One of the best parts about fall is PUMPKIN! There is something amazing about pumpkin flavors mixed with the crisp fall air. But, a lot of times our favorite pumpkin-flavored foods can be super unhealthy and leave us feeling sluggish. However, there are many healthy pumpkin recipes you can create!
Pumpkin is actually extremely healthy. In this article, Women’s Health calls pumpkin “basically a superfood” and explains its benefits including high fiber, low carb, and lots of antioxidants. You can learn more about the benefits of antioxidants in The Best Foods to Fight a Cold.
Want in on pumpkin’s tasty benefits? Keep reading below for a list of 10 healthy pumpkin recipes you will love.
1. Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes
This Healthy Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes Recipe by Ambitious Kitchen fills your carb craving, your pumpkin craving, and it is gluten and dairy free! Plus, the mixture is made in a blender which leaves you with an easy cleanup after.
2. Healthy and Easy Pumpkin Soup
This Healthy and Easy Pumpkin Soup by The Seasoned Mom is as easy to make as its title suggests! Using canned pumpkin saves a lot of time, but you can always substitute your own fresh pumpkin if you like. This comforting soup also has cauliflower blissfully hidden within it, making it even healthier.
3. Savory Baked Pumpkin
This Savory Baked Pumpkin recipe by Healthy Recipes Blogs speaks for itself in its simplicity of filling your pumpkin craving while staying healthy. With only five ingredients, this recipe is so helpful in walking you through how to roast a pumpkin in two ways – diced into cubes or served mixed in a bowl.
4. Pumpkin Chili
This Pumpkin Chili Recipe by The Pioneer Woman is hearty and filled with healthy ingredients like pumpkin, red bell peppers, and beans. For an even healthier twist, substitute the spicy Italian sausage with ground turkey. To maintain the same spicy flavor, try mixing in a little chili paste or spices of your choice when cooking the turkey. If you are okay on carbs, serve with a toasted piece of baguette for a little treat to sop up the chili!
5. Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are AMAZING if you need a filling and healthy breakfast but don’t have time in the morning. This Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats recipe by Orchids and Sweet Tea is so easy to make, and the pumpkin flavor will give you cozy fall vibes that will start your day off right! It is also gluten free and dairy free.
6. Roast Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Salad
We can’t have a list of healthy pumpkin foods without a delicious salad! A good salad is one of my favorite weekday meals for lunch, because it leaves you feeling light on your feet for the second half of your work day. This Roast Pumpkin, Spinach and Feta Salad recipe from RecipeTinEats is so simple to make. If you need a little more substance with your salad, add some quinoa to it for a salad grain bowl.
7. Healthy Pumpkin Muffins
This Healthy Pumpkin Muffins recipe from The Clean Eating Couple is perfect for a healthy and quick breakfast treat in the morning. You can use dark chocolate chips if you like for less sugar. I also love how the recipe has notes with optional healthy additions like collagen!
8. Pumpkin Mac & Cheese
If you just cannot stop craving a cheesy, saucy pasta that is so bad for you, this is the healthy version recipe for you! This Pumpkin Mac & Cheese by Chocolate Covered Katie is the perfect compromise between your craving and your health goals. The pumpkin substitutes for the heavy cream typically used in mac & cheese, which makes a huge difference! The recipe also gives the option for various bases from pasta to spaghetti squash, depending on how healthy you are feeling.
9. Baked Parmesan Pumpkin Fries
Don’t let the delicious image fool you – these are the super healthy french fries! Instead of potato, these Baked Parmesan Pumpkin Fries by Wholefully use pumpkin. Perfect for a healthy fall snack on its own or as a side to your meal.
10. Healthy Pumpkin Cookies (With Added Protein)
Did you really think this list could be complete without pumpkin cookies?! I love this Healthy Pumpkin Cookies (With Added Protein) recipe by Kim’s Cravings because it explains the purpose for each ingredient and really capitalizes on being healthy through adding protein powder to them. There is also flexibility within the recipe depending on just how healthy you want to make them. A guilt free cookie that is perfect for the fall season!