Feel Good Recipes to Kick Start the New Year

The start of each new year often comes with a desire to eat cleaner, feel good food. Personally, I love the idea of whole ingredients and nutrient-dense meals that keep you eating balanced. You know, with a chocolate chip cookie thrown in there somewhere…

We’ve included our go-to gluten-free, dairy-free soup (it is thick and creamy, don’t you worry!), our favorite roasted vegetable salad, and some of our most loved, feel good chicken recipes. There’s such a great variety that we’re certain these will keep your dinner rotation fresh and exciting all month long!

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to try our whole wheat morning glory muffins or our carrot cake loaf, both perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a mid-afternoon snack. They’ve got veggies, so they must be good for you, right?!

Give these recipes a try and be sure to let me which one your family loves most!

1

5 from 9 reviews

Creamy, Velvety (Dairy-Free!) Cauliflower & Fennel Soup

This cauliflower soup is everything I want in a cozy bowl: creamy, hearty, and full of flavor. Coconut milk and white beans give it luscious body, while fennel and garlic add depth. Finish with Italian sausage for richness or keep it vegetarian—it’s delicious either way. Gluten-free and dairy-free.

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2

4.9 from 7 reviews

Brussels Sprouts, Potato, & String Bean Salad with Shallot Dressing

This roasted vegetable salad combines Brussels sprouts, potatoes, and crisp-tender string beans tossed in a bright shallot vinaigrette. Hearty, flavorful, and perfect alongside roast chicken, pork, or fish if you like. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

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3

5 from 2 reviews

Easy Green Shakshuka with Swiss Chard & Feta

This green shakshuka with feta is a fresh twist on the classic, packed with Swiss chard, spinach, herbs, and warming spices. Finished with gently poached eggs and creamy feta, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dinner.

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4

5 from 6 reviews

Warm French Lentil Salad with Crispy Bacon

This French Lentil Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette is a satisfying dish you can enjoy year-round. Tender French green lentils cook until creamy with just a slight bite, then get tossed in a tangy Dijon and balsamic vinaigrette. Bacon, capers, and fresh herbs add brightness and depth. My favorite way to serve it? Topped with perfectly pan-seared scallops. Gluten-free.

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5

5 from 3 reviews

Oven-Roasted Chicken Provençal with Green Olives

Chicken Provencal looks and tastes fancy, but is quick to prep and simple to make. Roast chicken quarters seasoned with Herbs de Provence over a bed of shallots, garlic, and green olives. The sauce is made from combining Vermouth (or wine) with creamy artichoke spread. Dairy-free.

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6

5 from 18 reviews

Crispy Skillet Chicken with Garlicky White Beans & Kale

Golden, crispy chicken thighs, tender white beans, and wilted kale—this is one of those meals that looks fancy but comes together fast (which is likely why I make this skillet chicken dinner at least once or a twice a month, without fail. Everything cooks in one skillet with plenty of garlic, a little lemon, and a silky broth that begs for crusty bread on the side. Bound to become your new favorite weeknight chicken recipe!

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7

4.9 from 9 reviews

Miso-Marinated Cod That Melts In Your Mouth

This miso-marinated cod is light, flaky, and packed with umami flavor. The fish marinates in a simple blend of white miso, mirin, sake, and sugar, then cooks on a stovetop until tender and flaky with a caramelized glaze. A restaurant-quality meal that’s naturally gluten-free and ready in under 30 minutes.

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8

4.8 from 12 reviews

Anchovy Chicken with Garlicky Pan Sauce

If anchovies make you nervous, hear me out. In this Anchovy Chicken, they melt right into the sauce, creating a garlicky, deeply savory base you won’t even recognize as fish. Add capers and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and you’ve got a Whole30-friendly dinner my family can’t get enough of.

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9

4.8 from 8 reviews

Asian Stuffed Peppers (With Ground Chicken or Pork)

Think of these Asian Stuffed Peppers as dumpling filling without the wrapper. Ground chicken or pork is mixed with classic aromatics, stuffed into sweet bell peppers, then baked and finished with a splash of soy sauce. A flavorful, easy dinner that’s weeknight-friendly.

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10

5 from 2 reviews

The Ultimate One-Pan Chicken Puttanesca

If you’re looking for a "wow" dinner that uses things you probably already have in your pantry, Italian chicken puttanesca is the one! Don’t let the anchovies scare you—they completely melt into the sauce, leaving behind this incredible, savory richness that you just can't get any other way. I love serving this family-style right out of the skillet with a big loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that garlicky tomato sauce!

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If you make any of these recipes for the new year, please let us know by leaving a review below or on the specific blog post!

And make sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow along on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook for more Well Seasoned recipes! Don’t forget to tag us on social channels when you make a recipe at #wellseasonedstudio and upload your photos below! We love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!

More of my favorite easy recipes!

• Whole Wheat Morning Glory Muffins
• Shrimp Lettuce Wraps Recipe
• Greek Turkey Meatballs
• Grilled Halibut with Charred Scallion Sauce
• Oven Roasted Broccoli