Fall is here, and for many people this means cool weather and lots of indoor time. This could mean more time to cook some healthy fall recipes dinner that are not only nourishing for your body but also for your mind. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to get caught up in eating fast food or grab-n-go food. However, getting home from work and putting your feet up is a great time to cook a healthy meal rich in color and flavor. Here are five recipes that are guaranteed to provide you with some comfort while keeping you feeling good all evening.
As the weather starts to turn cooler, cozy up with a bowl of these satisfying soup recipes. Whether it’s a classic like chicken noodle or butternut squash, these recipes are packed with tons of vegetables and protein. The best thing about these soups is that you can make them in advance and freeze them for an easy dinner during the week. Recipes like Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Curry Soup and Mediterranean Cabbage Soup are hearty and perfect for fall.
Smoked Gouda-Broccoli Soup
Smoked paprika and smoked Gouda give this broccoli-and-cheese soup recipe a double hit of smoky flavor. If you can’t find smoked Gouda, smoked Cheddar gives delicious results as well.
Healthy Fall Recipes Under 500 Calories
Fall is all about cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meals that feel like a hug in a bowl (or on a plate), and it’s no secret that we love it. But we still want to nourish our bodies, and sometimes, keep things on the lighter side. Thankfully, these healthy fall recipes (all under 500 calories!) will do the trick—they’re roasty, toasty and packed with the flavors of seasonal produce and warming spices…but won’t make you want to hibernate until next spring. Now, who wants a bite of buffalo-stuffed sweet potatoes?
11. SPICY STIR-FRIED CHICKEN AND SHREDDED BRUSSELS BOWLS (300 CALORIES)
Never had Brussels sprouts in a stir-fry before? You’re in for a treat.
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12. WHITE TURKEY CHILI WITH AVOCADO (344 CALORIES)
Swapping ground turkey for the usual beef keeps things light and lean, while avocado adds creaminess. Oh, and it’s ready in an hour—that’s important.
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13. CHICKEN SAUSAGE, SPELT AND PEPPER SKILLET (489 CALORIES)
It’s as healthy as it is convenient, plus there are hardly any dishes to clean afterward. Basically, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner.
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14. ROASTED SQUASH AND FARRO SALAD WITH AVOCADO DRESSING (432 CALORIES)
In a room of grain bowls, be a farro salad with homemade avocado dressing.
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15. YOTAM OTTOLENGHI‘S ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH LENTILS AND GORGONZOLA (298 CALORIES)
Lentils are a winner when it comes to healthy, satisfying meals. They’re packed with protein but won’t weigh you down, and go with everything from salad to soup.
16. CARROT PASTA (489 CALORIES)
Gnocchi, but make it really good for you. (We’ll take seconds, please and thanks.)
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17. SLOW-COOKER FRENCH ONION SOUP (338 CALORIES)
Mmm, rich, caramelized onion broth and a cheesy crouton topping? We’ve found our favorite fall soup.
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18. BUFFALO-STUFFED SWEET POTATOES (455 CALORIES)
These have Saturday football (and Sunday meal prep) written all over them.
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19. FREEKEH VEGETABLE SOUP (227 CALORIES)
Proof that a veggie-based soup can be just as hearty and soul-warming as any meaty one. The secret is freekeh, an heirloom grain that’s rich in protein.
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20. OVEN-ROASTED SWEET POTATOES WITH CRISPY CHICKPEAS AND YOGURT SAUCE (442 CALORIES)
The key to crispy taters is all in the sheet pan. Skip the usual aluminum lining so all the moisture evaporates evenly. (But don’t skip the three-ingredient yogurt sauce.)
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Barley is cheaper and lighter than Italian risotto rice, you can add all the liquid at once and it’s really hard to overcook
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Lighter chicken cacciatore
The classic Italian ‘hunter’s stew’ gets a healthy makeover, with low-fat chicken breasts, prosciutto and a rich herby tomato sauce
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Butternut squash soup
This vibrant orange squash soup is a healthy way to warm up – served with herbs and a drizzle of honey
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Pointed cabbage in white wine with fennel seeds
For a quick version of sauerkraut, try cabbage simmered in white wine, with onion and herbs. The acidity of this side dish pairs beautifully with the unctuousness of roast pork
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Chicken & pearl barley risotto
Tender chicken and wholesome pearl barley with a light herby dressing make this a great low-calorie, low-fat weeknight dinner
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Soft polenta with roast squash, kale & hazelnuts
This dish makes a wonderful accompaniment to a roast chicken or some lovely crackling-covered pork. It works well as a vegetarian main course too
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Spicy root & lentil casserole
The potatoes in this recipe take on the spicy flavours beautifully – our idea of the perfect veggie supper
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Spinach, sweet potato & lentil dhal
A comforting vegan one-pot recipe that counts for 3 of your 5-a-day! You can’t go wrong with this iron-rich, low-fat, low-calorie supper.
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Moroccan chicken with sweet potato mash
Fragrant, tender chicken and creamy sweet potato mash makes a comforting and low-fat midweek meal
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Cardamom chicken with lime leaves
If you’re a true curry lover, the layers of spice in this fragrant and tender chicken thigh curry will really hit the spot
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Vegetable balti
Curry doesn’t tend to be the healthiest meal option, but this winter veg balti is high in fibre and vitamins, while low in fat
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Fruity lamb tagine
This succulent and superhealthy one-pot is guaranteed to satisfy a crowd – save time and make it up to two days ahead
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Red lentil & squash dhal
A hearty budget meal of spiced red lentils with butternut and tomatoes. Add coriander, cumin, turmeric and a dollop of mango chutney
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Sausage, mustard & apple hash
Looking for a healthy dish that’s good for your wallet too? This sausage, mustard & apple hash costs less than £1 per serving and is perfect for a family
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Curried lentil, parsnip & apple soup
This spicy soup combines red lentils, apples and parsnip for a smooth, warming soup – a low fat meal that you can make ahead and freeze
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Roast pork with apples & mustard
Tangy apples and hot mustard ensure this dish is packed full of punchy flavours
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Crisp sage & Parmesan pork with red apple coleslaw
Perk up some pork with this full flavoured sage and red apple coleslaw recipe
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Orecchiette with purple sprouting broccoli & Calabrian pesto
Whip up some homemade pesto and serve with orecchiette and broccoli. This one isn’t just good with pasta – you can also serve it with chicken or fish, and spoon it onto warm focaccia
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Vegan pumpkin soup
Make the most of pumpkin season in early autumn with this healthy vegan pumpkin soup. Toast the pumpkin seeds and use as a garnish to add texture
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Italian borlotti bean, pumpkin & farro soup
Warm up on chilly evenings with this hearty, healthy bean & pumpkin soup. Serve this low-calorie meal with a chunk of fresh bread for dunking
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Pumpkin hummus
Throw a Halloween party and use a carved out pumpkin to make this creamy hummus. At other times of the year use butternut squash or a blue-skinned pumpkin
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Vegan kale pesto pasta
Whizz up kale, pumpkin seeds, basil and garlic to make this easy kale pesto. It’s perfect stirred through wholemeal spaghetti for a healthy vegan meal
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Butternut squash salad
Get a whopping 4 of your 5-a-day with this superhealthy salad, why not make extra for your lunchbox too
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Curried kale & chickpea soup
Rustle up this budget-friendly, healthy soup for a nourishing, easy midweek meal. It’s packed with kale, chickpeas, sweet potato and plenty of flavour
