20+ Simple and Easy Winter Dinner Recipes to Reduce Visceral Fat

Wondering what to make for dinner? Take advantage of tasty seasonal produce like sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach and more with these easy, winter dinner recipes. Each dish is high in fiber and/or protein and lower in caloriesa combination that can help you lose visceral fat and support healthy weight loss. And with no more than 30 minutes of active cooking time, these recipes are perfect for weeknight dinners. You’ll love making simple dishes like our vibrant Swamp Soup and flavorful Chicken & Sweet Potato Wrap all winter long.

High-Protein, High-Fiber Swamp Soup

Photographer: Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.


This swamp soup, named for its vibrant green color, is made from a combination of spinach and parsley blended into a silky base, with fiber-rich white beans, shredded chicken and brown rice stirred in for a satisfying texture. A sprinkle of fried garlic and crushed red pepper adds savory crunch and gentle heat to each spoonful.

Ginger-Scallion Salmon

Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Annie Probst, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco


This simple ginger-scallion salmon is a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Steamed until tender and finished with sizzling ginger, scallions and a fragrant soy-sesame sauce, it highlights the natural richness of the fish while keeping the prep quick. Serve this dish for a small, at-home celebration for Chinese New Year.

Veggie Enchilada Soup

Photographer: Alex Huang.


This hearty vegetarian enchilada soup channels all the flavors of enchiladas into a cozy, one-pot meal. Sweet potatoes and bell pepper add natural sweetness, while warm spices and a touch of cream cheese give it depth and richness. Serve with your favorite toppings to make it your own.

Chicken & Sweet Potato Wrap

Photographer: Abbey Littlejohn.


These hearty wraps are filled with roasted sweet potatoes, chicken and mashed avocado. Using a rotisserie chicken saves time, but any leftover cooked chicken will work well.

Pizza Bean Skillet

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.


This one-pan vegetarian dinner captures all the savory, cheesy flavors of pizza in a hearty skillet of beans and vegetables. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and perfect for scooping up with crusty bread or serving over whole grains for a more filling meal.

Sheet-Pan Lemon-Pepper Chicken with Broccoli & Potatoes

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.


This sheet-pan lemon-pepper chicken dinner is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. A zesty lemon-mustard marinade infuses the chicken, while baby potatoes and broccoli roast until golden and tender. Everything’s finished with a drizzle of pan juices and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a hint of heat, if desired.

High-Protein Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.


This hearty, plant-based soup is packed with protein from lentils and gets cozy flavors from warming spices like cinnamon, cumin and coriander. A swirl of tangy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl with brightness and creaminess. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.

One-Pot Chicken, Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato Orzo

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong, Food Stylist: Ruth Skipworth.


This vibrant chicken-and-orzo dish delivers a satisfying balance of protein, whole-grain pasta and vegetables in one skillet. Juicy chicken cutlets are seared until golden, then nestled into orzo simmered with savory sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and crumbled feta.

Chicken Piccata Soup

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.


This Chicken Piccata Soup takes everything you love about the classic Italian dish and transforms it into a cozy, spoonable meal. Potatoes naturally thicken the broth for a creamy texture, while spinach adds freshness and color. It’s a comforting yet vibrant one-pot soup that’s perfect for weeknights.

Garlic Butter-Roasted Salmon with Beets & Broccoli

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.


Packed with omega-3-rich salmon, antioxidant-loaded beets and cruciferous broccoli, this sheet-pan meal fights inflammation while filling you up. Every bite is vibrant, nourishing and deeply satisfying—it’s a power-packed dinner that proves anti-inflammatory eating can be downright delicious.

Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.


Tender spinach, nutty chickpeas and brown rice are bound together with a touch of cream cheese and finished with tangy feta. Fresh dill, nutmeg and lemon juice brighten the flavors, while a hint of red pepper adds gentle heat. Baked until bubbling and topped with lemon zest, it’s a dish that feels comforting yet vibrant.

Sheet-Pan Ham & Spinach Quiche

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Chelesa Zimmer , Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.


This sheet-pan quiche delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic quiche in a format that’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. Slice it into neat squares for a make-ahead dinner paired with a simple green salad.

Kale & Sweet Potato Salad with Chicken

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.


Roasted sweet potatoes, massaged kale and a creamy tahini dressing set the stage for a mix of feta, golden raisins and crunchy almonds. Shredded chicken makes it a satisfying main, but leftover turkey can be used in its place, making this salad an especially smart way to refresh your plate.

Easy White Bean Skillet

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.


Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Broccoli

Ali Redmond


Fresh, fast and full of flavor, this sheet-pan salmon with broccoli is a healthy weeknight winner. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. A zesty mix of lemon, garlic and olive oil brings brightness to both the tender salmon and the roasted broccoli.

Maple-Miso Chicken Thighs, Brussels Sprouts & Spaghetti Squash

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.


This sheet-pan dinner brings together a trio of cold-weather favorites. Roasted spaghetti squash gets tossed with a maple-miso glaze that clings to each strand, creating a noodle-like base that’s topped with juicy chicken thighs and caramelized Brussels sprouts that are roasted alongside.

Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup

Photographer: Ali Redmond.


This cozy soup turns humble ingredients into a bowl of golden comfort. Tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans simmer together with aromatic spices for warmth and depth, while a splash of lemon juice brightens every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying, full of fiber and antioxidants, and easy enough for a weeknight.

Marry Me White Bean Soup with Kale

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer.


This creamy, flavor-packed white bean and kale soup, inspired by Marry Me Chicken, comes together quickly for a cozy weeknight meal. Sun-dried tomatoes plus the oil from the jar infuse the base with rich, savory depth, while fresh basil and Parmesan cheese add a bright and satisfying finish.

Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Josh Hoggle.


Cubes of butternut squash and hearty black beans are simmered in green enchilada sauce, with tortilla strips stirred in. A layer of melted cheese ties everything together. It’s a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

One-Pan Chicken Florentine

Photographer: Kelsey Hansen, Prop Stylist Natalie Ghazali, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth.


Classic chicken Florentine—creamy spinach served alongside sautéed chicken—is a fast and easy meal. This recipe uses cornstarch to thicken the cream instead of cheese. This chicken recipe is simple enough for weekdays but also elegant enough for a dinner party.

Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.


These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, broccoli florets bring color, and sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor.

20-Minute Chickpea Soup

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.


When dinner needs to happen fast, turn to this creamy chickpea soup. Cream cheese melts right into this zesty soup for a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

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