Eat delicious, diabetic-friendly dinners all fall long. Find ideas featuring chicken, salmon and more.
28 Diabetic-Friendly Recipes for Fall
Updated on Aug. 20, 2024
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow-cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
1/28
2/28
Homemade Apple Cider Beef Stew
Total Time
2 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
It's especially nice to use this recipe in fall, when the weather gets crisp and the local apple orchards start selling fresh apple cider. This entree's subtle sweetness is a welcome change from other savory stews. We enjoy it with biscuits and slices of apple and cheddar cheese. —Joyce Glaesemann, Lincoln, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 330 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
3/28
One-Dish Turkey Dinner
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick one-dish dinner helped keep my husband and me on track throughout the week while we were still learning to balance our busy schedules. — Shannon Barden, Alpharetta, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 318 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 628mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
4/28
Red Pepper & Parmesan Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I are always looking for light fish recipes because of their health benefits. This one's a hit with him, and we've served it at dinner parties too. It's become a staple! —Michelle Martin, Durham, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 179 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 very lean meat, 1/2 fat.
5/28
Pressure-Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Traditional stuffed peppers get a southwestern twist in this easy recipe. The filling also makes a delicious meat loaf that we even like cold as a sandwich with Mexican blend or cheddar cheese, mayo and salsa. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 319 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
6/28
Favorite Beef Roast Dinner
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is our family's favorite slow-cooked beef roast. My two children love it and always want seconds. I love putting together new flavor combinations in the kitchen. —Sheryl Padilla, Peyton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef with 3/4 cup vegetables and 3 tablespoons cooking juices: 368 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 starch.
7/28
Zucchini Roll-Ups
Total Time
35 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love lasagna, but these zucchini roll-ups are a little healthier and a lot quicker! Using zucchini "pasta" also makes the dish gluten free and grain free. To make zucchini strips, use a box grater or mandoline to get even slices. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
4 roll-ups: 175 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 643mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
8/28
Texan Ranch Chicken Casserole
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every time I serve this creamy chicken casserole, it gets rave reviews. The recipe was passed down to me and is so good! It is really easy to make, freezes well and has just a touch of heat. If your family likes more heat, add some jalapenos! —Kendra Doss, Smithville, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 329 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 719mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/28
Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak
Total Time
6 hours 40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After a long day working in our greenhouse raising bedding plants, I enjoy coming in to this hearty slow-cooker pepper steak for supper. It's one of my favorite meals. — Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup beef mixture: 232 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 639mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
10/28
Baked Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I often make this very moist and flavorful baked salmon for company because I can have it ready in less than half an hour. This salmon with lemon is well complemented by rice or a green vegetable and a tossed salad. —Emily Chaney, Penobscot, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked salmon: 209 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
11/28
Creamy Chicken Rice Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this creamy chicken rice soup recipe while making some adjustments to a favorite stovetop chicken casserole. We like this soup for lunch with a crisp roll and fresh fruit. —Janice Mitchell, Aurora, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 312 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 699mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
12/28
Apple-Dijon Pork Roast
Total Time
4 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe takes less than five minutes to assemble and is delicious. I like to serve the roast with rice, then use the tangy sauce as a gravy for both. —Cindy Steffen, Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork with about 2 tablespoons gravy: 197 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
13/28
Slow-Cooked Sirloin
Total Time
3 hours 50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family of five likes to eat beef, so this recipe is a favorite. I usually serve slow-cooker sirloin with homemade bread or rolls to soak up the tasty gravy. —Vicki Tormaschy, Dickinson, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounce-weight: 199 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
14/28
Butternut Squash and Barley Soup
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to use my garden produce in this veggie-packed soup. Serve it with bread or oatmeal dinner rolls and you have a delicious, healthy dinner. —Julie Sloan, Osceola, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch.
15/28
Tomato Walnut Tilapia
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Tomato, bread crumbs and crunchy walnuts dress up pan tilapia fillets in this favorite recipe. I serve it with cooked julienne carrots and green beans. —Phyl Broich-Wessling, Garner, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 202 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.
16/28
Lemon Mushroom Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There's a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn't seem light at all! —Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1/4 cup sauce: 213 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 368mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
17/28
Vegetarian Enchilada Bake
Total Time
40 min
Servings
3 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’ve had this vegetarian enchilada bake recipe for years. You’ll enjoy the delicious Tex-Mex flavors so much that you won't even miss the meat. —Barbara Stelluto, Devon, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 286 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 676mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat, 1 lean meat.
18/28
Maple-Roasted Chicken & Acorn Squash
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I became a new mother, my mom helped me find comforting and simple recipes to have on hand. This terrific roast chicken is a happy discovery. —Sara Eilers, Surprise, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 363 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 497mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 3g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
19/28
Spicy Roasted Sausage, Potatoes and Peppers
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to share my cooking, and this hearty sheet-pan dinner has built a reputation for being tasty. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 257 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/28
Asian Slow Cooker Pork
Total Time
4 hours 55 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Asian slow cooker recipes are a favorite in our home, and this one is perfect for fall and winter evenings. A pork roast cooks all afternoon with sweet onions, honey, soy sauce and ginger for fabulous flavor. The aroma fills the house with a scent that cries out, 'Welcome home!' —Sheree Shown, Junction City, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without rice): 203 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 342mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch.
21/28
Broccoli Tuna Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I was in the Navy, a co-worker's wife shared this recipe with me. I’ve tweaked it over the years, but it still brings back memories of my family away from home. —Yvonne Cook, Haskins, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 271 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 601mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
22/28
Turkey Salisbury Steaks
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother always made Salisbury steak. When I married, I developed my own, and it just may be the recipe my husband asks for the most. —Leann Doyle, Patchogue, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 patty with 1/3 cup sauce: 291 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.
23/28
Herbed Roast Turkey Breast
Total Time
2 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this turkey breast for my first formal dinner party as a newlywed. It was such a success that it's become a standby on all my entertaining menus. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounce-weight: 285 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 medium-fat meat.
If you liked this, then these other diabetic-friendly recipes are perfect for you.
24/28
Fiery Stuffed Poblanos
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love Southwest-inspired cuisine, but the dishes are often unhealthy. As a dietitian, I try to come up with nutritious twists on recipes, which is how my stuffed peppers dish was born. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 223 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 579mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch, 1 lean meat, 1 fat.
25/28
Couscous Meatball Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
10 servings (2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This soup will warm you up and takes just 25 minutes of prep time, making it a perfect weeknight meal. —Jonathan Pace, San Francisco, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 202 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat.
26/28
Turkey Curry
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm always looking for new and interesting ways to use leftover turkey—especially around the holidays. Make this skillet meal as spicy as you'd like by varying the amount of curry powder. —Martha Balser, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without rice): 172 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 3 lean meat.
27/28
Cabbage Barley Soup
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
8 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My neighbor had an abundance of cabbage, so a group of us had a contest to see who could come up with the best cabbage dish. My vegetarian soup was the clear winner. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 197 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
28/28
Crumb-Topped Salmon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Often we catch enough of our delicious Northwest salmon to send some to Michigan for my sister to enjoy. This crisp, lemony recipe is a tasty way to enjoy it. —Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 339 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 507mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
Also check out our diabetic-friendly oatmeal recipes.
