Hearty, cozy, and insanely delicious dinners! In this post, you’ll find 7 healthy fall recipes so you can take comfort food to a whole new level this season.
Fall is magical, I think we all agree!
I’m a big fan of this season’s cozy, rustic, and comforting nostalgia. And I make it a point to bring this feeling to my food cuz fall flavors are awesome too.
And as the days run shorter and colder…there’s nothing like sharing a nice intimate home-cooked meal with the fam!
But I gotta admit, last year I probably overdid it with the pumpkins. Dustin and I brought the kids to a pumpkin patch and we were so excited! We came home with enough to cook all day, every day for weeks.
But with the health benefits of pumpkin seeds, it’s not all bad, having oodles of pumpkins around. We love to snack on pumpkin seeds too.
Pumpkin pie from scratch, anyone? Definitely one of my most-loved fall desserts.
This year, we did buy 3 SMALL pumpkins. And now I’m pleased to share a variety of amazing ingredients you use to create healthy fall recipes.
Are you ready to cook up some of the heartiest and healthiest meals? I am!
What Are Some Good Fall Foods?
Fall welcomes an amazing harvest! You’ve got some fabulous root veggies to choose from. And an abundance of surprising autumn fruits. I mean, seriously, fall dinners are some of my faves. Keep scrolling to learn exactly what those are.
Here are the types of dishes that do wonderfully with fall ingredients:
- Slow cooker recipes
- One-pot recipes
- Baked entrees or sides
- Stews
- Casseroles
- Roasts and other hearty protein recipes
What Is The Most Famous Food In Autumn?
If we really have to narrow it down, then I’d probably have to mention the inevitable: Thanksgiving Turkey. And anything pumpkin or apple-related, of course.
A typical Thanksgiving dinner spread perfectly describes what fall meals are all about: hearty, decadent, and comforting. Much like coming home to grandma’s house and smelling the wonderful aromas wafting from the oven.
You have your share of a juicy protein (the turkey), a warm and hearty soup (squash), a lovely and filling carb (mashed potatoes) — usually accompanied by a casserole.
And what better way to finish a sumptuous feast than a traditional pecan pie?
What Are Fall Vegetables?
Working with seasonal ingredients is a great way to experiment with new recipes and even increase your nutritional intake.
These veggies may vary depending on where you’re based in the U.S, but here’s a list of what’s in season…
Autumn Vegetables:
- Beets
- Romaine
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Zucchini
- Brussels sprouts
- Pumpkin
- Squash
- Broccoli
Root vegetables:
- Sweet potatoes
- Jicama
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Parsnips
- Yucca
- Celery
- Garlic
What Is The Best Fruit To Eat In Autumn?
Seasonal produce is usually at its freshest and peak nutritional state! This autumn, you’ve got an amazing selection of beautiful fruits to choose from as additions to the fall dinner ideas you’ve got brewing.
Here’s what we have to work with…
Autumn Fruits:
- Apples
- Cranberries
- Figs
- Grapes
- Kumquats
- Passionfruit
- Key limes
- Persimmons
- Pomegranates
- Guava
What Is The Healthiest Thing You Can Eat For Dinner?
A healthy dinner is a balanced meal that maximizes essential nutrients your body needs daily. Luckily, the fall brings a fantastic selection of veggies and fruits that make for a holistic and nutrient-dense meal.
Need an example? Try my Dijon-Roasted Chicken and Carrots. This recipe is an easy weeknight dinner that offers up a boost of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals (from the carrots), balanced with a big whack of protein from this tasty roast chicken.
Add a side of superfood fiber and carbs with my 3-Ingredient Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Mmm, now that’s an ultra-healthy dinner.
7 Healthy Fall Recipes
To celebrate this cozy season with more intimate and hearty family meals, meet my favorite healthy fall dinner recipes. Of course, feel free to make these dishes anytime!
1. Sweet Potato Lasagna
I decided to make my own healthy version of a lasagna that is actually good for me. This one isn’t loaded with empty carbs and high saturated fat. In fact, it’s loaded with protein, fiber, calcium, and other delicious nutrients. It’s one of my top healthy fall recipes!
After all, anything made with sweet potatoes is pretty hard to beat. Take a peek at this Easy Sweet Potato Meal Prep post while your lasagna is in the oven.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 425 kcal
2. Fall Harvest Buddha Bowl on Cauliflower Grits
Enjoy a delightful mix of roasted fall veggies on top of creamy polenta. Then, you have cauliflower (fewer calories and more nutrients) complemented with garlic sautéed kale, crisp green apple slices, vibrant pomegranate seeds, and hemp seed hearts. Too good y’all.
The fall veggies are prepared in a pan and baked in the oven all together. And served over cauliflower grits (SO much better than rice). Imagine the flavor!
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 256 kcal
3. Healthy Minestrone Soup
This is an easy vegetarian dish that’s perfect for reheating on a weeknight! It’s loaded with green beans, cabbage, kidney beans and more for vitamins, protein and fiber and is wonderfully satisfying. It’s a savory and warm comforting mix of all the right things.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 351 kcal
4. Hearty Beef Stew
This is perfect for a chilly fall day. Seriously, this satisfying beef stew is some real good stuff. Be careful though: you’ll want a second bowl. The good news is that it’s so hearty, you’ll be full by then.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 mins
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 630 kcal per 1.5 cups
5. Butternut Squash Instant Pot Chili
Oh yes, I had to include this in my list of healthy fall recipes! This instant pot chili, with easy-to-follow instructions, only takes 20 minutes to make. Plus, it’s vegan, clean, gluten-free, and you can easily make a paleo version, too. Perfectly sumptuous and warm for one of those chilly nights.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 149 kcal
6. Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This is one of Dustin’s fave recipes. The first time he tried it, he was hooked and finished the leftovers the next day! It uses simple ingredients which makes this dish so easy to make on weeknights. I’ll tell you right now, the broth is super tasty.
Pair with one of your favorite salads for a meal that won’t leave you hungry. Clean-eating, hearty, and ready in 35-minutes? What’s not to love?
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 431 kcal
7. Healthy Quinoa Make-Ahead Casserole
Are you a pasta fan? How about pasta, cheese and quinoa? If you’re looking for something satisfyingly cheesy and tasty but just as healthy, this make-ahead quinoa casserole is the bomb. We’re using quinoa penne noodles so you’re getting a great dose of fiber and protein.
And my easy-to-make tomato sauce is in this dish too. It’s also gluten-free if you’re into that.
Recipe Notes:
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories: 609 kcal
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