29 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes for a Feel-Good Fall
Ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
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Fall is a time for cozy comfort foods, sweet pumpkin desserts, and decadent casseroles. But don't let that derail you from eating a bit healthier, too! Some days are made for indulging while others call for healthy snacks. And if you're looking to satisfy your craving for pumpkin pie, check out this list of healthy pumpkin recipes before you devour a slice. Pumpkin is naturally high in vitamins and low in calories making it an undeniably healthy ingredient.
But don't worry, just because pumpkin highly nutritious, it doesn't mean it can't be delicious, too. In fact, every single one of these recipes are filled with so much cozy, naturally sweet, spiced flavor. You'll find tons of ideas for fall desserts, healthy breakfast ideas, and savory pumpkin dinners. Plus, many of these healthy pumpkin recipes are easy to incorporate into your everyday meals thanks to the availability of canned pumpkin.
Enjoy the heavenly scent of pumpkin spice for breakfast with the PSL overnight oats and pumpkin spice muffins. Or, whip up a bowlful of creamy, dreamy pumpkin dip for an easy after-school snack for the kids. But pumpkin isn't just for sweet treats—it can be the star of dinnertime, too, with recipes like pumpkin risotto, chili, and ravioli. These family dinner recipes, along with Ree Drummond's silky smooth pumpkin soup, are pure comfort food! Fall won't last forever, and these healthier pumpkin recipes are the most delicious way to celebrate the season.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Overnight Oats
Fuel up for your day with these make-ahead oats. With ingredients like pumpkin puree, pie spice, and espresso powder, they're your favorite fall drink in breakfast form!
Pumpkin Chili
Real pumpkin puree gives this comforting chili a savory, earthy flavor that's so unique. It's also loaded with spicy Italian sausage, fire-roasted tomatoes, and two types of beans!
Get the Pumpkin Chili recipe.
Roasted Garlic and Pumpkin Hummus
If you're looking to add a bit more protein to your day, you can't go wrong with homemade hummus. Add roasted garlic and canned pumpkin puree to make it a snack that everyone will be reaching for!
Healthier Pumpkin Bread
A few simple ingredient swaps like adding a banana for moisture will make this homemade quick bread healthier. Even the frosting is naturally sweetened with just a touch of maple syrup.
Get the Healthier Pumpkin Bread recipe.
Pumpkin Dip
Trying to convince the kiddos to eat more fruit? This creamy pumpkin dip is the answer! Slice up a few apples and let 'em go to town with this dessert dip.
Get the Pumpkin Dip recipe.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Pumpkin puree not only makes pancakes moist and flavorful, but it makes them more nutritious, too! If you're worried about overdoing it, simply cut back on the butter and syrup you put on top; the amounts in the pancakes themselves are quite moderate.
Get the Pumpkin Pancakes recipe.
Pepitas (Roasted Pumpkin Seeds)
While most recipes use the flesh of the pumpkin, don't forget the seeds. They're actually quite good for you―high in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. And they make such a tasty snack when roasted!
Get Ree's Pepitas recipe.
Pumpkin Smoothie
Smoothie recipes aren't just for summer! The quick and easy breakfast can also be loaded with healthy fall flavor when it's made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nonfat plain yogurt, and the sweetener of your choice.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Smoothie recipe.
Pumpkin Soup
This bright, colorful pumpkin soup keeps things simple. But if you want to get "fancy-schmancy" you can always serve it up in hollowed out pumpkin "bowls."
Get Ree's Pumpkin Soup recipe.
Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal
Whether it's a holiday brunch or just a weekday breakfast, this baked oatmeal is the coziest start to your day. For extra protein, add a dollop of Greek yogurt onto each serving.
Get the Baked Pumpkin Oatmeal recipe.
Pumpkin Puree
Fresh, homemade pumpkin puree is undeniably better than the canned stuff. You can use it in pies, breads, and smoothies, or you can follow is Ree's footsteps and mix some with a little bit of pure maple syrup and butter for a cozy, nutritious side dish.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Puree recipe.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins
The smell of these muffins baking in the oven are just delightful. They're packed with lots of warming spices—and they're the perfect pairing for your pumpkin spice latte. Just skip the cream cheese frosting for a more nutritious bite.
Get the Pumpkin Spice Muffins recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
A bowl of this autumnal risotto is satisfying enough to eat all by itself for dinner. Top each serving fried sage, crispy bacon, pepitas, and parmesan cheese.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds
If you're not quite sure the kids will like regular pepitas, a little cinnamon and sugar never hurts! They'll get the same vitamins and satisfying crunch with some added sweetness.
Get the Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Seeds recipe.
Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
These bite-sized cheesecakes are an easy to keep your portion size in check. Don't worry though, they're still packed with sweet pumpkin flavor!
Get the Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes recipe.
Pumpkin Ravioli
The trick to making ravioli from scratch is a supermarket ingredient that'll save you a ton of time and energy: wonton wrappers! They're so easy to work with and just need to be stuffed with a sweet and spicy pumpkin filling.
Get Ree's Pumpkin Ravioli recipe.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
A little chocolate never hurt anyone, but you can also swap in toasted pecans or walnuts for the chocolate chips. Otherwise, leave out the mix-ins all together!
One-Pot Rice Casserole With Pumpkin
This casserole is a balanced, nutritious meal, featuring lean ground chicken, long-grain brown rice, creamy pumpkin puree, and lots of fresh spinach. A sprinkle of parmesan adds a nice, salty bite on top.
Get the One-Pot Rice Casserole With Pumpkin recipe at Food Faith Fitness.
Pumpkin Energy Bites
Made with simple ingredients like oats, pumpkin, almond butter, maple syrup, and pumpkin seeds, these little snacks make the perfect on-the-go bite for busy fall schedules.
Creamy Pumpkin Marinara
Inspired by the Autumnal Harvest pasta sauce from Trader Joe's, this comforting dish is super comforting, but still light and full of vegetables. Add any type of pasta you like.
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