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Cooking adventures in a small, closet sized, kitchen. - I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.

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Healthy Recipes for the New Year

[heart_this] · Jan 8, 2023 · 23 Comments

Healthy Recipes to Start the New Year

A collection of some of the best light and healthy recipes on Closet Cooking to help you keep your New Years resolutions without sacrificing in flavour!

With all of the eating over the Holidays I was looking for some lighter fare to start off the New Year right! With this in mind I thought that I would take the opportunity to gather some of my favourtite healthier dishes to share with you. As this collection of recipes demonstrates, it is not difficult to eat healthier without have to sacrifice anything in the way of flavour and you are certainly not stuck eating boring salads all the time. This roundup of recipes includes some dishes for every occasion from breakfasts, to soups, salads, mains, sides and even a few snacks for munching on while watching the game!

Breakfasts

Brussels Sprout and Mushroom HashBrussels Sprout and Mushroom Hash
Spinach and Artichoke Egg MuffinsSpinach and Artichoke Egg Muffins
Ham and Cheese Egg CasseroleHam and Cheese Egg Casserole
Butternut Squash, Mushroom, Kale and Sausage FrittataButternut Squash, Mushroom, Kale and Sausage Frittata
Apple Crumble Quinoa ParfaitApple Crumble Quinoa Parfait
Quinoa Porridge with Blueberries and PecansQuinoa Porridge with Blueberries and Pecans
Pumpkin Greek Yogurt Banana BreadPumpkin Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Zucchini and Feta Breakfast CasseroleZucchini and Feta Breakfast Casserole
Cottage Cheese and Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheddar CheeseCottage Cheese and Egg Muffins with Ham and Cheddar Cheese
Chipotle Sweet Potato and Black Bean Hash with GuacamoleChipotle Sweet Potato and Black Bean Hash with Guacamole
Roasted Cauliflower, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quiche with Quinoa CrustRoasted Cauliflower, Mushroom and Goat Cheese Quiche with Quinoa Crust
Eggs Benedict with Bacon, Avodaise (Avocado Hollandaise) and HarissaEggs Benedict with Bacon, Avodaise (Avocado Hollandaise) and Harissa
Brussels Sprout Hash with Sweet Potato and BaconBrussels Sprout Hash with Sweet Potato and Bacon
Corn and Zucchini Cheddar and Tomato QuicheCorn and Zucchini Cheddar and Tomato Quiche
Baked Avocado Bacon and EggsBaked Avocado Bacon and Eggs
Asparagus and Artichoke Breakfast CasseroleAsparagus and Artichoke Breakfast Casserole
Caprese FrittataCaprese Frittata

