There’s nothing better than thawing out with a warm, comforting meal when the weather outside is cloudy, chilly, or snowy. The right dish (preferably one that’s filling and served as hot as possible) can make all the difference when you need a pick-me-up, especially when you’re stuck indoors.
From steamy soups to sheet pan chicken, we’ve gathered the most delicious cold-weather recipes from our archives, each certain to make you feel a little warmer on even the coldest day. Throw on a sweater, play some jazz, and get started on one of these filling, nutritious meals—many of which are vegan and vegetarian—that are guaranteed to hit the spot every time.
1
Kale and Chickpea Soup
What’s a chilly winter day without a bowl of belly-warming soup? This vegetarian option packs in filling protein and fiber without all the calories, and thanks to the twist of lemon, it’s got immune-boosting vitamin C, too. (You can even go totally vegan by skipping the cheese.)
Get the recipe »
2
Korean Bibimbap Bowls
If you’re struggling to find a use for those random veggies sitting at the back of the fridge, you’re in luck: These bibimbap bowls play nice with just about any ingredients. They’re both warm and spicy, thanks to tangy, probiotic-rich kimchi. Takeout has never tasted this good.
Get the recipe »
3
Sheet Pan Egg Tacos
These Insta-ready egg tacos are loaded with plant-based nutrients and protein, and they’re a nice departure from both typical tacos and the usual breakfast-for-dinner fare. They’re almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Get the recipe »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Apple Oatmeal Muffins
These autumn-inspired treats are the perfect weekend baking project. Oats and apples offer a boost in fiber, while seasonal add-ins like nutmeg, cinnamon, honey, and vanilla give these perfectly portioned muffins rich flavor. Heat them up and serve with a tiny bit of butter if you really want to go all out.
Get the recipe »
5
Roasted Salmon, Artichokes, and Red Onion
One great thing about winter? Seafood is at its peak. Make the most of cold weather with this salmon dish, which unites fruits, veggies, and plenty of protein for a satisfying sheet pan dinner that’s packed with vitamins and nutrients.
Get the recipe »
6
Asian Tofu with Baby Bok Choy
The next time you need an excuse to turn on the oven, try out this vegetarian sheet pan dinner. While the tofu alone would be delicious, the bok choy is the real star here, offering a hefty dose of greens (and tons of vitamins and minerals) not often seen in other baked dishes.
Get the recipe »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Curried Carrot-Lentil Soup
This filling soup may look simple, but its ingredients are anything but boring: beta carotene-rich carrots, high-fiber red lentils, and anti-inflammatory turmeric. There’s even immune-boosting lime and sinus-clearing cayenne, making it the perfect sick-day treat.
Get the recipe >>
8
Roasted Pumpkin and Pomegranate Salad
Fall is all about pumpkin pie and PSLs, but what about pumpkin in a salad? You might think a salad is too light for dark, chilly nights, but roasted pumpkin makes this one feel substantial. And with antioxidant-rich pomegranate on top, it’s even healthier and more delicious.
Get the recipe »
9
Tortellini and Pesto Snow Peas
Providing a verdant break from the yellow and beige tones of most comfort food, this warm, plant-packed dish walks the line between healthiness and deliciousness. You might never want to eat pasta without veggies again.
Get the recipe »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Spice-Roasted Carrots and Parsnips with Yogurt and Turmeric Vinaigrette
This classic side dish gets and Indian-inspired twist with the addition of turmeric, allspice, and tangy Greek yogurt. Serve it up with your holiday spread, or pop them in the oven to elevate any weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe »
11
Roasted Cauliflower “Steak” Salad
Snowy evenings are practically begging for an expertly cooked steak—but that steak doesn’t need to be made of meat. It turns out that cauliflower is an excellent dupe, and served on top of a fresh salad, it’s the unexpected staple you’ll learn to love this winter.
Get the recipe »
12
Potato, Chorizo and Winter Greens Soup
On a chilly night when you have plenty of winter greens in the fridge but no idea what to make, this Portuguese-inspired soup is there for you. Serve it with a few slices of cornbread for an even more satisfying meal.
Get the recipe »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Southwestern Bean and Pumpkin Chili
Give your chili a whole new twist with a seasonal favorite: pumpkin! This one is full of peppers, beans, hot sauce, and cilantro for a cozy stew that can’t be beat. Top with Greek yogurt for some tang, and your stomach will thank you.
Get the recipe »
14
Pumpkin-Cherry Breakfast Cookies
Did someone say cookies for breakfast? Yep, with these cherry- and pumpkin-packed treats, your morning staple just got a whole lot healthier (and tastier). Oats and whole wheat flour serve as a hearty base, while pumpkin pie spice and brown sugar offer tons of sweetness.
Get the recipe »
15
Chicken Mole Tacos
We agree that most cold-weather comfort recipes don’t combine chocolate, tahini, and soy sauce in the list of ingredients. But trust us: The result is a succulent, veggie-powered taco that’ll beat any winter blues. (You’ll want to put the slaw on everything, too.)
Get the recipe »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Mediterranean Baked Cod
All you need for this hearty dinner is one skillet and less than half an hour. We’re willing to bet you’ve never seen comfort food this healthy before—at just 205 calories per serving, you’ll be able to go back for seconds without any hesitation.
Get the recipe »
17
Curry-Avocado Crispy Egg Toast
We’re about to let you in on a secret: When days are short and you’re struggling to find a meal to enjoy, breakfast food is always there for you. Case in point: this toast, which boasts tons of fiber, potassium, and calcium.
Get the recipe »
18
Lightened-Up Mocha Latte
Need a cozy drink to pair with your breakfast? Skip the Starbucks drive-thru and make your own mocha at home. This lightened up version is dairy-free, enlists the help of real dark chocolate, and is best enjoyed under a soft blanket.
Get the recipe »
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Spinach-Tomato Frittata
Putting a warm meal on the table doesn’t have to mean hours of prep—this veggie-filled frittata comes together in only 15 minutes. We love it as a hearty dinner, but this low-calorie recipe also ideal for chilly weekend mornings.
Get the recipe »
20
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Hear us out: This satisfying salad actually makes for great comfort food without compromising on calories. As a side dish or even a main course, it’s got everything you’d want from a cold-weather meal, including crispy chickpeas, vibrant citrus, and savory Parm.
Get the recipe »
Jake Smith
Jake Smith, an editorial fellow at Prevention, recently graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in magazine journalism and just started going to the gym. Let's be honest—he's probably scrolling through Twitter right now.
Jenae Sitzes
Editorial Assistant
Jenae is the editorial assistant for Prevention.com, where she regularly covers nutrition, beauty, celebrity workouts, and health trends. Previously, she was an intern at ELLE and CountryLiving.com and a web producer for O, the Oprah Magazine. When she’s not writing about health and wellness, Jenae is either playing video games or reading tweets about The Bachelor.
