25 Healthy Winter Recipes That’ll Warm Your Soul Without Expanding Your Waistline

ByBenjamin

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Healthy Winter Recipes

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy warm, comforting meals that are also good for you. Healthy winter recipes can be both tasty and nutritious, using seasonal ingredients like squash, cauliflower, and hearty greens. These dishes can help you stay cozy while keeping your health goals on track.

You don’t have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition. Many winter recipes combine lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains to create filling meals. From casseroles to soups, there are plenty of options to keep your winter menu exciting and nourishing.

One-Pot Winter Warmer

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 carrot, sliced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 can beans, drained

Instructions:


  1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Cook for 10 minutes.



  2. Stir in ginger, garlic, cumin, turmeric, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute.



  3. Add sweet potatoes, coconut milk, stock, and beans. Season to taste.



  4. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.



  5. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting one-pot meal!


Healthy One-Pan Chicken And Rice

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.



  2. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same pan, sauté onion and garlic until softened.



  3. Add rice, broth, turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.



  4. Place chicken on top of rice mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 20-25 minutes.



  5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy one-pan meal!


Chicken Stroganoff

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup light sour cream
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta

Instructions:


  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Set aside.



  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.



  3. Remove chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, add mushrooms and onions. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.



  4. Add garlic and cook for another minute. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and stir to coat.



  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly. Add paprika, salt, and pepper.



  6. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.



  7. Stir in sour cream and return chicken to the skillet. Cook until chicken is heated through.



  8. Serve your chicken stroganoff over the cooked pasta.


Mediterranean Chicken Traybake

Ingredients:

  • 4 chicken thighs
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.



  3. Place chicken and veggies in a baking dish. Pour the mixture over them and toss to coat.



  4. Arrange chicken skin-side up on top of the vegetables.



  5. Bake for 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.



  6. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty Mediterranean meal!


Healthy Gnocchi

You’ll love this easy and nutritious gnocchi recipe! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 package whole wheat gnocchi
  • 1 can white beans, drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and set aside.



  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.



  3. Add tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.



  4. Stir in white beans, spinach, and Italian seasoning. Cook until spinach wilts.



  5. Add cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to combine.



  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.



  7. Serve hot and enjoy your healthy gnocchi dish!


Balsamic Lentils With Pork Fillet

Ingredients:

  • 400g pork tenderloin
  • 500g cooked puy lentils
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Heat olive oil in a pan. Cook onion, carrot, and celery for 15 minutes.



  2. Add garlic and rosemary, cook for 30 seconds.



  3. Cut pork into 4 pieces. Season and cook for 5 minutes on each side.



  4. Add lentils to the vegetable mix. Stir in balsamic vinegar.



  5. Let pork rest for 10 minutes, then slice.



  6. Serve pork slices over lentils.


Healthy Salmon Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 shallot, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-fat crème fraîche
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:


  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.



  2. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Cook in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and flake.



  3. In the same pan, sauté shallot and garlic in olive oil until soft.



  4. Add crème fraîche and lemon juice. Stir in Parmesan cheese.



  5. Toss pasta with sauce. Gently fold in flaked salmon.



  6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.


Tuna Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 1 can tuna, drained
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or canned)
  • 1/2 cup low-fat cheese, grated
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.



  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).



  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.



  4. Add diced tomatoes and mixed vegetables. Cook for 5 minutes.



  5. Stir in tuna and cooked pasta. Mix well.



  6. Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with grated cheese.



  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.



  8. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy tuna pasta bake!


Miso And Chilli Chicken Noodle Soup

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons miso paste
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 8 oz udon noodles
  • 1 cup pak choi, chopped
  • 1 cup mangetout (snow peas)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil

Instructions:


  1. Bring chicken stock to a simmer in a large pot.



  2. Whisk in miso paste and gochujang until dissolved.



  3. Add udon noodles, pak choi, and mangetout. Cook for 2-3 minutes.



  4. Stir in shredded chicken and heat through.



  5. Remove from heat and add green onions and sesame oil.



  6. Serve hot in bowls.


Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 1 sweet potato, cubed
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated ginger
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Mix coconut milk, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, garlic, and ginger in your slow cooker.



  2. Add chicken, onion, carrots, and sweet potato. Stir to coat.



  3. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.



  4. Shred the chicken with two forks.



  5. Stir everything together and add salt and pepper to taste.


Serve your curry over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal!

Healthy Pizza

You’ll need:

  • Whole wheat pizza dough
  • Low-fat mozzarella cheese
  • Tomato sauce
  • Mixed veggies (bell peppers, mushrooms, onions)
  • Olive oil
  • Oregano
  • Salt

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F.



  2. Roll out the dough on a baking sheet.



  3. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the dough.



  4. Sauté the veggies in a pan with olive oil and salt for 7-10 minutes.



  5. Sprinkle cheese over the sauce.



  6. Add the cooked veggies on top.



  7. Sprinkle oregano over everything.



  8. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden.


Enjoy your yummy, healthy pizza!

Healthy Fish Pie

You’ll need:

  • 500g mixed fish (cod, salmon, haddock)
  • 250g prawns
  • 400g potatoes
  • 200g cauliflower
  • 300ml milk
  • 2 tbsp cornflour
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Boil potatoes and cauliflower until soft. Mash with olive oil.



