Save These 20 Make-Ahead Dinners for Winter

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

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

Dinner time will be a breeze, thanks to these winter-ready recipes. From cozy soups to crisp salads and hearty wraps, these dishes are satisfying in every way. And the best part? They can be prepped ahead, making them perfect for low-effort weeknight meals that still deliver on flavor. You'll love adding cool-weather favorites like our Marry Me White Bean Soup with Kale and our Chickpea Caesar Salad to your winter weeknight rotation.

01 of 20

Marry Me White Bean Soup with Kale

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

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.

View Recipe

02 of 20

Chickpea Caesar Salad

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

This Caesar salad swaps traditional croutons for crispy roasted chickpeas. A creamy yogurt-based dressing adds a tangy twist to the classic flavor. Make the dressing and chickpeas in advance for a quick and delicious dinner.

View Recipe

03 of 20

High-Protein Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup

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

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 strained (Greek-style) yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl with brightness and creaminess. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.

View Recipe

04 of 20

Chickpea-Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

These lettuce wraps give classic tuna salad a fresh, flavorful upgrade. Mashed chickpeas add creamy texture and extra protein, while strained (Greek-style) yogurt gives the salad a light, creamy base. Everything bagel seasoning ties it all together with savory crunch.

View Recipe

05 of 20

One-Pot High-Protein Chicken, Cabbage & White Bean Soup

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

Photographer: Stacy K. Allen, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee, Food Stylist: Amanda Holstein.

This one-pot soup is the kind of meal you’ll want on repeat. A splash of lemon keeps the broth bright, and a dollop of basil pesto stirred in at the end adds rich, herby flavor that makes the soup taste special. Easy enough for weeknights and even better as leftovers, this soup proves that simple ingredients can still be delicious.

View Recipe

06 of 20

Black Bean Fajita Casserole

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

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

This one-pan fajita-inspired dish is perfect for busy evenings. Strips of corn tortillas soak up the sauce as they bake under a sprinkle of cotija cheese. The dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can make it ahead of time. Just thaw it overnight and bake when you’re ready to eat.

View Recipe

07 of 20

Chickpea Noodle Soup

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

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

This cozy noodle soup is the kind of simple meal that’s worth keeping in your weeknight rotation. It starts with an aromatic base of carrots, celery and onion simmered in vegetable broth and gets heartiness (plus fiber) from the chickpeas and whole-wheat rotini.

View Recipe

08 of 20

Sheet-Pan Ham & Spinach Quiche

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

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 and pair it with a simple green salad for a tasty make-ahead dinner.

View Recipe

09 of 20

Garlicky White Bean & Kale Stew

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

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

This lemony kale and white bean stew offers bright, hearty,and comforting flavors. Tender carrots, onion and lacinato kale simmer with creamy cannellini beans. A sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley adds a fresh zesty finish. Freeze it for up to 2 months and reheat with a splash of broth when it’s time for dinner.

View Recipe

10 of 20

Turmeric Chicken & Avocado Wraps

Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

Heami Lee, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Christine Keeley

Turmeric, with its bright golden hue, is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while chickpeas add fiber and plant-based protein to these wraps. Mix up the chicken salad at the beginning of the week to enjoy in a wrap or serve it over greens if you prefer.

View Recipe

11 of 20

Chicken Fajita Rice Bake

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

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

Juicy chicken thighs mingle with a pantry-friendly mix of beans, tomatoes with green chiles and quick-cooking brown rice. A generous layer of melty cheese ties it all together. Store portioned leftovers for 4 days, or freeze for up to three months.

View Recipe

12 of 20

Garlic-Miso Chicken Soup

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

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

This chicken-miso soup is a nourishing bowl that’s fresh and comforting. Sweet carrots, tender chicken and plenty of spinach simmer in a light broth, then get a savory boost from umami-rich white miso stirred in at the end. Ready in under an hour, it’s the kind of recipe that feels good on a chilly evening or anytime you’re craving something warm and satisfying.

View Recipe

13 of 20

White Bean Skillet

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

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 along with toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping. Make a batch for 4 days of meals or freeze for longer term dining.

View Recipe

14 of 20

Sheet-Pan Spinach, Broccoli & Parmesan Quiche

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower.

This sheet-pan quiche is a veggie-packed dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping breakfasts for the week. Packed with broccoli, spinach and Parmesan, the quiche slices neatly into squares for easy serving. Serve for breakfast, brunch or dinner for a versatile, protein-packed option any time of day.

View Recipe

15 of 20

Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup

Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

Photographer: Ali Redmond. 

This cozy soup combines tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans with aromatic spices, plus a splash of lemon juice to brighten every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

View Recipe

16 of 20

White Bean Skillet

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

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 or a simple weekend supper.

View Recipe

17 of 20

Loaded Cabbage Soup

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Amanda Stanfield, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

This cozy soup tastes like a hug on a chilly evening and reheats beautifully for meals all week long. Crispy bacon and sharp Cheddar bring classic baked potato vibes, while tender cabbage and creamy potatoes make it hearty yet wholesome. Each serving gets topped with the works, so every spoonful hits all the right notes.

View Recipe

18 of 20

Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta

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

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

This cozy casserole combines tender spinach, chickpeas and brown rice with a touch of cream cheese and 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 comforting and vibrant dish.

View Recipe

19 of 20

Chicken Fajita Soup

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

The vibrant, smoky flavors of traditional fajitas are just as delicious when turned into a comforting soup. To kick up the heat, add a chopped jalapeño to the veggie mixture. You can swap out the rotisserie chicken for another protein or make it vegetarian by using no-chicken broth and subbing tofu.

View Recipe

20 of 20

Anti-Inflammatory Beet & Avocado Wrap

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Packed with fiber and monounsaturated fats, avocados are one of the best foods to eat to fight inflammation. Combined with beets, which contain their own inflammation-fighting phytochemicals, you'll get a lunch that packs a healthy punch. The tahini-lemon mixture adds brightness and a nutty flavor to the wrap.

View Recipe

Original Source:

https://www.eatingwell.com/save-these-make-ahead-dinner-recipes-for-winter-11889394