Cozy winter recipes from The Healthy Cook

As the chill of winter sets in, warm up your kitchen and your heart with some cozy, healthy winter recipes from The Healthy Cook Kate Sherwood. Think creamy vegetable soup, hearty lentil stews, flavorful chicken mole, and roasted winter vegetables, which offer the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. These recipes are simple to prepare and packed with seasonal produce; you will surely find a new family favorite in the mix.

Start with sides

Spice up your cozy winter nights by whipping up some fun and creative side dishes. These recipes add a tasty twist to dinner that makes meals feel extra special. Plus, they’re the perfect excuse to stay warm in the kitchen while trying something new and delicious.

Garlicky Beans. This simple dish (shown above) makes a stellar side for roasted chicken, fish, tofu, or tempeh. For a meal in a bowl, pair it with a whole grain like bulgur, farro, or wheat berries.

Miso Roasted Winter Vegetables. This simple showstopper contrasts sweet and savory for added interest: sweet potatoes, golden beets, or acorn squash play beautifully alongside turnips, rutabaga, and red onions.  

Winter Vegetable Mash. A chilly winter evening might be the perfect time to enjoy this flavorful side dish. It pairs nicely withroasted chicken and Kate’s make-ahead gravy; just use chicken instead of turkey!

Cauliflower with Lemon Pine Nut Dressing. Tender roasted cauliflower gets a zesty, nutty dressing for a burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a simple, healthy dish that’s perfect as a side to roasted fish or chicken, and it’s guaranteed to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests.

Miso-Glazed Tofu & Squash. Want to see dinner come together in a flash? While the tofu and squash for this Miso-Glazed Tofu & Squash are broiling, stir-fry a heap of greens like bok choy, gai lan, or broccolini. If you want to make this recipe even more interesting, try it with edible pumpkin instead of winter squash.

Brussels Sprouts with Orange Dressing. This recipe is guaranteed to become an instant classic. Brussels sprouts are best cooked quickly, so cutting them in quarters or slicing (or even shredding) them is worth the effort. And that orange dressing will knock your socks off!

Roasted Delicata Squash. The browned flat surfaces of this roasted delicata squash deliver flavor to spare. Two tricks for perfect browning: Don’t line your baking pan, and use the lowest oven rack (the one closest to the heat source).

For more veggie-forward recipes, check out The Healthy Cook’s Kitchen: Fall & Winter Vegetables. For even more winter recipes using in-season produce like pumpkins, carrots, and sweet potatoes, take a peek at our monthly produce guides.

Warm up with soups, stews, and chili

What’s cozier on a winter night than a bowl of piping hot soup, stew, or chili? From creamy vegetable soup to rich lentil stew, these dishes are like edible blankets, warming you from the inside out. Packed with seasonal veggies and soul-soothing flavors, soups, stews, and chilis are the perfect companions for chilly evenings. Grab a spoon and a blanket, and let the coziness commence!

Creamy Vegetable Soup. You can roast and use almost any vegetables you have at home in this Creamy Vegetable Soup. Try winter squash, celery, onion, or tomatoes. And if you have homemade vegetable stock, use that instead of water for a more flavorful broth.

French Lentil Stew. This French Lentil Stew is thick, rich, and chock full of flavors you’ll love. Look for French (small green) lentils, which hold their shape but cook relatively quickly. This recipe makes a perfect winter lunch, as well, so make a batch and freeze some for later.

Greek Lentil Soup. This Greek Lentil Soup (shown above) starts with The Healthy Cook’s Simple Lentil Soup and adds flavor and freshness from baby greens, lemon, scallions, and dill.

Italian Bean & Kale Stew. Simple to prepare but perfect for a cold winter night, this stew is brothy and rich. Plus, this tasty stew makes eating more gut-healthy beans a snap.

Miso Ginger Vegetable Soup. Try this tasty and simple soup, in which carrots shine and mushrooms bring out fabulous umami notes.  

Two Bean Chili. Nothing says winter like a warm bowl of chili! And don’t worry if you’re not keen on spicy foods. Simply swap half a green bell pepper for the jalapeños, and you have a mild version of this fabulous chili. Add a dollop of low-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for the perfect finishing touch.

