10 Healthy Winter Meals to Spice up Your Kitchen

In this post, I’m sharing 10 Healthy Winter Meals to Spice up your kitchen! Trust me, the whole family will LOVE these winter meals. I challenge you to make at least one of these recipes this winter. And when you do, take some photos and tag me on Instagram! I love cooking with you, that’s why I’m always sharing these recipes roundups. (Tag me @nathaliamelofit)

Now, let’s get cooking!

Here are my 10 favorite and healthy winter meals

I’m pretty excited because this week I’m sharing my top 10 healthy winter meals! These are 5  dinners and 5 snack ideas that the whole family is going to enjoy! How do I know? Because I live with 3 picky eaters… so when I decided to stop cooking 4 different dinners every night… I knew that I would have to start coming up with recipes everyone would enjoy! 

So listen up! This post is dedicated to all us moms out there who are sick and tired of having to come up with different dinners EVERY SINGLE NIGHT and to just have our kids begging for Dino Nuggets. And this post is dedicated to all my mammas out there who want to eat healthier BUT they don’t have the time to be coming up with something new every day…

This post is for you!! 

These recipes are about to add a whole lot of flavor and fun to your kitchen! 

Ready? Here are my 10 favorite and healthy winter meals!

Healthy Winter Meals 

Salmon Kebabs

Servings: 4
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 
• 4 (5-ounce) skinless salmon fillets, cut into large chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the chili sauce and lime juice and mix well. 
2. Thread the salmon chunks onto metal skewers and coat with the chili sauce evenly.
3. Arrange the skewers onto a large plate and refrigerate to marinate for about 20 minutes.
4. Remove the skewers from the refrigerator and shake off the excess marinade.
5. Drizzle the kabobs with oil and season with salt and black pepper.
6. Heat a griddle pan over medium heat and cook the skewers for about 8 minutes, flipping occasionally.
7. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 270
Fat: 15.8g
Sat Fat: 2.3g
Carbohydrates: 4.5g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 4.5g
Protein: 27.5g

Garlicky Beef Tenderloin

Serves: 10 persons
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-pound) beef tenderloin roast 
• 5 garlic cloves, minced 
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, minced and divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a large shallow roasting pan.
2. Place the beef into the prepared roasting pan. 
3. Rub the beef with garlic, rosemary, salt, and black pepper and drizzle with oil.
4. Roast beef for about 45-50 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and keep onto a cutting board for about 10 minutes.
6. With a sharp knife, cut the beef tenderloin into desired slices and serve.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 302
Fat: 15.5g
Sat Fat: 5.5g
Carbohydrates: 0.7g
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 0g
Protein: 37.8g

Bruschetta Chicken

Serves: 4 persons
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

For Chicken:

• 2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally 
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter 

For Topping:

• 4 Roma tomatoes, chopped finely
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped finely
• 4 tablespoons fresh basil, shredded
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, add the chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and mix well.
2. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 6 minutes per side or until done completely.
3. Meanwhile, for topping: in a bowl, add all the ingredients except the Parmesan cheese and mix.
4. Remove the skillet from the heat and divide the chicken breasts onto serving plates.
5. Immediately, top each breast with tomato mixture and Parmesan cheese and serve.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 379
Fat: 22.3g
Sat Fat: 7.1g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1.6g
Sugar: 3.6g
Protein: 37.9g

Clam Chowder

Serves: 5 persons
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 center-cut bacon strips
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 (8-ounces) bottle clam juice
• 1 cup of water
• 3 teaspoons low-sodium chicken bouillon granules
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups half-and-half, divided
• 2 (6½-ounce) cans chopped clams, undrained
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground white pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat cook the bacon for about 8-10 minutes or until crisp. 
2. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain. 
3. In the same pan with bacon grease, add the onion and celery and sauté for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
5. Stir in the potatoes, water, clam juice, bouillon granules, thyme and white pepper and bring to a boil. 
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. 
7. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, add the flour and 1 cup of half-and-half and mix until smooth. 
8. In the pan, slowly add the flour mixture, stirring continuously and bring to a boil.
9. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
10. Stir in the clams and remaining half-and-half and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently. 
11. Meanwhile, crumble the cooked bacon.
12. Serve hot with the topping of chopped bacon and parsley.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 337
Fat: 13g
Sat Fat: 7.6g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3.7g
Sugar: 4.2g
Protein: 21g

Lamb & Carrot Stew 

Serves: 8 persons
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 2¼ hours 

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder, trimmed and cubed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, as required
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced thinly
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 large carrots, peeled and cubed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup red wine
• A cup of chicken broth
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes with liquid
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped 

