45 Healthy Fall Harvest Dinners You'll Make All Autumn Long
When fall arrives, you might be looking to mix up your menu to make the most of the autumnal produce that's available. Things like butternut squash, brussels sprouts and pumpkin are healthy and easy to incorporate into your meal rotation for fall. Just take a look at our favorite healthy fall recipes that work with your busy schedule and the in-season produce.
These fall dinner ideas make for a cozy dinner every night of the week. Some of them— like veggie-packed soups and stews — are also easy to make ahead of time. You could prep a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week. We've also included plenty of sheet-pan dinners, rice bowl recipes, slow cooker meals, air fryer recipes and Instant Pot dinners. These options make it easy to get a nutritious dinner on the table quickly and easily, and without dirtying every pot and pan in the kitchen. We'd call that a win!
If you're looking for even more fall dining ideas, don't miss our roundups of the best fall appetizers, easy fall salads, healthy chicken recipes and healthy vegetarian recipes. Bookmark your favorites now and come back when you need a little inspiration!
Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup
Who says comfort food can't be healthy? This creamy, smoky soup has plenty of protein and flavor, thanks to ingredients like pinto beans, poblano peppers, garlic and avocado.
Get the Pinto Bean and Poblano Soup recipe.
Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls
This sheet-pan dinner comes together in about 30 minutes. You'll want to add grape tomatoes, chicken breast, farro, and a can of chickpeas to your grocery list if you don't have these items on hand already.
Get the Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls.
Black Bean–Stuffed Poblanos
This satisfying and healthy dinner comes together quickly. You'll need poblano peppers, black beans, pico de gallo and a jar of queso. If you're vegan, you can use vegan queso.
Get the Black Bean–Stuffed Poblanos recipe.
Sweet Potatoes with Saucy Black Beans and Avocado Crema
Creamy avocado crema atop protein-packed black beans and fluffy sweet potato? Sounds like a weeknight winner to us! For more sweet potato dinner ideas, check out our recipes for sweet potatoes with herby bulgur and feta, sweet potatoes with roasted peppers and crispy chickpeas, sweet potatoes with yogurt, almond butter and pepita granola, and sweet potatoes with roasted chorizo and tomato.
Get the Sweet Potatoes with Saucy Black Beans and Avocado Crema recipe.
Crispy Striped Bass with Citrus Soba
In the mood for something elegant and heart-healthy? Try this dish, which brings together a crispy-skinned fish, soba noodles, and sugar snap peas, all drizzled with a bright ginger-orange vinaigrette.
Get the Crispy Striped Bass with Citrus Soba recipe.
Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken
This recipe, which brings together red onions, acorn squash, fennel and golden roasted chicken, is cozy and perfect for fall.
Get the Sheet Pan Roasted Chicken recipe.
RELATED: 60 Healthy Chicken Recipes Perfect for an Easy Weeknight Dinner
Paprika Chicken with Peppers and Tomatoes
This simple recipe takes regular chicken breast and simple vegetables and turns them into a flavorful dinner of protein-packed chicken covered with paprika and jammy roasted peppers and tomatoes.
Get the Paprika Chicken with Peppers and Tomatoes recipe.
Roasted Shrimp, Tomatoes, and Spinach
When you're in the mood for something fresh, delicious, and filling, it's hard to imagine a better meal than this. The sprinkle of sumac and fresh citrus flavor make this a dinner worthy of your weekly rotation.
Get the Roasted Shrimp, Tomatoes, and Spinach recipe.
RELATED: 30 Seriously Easy Shrimp Recipes
Seared Steak with Blistered Tomatoes and Green Beans
Juicy steak, jammy roasted tomatoes and tender green beans come together for a satisfying and veggie-packed dinner that won't leave you reaching for the snack cupboard an hour later.
Get the Seared Steak with Blistered Tomatoes and Green Beans recipe.
RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy
Vegetarian Antipasto Salad
This satisfying salad has plenty of protein thanks to the chickpeas and mozzarella balls, plus you'll get your serving of vegetables thanks to the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, celery and lettuce.
Get the Vegetarian Antipasto Salad recipe.
RELATED: Healthy Salads for a Very Filling, Very Un-Boring Meal
Quick White Bean and Sausage Stew
This cozy stew features white beans, which are packed with protein and fiber. You can also add a little extra spinach to make it even healthier.
Get the Quick White Bean and Sausage Stew recipe.
RELATED: 27 Best Dutch Oven Recipes: Cozy Dinners and Decadent Desserts
Garam Masala Roasted Chicken and Cauliflower
Chicken and veggies get an upgrade thanks to the cozy, warming flavor from the garam masala. This dish also features cauliflower, which is a good source of fiber and several vitamins.
Get the Garam Masala Roasted Chicken and Cauliflower recipe.
Air Fryer Squash Soup
Put your air fryer to use and make this healthy fall soup. It brings together butternut squash, carrots and flavorful spices. Each serving is just under 300 calories, making it a good choice when you're in the mood for something comforting but not too heavy.
