Summer produce may get all the most breathless attention, but if you ask us, the fall is really when fresh, seasonal eating gets good. The cooler weather sees the return of all kinds of delicious spring veggies that generally can't take the summer heat—think peppery arugula greens, and mild butter lettuces as well as Broccolini, and kale. And then there are all the root vegetables like carrots, beets, turnip recipes, and simple potato recipes, to say nothing of harvest time staples like winter squash recipes and apple recipes.
Fall is also when eating gets fun. The cooler whether invites lots of hearty stews and soups, rich roasted chicken, and stick-to-your-ribs dishes. Which is why (for us, anyway) it's suddenly so easy to start overeating. That's why making sure the delicious fall foods you eat are healthy is suddenly more important than ever. Sure, it would be possible to gorge on nothing but cheese-covered lasagna and roasted sausage, but you won't feel very good afterward.
Here, then, are a few dozen of our favorite healthy fall recipes. These have all the flavors the colder temperatures have you craving: Roasted butternut squash, creamy mac and cheese, sautéed mushrooms, bold sauces, and more, but they're made with smart ingredients and techniques to keep them healthy. Our mac and cheese has a purée of creamy cauliflower to give it a burst of nutrition. Our roasted chicken uses a weighted pan to keep it extra crispy without excess oil. And our smothered pork chops reconfigures the sauce, to cut back on sat fat without sacrificing flavor.
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1
Roasted Butternut Squash With Cider Vinaigrette
Whole-grain mustard and red onion give this dish some serious flavor, while apple cider sweetens it up just enough. It's a must-have in any healthy recipe arsenal.
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2
Vegetarian Chili with Grains and Beans
Save this recipe the next time you're looking for a #MeatlessMonday meal. It's so hearty, you may not even notice the lack of ground meat.
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3
Crispy Chicken Thighs With Garlic and Rosemary
Achieve a beautiful crispy chicken without any butter or oil with the weighing down technique explained in this recipe.
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4
Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese
This cold-night staple serves up ample creamy gooeyness, while a stealthy vegetable (puréed cauliflower!) boosts vitamins and fiber.
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5
Smothered Pork Chops with Broccoli and Mushrooms
We swapped the notoriously high-fat sauce in the traditional smothered dish for a lighter version made with white wine, crème fraîche, and a bit of Dijon.
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6
Sweet-and-Smoky Cedar-Planked Salmon
Fall is one of the low-key best times to grill, when the temperatures are cool enough to make tending to the grill a pleasure.
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7
Sweet-and-Spicy Chicken With Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus
A chili-garlic sauce gives this one-pan dinner a kick. If a few family members aren't spicy sauce fans, simply serve it on the side.
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8
Lemon-Rosemary Chicken With Roasted Broccolini
Broccolini, you may be surprised to learn, is really good for you. The veggie is jam-packed with all sorts of fantastic nutrients. It's fresh in the spring and fall, and it tastes pretty amazing when roasted.
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9
Polenta Cakes With Sautéed Mushrooms
Made with a generous amount of white Cheddar cheese, these polenta cakes are irresistible. Everyone will be asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds!
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10
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Apples, hazelnuts, and Brussels sprouts make for a winning combination in this seasonal salad. It's a decidedly different take on classic fall Brussels sprouts dishes.
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11
Roasted Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes are incredibly nutritious. Maple syrup and thyme deepen the flavors in this traditional fall dish.
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12
Marinated Mushroom-and-Charred Broccolini Salad
Red pepper flakes give this veggie-packed side salad a little kick. But if you aren't big on spice, feel free to leave the ingredient out.
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13
Cider-Braised Chicken-and-Fennel Panzanella
These succulent chicken legs are seasoned with thyme, shallots, and fresh apple cider.
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14
Southwest Shrimp & Grits
You just can't go wrong with this beloved Southern staple. Everyone will be licking their bowl clean.
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15
Blackberry-Glazed Chicken
Make your own fruity sauce out of blackberries and Dijon mustard with this sweet and savory recipe. If you're in the Pacific Northwest, where blackberries stay in season well into the fall, the fresh-picked fruit works especially well.
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16
Farro-and-Acorn Squash Salad
Forget boring salads that leave you hungry. This hearty recipe is loaded with blue cheese, hazelnuts, and pomegranate seeds to keep you satisfied.
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17
Gingery Slow Cooker Chicken with Cabbage Slaw
Prep this sweet, spunky chicken dish in the morning, and come home to a fully cooked meal.
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18
Roasted Chicken with Fennel and Tomatoes
The genius of this recipe? Everything roasts together, which both melds the flavors and makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.
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19
Ground Turkey Sloppy Joes
This version of the classic childhood favorite has tons of flavor, and is just as filling, but has less saturated fat, and is far more nutritious.
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20
Cornflake-Crusted Baked Chicken
Looking for fried chicken without the oily aftertaste? Look no further.
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