I’m ready to fast-forward to warm spring days and picnics at the park. Who’s with me? This is the time of year when the winter blues get real and everything turns sideways.
This year seems especially dull, but the days are getting longer already. We have lots of bright seasonal recipes to carry us through winter. We’re going to make it.
The Super Bowl is next weekend (something to do!). I’ve tried to include some recipes below that are appropriate for the big game, and I’ll share a few more before the big day. Stay well.
Broccoli
Favorite Broccoli Salad
Gluten-free option and vegan option
“Sooooo good! My husband and I devoured a whole batch of this for dinner (And I usually hate raw broccoli) I made second batch right away and put it in the fridge to marinate for tomorrow!” – Rachel
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts Pizza with Balsamic Red Onions
Vegan option (I’ve heard from vegans who love this pizza without any cheese!)
“Making this pizza tonight for probably the sixth time. I make it with vegan cheese and it has been a huge hit each time, even with my diehard meat eating friends.” – Sarahem
More Brussels sprout recipes »
Butternut Squash
Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos
Easily gluten free and vegan
“Made these along with your Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Tacos. We kinda mixed and matched all the toppings. It was all amazing. This will be our new family favorite. Taco night will never be the same:)
Thanks for the wonderful recipes.” – Debbie
Cabbage
Crunchy Thai Peanut & Quinoa Salad
Gluten free and vegan
“This salad was amazing. Everyone loved it. I will be making it over and over. Really that good!” – Cheryl
Cauliflower
Mexican Green Salad with Jalapeño-Cilantro Dressing
Gluten free and easily vegan
“This Mexican salad is absolutely delicious! The dressing is to die for. Even my 26 year old son who is not a big salad eater really enjoyed it and even took some home with him. He especially liked the dressing. I added two cups of cooked quinoa to make it a little more filling as well as some fresh corn I needed to use up. I have been eating it all week for lunch and it is just perfect. I used a rather large jalapeno but removed the seeds etc and the dressing is not too spicy but has a little kick to it.” – Annika
Citrus
Avocado & Citrus “Ceviche”
Gluten free and vegan
This is a brand new recipe, so I need you to try it and let me know how it turns out! :)
More orange recipes » (also grapefruit, lemon, lime and clementines)
Fennel
Blood Orange, Fennel and Avocado Salad with Lemon Citronette
Gluten free and easily vegan
“I take back all the nasty things I’ve ever said about fennel! I braised a bulb with some carrots the other day, and had one bulb left sitting sadly in my crisper drawer. A stray blood orange was living in the drawer below, and I needed to use up some salad greens. This was wonderful, and hubby especially loved it. We served it with some wonderful grilled chicken. I’m thrilled to now welcome fennel to my repertoire. Looking forward to your cookbook!” – Debra
Kale
Curried Sweet Potato, Farro, Kale and Chickpea Soup
Vegan
“This soup is delicious! I found your recipe on Friday, made it on Sunday, and am eating it right now and for lunch allll week long. It is sweet, spicy, and hearty. Thanks for sharing the recipe :)” – Christy
Pomegranate
Roasted Butternut Squash, Pomegranate and Wild Rice “Stuffing”
Gluten free and easily vegan
“Just made this for dinner and intentionally made lots of extra for leftovers. It was a big hit even with those who normally don’t like butternut squash or ginger! Will happily be eating this for lunch tomorrow again.” – Madds
Potatoes
Ultra Crispy Baked Potato Wedges
Gluten free and vegan
“Kate! These crispy baked potato wedges are the new food love of my life! Seriously! They are better than any deep fried french fries or oven baked fries I’ve ever had. Soaking the potatoes in hot water is the secret of all secrets in achieving the perfect crispiness on the outside while keeping the insides soft…exactly what everyone wants in a french fry. I used avocado oil, which has a high smoking point and they were to die for! Thanks for all of your wonderful recipes. Love your blog :)” – Suzette
Radishes
Colorful Veggie Lettuce Wraps
Gluten free and vegan
“Yum!! I was a little skeptical at first but will definitely make this again…probably frequently. Lots of chopping involved, but I enjoy that. Based on our taste preferences, I eliminated the hummus and planned on using smashed avocado instead but forgot and just went with the lettuce, soba, and pickled veggies and it turned out fantastic!” – Erin
Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Veggie Enchilada Casserole
Gluten free and potentially vegan
“The Roasted vegetable enchiladas were delicious! Even family members who claim to not be fans of veggies ate this and had seconds. Score one for plant based goodness!!” – Erin
Don’t forget to tag your Instagram recipe photos #cookieandkate so we can all see them! If you’re looking for an ingredient that didn’t make the list, check my ingredient index for relevant recipes.
