25 Comfort Food Dishes Made Healthy

Eating healthy doesn't have to mean making yourself a salad for every meal. Whether you're trying to cut calories or just trying to eat more veggies, these good-for-you comfort foods are a win-win.

Author:: Hillary Maglin
Publish date:: Dec 31, 2018

Spiralized Squash & Pancetta Pizza

Who says pizza can't be healthy?

Recipe: Try our Spiralized Squash & Pancetta Pizza

Chicken Paprikash

This saucy dish uses whole wheat egg noodles and light sour cream to keep calorie count low and delicious-ness levels high.

Recipe: Try our Chicken Paprikash

Roasted Eggplants with Sicilian-Style Cannellini Beans

This vegetarian dish is packed with plenty of protein thanks to beans and pine nuts. Looking for flavor? Rosemary, parsley, and chiles won't leave you disappointed.

Recipe: Try our Roasted Eggplants with Sicilian-Style Cannellini Beans

Moroccan Chicken & Chickpea Stew

You could make yourself that same stew you've been cooking up for years... or you could add chickpeas and lemon zest for a tasty (and healthy) twist!

Recipe: Try our Moroccan Chicken & Chickpea Stew

Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Paprika Oil

Creamy... without the cream! Hold the milk and heavy cream when making this recipe – all you need are cauliflower, chicken stock, and a blender to get that smooth texture.

Recipe: Try our Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Paprika Oil

Red Chicken Enchiladas

There's so much spicy Tex-Mex flavor bursting out of these lightened-up enchiladas, you'll be making them again and again.

Recipe: Try our Red Chicken Enchiladas

Rachael Ray's Tomato Soup with Polenta

Ever tried polenta in soup? Rach's yum-o recipe will make you wonder why you haven't.

Recipe: Try Rachael's Tomato Soup with Polenta

Easy Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp. Guac. Salsa. Veggies. Healthy comfort food doesn't get much better (or easier) than this!

Recipe: Try our Easy Shrimp Fajitas

Farro Spaghetti with Zucchini & Onions

Turns out, you can down platefuls of spaghetti without feeling guilty!

Recipe: Try our Farro Spaghetti with Zucchini & Onions

Chicken & Black Bean Tostadas

Tostadas are basically open-faced tacos. Keep 'em on the healthy side by using grilled chicken, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium black beans.

Recipe: Try our Chicken & Black Bean Tostadas

Three Bean Chili

In case you were curious, the three beans in this dish are black beans, pinto beans, and chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans). Stir them up with veggies and spices for a savory comfort food like no other.

Recipe: Try our Three Bean Chili

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Substituting spaghetti squash for regular pasta is one of the easiest ways to cut calories. And with tasty ingredients like pancetta, onion, and parmesan, who can tell the difference?

Recipe: Try our Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

New & Improved England Clam Chowder

In this case, "new and improved" means adding fresh thyme, sweet smoked paprika, and chickpea flour to a classic recipe.

Recipe: Try our New & Improved England Clam Chowder

Linguine with Butternut Squash & Leeks

linguine with butternut squash and leeks — Photography by Peter Ardito

Just can't do away with regular pasta noodles? No problem! To make this dish, mix linguine with spiralized butternut squash for a creamy pasta dinner that's still low in carbs.

Recipe: Try our Linguine with Butternut Squash & Leeks

Beef Chili with Pickled Jalapeños

This spicy chili is not only full of good-for-you ingredients, but also provides some serious flavor thanks to jalapeños and a pour of beer!

Recipe: Try our Beef Chili with Pickled Jalapeños

Roast Mushrooms & Kale over Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Add some veggies to mashed sweet potatoes for a healthy power meal.

Recipe: Try our Roast Mushrooms and Kale over Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Shredded Steak Sandwiches with Sweet Potato Fries

This sammie is just as good as anything you'll find at a BBQ restaurant, minus the not-so-good-for-you stuff.

Recipe: Try our Shredded Steak Sandwiches with Sweet Potato Fries

Quinoa-Crusted Chicken

You're only a few ingredients away from this healthy take on crispy chicken. It's bound to become your new low-carb go-to on chilly nights.

Recipe: Try our Quinoa-Crusted Chicken

Lemongrass Chicken & Rice Soup

This has way more flavor and texture than your typical chicken soup. With a hot pepper kick, it's sure to warm you from the inside out.

Recipe: Try our Lemongrass Chicken & Rice Soup

Pork Chops with Apples

This healthy and hearty comfort meal gets a flavor boost from a secret ingredient: ginger beer!

Recipe: Try our Pork Chops with Apples

Seared Scallops with Shiitakes

Clementines, veggies, and protein-packed scallops make this dish super nutritious, while a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and balsamic glaze amp up flavor.

Recipe: Try our Seared Scallops with Shiitakes