Salads

Chipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp Salad in Cilantro Lime DressingChipotle Lime Grilled Shrimp Salad in Cilantro Lime Dressing
Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Quinoa and Arugula Salad with Almonds, Pomegranate and Feta in a Lemony Tahini DressingRoasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Quinoa and Arugula Salad with Almonds, Pomegranate and Feta in a Lemony Tahini Dressing
Greek Style SaladGreek Style Salad
Mediterranean Quinoa SaladMediterranean Quinoa Salad
Roasted Green Bean Red Pepper Quinoa SaladRoasted Green Bean Red Pepper Quinoa Salad
Vietnamese Summer Roll SaladVietnamese Summer Roll Salad
Roasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Quinoa Salad in Balsamic VinaigretteRoasted Cauliflower and Mushroom Quinoa Salad in Balsamic Vinaigrette
Apple and Pomegranate Quinoa and Kale Salad with Feta in a Curried Maple Dijon DressingApple and Pomegranate Quinoa and Kale Salad with Feta in a Curried Maple Dijon Dressing
Roasted Mushroom and Green Bean Farro SaladRoasted Mushroom and Green Bean Farro Salad
Warm Mushroom, Roasted Asparagus and Wild Rice Salad with FetaWarm Mushroom, Roasted Asparagus and Wild Rice Salad with Feta
Grilled Chicken Souvlaki Salad with Creamy Feta and Dill DressingGrilled Chicken Souvlaki Salad with Creamy Feta and Dill Dressing
Sweet Chili Chicken SaladSweet Chili Chicken Salad
Caprese Stuffed AvocadosCaprese Stuffed Avocados
Caesar Grilled AsparagusCaesar Grilled Asparagus
Roast Asparagus and Mushroom Chicken Spinach Salad with Bacon, Avocado and Goat CheeseRoast Asparagus and Mushroom Chicken Spinach Salad with Bacon, Avocado and Goat Cheese
Sesame Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna 'Sushi' Salad with Wasabi VinaigretteSesame Crusted Seared Ahi Tuna ‘Sushi’ Salad with Wasabi Vinaigrette
Roasted Pumpkin and Green Bean Quinoa Salad in Thai Peanut DressingRoasted Pumpkin and Green Bean Quinoa Salad in Thai Peanut Dressing
Berry Quinoa SaladBerry Quinoa Salad
Grilled Peach and Honey Dijon Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese and PecansGrilled Peach and Honey Dijon Chicken Salad with Goat Cheese and Pecans
Grilled Chicken and Asparagus Caprese Spinach Salad with Bacon and AvocadoGrilled Chicken and Asparagus Caprese Spinach Salad with Bacon and Avocado
Korean Bulgogi and Pear Kale SaladKorean Bulgogi and Pear Kale Salad
Sriracha Honey Lime Grilled Chicken and Pineapple SaladSriracha Honey Lime Grilled Chicken and Pineapple Salad

Appetizers

Chipotle Lime Shrimp and Guacamole Dip with Tomatoes and Charred CornChipotle Lime Shrimp and Guacamole Dip with Tomatoes and Charred Corn
Roasted Cauliflower and Aged White Cheddar SoupRoasted Cauliflower and Aged White Cheddar Soup
Zucchini Pizza BitesZucchini Pizza Bites
Sun Dried Tomato HummusSun Dried Tomato Hummus
Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries with Marinara Dipping Sauce (aka Eggplant Parmesan Fries!)Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries with Marinara Dipping Sauce (aka Eggplant Parmesan Fries!)
Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower BitesCrispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
Spicy Tuna and Avocado Cucumber Sushi BitesSpicy Tuna and Avocado Cucumber Sushi Bites
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Halloumi SlidersRoasted Brussels Sprouts and Halloumi Sliders
Crispy Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Chips with Basil AioliCrispy Lemon Parmesan Zucchini Chips with Basil Aioli
Avocado Tzatziki SauceAvocado Tzatziki Sauce
GuacamoleGuacamole
Broccoli and Cheddar Quinoa BitesBroccoli and Cheddar Quinoa Bites
Baba GhanoushBaba Ghanoush
Avocado HummusAvocado Hummus
HummusHummus
Mini Pepper Nachos with Corn, Black Beans and AvocadoMini Pepper Nachos with Corn, Black Beans and Avocado
Balsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom SkewersBalsamic Garlic Grilled Mushroom Skewers
Aussie Bite CopycatAussie Bite Copycat
Strawberry GuacamoleStrawberry Guacamole
Pico de GalloPico de Gallo