More resources you might appreciate: 23 make-ahead breakfast recipes, 45 recipes that pack well for lunch and 20 simple weeknight dinners. You can shop my essential kitchen equipment here. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for a steady stream of recipe inspiration!
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Poshnessary
The Butternut Squash looks amazing!
Cassie Tran
February has been warming up a LOT this year, which is great! I am so excited to break out the kale salads, broccoli stir-fries, ROASTED Brussel sprouts, steamed cauliflower, BUTTERNUT SQUASH soup, and drumroll please (if you haven’t looked on my blog as to how obsessed I am)…SWEET POTATOESSSSSS! Hahaha!
Jorrit Tempelman
That’s a very subtle way of promoting your own blog. Very creative!
Rebecca Staple
So glad you brought these posts back, I love to look through them when meal planning for the week!
Kate
Hooray!!! Thanks, Rebecca!
Kari
I’m definitely making as much with butternut squash as long as I can get it!
Raisa
I can’t tell you how happy I am that these posts are back! I refer to your produce guides all the time and cannot wait to make some of the dishes on here that I haven’t tried yet.
Kate
Yay, I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you, Raisa.
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings
I love these round ups. The broccoli gratin looks creamy and delicious. I am always inspired by the What’s in Season posts. Keep ’em coming.
Elizabeth
I can’t stop making that vegetable soup! So simple, healthy, and delicious. I’ve already made it once this month, but may have to make it again since it’s on the list and all :)
Kate
Yay! Thanks, Elizabeth.
Nikki
That clementine salad is SO good!! How have I missed it all this time??
Liz
Thank you for all the lovely recipes.
David
I was planning on having spinach pesto pasta soon, and now I’m definitely going to throw a cauliflower steak on top. Thanks for all the great recipes and ideas!
Kate
I love that idea!
Stephanie | Mrs Tea & Mr Coffee
I miss your monthly produce guide posts, so this is awesome! We love love love the brussels sprout pizza, made it just this last week :)
Kate
Yay, thanks Stephanie!
Kelley
Yum. If I can find any more good clementines, some are going into that salad!
Victoria
Hi, Kate! Long time reader, first time commenting! I love your in season produce guide, so naturally I loved this post as well. So many delicious ideas, thanks for sharing!
Kate
Thank you for saying hello, Victoria! Glad to hear it!
Amy@Frugale.org
Thanks for putting this List together, it really helps.
Anx
It all looks delicious!
Amber
Hi! I’ve been reading for a few months but this is my first comment! I really love this post/series – so helpful and I cannot wait to dig through recipes!! Looking forward to March!
Kate
Thanks for saying hi, Amber! March will be here so soon!
Alison
I’m no vegetarian, but your photos are so stunning, I might just try one of your recipes! ;)
Kate
Hope you will!
Alexa Toolbar indir
It all looks delicious!
Freshfitkitchen
Your recipes are gorgeous! So much inspiration! I’ll be making the Sweet Potato chili you have on here tonight- looks amazing!
Kate
Thank you! Hope you love the chili!
Lauren Deegan
I detested eating cabbage before but your spaghetti squash burrito bowls have changed my whole attitude towards the vegetable.Great job of incorporating cabbage into this amazing dish.
Kate
Hooray! Glad I could help change your mind about cabbage. I’m pretty obsessed with slaw these days.
Sara @ Last Night's Feast
I love this series, Kate! It’s so helpful
Kate
Thanks, Sara! :)
Susan
You know, Kate, after reading the first couple of paragraphs of this post, it has occurred to me that you might have SAD (seasonal affective disorder), which is treatable with sunlight or lamps that mimic sunlight. It’s kind of like depression, but milder, and it can de-energize you. Spending some time doing something like reading, next to a window that lets in sunlight can really help. Glad you’re starting to feel better.
Kate
Thank you, Susan. That’s definitely a possibility. I’m not a morning person and I’m very much solar powered, so winter is always a struggle. Perhaps it’s time to invest in a sunlamp! My new place has giant windows so at least I get plenty of sunlight during the days.