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, add the lamb, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper and toss to coat well. 
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate for at least 8 hours. 
3. In a large soup pan, heat the oil over medium heat and sear the lamb for about 4-5 minutes. 
4. Add the onion, celery, and carrot, and cook for about 4-5 minutes. 
5. Add the garlic and bay leaf and cook for about 1 minute. 
6. Stir in the red wine and tomatoes with juice and bring to a boil. 
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered for about 2 hours or until the desired doneness. 
8. Stir in salt and black pepper and remove from the heat.
9. Serve hot with the garnishing of parsley.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 311
Fat: 12.3g
Sat Fat: 3.6g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2.5g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 34g

Healthy Winter Snacks Ideas

Sweet & Spicy Peanuts

Serves: 6 persons
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 32 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt, to taste 
• 1 pound skinless peanuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. 
2. In a small bowl, add the sugar, chili powder, chili powder, and garlic powder and mix well. Set aside.
3. in a large pan, add the honey, butter, and salt over medium heat and cook for about 1-2 minutes or until the butter is melted, stirring continuously.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in the peanuts until coated completely.
5. Place the peanuts into a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread in an even layer.
6. Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring 2-3 times.
7. Remove from the oven and transfer the peanuts into a large metal bowl.
8. Sprinkle with the spice mixture and toss to coat well.
9. Set aside at room temperature to cool, tossing after every 2-3 minutes.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 198
Fat: 15.4g
Sat Fat: 2.9g
Carbohydrates: 11.1g
Fiber: 2.5g
Sugar: 7.5g
Protein: 7.4g

Spicy & Lemony Pumpkin Seeds

Serves: 4 persons
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds, washed and dried
• 2 teaspoons garam masala
• 1/3 teaspoon red chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly, grease a baking sheet.
2. In a bowl, add all the ingredients except lemon juice and toss to coat well.
3. Transfer the pumpkin seed mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread in an even layer.
4. Roast for about 20 minutes, flipping occasionally.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.
6. Drizzle with lemon juice and serve.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 274
Fat: 26.1g
Sat Fat: 11.3g
Carbohydrates: 6.4g
Fiber: 1.5g
Sugar: 0.4g
Protein: 8.6g

Tilapia Fingers

Serves: 6 persons
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into strips
• 1 cup almond flour
• Salt and ground black pepper, as required
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups Parmesan cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow bowl, add the flour, salt, and black pepper and mix until well combined.
3. Then in a second shallow bowl, place the eggs and a splash of water and beat well.
4. And in a third shallow bowl, place the cheese.  
5. Coat the tilapia strips with the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat with the cheese. 
6. Arrange the tilapia strips onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
7. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or until done completely.
8. Remove from the oven and transfer the tilapia strips onto a platter.
9. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 281
Fat: 16.7g
Sat Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 4.8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 0.1g
Protein: 2.7g

Chicken Poppers

Serves: 2 persons
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 9 minutes

Ingredients:

• ½ pound chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 7 ounces of coconut milk
• 1-2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons coconut flour
• 3 tablespoons desiccated coconut
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, add the chicken, coconut milk, turmeric, salt, and black pepper and mix well.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to marinate overnight.
3. Preheat the oven to 390 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
4. In a shallow dish, mix together coconut flour and desiccated coconut.
5. Coat the chicken pieces with coconut mixture evenly.
6. Arrange the chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer and drizzle with oil evenly.
7. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.
8. Serve warm.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 375
Fat: 28.1g
Sat Fat: 21.3g
Carbohydrates: 8.2g
Fiber: 4.1g
Sugar: 2.5g
Protein: 24.3g

Peanut Butter Cookies

Serves: 12 persons
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2/3 cup coconut sugar 
• 2 scoops of vanilla protein powder
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, add all the ingredients and mix till a dough forms.
3. Divide dough into 12 equal-sized balls. 
4. Place the balls onto a prepared cookie sheet, about 2-inch apart and with your fingers, flatten each cookie slightly.
5. With a fork, make a crossway pattern on each cookie.
6. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until edges become golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and keep onto a wire rack to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes.
8. Carefully, invert the cookies onto the wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Calories: 105
Fat: 11.6g
Sat Fat: 2.5g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1.4g
Sugar: 12.8g
Protein: 10.8g

And that’s that! 10 healthy and delicious winter meals! I want to know which one your favorite was! Find me on Instagram (@nathaliamelofit) and let me know. You can comment on my recent post letting me know you tried on them OR you can post a photo of the finished meal and tag me! I love getting the chance to connect socially with you. 

But before you go… I have an entire eBook with 50 kid and husband-approved meals that are going to have everyone in your home begging for more! Stop searching the internet for the perfect meal that’s healthy… that your kids will like… and that your husband will love it! Look no further than my recipe eBook. You can get your copy here. 

Finally, save this post on Pinterest so you and others can find it easily next time you are wandering through the grocery store wondering what you could possibly make for dinner tonight… And make sure you’re following me for more amazing recipes, funny parenting advice and workout tips, and tricks! I’ll see you there!