35 Healthy Winter Recipes That'll Make You Feel Good and Cozy
Warm up with oven-baked stuffed winter squash.
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When the cold weather has you craving comfort foods, it might seem difficult to stay on top of your healthy eating goals. But don't let a little snow and wind stop you from feeling like your best self this winter! All you need to do is load up on these healthy winter recipes for a meal that's both nutritious and cozy. Here, you'll find protein-packed dishes like stuffed winter squash filled with hearty sausage, easy turkey meatballs, and a vegetarian chili recipe that's cowboy-approved.
Looking for some healthy winter recipes to serve at your next holiday party? Try lightened-up versions of your favorite dishes like mac and cheese made with butternut squash or crispy Brussels sprouts made in an air fryer. There are also tons of healthy chicken recipes and even some healthy appetizers that you can serve for the holidays. Check out Ree Drummond's gorgeous crudités with an herb dip or the ultimate winter salad that's loaded with mix-ins. We also threw in some healthy breakfast recipes on this list, too—because starting off a snow day with a bowl of baked oatmeal is always a good idea!
Not only are these cozy winter recipes sure to hit the spot, but they're also healthy enough to keep up with your New Year’s resolutions. Try all of them this season—and even some in the year beyond.
Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
This winter squash is packed to the brim just like a burrito but it's even healthier thanks to a few simple swaps. The recipe calls for seasoned ground turkey, corn, black beans, avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
Get the Stuffed Spaghetti Squash recipe.
Turkey Meatballs
Instead of beef or pork meatballs, this variation is made with lean turkey instead. You can serve them up with marinara sauce and spaghetti or pair them with one of the tasty dips. (Lemon-herb yogurt sauce is divine.)
Get the Turkey Meatballs recipe.
Kale Caesar Salad with Steak
Nobody will complain about salad for dinner when you serve it up with grilled steak, parmesan croutons, and homemade Caesar dressing! It's a great way to get your family to eat their leafy greens.
Get Ree's Kale Caesar Salad with Steak recipe.
Cauliflower Chili
This chili recipe might be vegetarian but it's still plenty hearty. That's because it's chockfull of three types of beans (black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans), mushrooms, and bold spices for flavor.
Get Ree's Cauliflower Chili recipe.
Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls
This baked salmon is brushed with a sweet and spicy sauce before getting added to the flavorful rice bowl. Heart-healthy avocado and refreshing cucumber are the perfect finishing touch.
Get Ree's Spicy Salmon Rice Bowls recipe.
Cabbage Salad
This crisp, refreshing salad is a celebration of color and texture! The crunchy cabbage, fresh apple slices, and toasted pecans will make it a family favorite. Top with grilled chicken or serve it as a healthy side dish.
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
Stuffed Butternut Squash
Full of vitamins and low in carbs, butternut squash is as healthy as it is delicious. Plus, it looks so festive with the sausage, rice, and kale filling.
Get the Stuffed Butternut Squash recipe.
Coconut Shrimp Curry
The warm flavors of curry powder and the creaminess from coconut milk make this shrimp dish one of the coziest you can make. Serve it over a fluffy pile of rice to catch all that good flavor.
Get Ree's Coconut Shrimp Curry recipe.
Vegetable Soup
Get your daily dose of veggies with this comforting soup recipe. It's easy to customize with whatever vegetables and beans you have laying around!
Get the Vegetable Soup recipe.
Feta Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Love spaghetti and meatballs? Try zucchini noodles instead! It's lower in carbs but just as satisfying.
Get Ree's Feta Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles recipe.
Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
This foolproof recipe gets extra-crispy chicken without having to pan fry! Serve it up with mashed cauliflower and a side salad for an even healthier weeknight dinner.
Get the Air Fryer Chicken Thighs recipe.
Cauliflower Steak
These big slabs of cauliflower are a great way to get you fiber, folate, and vitamins C and K. You can even top them with chimichurri or hot sauce for added flavor.
Get the Cauliflower Steak recipe.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Protein-packed lentils are the star ingredient in this vegetarian soup. There's also spinach, carrots, and celery which cook up quickly thanks to the Instant Pot.
Get the Instant Pot Lentil Soup recipe.
Roasted Delicata Squash
There are so many reasons to love delicata squash! It's easy to cook (no peeling required) and it has plenty of vitamin C to keep you healthy. Serve it up as a side dish for a healthy chicken or fish dinner.
Get the Roasted Delicata Squash recipe.
Chicken Parm Salad
Everything you love about chicken parmesan—over a bed of leafy greens! This deconstructed dish is oh so satisfying.
Get Ree's Chicken Parm Salad recipe.
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Make pizza night something you can feel good about with this easy recipe for a homemade pie made with cauliflower crust. It's gluten-free, but still loaded with flavor!
Get the Cauliflower Crust Pizza recipe.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
You'll be surprised when everyone at the table asks for more of this winter vegetable! It's extra crispy from the air fryer as well as sweet and spicy from the honey and Sriracha.
Get the Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Baked Oatmeal
A hot bowl of oatmeal is hard to beat! Make this one ahead for an easy breakfast during the week. Or serve it up for the holidays with real maple syrup.
Get the Baked Oatmeal recipe.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Swap fried wings for healthy meatballs made with lean ground chicken instead. They still have plenty of spicy buffalo flavor and a cooling cucumber salad to balance it all out.
Get Ree's Buffalo Chicken Meatballs recipe.
Baked Sweet Potato
This crowd-pleasing side dish is an easy way to add fiber-rich foods to your dinner table. Plus, they can even be topped with your favorite healthy garnishes, like scallions and beans or a simple drizzle of honey.
Get the Baked Sweet Potato recipe.
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