Soups

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper and Cauliflower Soup with Goat CheeseCreamy Roasted Red Pepper and Cauliflower Soup with Goat Cheese
Tom Yum Gai (Thai Hot and Sour Chicken Soup)Tom Yum Gai (Thai Hot and Sour Chicken Soup)
Spinach, White Bean and Turkey Sausage SoupSpinach, White Bean and Turkey Sausage Soup
Pad Thai SoupPad Thai Soup
Lemony Lentil SoupLemony Lentil Soup
Asiago Cauliflower and Quinoa ChowderAsiago Cauliflower and Quinoa Chowder
Pumpkin and White Bean Turkey Chili with Kale and Pepita SalsaPumpkin and White Bean Turkey Chili with Kale and Pepita Salsa
Curried Red Lentil Soup with Chickpeas and QuinoaCurried Red Lentil Soup with Chickpeas and Quinoa
Chicken Noodle SoupChicken Noodle Soup
Cauliflower ChowderCauliflower Chowder
Creamy Parmesan Tomato and Spinach Tortellini SoupCreamy Parmesan Tomato and Spinach Tortellini Soup
Quick and Easy Chinese Hot and Sour SoupQuick and Easy Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
Quinoa White Chicken ChiliQuinoa White Chicken Chili
Tuna, White Bean and Kale SoupTuna, White Bean and Kale Soup
Tortellini ChiliTortellini Chili
Split Pea SoupSplit Pea Soup
Roasted Apple and Aged White Cheddar SoupRoasted Apple and Aged White Cheddar Soup
Ham and Bean SoupHam and Bean Soup
Roasted Broccoli and Cheddar SoupRoasted Broccoli and Cheddar Soup
Lemon Chicken Orzo SoupLemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Italian Sausage Stuffed Pepper SoupItalian Sausage Stuffed Pepper Soup

Mains

Lasagna Stuffed Spaghetti SquashLasagna Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Maple-Miso Dijon SalmonMaple-Miso Dijon Salmon
Chicken Enchilada Stuffed ZucchiniChicken Enchilada Stuffed Zucchini
Parmesan Crusted Pesto Tilapia with Roasted TomatoesParmesan Crusted Pesto Tilapia with Roasted Tomatoes
Eggplant PizzasEggplant Pizzas
Chicken PiccataChicken Piccata
Mushroom and Kale Lasagna Roll Ups in Creamy Gorgonzola Cauliflower SauceMushroom and Kale Lasagna Roll Ups in Creamy Gorgonzola Cauliflower Sauce
Pad ThaiPad Thai
Cauliflower Pizza Crust (with BBQ Chicken Pizza)Cauliflower Pizza Crust (with BBQ Chicken Pizza)
Baked Chipotle Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa Cakes with Creamy Avocado SauceBaked Chipotle Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa Cakes with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Cilantro and Lime Fish TacosCilantro and Lime Fish Tacos
Skinny Chicken SaltimboccaSkinny Chicken Saltimbocca
Apricot Dijon Glazed SalmonApricot Dijon Glazed Salmon
Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken Burrito BowlsTequila Lime Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
20 Minute Light Mongolian Beef20 Minute Light Mongolian Beef
Shrimp Linguine in a Tomato and White Wine SauceShrimp Linguine in a Tomato and White Wine Sauce
Jerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa, Slaw and Pina Colada CremaJerk Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Salsa, Slaw and Pina Colada Crema
Honey Lemon ChickenHoney Lemon Chicken
Garam Masala Roasted Halibut in a Tomato Curry SauceGaram Masala Roasted Halibut in a Tomato Curry Sauce
Tequila Lime Grilled ChickenTequila Lime Grilled Chicken
Sausage and Pepper Stuffed Spaghetti SquashSausage and Pepper Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Maple Dijon Apple Cider Grilled Pork ChopsMaple Dijon Apple Cider Grilled Pork Chops
Miso Glazed Black CodMiso Glazed Black Cod
Eggplant Parmesan BoatsEggplant Parmesan Boats
Pesto Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Tomatoes and Grilled ChickenPesto Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Tomatoes and Grilled Chicken
Seared Salmon in Dill Avodaise (Avocado Hollandaise) SauceSeared Salmon in Dill Avodaise (Avocado Hollandaise) Sauce
Chipotle Lime SalmonChipotle Lime Salmon
Grilled Coconut and Pineapple Sweet Chili ShrimpGrilled Coconut and Pineapple Sweet Chili Shrimp
Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini NoodlesShrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Cilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini NoodlesCilantro Lime Shrimp Scampi with Zucchini Noodles
Asparagus and Lemon and Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls with Lemon SauceAsparagus and Lemon and Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls with Lemon Sauce
Balsamic Honey and Mustard Pork ChopsBalsamic Honey and Mustard Pork Chops
Green Goddess SandwichGreen Goddess Sandwich
Salmon in a Tomato and Feta Sauce (aka Salmon Saganaki)Salmon in a Tomato and Feta Sauce (aka Salmon Saganaki)
Light and Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo LinguineLight and Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo Linguine
Honey Mustard Grilled Pork ChopsHoney Mustard Grilled Pork Chops
Smashed Chickpea and Avocado SandwichSmashed Chickpea and Avocado Sandwich
Creamy Lemon Grilled Chicken, Asparagus and Artichoke PastaCreamy Lemon Grilled Chicken, Asparagus and Artichoke Pasta
Pico de Gallo ChickenPico de Gallo Chicken
Lemon Miso Butter Parchment Salmon with AsparagusLemon Miso Butter Parchment Salmon with Asparagus
Parmesan and Herb Crusted Salmon with Lemon Cream SauceParmesan and Herb Crusted Salmon with Lemon Cream Sauce