Get the Air Fryer Squash Soup recipe.
RELATED: 72 Easy Air Fryer Recipes for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
Paprika Chicken with Crispy Chickpeas and Tomatoes
This gorgeous dish is packed with protein, thanks to the juicy chicken breasts and toasted chickpeas. Tomatoes and paprika bring the flavor, making this an easy meal everyone will enjoy.
Get the Paprika Chicken With Crispy Chickpeas and Tomatoes recipe.
Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Almond-Thyme Gremolata
This elegant soup packs in plenty of nutrients, thanks to the cauliflower, leek, celery and almonds.
Get the Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Almond-Thyme Gremolata recipe.
Orange-Ginger Roast Chicken with Fennel and Radicchio Salad
Get your lean protein from roasted chicken (or grab a rotisserie version from the store if you're short on time) and dig into a fresh and earthy side salad. Fennel comes packed with folate, a type of B vitamin that helps with muscle and nerve function.
Get the Orange-Ginger Roast Chicken With Fennel and Radicchio Salad recipe.
Acorn Squash with Brown Rice and Turkey Sausage
Acorn squash comes loaded with vitamins A and C, and it's the perfect vessel for lean turkey sausage, peppers and onions. Healthy whole grains like brown rice supply even more fiber.
Get the Acorn Squash With Brown Rice and Turkey Sausage recipe.
Savory Pumpkin and Sage Soup
Make sure you grab cans of pure pumpkin — not the pie filling — when you stock up on soup ingredients. A special shiitake mushroom garnish adds the finishing touch.
Get the Savory Pumpkin and Sage Soup recipe.
Broccoli-Parmesan Chicken Soup
Just one cup of broccoli florets contains all the vitamin C you need in a day. Grab your immersion blender to puree the veg (and just the right amount of Parmesan) for a creamy, cheesy soup under 400 calories per serving.
Get the Broccoli-Parmesan Chicken Soup recipe.
Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
You've tried low-carb zoodles — now use squoodles for a lighter version of your favorite pasta dish. Even with creamy half-and-half, shredded Mozzarella, and grated Parmesan, this meal rings in under 400 calories per serving. Plus, the beta-carotene, potassium, and antioxidants in spaghetti squash will help protect your immune system.
Get the Spaghetti Squash Alfredo recipe.
RELATED: The Best Spaghetti Squash Recipes That Taste Better Than Pasta
Radicchio Salad with Roasted Fennel and Shrimp
Radicchio's bittersweet flavor profile is at its best in the fall season, when fresh leaves are harvested. Layered on fresh homemade bread, crunchy fennel (another seasonal farmer's market grab!) and plump shrimp make for a delicious seasonal toast.
Get the Radicchio Salad With Roasted Fennel and Shrimp recipe.
Squash and Spinach Lasagna
The best way to use surplus produce this season is to purée; a stockpile of squash, for example, can be turned into a purée that's frozen (or you can simply stock up on frozen squash at the supermarket!). This lasagna uses that silky smooth purée as a base for a better-for-you weeknight comfort dish. Squash contains a higher amount of fiber that'll help you stay full longer (and aid in weight loss naturally over time).
Get the Squash and Spinach Lasagna recipe.
RELATED: Butternut Squash Nutrition and Health Benefits
Salmon with Skyr and Sauteed Kale
Eating more salmon can benefit your heart, brain and blood pressure — and when it's served with wild mushrooms, sautéed kale and a dollop of Icelandic yogurt, you're only packing in more vitamins and minerals.
Get the Salmon With Skyr and Sautéed Kale recipe.
RELATED: Why Salmon Needs to Become a Part of Your Diet
Light Chicken Parmesan
This take on the comfort food classic swaps in part-skim Mozzarella and fresh tomatoes for a dish that won't leave you in a total food coma afterwards. (Psst: Vegetarians, check out our recipe for Portobello Parmesan instead.)
Get the Light Chicken Parmesan recipe.
Lemon-Dill Chicken Meatball Soup
One cup of bulgur contains nearly 75% of the dietary fiber you need for the day, and 25% of the protein you should get, making this stew a total whole-grain powerhouse.
Get the Lemon-Dill Chicken Meatball Soup recipe.
Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries and Feta
If you're gluten-free, here's another option that includes antioxidant-rich berries, Swiss chard, and 100% whole grains. Crumble a little feta on top just before serving for an added flavor boost.
Get the Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash With Cranberries and Feta recipe.
RELATED: How to Cook Acorn Squash
Rustic Smoky Glazed Chicken and Veggie Bake
Potatoes, carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, mushrooms, onion... Every single veggie gets roasted up in the oven alongside spiced chicken for an easy sheet pan dinner.
Get the Rustic Smoky Glazed Chicken and Veggie Bake recipe.
Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup
Calling all slower cooker fans. Let this bean-filled stew simmer all day and you'll have a hearty dinner waiting for you at night. Topped with creamy avocado and fresh cilantro, it'll beat your Chipotle order by a mile.
