Halloween is the best. There are so many creative desserts, treats, snacks, and meal ideas out there that make this holiday so much fun – and I love watching my daughter’s imagination come alive! But Halloween can be so much more than just sweet treats. This year, treat yourself and your family to a delicious and healthy Halloween dinner recipe. Staying healthy doesn’t mean giving up the Halloween theme, though. You don’t have to force your pasta bake to look like a skeleton, either. These recipes are naturally reminiscent of the Halloween theme, be it because they’re black and orange in color or because they suit the season. It’s healthy Halloween food without the tricks!
Healthy Halloween dinner ideas
Make these cranberry meatballs and rename them ‘vampire meatballs’ for the night! Or, for a kid-friendly option, this pretty beet gnocchi wins over even the pickiest of trick-or-treaters, and you can call it vampire gnocchi!Speaking of vampires, ward them off with my garlic soup – but fear not, you roast the garlic to mellow out the sharp, pungent flavor so you have a garlic taste full of umami goodness, which still keeps the vampires away. If you’re feeding a crowd, this vegetarian skillet lasagna is a fall favorite that you can’t go wrong with. To make it Halloween-y, top it with slices of black olives to look like eyes.
Blackened Halloween dinner ideas
Okay, this is how I have been approaching Halloween dinner the last few years: I serve up a blackened main beside some orange side dishes – there are so many options, thanks to orange veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes. The result is an easy meal that’s on theme, healthy, AND delicious!This blackened Halloween ribs recipe is my go-to tradition for my Halloween main. Ribs are naturally a little spooky! Plus, you just pop them in the oven and let them cook themselves so you can help your kids get ready for their big night of trick or treating. If you’re craving chicken for Halloween dinner, these two options are great, and they pair well with the orange veggie sides. This sesame orange chicken is delicious, made with a crunchy black sesame seed crust. Or make this soy sauce chicken – it’s quick, easy, and healthy! For a meaty dinner, this bourbon steak recipe that delivers sweet and smoky flavors, perfect for an October evening.Fall is all about cozy soups! This coconut lentil soup is made with black lentils, which are healthy AND on theme.
Orange healthy Halloween dinner ideas
With fall being the season of orange veggies (squash, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots…. you get the drill) that means there are so many options for creating delicious orange themed dinners! Break the rules this Halloween and have breakfast for dinner with my spaghetti squash breakfast recipe. Tell the kids the stringy spaghetti squash are spooky spider webs! For Halloween parties where you have to feed a group, these ideas are crowd-pleasers that make for easy entertaining. These sweet potato nachos will disappear before your eyes. Or, whip up my pumpkin pasta bake packed with kale, pecans, and sage for a hearty dinner. Make some meatball stuffed peppers – BUT, only use orange peppers! Or, you can cut just the tops off and cut out some faces like a jack-o-lantern before you stuff them for an extra eerie Halloween dinner idea. Is it even October if you don’t have a warm bowl of pumpkin soup ready? It’s a healthy way to start your night of trick-or-treating and the ultimate Halloween comfort food to warm you up on a chilly, spooky night.
Side dish ideas for Halloween dinner
When it comes to orange side dishes, you’ve got plenty of options! My favorites are this seasonal roasted acorn squash and spicy honey roasted carrots for a bit of trick-or-treat flair, or these cajun sweet potato fries. If you want something crispy on the side, make these sweet potato latkes. They pair wonderfully with the proteins from earlier in this round-up! The combination of tender sweet potatoes and the satisfying crunch of pecans make my sweet potato ribbons casserole a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can call them ‘monsters guts’! For a side that’s both nutritious and visually striking, whip up a black rice salad. It’s packed with nutrients and a pop of color from the orange and mango to balance out your main course. (You can use thawed-out frozen mango since it’s October)!
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