As the days get shorter, we could all use a little pick-me-up.

A touch of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing.

Feel free to swap out the rice for another whole grain.

Greens & Groats Risotto

Photo: Greg DuPree

Perfect for meal prep or family dinners, this stew comes together easily in the slow cooker.

Like the name suggests, its all cooked on one pan.

The potatoes get a head start, followed by sweet bell peppers and finally chili-coated salmon fillets.

Sheet-Pan Salmon with Sweet Potatoes & Broccoli

photography / Caitlin bensel, Food Styling / Emily Nabors Hall

Its a complete meal with easy cleanup!

Bibb lettuce works well with these pitas, but a handful of arugula leaves would be just as nice.

Serve with a dollop of homemade pesto.

a recipe photo of the Roasted Sweet Potato & Beet Sandwiches

Photography: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Lauren McAnelly, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

It’s also delightful alongside a roast chicken or pork loin.

Baharat Spiced Eggplant

Baharat means spices in Arabicand this Middle Eastern seasoning is loaded with them.

you’re free to make your own Baharat Spice Blend or buy it ready-made.

a recipe photo of the Spinach-Artichoke Soup

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Here, yogurt and cherry tomatoes cool the heat from the baharat and serrano peppers.

Plus, cooking everything together low and slow infuses all the flavors together for complexity in every bite.

Serve these curry-spiced fritters on top of a green salad or tucked into a pita.

a recipe photo of the Buffalo Cauliflower Grain Bowl

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lindsey Lower

Cilantro adds color and flavor when blended to make a creamy dressing.

Serve this cold salad for lunch or dinner.

The kale slaw is a bright foil for this earthy dish.

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Enjoy a bowl as is or scoop it up with warm tortillas.

Look for Mexican-style chorizo near other sausage in well-stocked supermarkets or Latin American markets.

For a more filling meal, serve with a whole grain like brown rice, or over rice noodles.

a recipe photo of the Kale Sausage Stew served in a bowl

Ali Redmond

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries & Turkey

Give leftover turkey new life with these delicious stuffed potatoes.

A drizzle of homemade honey-mustard dressing soaks into the hot potatoes, adding tons of flavor.

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a recipe photo of Roasted Chickpea & Cauliflower Pitas with Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Nicole Hopper, Prop Stylist: Tucker Vines

a recipe photo of the Skillet Salmon with Orzo & Green Pea Pesto

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Food stylist: Holly Dreesman, Prop stylist: Gabriel Greco

a recipe photo of the Chicken Thighs with Sweet Potatoes & Broccolini

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Pursell

Lemon-garlic vegetable soup in a white and black speckled bowl

Jacob Fox

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Chickpea Pasta with Mushrooms & Kale

Greg DuPree

Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Salmon

Photographer / Brie Passano Styling / Annie Probst / Holly Raibikis

Baharat Spiced Eggplant

Ryan Liebe

Kale, Wild Rice & Chicken Stew

Red Lentil Fritters with Ginger-Yogurt Sauce

Charlotte and Johnny Autry

Vegetarian Chopped Power Salad with Creamy Cilantro Dressing

Brie Passano

Charro Beans

Ellen Silverman

a recipe photo of the Lemongrass & Coconut Poached Salmon

Photographer: Rachel Marek, Prop stylist: Holly Dreesman, Food stylist: Gabriel Greco

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries & Turkey

a recipe photo of the Sheet-Pan Teriyaki Salmon with Green Beans

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Lydia Purcell