Black Bean Soup. This lightly smoky soup is on rotation in Kate’s kitchen all winter long. Try it, and it might become a favorite for you, too! Packed with fiber and bold flavors, it’s a comfort food classic that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Maybe even pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got the ultimate winter hug in a bowl.

For more creative recipes full of nutrients, check out The Healthy Cook’s Kitchen: Soup and The Healthy Cook’s Kitchen: Beans & Lentils. 

Hearty, colorful salads

Who says salads are just for summer? A hearty salad is perfect for a cozy winter night. Think crispy Brussels sprouts in citrus dressing, quinoa tossed with winter fruit, and tart apples mixed with your favorite greens. It’s a delicious way to stay cozy and healthy during the chilly months.

Quinoa & Winter Fruit Salad. This recipe marries the simple, earthy flavors of quinoa and the bursting flavor of orange and pomegranate. A tri-color quinoa mix (white, red, and black) makes for an even more colorful dish, but regular (white) quinoa tastes just as good.

Crunchy Brussels Salad. Raw Brussels sprouts not for you? Use another winter salad green—try kale or any green cabbage—in this Crunchy Brussels Salad. For a lighter texture, go with shredded romaine. And try using Meyer lemons; they’re in season from November to March and are slightly sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons.

Wild Rice & Pomegranate Salad (shown above). Sometimes, all it takes is a little bit of leftover wild rice to boost your meal to the next level, so if you’re looking to try a truly unique salad, look no further. Brands like Lundberg and Bob’s Red Mill sell blends that mix wild rice with other whole grains. But in a pinch, you can also use any leftover cooked whole grain (or combination of whole grains) you have on hand.

Waldorf Salad Redux. Want to wake up your taste buds? Add sweet-tart fruit to a savory salad, like this Waldorf Salad Redux inspired by the classic Waldorf.

Citrus & Winter Greens Salad. Not only is this Citrus & Winter Greens Salad sweet and hearty, but it can also hang out in the fridge while you’re putting the finishing touches on other dishes. Delicious and convenient!

Sweet & Sour Winter Salad. If you prefer a salad that’s both sweet and tart, this recipe will delight! Though any apple will do, pick a sweet-tart one like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp to pump up the sweet and sour. Or, for a dazzling mix, use half a sweet apple (Fuji or Gala) plus half a tart Granny Smith.

Beet Salad with Mustard Vinaigrette. Explore the earthy sweetness of roasted beets, full of folate and fiber, tossed in a tangy mustard vinaigrette–the perfect balance of flavors this winter season!

For more colorful and healthful salad ideas, check out The Healthy Cook’s Kitchen: Main Dish Salads and Salad Days! The Healthy Cook Turns Salad into Supper. In-season fruits and veggies are often more affordable than their hot-house or imported counterparts, so be sure to check out each month’s seasonal produce guide.

Dig in with cozy main dishes

This winter, a hearty main dish will help you feel cozy and nourished. These comforting meals are rich in flavor and warmth, making every bite feel like a treat. Pair them with your favorite sides, and you’ve got the ultimate winter feast.

Winter Chicken Braise. Braising is perfect for winter meals, and this dish is a one-pot wonder: Along with flavorful chicken and perfectly braised veg, it makes its own sauce.

Roasted Winter Veg Over Lentils with Spicy Herb Sauce. Want to see hearty winter vegetables really shine? Try this Roasted Winter Veg over Lentils with Spicy Herb Sauce. And if you’d rather not roast these veggies in the oven, Kate’s got you covered. To pan-roast the vegetables instead of roasting them in the oven, use the second set of instructions in step 3.

Roasted Roots with Spicy Yogurt. A simple recipe with complex flavors! The garam masala called for in this recipe is a spice blend that typically has fragrant “sweet” spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger but no chili powder. A tandoori masala is often a mild blend of sweet and savory spices with a hint of chili. And if you’re looking for a quick dish, simply skip the yogurt sauce; roast the vegetables, then sprinkle with a mixture of the salt and spices while the vegetables are still hot.

Paprika Chickpeas. This velvety sauce gets surprisingly creamy with puréed vegetables—no dairy needed. Of course, you can skip the puréeing if you’d like an even easier dish. Bonus: It freezes well.