  2. Mix cornflour with a bit of milk, then heat remaining milk in a pan.



  3. Add cornflour mixture to milk, stirring until thickened.



  4. Add fish and prawns to the sauce. Cook for 3 minutes.



  5. Stir in peas and season with salt and pepper.



  6. Pour fish mixture into a baking dish. Top with mashed potato and cauliflower.



  7. Bake at 200°C for 20-25 minutes until golden.


Enjoy your healthy, comforting fish pie!

Lasagne And White Bean Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained
  • 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:


  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.



  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.



  3. Stir in tomatoes, broth, beans, noodles, basil, and oregano. Bring to a boil.



  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until noodles are tender.



  5. Season with salt and pepper.



  6. Serve hot, topped with mozzarella cheese.


Healthy Meatballs

You’ll love these tasty and nutritious meatballs! Here’s what you need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup finely minced onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl
  2. Form into 1-inch meatballs
  3. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through
  4. Enjoy with whole grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or in a salad!

Beef Stew

You’ll need:

  • 2 lbs beef stew meat
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:


  1. Heat oil in a large pot. Brown the beef on all sides.



  2. Add onions and garlic. Cook until softened.



  3. Stir in tomato paste and thyme.



  4. Pour in broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.



  5. Add carrots and potatoes. Cook for 30 more minutes until veggies are tender.



  6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty beef stew!


Chicken Noodle Soup

You’ll need:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 pound chicken breast
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:


  1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.



  2. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.



  3. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves. Bring to a boil.



  4. Add chicken breast, reduce heat, and simmer for 35 minutes.



  5. Remove chicken and shred with two forks.



  6. Return chicken to the pot and add noodles. Cook until noodles are tender.



  7. Season with salt and pepper.



  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.


Double Bean & Roasted Pepper Chilli

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans of black beans
  • 2 cans of kidney beans
  • 1 jar of roasted peppers
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cans of diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 tbsp chipotle paste
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Heat oil in a large pot. Add onions and celery, cooking until soft.



  2. Blend 1/4 of the roasted peppers with chipotle paste, vinegar, cocoa, and spices.



  3. Stir this mixture into the pot and cook for 2 minutes.



  4. Add beans, tomatoes, and remaining peppers. Pour in 1 cup of water.



  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.



  6. Stir occasionally until the chili thickens.



  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.


Serve hot and enjoy your hearty, warming chili!

Leek & Potato Soup

You’ll need:

  • 2 leeks, sliced
  • 3 potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: thyme, bay leaf

Instructions:


  1. Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Add leeks, onion, and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.



  2. Add potatoes and broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.



  3. Remove from heat. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.



  4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy winter soup!


Winter Vegetable & Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 2 potatoes, cubed
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes.



  2. Add lentils, potatoes, zucchini, broth, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.



  3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.



  4. Add thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 more minutes until vegetables are tender.



  5. Serve hot and enjoy your cozy winter soup!


Chicken Pot Pie

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 whole wheat pie crust

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).



  2. Heat oil in a large pan. Add vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.



  3. Sprinkle flour over veggies. Stir and cook for 1 minute.



  4. Slowly add broth and milk, stirring constantly. Simmer until thick.



  5. Add chicken, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.



  6. Pour mixture into a pie dish. Cover with pie crust.



  7. Cut slits in the crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.



  8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy chicken pot pie!


Smoky Sausage Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
  • 4 cups frozen hash browns
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 diced onion
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).



  2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.



  3. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.



  4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbly.



  5. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.


Enjoy your hearty, comforting smoky sausage casserole!

Italian Hot Dish

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound whole wheat pasta
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 chopped onion
  • 2 minced garlic cloves
  • 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.



  2. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.



  3. Add ground turkey, cook until browned.



  4. Stir in tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.



  5. Mix sauce with pasta in a baking dish. Top with mozzarella cheese.



  6. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.



  7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy Italian hot dish!


Spiced Butternut Squash Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 butternut squash, cubed
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss squash cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.



  2. In a large pot, heat remaining oil. Add onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.



  3. Add turkey and cook until browned. Stir in spices.



  4. Pour in tomatoes, broth, and beans. Simmer for 20 minutes.



  5. Add roasted squash and cook for 5 more minutes.



  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.


Instant Pot Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups green or brown lentils
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 potato, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:


  1. Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and cook onions, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes.



  2. Add garlic, thyme, cumin, and paprika. Stir for 30 seconds.



  3. Add lentils, potato, and broth. Mix well.



  4. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 15 minutes.



  5. Let pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes.



  6. Open the lid, stir, and season with salt and pepper.



  7. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting lentil soup!


Roasted Delicata Squash

Ingredients:

  • 2 delicata squash
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:


  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.



  3. Slice the squash into 1/2-inch half-moons.



  4. Toss the squash slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.



  5. Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer.



  6. Roast for 15 minutes, then flip the slices over.



  7. Sprinkle with sage and Parmesan cheese.



  8. Roast for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and tender.



  9. Serve hot and enjoy your tasty, healthy winter side dish!


Benjamin Happy Muncher
CEO at  | benjamin@happymuncher.com | Website |  + posts

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.

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