20 Lighter Alternatives To Your Favorite Comfort Foods

This take on sesame chicken calls for cauliflower florets that get coated in a mixture of garlic, green onions, orange juice, soy sauce, and vinegar. You can fry the cauliflower so it gets nice and crispy or bake it in the oven from start to finish. Get the recipe.

This vegetarian take on classic beef stroganoff calls for kale and tender mushrooms in a creamy sauce made with sour cream and vegetable broth. Get the recipe.

There's no cream added to this rich pasta sauce. It's made from cauliflower, almond milk, parmesan, sautéed onion, and garlic, but it still tastes totally decadent. Get the recipe.

Making gnocchi from scratch really isn't difficult — it just takes a little bit of patience. This version calls for sweet potato instead of regular potato, and the gnocchi are then tossed in a two-ingredient butter and sage sauce. Get the recipe.

This recipe calls for chicken, but you can add whatever protein you like best, such as shrimp or tofu. Get the recipe.

This better-for-you version of classic mac 'n' cheese features roasted vegetables and a veggie-packed sauce made with pumpkin purée, milk, broth, and butter. Get the recipe.

Looking to shake up your next fajita night? Lose the tortillas and opt for sweet potato bowls instead. Get the recipe.

These grain-based meatballs taste surprisingly similar to the classic version. Toss them in marinara sauce and serve them over spaghetti, grains, or even a salad. Get the recipe.

This spaghetti squash is loaded with cabbage and chopped vegetables, then tossed with a sweet-and-savory sauce made with coconut aminos (or soy sauce), garlic, coconut sugar, and ginger. Get the recipe here.

Before you order that greasy takeout, try making fried rice in your own kitchen. It's incredibly easy, and this version is full of vegetables that'll fill you up and make you feel good. Get the recipe.

Step away from the canned soup that's packed with sodium. Making soup from scratch tastes worlds better, and you can make an extra big batch to save for lazy nights. Get the recipe.

Zucchini ribbons are filled with spinach and ricotta, then baked with marinara sauce and even more cheese until they're little pockets of bubbling, golden-brown cheesy perfection. Get the recipe.

There are no noodles in this low-carb lasagna recipe, but it still packs all the flavors you crave from a comforting and hearty Italian dinner. Get the recipe.

If you like carnitas tacos, you'll love this meatless alternative. King oyster mushrooms are cooked in tomato, adobo paste, soy sauce, and lots of spices until they're crazy tender and mimic the texture of pulled pork. Get the recipe.