Grilled Sesame Chicken & Vegetables. If you’re in a warm climate, fire up the grill, and Grilled Sesame Chicken & Vegetables will be on the table in 30 minutes. We bet this chicken will be on regular rotation in your house. Any leftovers make a great salad.

Seafood Stew. This hearty stew is packed with seafood and protein, so we think it deserves a place in cozy main dishes. You can choose any combination of white fish and shellfish you like, which means it never gets dull. (Check seafoodwatch.org for tips on choosing sustainable varieties.) 

Chicken & Mushroom Stroganoff. This rich stroganoff served over a wild rice blend will blow you away. Browning the chicken on just one side gives you that savory flavor without overcooking. And if you’re not keen to cut up chicken, substitute chicken tenders for the breasts. 

Chicken Mole. Kate’s simplified this recipe to include only ingredients you likely have in your pantry. While that makes it less complex than traditional Mexican moles, it still packs a ton of flavor. Bonus: The leftover chicken makes excellent stock. 

British-ish No-Bake Beans. Inspired by the beans served with a full English breakfast, these baked beans are far less sweet than the Boston-style versions. And this is a recipe that can serve as a great main course for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. These beans are flavor-packed, easy to make, and freeze well. Pass the pot, please!  

White Fish with Tomatillo Tartar. Kate’s white fish with tomatillo tartar is light, fragrant, and delicious. When shopping for tomatillos, look for them to be pale green with dry, papery skins. And if you can’t find tomatillos in your grocery store, you can use one Granny Smith (or another tart variety) apple instead. A fun and creative way to use this excellent seasonal fruit!

Air-Fryer Chicken & Veggies (shown above). Air fryers heat up and cool down in just a few minutes, so you wind up with less heat in your kitchen, even when roasting at a high temperature. So, if you have one handy, try this fabulous and nutritious meal full of complex flavors. Plus, you can swap out the broccolini for your favorite seasonal winter veggie!

For more fabulous mains, check out The Healthy Cook’s Kitchen: Chicken, The Healthy Cook's Kitchen: Tofu and Tempeh, The Healthy Cook's Kitchen: Seafood, and From the Heart: Heart-Healthy Dishes from the Healthy Cook.

Treat yourself to something sweet

‘Tis the season to bring a touch of comfort and joy to chilly evenings. And what’s cozier than a little dessert by the glow of a fire (or your favorite blanket)?

Chocolate Chia Pudding. Got some chia seeds and a handful of other ingredients? Try The Healthy Cook's sweet, satisfying Chocolate Chia Pudding. It’s the ultimate dessert that’s as healthy as it is a treat! Packed with fiber, protein, and mineral-rich chia seeds, it’s a nutritious powerhouse you can make your own; dress it up with your favorite chopped nuts or fresh or frozen berries!  

Apple Raspberry Almond Crisp. Kate’s crisp should not be missed. The star of this dessert is the perfect harmony between tender, sweet apples (full of fiber!) and tart raspberries (full of Vitamin C!), topped with crunchy almond slivers. And maybe the best part? You can swap the raspberries for your favorite fruit as you wish! This Apple Almond Crisp is a versatile treat that’s sure to impress.

For more decadent but heart-healthy recipes, check out From the Heart: Heart-Healthy Dishes from the Healthy Cook. And if you're looking for a way to incorporate more seasonal fruit into your desserts, try one (or several) recipes from our monthly seasonal produce guides.

Use it all

We hate to waste, especially when all those scraps make a delicious stock! So, if, after all this cooking, you find yourself with an abundance of vegetable scraps—lemon peels, squash skins, cores or tops from carrots, mushrooms, onions, celery, or tomatoes, for example—you’ve also got the base for a quart or two of Vegetable Stock; it makes a perfect start for soup, can give grains of all kinds more flavor when used instead of water, and is easy to freeze for quick and tasty weeknight meals in the future.

Find more No-Waste Kitchen Tips from The Healthy Cook in Nutrition Action, and be sure to use our seasonal produce guides to enjoy your fruit and veg when it’s most delicious (and most affordable).