Sides

Garlic Mashed CauliflowerGarlic Mashed Cauliflower
Cheesy Broccoli QuinoaCheesy Broccoli Quinoa
Maple Dijon Roasted CarrotsMaple Dijon Roasted Carrots
Spinach and Feta Mashed CauliflowerSpinach and Feta Mashed Cauliflower
Spinach and Feta Quinoa SaladSpinach and Feta Quinoa Salad
Mashed White Beans with Spinach and OlivesMashed White Beans with Spinach and Olives
Roast Head of Cauliflower in Creamy Mushroom SauceRoast Head of Cauliflower in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Avocado Cilantro Lime RiceAvocado Cilantro Lime Rice
Avocado SalsaAvocado Salsa
Apricot Quinoa SaladApricot Quinoa Salad
Creamed Corn with Roasted Red Peppers and BaconCreamed Corn with Roasted Red Peppers and Bacon
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon in a Mustard Cream SauceRoasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon in a Mustard Cream Sauce
Balsamic Soy Roasted Garlic MushroomsBalsamic Soy Roasted Garlic Mushrooms
Parmesan Roasted Carrot FriesParmesan Roasted Carrot Fries
Honey Sriracha Roasted CarrotsHoney Sriracha Roasted Carrots
Roasted Mushrooms in a Browned Butter, Garlic and Thyme SauceRoasted Mushrooms in a Browned Butter, Garlic and Thyme Sauce

More Healthy New Years Recipes

Looking for more healthy new years recipes? Check out my Healthy New Years Recipes Pinboard!
Healthy New Years Recipes Pinboard

Featured, Food, Roundup

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Cookin' Canuck says

    January 2, 2013 at 10:44 pm

    What a feast for the eyes! I'll definitely be referring back to this for more healthy eating options.

    Reply
  2. Manju says

    January 2, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    Hi Kevin,
    I am a huge fan and follower of your blog and I must say, out of all the round-ups you have taken the effort to share with us, I absolutely love this one the best…All Healthy dishes, so colorful and bright and looks so delicious.

    Love your photographs and the dishes you share with us. Happy New Year to you!

    Oh btw, I stumbled upon your blog looking for a panacotta recipe and your Yogurt Panacotta blew me away. This was my version: http://manjuseatingdelights.blogspot.com/2012/02/yogurt-panacotta-with-strawberry-jelly.html

    Thank you so much again.

    Regards,
    Manju
    http://manjuseatingdelights.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  3. Kathy Shea Mormino says

    January 3, 2013 at 2:48 am

    Hello, new follower here and I’d like to invite you to join me at my weekly Clever Chicks Blog Hop: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/clever-chicks-blog-hop-15-vetericyn.html

    I hope you can make it!