Bronwyn
Had very similar experience to yours and am still struggling…kept having thyroid tests…always within range but just felt awful no matter how hard I tried and took vitamins etc….wasnt till I cried to my naturopath about how awful I felt….she insisted I have more thyroid tests done and tests relating to hormonal levels and tests pertaining to adrenal functions…turned out to be thyroid….read Hypothyroid Mom..she has wonderful info and went getting info from all over the world to find out why she felt so bad….its an ongoing battle. I am Canadian and I look at horror at what is happening in your country and have many friends who feel like you so dont despair…just focus on you and your health…thats what is important. Try to also get a very good womans vitamin and make sure to take a good B Complex everyday as well…its alo good for your stress levels. Omega 3, Vit D essential as well…most people are deficient. Also Dr Axe, Dr Mercola very good sites to read for excellent reliable info and help.Kombucha is excellent to drink everyday…1 cup to start…good for the gut….all probs start in the gut!!I have an excellent naturopath so am just passing on info to you…I feel a millions times better but agree that the winter is worse…I wish I had a little dog to help me!!I can pass on more info if you ever need more. I am just retired now and struggled for years feeling the way you feel…I also am learning to try to think positively and live in the moment…not easy, especially today…life seems to become more complicated and stressful…learn to meditate, read daily inspirational stuff….I love Simple Abundance by Sarah Breathnach and just try to make the most of each day and just do what you enjoy and what you HAVE to do and no more…you are #1 and take care of yourself…become selfish!!! All the very best.
Kate
Bronwyn, I’m glad you’re feeling better these days! I’m sorry to hear you had such a hard time getting answers. One of my good friends finally saw a thyroid specialist, who looked at her results and asked how she was still standing. Yikes!
Maria
I made your tahini salad dressing and have not looked back!! Its so so good! Excited to try the kale salad with fennel too – love all of the flavors in that one!! Great recommendations:)
Kate
Yes! Let me know how it goes, Maria.
Kacie
I love your recipes, but I’d recommend you start making them vegan rather than optionally vegan. Then on-vegan ingredients in most of your dishes play such a small part that they really aren’t necessary. And the growing number are vegan will be far more likely to share/save your recipes if they are actually vegan! Thanks for considering.
Kate
I appreciate the suggestion, Kacie. I think so far, both vegetarians and vegans have been pleased with the substitutions; not to mention the people who have special dietary needs, like being egg-friendly but lactose-intolerant.
Stephanie
I love how fresh all of these recipes are. Winter is always so full of heavy foods, it’s nice to have something that’s lighter and not so dense.
Kate
Thank you! Yes even though February still winter, there are a lot of fresh options with what’s in season.
John
Kate,
What is the cover photo? It looks like a delicious lettuce wrap?
Kate
Hi John! It’s apart of the round-up :) They are my vegetable lettuce wraps. You can find the recipe here:https://cookieandkate.com/2017/vegetable-lettuce-wraps-recipe/. Or scroll through the recipes in the roundup! There are a lot of great ones.
Jessie
Long time reader—first time commenter. I love your blog so much that when my Mom was looking for new recipes, I bought her your book for her birthday. She loved it so much, I bought a copy for myself (it’s even better than I dreamed) and she bought a copy for my aunt. Thank for your beautiful, thoughtful book full of incredible recipes! You went from one fan to a family full!
Kate
Thank you, Jessie for your support over the years! I’m glad you were able to share some of the love with your mother as well. :)
jenna urben | the urben life
Great list! I’ve been loving brussels and sweet potatoes lately
Kate
Thank you!
Ashlyn @ F5 Method
SO many good ideas in this post! Lots of fresh recipes to brighten up a dreary winter too. Definitely eyeing that chickpea, kale, and sweet potato soup!
Kate
Thanks!
Joel
Looking forward for summer.
Kate
Warm weather, so lovely!
Emily
Thanks so much for introducing me to that Enneagram instagram account. Hilarious! I am a 2…. I often doubt whether I am selfless enough to be a 2 and my husband has to remind me that only a 2 would think that way
Kate
You’re welcome, Emily!
Laura (A Beautiful Plate)
Thank you so much for including my how to reduce waste post!!! xoxo Always love these posts so much, and it’s an honor to be included in them.
Kate
:) You’re welcome!
Sandy
I can’t believe I haven’t made butternut squash soup ONCE this Fall or Winter. I will be roasting up some for burrito bowls, your recipe is exactly what I needed :)
Claudia Johnstone
I just want to send a big thank you for all you do for everyone-inspiring us to cook healthy with great tasting food for one. Thanks for the up-beat approach also. Your recipes make it so simple and tasty to put the energy into making healthy, great tasting meals that I can rely on and love. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you offer-so many good suggestions on products, techniques, etc. This year especially it has been important :-). Love your book and love all your recipes. Thanks for your generosity/spirit/positivity/community..
Kate
You’re so kind, Claudia! I’m happy you are enjoying my recipes and blog so much.
Joanne Bauer
I really enjoy you recipes. I eat a vegan diet but they are very easy to convert. I always look forward to your What to Eat in …. every month!