Get the Smoky Vegan Black Bean Soup recipe.
RELATED: Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes That Basically Make Themselves
Wild-Salmon Cakes with Quinoa Salad
Orange zest adds just the right amount of citrus to these fish cakes. The quinoa base also sneaks in extra protein and B vitamins.
Get the Wild-Salmon Cakes With Quinoa Salad recipe.
RELATED: Here's Why Quinoa Is a Better Choice Than Rice
"BBQ" Salmon and Brussels Bake
If you end up with leftover salmon, use the fillets in a farro and arugula salad. That's two healthy dinners, done and done.
Get the "BBQ" Salmon and Brussels Bake recipe.
RELATED: 30+ Easy Salmon Recipes to Make for Dinner Tonight
Beet, Mushroom, and Avocado Salad
Eating more mushrooms can help protect your brain, skin, and bones as you age. This salad combines Portobellos, heart-healthy avocados and nutrient-dense beets, plus crumbled matzo for a little extra crunch.
Get the Beet, Mushroom and Avocado Salad recipe.
RELATED: Surprising Mushroom Health Benefits
Soybean Pasta with Kale Pesto and Squash
New kinds of noodles made with beans help you load up on fiber and protein versus your typical spaghetti. This recipe also makes extra pesto so you can spread it on your sandwich tomorrow.
Get the Soybean Pasta With Kale Pesto and Squash recipe.
RELATED: How Healthy Is Chickpea Pasta?
Butternut Mole Enchiladas
If you need a refresher on how to peel butternut squash, here's a quick tutorial straight from our test kitchen. (You'll save so much money skipping the pre-cut kind!)
Get the Butternut Mole Enchiladas recipe.
Fiery Black Bean Soup
This one's not for the faint of heart. Charred poblanos and jalapeños give this soup a serious kick of smoky flavor.
Get the Fiery Black Bean Soup recipe.
Roasted Squash Panzanella
Yes, you can make fresh country bread part of a healthy dinner. Paired with squash, pomegranate seeds, kale and tahani, this dish still rings in around 400 calories per serving.
Get the Roasted Squash Panzanella recipe.
Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain loads of filling fiber, plus essential nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B6, potassium and magnesium. Did we mention this recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare?
Get the Loaded Sweet Potatoes recipe.
RELATED: 56 Best Sweet Potato Recipes You'll Ever Try
Roasted Squash and Pumpkin Seed Mole Bowls
If you're carving pumpkins this fall, save the seeds. You can roast your own and then sprinkle 'em on top of salads, grain bowls and more.
Get the Roasted Squash and Pumpkin Seed Mole Bowls recipe.
RELATED: How to Roast Pumpkin Seeds the Right Way
Winter Squash and Lentil Stew
Fire up the Instant Pot for a hearty soup. Lentils provide plant-based fiber and protein, while the heaping cups of spinach add in extra heart-healthy benefits.
Get the Winter Squash and Lentil Stew recipe.
RELATED: Spinach Health Benefits and Nutrition
Arugula-Kale Harvest Salad
You already knew that kale ranked high on nutritionists' lists, but one serving of the leafy green can actually supply 10% of your daily value for calcium. Combine it with apple and squash in this recipe for all of your fall favorites on one plate.
Get the Arugula-Kale Harvest Salad recipe.
RELATED: Kale Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Cape Cod Chopped Salad
The Barefoot Contessa herself came up with this salty-sweet salad. (Trust Ina Garten's Thanksgiving recipes to produce the perfect Thanksgiving spread.)
Get the Cape Cod Chopped Salad recipe.
Pork Chops with Balsamic-Braised Cabbage and Apples
You already knew to choose lean chicken and turkey, but pork loin is also surprisingly low in saturated fat and high in protein. Pair it with red cabbage and sliced apple for an easy side.
Get the Pork Chops With Balsamic-Braised Cabbage and Apples recipe.
RELATED: How to Cook the Perfect Pork Chops
Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup
A couscous with pistachios, apricots and cilantro goes on top of the chickpea- and bean-based dish, so you know this vegetarian dinner will fill you right up.
Get the Butternut Squash and White Bean Soup recipe.
Supergreen Mushroom and Orzo Soup
The supergreens in this comforting one-pot soup include celery, shallots, broccoli and spinach — plus a little basil pesto for added flavor.
Get the Supergreen Mushroom and Orzo Soup recipe.
Autumn Squash Salad
After making berry salads all summer, sub in roasted pears for a hit of sweetness alongside the salty crumbled goat cheese.
Get the Autumn Squash Salad recipe.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
This checks off three different boxes: Fresh apples, toasted hazelnuts, and freshly shaved Brussels sprouts, all additions that round out the perfect fall salad. Shallots, lemon juice and pecorino cheese add a bright pop to this robust trio and make this a wonderful addition to any dinner table.
Get the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe from Country Living.
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