    Cheers,

    Kathy Shea Mormino

    The Chicken Chick

    Reply
  4. Jeff @ Cheeseburger says

    January 3, 2013 at 7:17 am

    Hi Kevin! This is quite a list. I'm gonna give the Avocado Breakfast Pizza with Fried Egg recipe a try first.

    Reply
  5. ProGait Gait Analysis Manchester says

    January 3, 2013 at 8:52 am

    Thank you for sharing your delicious recipes! The Honey Lemon Chicken is first on my list to try.

    Reply
  6. Joanne says

    January 3, 2013 at 11:22 am

    There are so many of these I want to make Kevin!

    Reply
  7. Ruth Daniels says

    January 3, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    As usual, every dish has me drooling. I love your ebook – great viewing/using from my iPad.

    Reply
  8. Comidas says

    January 3, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    I love your Recipes, every time i check your blog for news. Thanks for your greate work

    Reply
  9. Jennifer {Mother Thyme} says

    January 3, 2013 at 5:39 pm

    Love this list! So many great and healthy recipes for eating well.

    Reply
  10. Nena's Mom says

    January 3, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    Everything looks delicious!
    Happy New Year ! Greetings from Mexico….

    Reply
  11. Rike says

    January 4, 2013 at 3:43 am

    Kevin, I love your Cookbooks. Why not make an eCookbook with these healthy recipes? I got the 2012 and 2013 at Amazon, and I would definitely pay more than 99 cents for one!

    Reply
  12. Amy Louise says

    January 4, 2013 at 4:31 am

    A lot of yummy quinoa recipes in there. Thanks!

    Reply
  13. Ana Swifts says

    January 4, 2013 at 8:03 am

    Yummy dishes look too good.
    Ball Gowns

    Reply
  14. Megan {Country Cleaver} says

    January 5, 2013 at 2:05 am

    That Chicken Rice Bowl with Egg is calling my name!! I've been feeling particularly plump this holiday and it's got to change! And the quinoa parfaits are something I really have to try – sad to admit, I've never made quinoa before!

    Reply
  15. Nutritionist Manchester says

    January 8, 2013 at 11:04 am

    Delicious! I want to try them all!

    Reply
  16. Melissa Welsh says

    February 15, 2013 at 9:31 am

    I have eaten that crispy baked onion rings, that taste was superb. If you know how to make it please share.

    Reply
  17. Jenny Flake says

    January 8, 2014 at 2:02 pm

    What a great group of recipes!! Want!!

    Reply
  18. Anonymous says

    January 9, 2014 at 10:57 pm

    AGAIN, I thank you so much for your website!!

    jan

    Reply
  19. Anonymous says

    January 31, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    Everything looks so doggone yummy! I want to try them all.

    Reply
  20. Nichole says

    April 29, 2015 at 11:02 am

    Totally out of this world! i love all these recipes, it's hard to choose one though. I think Roasted Green Bean Red Pepper Quinoa Salad, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad, Sweet Chili Chicken Salad, Tom Yum Gai, and Honey Lemon Chicken are a few dishes that I'd love to try 😀

    Reply
  21. Pippa Clark says

    January 11, 2016 at 1:21 pm

    One of my New Year's Resolutions every year is to start eating healthier. With your list of so many recipes I have no excuse in 2016. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  22. Liam Reid says

    January 14, 2016 at 1:47 pm

    Here we go again..
    Amazing! :)) Let's hope I can manage my schedule and make all of the recipes or at least half of them.

    Regards,
    Liam

    Reply
  23. Paige Flamm says

    January 3, 2019 at 5:50 pm

    I see so many of our faves on here! What an awesome roundup!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

    Reply

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Kevin: I came to realize that my meals were boring and that I had been eating the same few dishes over and over again for years. It was time for a change! I now spend my free time searching for, creating and trying tasty new recipes in my closet sized kitchen.
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