7 Healthy Winter Recipes to Spark Joy this Season

We’re in for a long winter this year. I don’t know about you, but when it gets cold outside, I crave warm, comforting meals that make me feel better about it getting dark at 5 o’clock. Oftentimes, that ends up looking like really heavy pastas and other recipes that are good for my soul, but not so great for my body. While I’m a big proponent of listening to your body and eating what makes you feel good, I also know that I can put away a whole pot of penne alla vodka if I’m left to my own devices. That’s why I thought it would be helpful to put together a quick guide of 7 go-to healthy winter recipes that’ll satisfy your comfort-cravings while still being full of healthy goodness.

We’d love for you to share your favorite healthy winter snacks and recipes with us in the comments as well!

Our favorite healthy winter recipes

Winter vegetable and lentil soup 

Sometimes you just need a nice, hot bowl of soup to fill you up on a cold evening. Vegetable soup is one of the easiest and most versatile options out there. And with a handful of lentils thrown in, you get a nice bit of protein as well. The nice thing about veggie soup is that it’s highly customizable – fill your pot up with veggies that bring you joy!

Stuffed pumpkin 

Many of us are cooking holiday meals in this year, and that means looking for easy special-occasion recipes. Perfect as a side dish or an entrée, this beautiful stuffed pumpkin is filled with luscious rice, spices, and bright pops of apple and pomegranate. If you’re looking for a highly Instagrammable dish to show off to your family this year, this is a good one.

Cauliflower and butternut Thai curry

I recently just started discovering the joys of curry, and let me tell you – curry is awesome. Especially when you don’t want to fuss around in the kitchen, curries are a great thing to make in an Instant Pot ahead of time. While most curries are pretty healthy anyway, this one ups the ante with extra veggies. Serve with cauliflower rice for even more goodness.

Creamy mushroom pasta 

It’s hard to find a good vegan pasta recipe, especially one that’s rich and creamy – but this mushroom sauce does exactly the trick. What’s the trick, you’re wondering? Crimini mushrooms and dairy-free sour cream combine together with a few other key ingredients for a light yet creamy sauce.

Sweet potato and black bean shepherd’s pie

Sweet potato lends an added layer of depth and heartiness to this incredible shepherd’s pie bake. And while this recipe is a little more involved than others on this list, it makes for a great meal-prep recipe. Cook on Sunday, then store and eat throughout the week!

Kimchi cauliflower fried rice

Cauliflower rice is a great substitute if you’re watching your carbs, and honestly doesn’t take away from your meal when paired with something flavorful like kimchi. If you like a little kick, this one’s perfect for you. Psst – it also makes for a great breakfast!

Baked pears with walnuts and honey

Of course, we can’t forget to add a little sweetness to this list. If baked apples spark joy for you, you’ll love this spin on the classic winter dessert. No extra sugar is needed to give this easy breakfast or dessert the perfect amount of sweetness. Enjoy with a dollop of yogurt or ice cream for a healthy treat!

Which one of these delicious and healthy winter recipes will you try first? Let us know below!

If you feel like you need a little boost to get you back to your pre-Holiday routine, don’t forget to check out the YogaVibes library. Whether you’re looking to build muscle and tone up, or simply need a bit of mindfulness after a stressful season, we’ve got you covered.