Indulge in a warm and comforting winter meal while staying on track with your nutrition goals by trying these delicious recipes. Each dish is designed to be low in calories yet high in fiber and/or protein, which can aid in weight loss and promote satiety. These flavorful dinners focus on incorporating complex carbohydrates like whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, while also maintaining heart-healthy levels of saturated fat and sodium, making them suitable for a diabetes-friendly eating plan. From Lemon-Garlic Clams with Brown Rice Risotto to Creamy White Chili with Sweet Potatoes & White Beans, these dishes offer a healthy and tasty way to include seasonal veggies like kale, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes in your meals. Whether you’re looking for a festive holiday recipe or a simple weeknight dinner option, these recipes are sure to please your taste buds and nourish your body.
For a nutritious and convenient lunch option for the following day, consider trying out these recipes!
1. Laksa Ayam with Shirataki Noodles by Ali Redmond:
This twist on traditional Southeast Asian laksa offers a lower-carb option that is still satisfying. The homemade spice paste infuses the broth with rich, aromatic flavors, complementing the light and slightly chewy texture of shirataki noodles. Crispy fried shallots and fresh herbs add delightful crunch and herbal notes, while a spoonful of sambal oelek brings a spicy kick.
2. Chicken Fajita Soup:
This soup combines the smoky flavors of fajitas with the warmth of a comforting soup. It’s a versatile dish perfect for a cozy dinner, with options to customize by adding jalapeños for heat or swapping proteins like steak or tofu.
3. Honey-Chipotle Tofu Bites:
These crispy tofu bites are drizzled with a spicy-sweet sauce, perfect for adding flavorful plant-based protein to salads, bowls, or wraps.
4. Creamy Chicken Florentine Casserole:
A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s ideal for a cozy evening or a family dinner.
5. Chicken & White Bean Soup:
Make good use of rotisserie chicken in this Italian-inspired soup, perfect with a side of crusty bread.
6. Baghali Pollow with Quinoa (Persian-Style Quinoa and Beans with Chicken) by Ali Redmond:
This quinoa adaptation of a traditional Persian rice dish is packed with fresh herbs, fragrant spices, and a mix of proteins for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
7. Chipotle Cauliflower & Turkey Chili:
Lean ground turkey and cauliflower soak up bold flavors in this easy chili, with cauliflower stems adding a meaty texture. Adjust the chipotle peppers for your preferred level of heat.
8. Eat-the-Rainbow Vegetable Soup:
A vibrant and wholesome soup filled with colorful vegetables rich in nutrients that support well-being, such as lycopene from tomatoes.
9. Slow-Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili by Jason Donnelly:
Enjoy the flavors of Buffalo wings in this hearty chili that can be effortlessly made in a slow cooker. Sour cream helps balance the heat, or opt for plain strained yogurt as an alternative.
Yogurt
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Mini Meatloaves with Whipped Cauliflower & Green Beans
Ali Redmond
This comforting meal incorporates a number of pantry ingredients and shortcuts like frozen cauliflower and steam-in-the-bag green beans to cut way down on prep time. Baking the meatloaf in a muffin tin reduces cook time by more than half and makes portion control easy.
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Grilled Chicken with Farro & Roasted Cauliflower
You can find farro in most grocery stores, near the rice. If you can’t find farro, you can use wheat berries or brown rice instead; cook according to package directions.
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Sheet-Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli
Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Emily Nabors Hall
The vibrant combo of cheese, cilantro, chili, and lime—inspired by Mexican street corn—makes this salmon sheet-pan dinner burst with flavor.
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Lentil Bowls with Fried Eggs & Greens
Lentils are a quick and easy protein. We like French green lentils, which hold their shape when cooked.
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Portobello Mushroom Pizzas with Arugula Salad
Roasted portobello mushrooms stand in for pizza crust in these comforting individual “pizzas.” An easy arugula side salad makes a vibrant accompaniment.
