Ahhhh, Fall. As temps drop and the days get shorter, we shift into hibernation mode. You know, that part of the year where you really just wanna stay inside all day, sleep in, and cuddle up with your favorite comfort foods?
We’re talking about the kind of comfort foods that only the Fall season offers. Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes – don’t get us started on that ooey gooey, oh-so-delicious sweet potato casserole (complete with toasted marshmallows, obviously). But all those comfort foods can really send your diet downhill – quickly.
So what if we told you that we dug through hundreds of recipes to find crave-worthy healthy fall recipes that won’t ruin your diet? Would you believe us? Well, buckle up y’all and get ready to discover your new favorite healthy fall recipes!
Acorn Squash With Brown Rice and Turkey Sausage
Is there anything that screams FALL IS HERE more than acorn squash? Sure, maybe. But you can’t deny that this autumnal veggie is a seasonal favorite. They’re packed full of fiber and vitamins and surprisingly low-cal for how filling they are. Paired with spicy, lean, turkey sausage and brown rice, you can’t go wrong with this soul-warming recipe.
Want to know what makes this recipe even better? It only takes about 45 minutes to prep and cook from start to finish. You can even prep this the night (or weekend) before to cut down on your weekday cooking time, if it helps make your life a bit easier.
Wild Rice-and-Cider-Cranberry Pilaf
Looking for a side dish that takes advantage of all the seasonal deliciousness? This rice pilaf recipe fits that bill perfectly. This recipe perfectly balances the tartness of the cranberries with aromatic Fall spices (like cinnamon) and apple cider.
This will be your new go-to when you’re asked to bring a side dish to all of those holiday gatherings. All in, you’re looking at about 45 minutes total to whip up one of the most delicious, healthy Fall recipes that everyone’s sure to love. Unfortunately, it won’t help you deal with your Uncle who insists on talking about politics at the dinner table every year.
Skinny Alfredo
Would the cold weather months be the same without that cheesy alfredo sauce? Definitely not, but your diet probably wouldn’t be sorry if you just said no. Well, you’re in luck! Because this lighter version of fettucine alfredo can give you all those delightful comfort food feelz, but without all the extra cals.
This healthy fall recipe is so easy (and delicious), you probably won’t want to believe that it’s actual a more healthy alternative to the real thing. The secret? Subbing heavy cream for greek yogurt. You still get all that scrumptious creamy goodness, but without the guilt. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could even sub out the whole-wheat linguine for the healthier zoodle option.
Paleo Pumpkin Pie Bars
Would your Fall meals be complete without dessert? Complete, maybe, but they would definitely be much better with a dessert option. But can desserts actually be healthy? Heck ya! Don’t worry – we didn’t believe this at first, either. Say hello to your new fave healthy Fall dessert recipe – the paleo pumpkin pie bars. Perfect for when you want it to taste (and feel) like you’re indulging in some naughty, naughty dessert.
This recipe is perfect for all of our pumpkin pie lovers out there – we see you! Instead of processed sugars, it relies on maple syrup and coconut sugar to give it that sweet, dessert goodness. The base of the bar is a sugar-cookie spin off made with almond flour and coconut flour, so this recipe is an easy win if you’re looking for gluten-free options.
Skillet Apple Chicken Thighs
Need a break from all the turkey? This skillet apple chicken thigh recipe will come to the rescue, just before all that turkey leaves you snoozing. Not into chicken? You can opt for pork chops, if you’d prefer. Take advantage of the Fall apple harvest with this mouth-watering healthy fall recipe.
The apples, sage, rosemary, and Dijon mustard melt together to create a mouthful of flavor that will leave you forgetting that this dish is actually good for you. It’s dairy-free, sugar-free, and gluten-free, so you can’t get much better than this. This dish earns bonus points in our book since it’s a one-pan meal, which makes cleanup a breeze!
Who said comfort food could only be tasty if it were unhealthy? Well, don’t believe them, because they were clearly lying about it. We hope you found a new favorite comfort food among these easy and delicious healthy fall recipes. If you enjoy reading this, feel free to check out our picks for healthy breakfast options.
