Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
  4. Diet-Friendly Comfort Foods

Diet-Friendly Comfort Foods

Skip gallery slides
Pin
3758916.jpg
Everyone has one—that special dish that immediately makes you feel good. Unfortunately, comfort foods are notorious diet derailers: high in calories and saturated fat. But don't despair: we've lightened your favorite recipes so they can fit within your calorie goals, while keeping the traditional flavors intact. Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!
Start Slideshow

1 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mac & Cheese with Collards

3758916.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dark leafy collards add bold flavor and boost the calcium in this healthy skillet mac and cheese recipe with a crispy topping. If you don't have collards, kale, Swiss chard and spinach are delicious substitutes.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

1 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

General Tso's Chicken

General Tso's Chicken
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy version of a General Tso's Chicken recipe, we cut the fat and sodium in half from the original version by not frying the chicken and by using half as much soy sauce in this Chinese-takeout favorite. Serve with steamed baby bok choy or sautéed spinach and steamed brown rice.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

2 of 26

3 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

4573608.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy recipe is a savory riff on the traditional brown-sugar-and-pecan-topped sweet potato casserole so often found on Thanksgiving tables. Crispy baby kale leaves make a stunning garnish, but any green or herb that suits you will look great, fried or not.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

3 of 26

Advertisement

4 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan

EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This lighter take on eggplant parmesan maintains all the flavors of the classic dish but is baked instead of fried. There are also 11 grams of filling protein in this hearty vegetarian side dish.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

4 of 26

5 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Butternut Squash Queso Fundido

4572885.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This cheesy dip recipe is lightened up by subbing mashed butternut squash for some of the melted cheese. We also loaded it with chili-spiced caramelized onions. Serve this healthy makeover with tortilla chips or sliced jicama for dipping.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

5 of 26

6 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Almond Butter-Quinoa Blondies

3909307.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

People likely won't even notice that these delicately nutty, just a little chocolaty, blondies are gluten-free. They use quinoa flour, which you can find in well-stocked supermarkets and natural-foods stores, in place of all-purpose flour. To make your own quinoa flour, grind raw quinoa into a powder in a clean coffee grinder. (Adapted from Quinoa Revolution by Patricia Green and Carolyn Hemming.)

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

6 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spicy Pecan Popcorn Chicken

3757978.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These spicy and crunchy pecan-crusted chicken nuggets are paired with a quick, creamy ranch dip. If you can't find coarse breadcrumbs, substitute Grape-Nuts cereal instead.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

7 of 26

8 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mediterranean Cauliflower Pizza

4223172.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this healthy, gluten-free cauliflower “pizza” recipe, shredded cauliflower is mixed with mozzarella and oregano to make a flourless crust that echoes the flavor of a traditional pizza pie. The Meyer lemon, olive and sun-dried tomato topping adds a sophisticated Mediterranean flavor, but feel free to try more traditional pizza toppings, such as marinara sauce and mushrooms--even pepperoni.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

8 of 26

9 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sausage, Brussels Sprout & Potato Soup

4572850.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Bake up some Manchego cheese toasts and uncork a bottle of Ribera del Duero to enjoy alongside this healthy pot of soup. Both sweet and hot Italian sausage work well.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

9 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Smoked Gouda-Broccoli Soup

<p>Smoked paprika and smoked Gouda give this broccoli-and-cheese soup recipe a double hit of smoky flavor. If you can't find smoked Gouda, smoked Cheddar gives delicious results as well.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Smoked paprika and smoked Gouda give this broccoli-and-cheese soup recipe a double hit of smoky flavor. If you can't find smoked Gouda, smoked Cheddar gives delicious results as well.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

10 of 26

11 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Soy-Lime Baked Buffalo Wings

4293501.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make this baked Buffalo chicken wing recipe at home to save 138 calories and a whopping 598 milligrams of sodium compared to the same number of deep-fried wings. If your market sells its chicken wings whole, you'll want to separate each into a "wingette" and a "drumette" so they cook evenly. They're easy to split apart with a sharp knife. Serve with carrot sticks, celery and ranch (or blue cheese) dressing.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

11 of 26

12 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Strawberry Nutella S'mores

4526581.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Upgrade classic s'mores when you use chocolate-hazelnut spread instead of a chocolate bar in this quick recipe. We also added fresh strawberries and swapped graham crackers for thin lemon cookies in a fun, healthy twist.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

12 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chili-Topped Sweet Potatoes

4293496.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Transform ordinary baked potatoes into a full dinner with these chili-topped spuds. In this healthy recipe, we use sweet potatoes for an added nutrient kick. Sprinkle on extra toppings as you see fit--sliced scallions, chopped fresh cilantro, diced avocado and sliced jalapeños are all tasty choices.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

13 of 26

14 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegetarian Tikka Masala

4257410.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this vegetarian tikka masala recipe, we combine crisp tofu pieces and vegetables in a spiced tomato sauce to make a healthy and flavorful dish. If you like spicy food, increase the amount of crushed red pepper. Serve with steamed brown rice for a healthier take on a classic takeout dish.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

