What To Cook in December: 15 Stress-Free Dinners

Between the holiday parties and cookie swaps, it’s hard to prioritize healthy eating in December. That’s why we’ve collected a series of recipes that are easy, satisfying and make use of what you likely have on hand. You’ll be able to whip up a delicious meal in a snap — and still have plenty of time to enjoy the season’s festivities. Want even more healthy meal inspiration? The Cooking Light Diet is a flexible meal plan that helps you plan and cook real, delicious, and family-friendly food — and keep your health goals on track during the busy holiday season.

It doesn't get easier than a slow-cooker meal, especially when you can use leftover Thanksgiving cranberries and rice from the pantry. Spend ten simple minutes tossing this together, and you'll end with a deliciously filling vegetarian masterpiece.

Citrus fruit is at its peak in December, making this a delicous meal for winter. Use a grill pan to add a delightful char without leaving the warmth of your kitchen. Roll the citrus between your palm and the cutting board before slicing and juicing—it crushes the pulp a little and makes it easier to extract juice. The 16-20 count for shrimp refers to how many shrimp make a pound, which is helpful since the designations “medium,” “large,” and “extra-large” can vary from market to market. A quality, fruity, and grassy olive oil is best here to bring a touch of velvety richness to the dressing.

Perfectly tender and fluffy, potato-based gnocchi (mini Italian dumplings) are the perfect way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. This comforting soup gets a boost from vegetables and herbs; it would be extra delicious with asparagus or snow peas. Change it up to match the season—you can also use leftover mashed sweet potatoes to make the dumplings.

Make your own version of this takeout classic in a flash, no special equipment required.

Poaching bone-in chicken breasts in stock yields tender, juicy meat—use this method for enchiladas and chicken salad too. For an extra bit of crunch and concentrated onion flavor, sprinkle 1/4 cup dried minced onion over the casserole. You could also use toasted breadcrumbs or crushed baked potato chips.

Our simple technique yields classic risotto texture in a fraction of the time. Pre-cooked brown rice simmers with a flour-thickened mixture of milk and chicken stock, boosted with a touch of cream cheese for extra richness.

We coat this simple oven-baked salmon in a delicious buttery panko and pecan mix for extra crispiness. The zing of the mustard pairs deliciously with tender, fatty salmon. And it’s too easy to make to not add to your usual dinner rotation—pair it with your favorite green beans.

This fast recipe delivers slow-cooked flavor. Pumpkin is one of the few vegetables whose canned version is quite good, saving you lots of time and effort. Just be sure you don't accidentally grab pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.

If you’d like to make this comforting classic baked pasta dish ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked casserole up to three months. Let it thaw completely; top with Parmesan and panko, then bake at 350°F until browned and bubbly, about 45 minutes.

This vegan cauliflower risotto recipe is incredibly satisfying thanks to a few key tricks we employed: riced cauliflower perfectly mimics rice, then using a cauliflower puree instead of cream delivers the creaminess you’d expect in risotto. Sauteed mushrooms add a satisfying, savory, rich bite, and help to tone down cauliflower’s cruciferous-ness. 

This gorgeous main looks and feels complex, though it actually couldn’t be simpler. It also uses just one skillet, first to sear and roast the pork, then to sauté the in-season fennel and mushrooms until caramelized and tender.

This meal is simple yet so impressive, perfect for a season full of casual entertaining that starts well before Christmas and New Year’s. Luxurious lemon curd is the secret to a fantastic glazed salmon; your guests will be in awe. You can also substitute honey for equally delicious results. A big batch of buttery mashed potatoes starts as a side tonight, then is incorporated into portable casseroles (’tis the season for potlucks, after all). If you don’t have a party to get to, freeze ahead for instant comfort on nights when there’s no time—or energy—to cook.

This French-inspired turkey soup gets its rich flavor from dried herbes de Provence and features ground turkey breast and a variety of vegetables. This soup is an easy and delicious way to use up cans of Cannellini beans and canned tomatoes. If your greens are about to go bad, throwing them in a soup is a great way to cook them before they're no longer good. Unlike other soups that require a lengthy process, all the elements of this soup come together in minutes. Serve it for a hearty dinner on a cold night, or pack it for lunch tomorrow. Packed with over 40 grams of protein, this simple, broth-based soup will keep you satiated and fuller longer.

Hearty collard greens pack this pesto with vitamin K, an essential nutrient for bone health. Buttery Castelvetrano olives make any extra pesto perfect for adding big flavor to pasta and grilled cheese sandwiches; substitute any green olive if you can’t find them.

Bowl meals build texture and flavor with layers of nutritious ingredients. Since there’s no center stage in a bowl, a small portion of meat travels far, putting more emphasis on the vegetables and whole grains. The avocado sauce pulls it all together with irresistible creaminess. This nutrient-packed bowl covers 100% your daily goal for immune-boosting vitamin C, and over one-quarter of your daily potassium needs.