boost, and a super easy meal during the week. Using chicken bone broth for the liquid can boost nutrition, flavor and protein also!
Putting a Healthy Twist on Comfort Food Classics
- Gluten-free Macaroni and Cheese: This recipe puts a healthier twist on the favorite comfort food dish. Just a few easy swaps makes this macaroni and cheese gluten-free and lower in fat, but it tastes just like the classic. Use this recipe as a base and make it your own!
- Beef & Black Bean Enchiladas: These enchiladas are stuffed with a delicious and filling mixture of ground beef and black beans, swimming in a pool of creamy red enchilada sauce, and covered in melted cheddar cheese.
- Lasagna: Looking for an easy meal on cold winter nights? Lasagna is a delicious comfort food, but can take hours to make.
Other Recipe Ideas
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Crispy Artichokes: This recipe takes pasta night to a new level. The combination of this decadent sauce, the slightly sweet gnocchi, and the salty, crispy artichoke hearts is out of this world.
- Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Skillet Casserole: If you are looking for the perfect weeknight dinner recipe for you and your family, then you have to try this casserole. It’s cheesy, hearty, a total crowd-pleaser.
- Chicken Cacciatore: This dish is full of flavor with Italian seasoning and paprika.
- Pork Green Chili: If you’re looking for a different, non-tomato based chili recipe for the big day this weekend, check this one out.
Embracing Winter and Finding Joy in Food
Despite living in a very cold city, you can avoid the typical winter blues by taking morning and evening walks outside, investing in good outerwear, regularly taking Vitamin D, and appreciating the beauty of the season. Good comfort food doesn’t hurt either.
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