14 of 26

15 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms

<p>Whether you scored wild mushrooms at the farmers' market, found cultivated maitake or shiitake at the supermarket or just have some baby bellas on hand, this healthy creamy chicken recipe is delicious with any of them. Serve over whole-wheat egg noodles or mashed potatoes.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Whether you scored wild mushrooms at the farmers' market, found cultivated maitake or shiitake at the supermarket or just have some baby bellas on hand, this healthy creamy chicken recipe is delicious with any of them. Serve over whole-wheat egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

15 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Scalloped Potatoes

a baking dish with potatoes and cheese
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

In this easy scalloped potatoes recipe, sliced potatoes are roasted in the oven before being mixed with a simple, creamy stovetop sauce and sprinkled with Cheddar cheese. A few minutes under the broiler turns the dish golden and crispy.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

16 of 26

17 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo

4564274.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Unbelievably rich and creamy, this easy vegan Alfredo is bound to become a favorite. Be sure to check the ingredient list on your unsweetened almond milk, as some contain vanilla flavoring even if they aren't labeled as such. For this recipe, you'll want almond milk without any vanilla.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

17 of 26

18 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lobster & Corn Chowder

4526620.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The trick to making this healthy lobster chowder recipe have tons of rich flavor is to start with great fish stock. (The best is often in the freezer case at the supermarket.) Then cook the lobsters in the stock to intensify its flavor. There is no flour added in this healthy soup, so it's lighter than a typical creamy chowder--plus it's gluten-free.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

18 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken, Peppers & Pasta Casserole

4526619.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You can assemble this healthy chicken casserole before you leave for a party and pop it in the oven at the host's house. Or bake it at home and bring it along--it's delicious at room temperature too.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

19 of 26

20 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiralized Apple Crisp

4238075.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Use a spiralizer to skip the peeling and slicing in this easy apple crisp recipe. Plus the noodly texture of this gluten-free fruit dessert is a fun adaptation of traditional versions.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

20 of 26

21 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This recipe for spicy Buffalo cauliflower bites is a great vegetarian alternative to Buffalo wings. Roasted cauliflower stands in for chicken and provides more fiber and fewer calories. Serve this easy appetizer with carrot sticks, celery and your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

21 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Adobo Chicken & Kale Enchiladas

4572833.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Put out your favorite toppings for these quick and healthy layered enchiladas. We like cilantro, sour cream, guacamole and jalapeños.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

22 of 26

23 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tofu, Chicken & Eggplant Curry

7881916.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This tofu curry recipe has a rich and spicy tomato-based sauce studded with cubes of pressed, baked tofu. Serve with brown rice and naan bread to sop up any remaining sauce.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

23 of 26

24 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Oven-Fried Chicken

Oven-Fried Chicken
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Great news--crunchy, flavorful fried chicken can be healthy with this oven-fried chicken recipe. We marinate skinless chicken in buttermilk to keep it juicy. A light coating of flour, sesame seeds and spices, misted with olive oil, forms an appealing crust during baking. And with only 7 grams of fat per serving in this oven-fried chicken recipe--rather than the 20 in typical fried chicken--that is good news.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

24 of 26

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkish Coffee Float

4526603.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is not your typical ice cream float. Instead, this coffee drink recipe packs a punch reminiscent of the notorious Turkish brew where the grounds are boiled right in the coffee. A pinch of cardamom adds a little Middle Eastern flavor and using low-fat frozen yogurt instead of full-fat ice cream keeps it on the lighter side.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

25 of 26

26 of 26

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Macaroni with Sausage & Ricotta

3837844.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A bit of sausage goes a long way in flavoring the creamy ricotta tomato sauce in this healthy and quick pasta recipe. Serve with a green salad and crusty Italian bread.

  • Download a FREE Cookbook with Healthier Comfort Food Recipes!

26 of 26

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 26 Mac & Cheese with Collards
    2 of 26 General Tso's Chicken
    3 of 26 Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
    4 of 26 EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan
    5 of 26 Butternut Squash Queso Fundido
    6 of 26 Almond Butter-Quinoa Blondies
    7 of 26 Spicy Pecan Popcorn Chicken
    8 of 26 Mediterranean Cauliflower Pizza
    9 of 26 Sausage, Brussels Sprout & Potato Soup
    10 of 26 Smoked Gouda-Broccoli Soup
    11 of 26 Soy-Lime Baked Buffalo Wings
    12 of 26 Strawberry Nutella S'mores
    13 of 26 Chili-Topped Sweet Potatoes
    14 of 26 Vegetarian Tikka Masala
    15 of 26 Creamy Chicken & Mushrooms
    16 of 26 Easy Scalloped Potatoes
    17 of 26 Vegan Cauliflower Alfredo
    18 of 26 Lobster & Corn Chowder
    19 of 26 Chicken, Peppers & Pasta Casserole
    20 of 26 Spiralized Apple Crisp
    21 of 26 Sriracha-Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
    22 of 26 Adobo Chicken & Kale Enchiladas
    23 of 26 Tofu, Chicken & Eggplant Curry
    24 of 26 Oven-Fried Chicken
    25 of 26 Turkish Coffee Float
    26 of 26 Macaroni with Sausage & Ricotta

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Diet-Friendly Comfort Foods
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.