The 20 Best Winter Vegetables to Enjoy This Season

Bright, fresh produce might not be the first thing that comes to mind when winter rolls around. But this time of year, you can say goodbye to the artichokes, zucchini, and bell peppers of summer — unless you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with year-round warmth.

Here’s the good news: Cool weather brings a whole new crop of in-season winter vegetables that aren’t only delicious but also packed with nutrients to help you stay healthy and on track with weight management.

Plus, winter produce is uniquely comforting, flavorful, and warming. So these veggies may be just what you’re craving when the temperature starts to plummet.

Ahead, we’ll explore the best winter-season vegetables to stock up on at the grocery store or farmer’s market, how to prepare them, and all the health benefits they offer.

Some of our favorite winter fruits and vegetables include:

• Broccoli

• Broccoli rabe

• Broccolini

• Cauliflower

• Romanesco

• Brussels sprouts

• Radishes

• Sunchokes

• Carrots

• Parsnips

• Rutabaga

• Butternut squash

• Sweet potatoes

• Beets

• Leeks

• Celery

• Fennel

• Onions

• Shallots

• Leafy greens

With so many versatile options, it’ll be easy to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the seasonal bounty.

1. Broccoli

Packed with essential vitamins and minerals, this cruciferous powerhouse is known for its potential cancer-fighting benefits.

In terms of taste, broccoli has a mild bitterness — it’s a little less intense than some of the other veggies on this list — which makes it a versatile addition to any meal. When cooked to perfection, it still has a satisfying crunch, offering a welcome contrast in texture and a nutritious boost to your plate.

About a cup and a half of broccoli contains:

• 34 calories

• 2.8 grams of protein

• 6.6 grams of carbs

• 2.3 grams of fiber

It’s also a great source of calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

2. Broccoli Rabe

Also known as rapini, broccoli rabe offers a unique twist to traditional broccoli if you’re ready to switch things up. Its florets are smaller, while the stems are longer, thinner, and more tender, making it easy to chew and reducing prep time since you can eat the whole thing.

One cup of chopped broccoli rabe contains:

• 8.8 calories

• 1.1 grams of carbs

• 1.1 grams of fiber

• 1.3 grams of protein

As for the flavor? Broccoli rabe is more bitter than classic broccoli, which can introduce some complexity to any meal.

For a quick and tasty side, sauté it with thinly sliced garlic and olive oil. Pro tip: Toss in some chopped and mashed capers toward the end of cooking for an extra burst of flavor.

3. Broccolini

Just when you thought we were finished with the “broc“ family, here comes more! Yes, there’s a real difference between broccolini, broccoli rabe, and broccolini — and broccolini is the mildest of the bunch.

About three-quarters cup of broccolini contains:

• 35 calories

• 3.5 grams of protein

• 5.9 grams of carbs

• 4.7 grams of fiber

Although it’s often called “baby broccoli,“ it’s not just regular broccoli picked early. Broccolini is actually a hybrid of Chinese broccoli and traditional broccoli.

Like broccoli rabe, broccolini has thin, tender stems and plenty of leafy greens. But it stands apart with a less bitter flavor. Prepare it the same way, or pop it in the oven for a quick side of roasted vegetables.

4. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is a true superfood, partly thanks to all its antioxidants. It’s also really mild, which is one reason it’s among the most popular veggies year-round.

This vegetable is a stellar alternative to simple carbohydrates (think cauliflower rice), soaking up the flavors of whatever it’s paired with. 

While the white variety is the most common, vibrant purple cauliflower is also making a splash. Not only does it add a pop of color to your winter meals and garden, but it also brings its own set of unique health benefits from the antioxidant anthocyanin.

About one cup of chopped regular cauliflower contains:

• 24 calories

• 4.7 grams of carbs

• 2.4 grams of fiber

It’s also high in calcium, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin K.

5. Romanesco

Romanesco is like the quirky cousin of cauliflower and broccoli — unique, vibrant, and full of character. Yes, it’s beloved for its striking chartreuse hue and spiky florets, but it’s not just pretty. It’s packed with flavor and nutrients, too.

One cup of romanesco contains:

• 40 calories

• 7.8 grams of carbs

• 4.1 grams of fiber

• 3.8 grams of protein

As far as flavor, it tastes a bit like broccoli, but it’s a touch sweeter and milder. This winter vegetable is particularly delicious pan-roasted and paired with nuts and herbs.

6. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamins and minerals, and they tend to sweeten when cooked. They’re also nice and crispy when baked at a high temperature for 30 minutes.

A little more than one cup of raw Brussels sprouts contains:

• 49 calories

• 9.6 grams of carbs

• 4.8 grams of fiber

• 3.9 grams of protein

Just toss them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and you’ve got a simple dish that delivers a ton of nutritional value.

7. Radishes

Radishes are perfect for bulking up a simple green salad — they’ll add a spicy kick, a vibrant pop of color, and a satisfying crunch. You can also add them to your charcuterie boards or enjoy them as a healthy snack with some high-quality butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

One cup of sliced radishes contains:

• 19 calories

• 4 grams of carbs

• 2 grams of fiber

They’re excellent sources of vitamin C, potassium, and folate and are also super hydrating.

8. Sunchokes

Also known as Jerusalem artichokes, sunchokes have a nutty, almost “un-vegetable“ flavor to them, like jicama.

Roughly two-thirds of a cup of sunchokes contains:

• 73 calories

• 17.4 grams of carbs

• 2 grams of protein

• 1.6 grams of fiber

Their texture is a cross between potatoes and yucca. So think velvety, smooth, and slightly chewy. Sunchokes are delicious when thinly sliced and baked or as a base in salads. Plus, they don’t require peeling. The thin, edible skin adds extra flavor and texture.

9. Carrots

If you’re looking for a low-carb veggie option that’s both vibrant and full of flavor, carrots are the way to go. They’re as versatile as they are nutritious, with a natural sweetness and tons of vitamins and antioxidants.

One hundred grams of raw carrots (about two medium-sized carrots) contains:

• 48 calories

• 0.9 grams of protein

• 3.1 grams of fiber

They’re a particularly great source of vitamin A as well.

Roast them for a nourishing dinner side, or enjoy carrots raw and dip them into hummus to up your protein intake.

10. Parsnips

Parsnips — related to both carrots and parsley (hence the name) — resemble a cross between ginger and carrots but with a creamy hue. They have an earthy sweetness with a subtle peppery bite and are packed with fiber to support digestive health.

One cup of sliced parsnips contains:

• 100 calories

• 24 grams of carbs

• 7 grams of fiber

• 2 grams of protein

Like carrots, parsnips are incredibly versatile — you can steam, roast, grill, purée, or mash them. They pair especially well with red meats, which makes them ideal for stews and stir-fries.

11. Rutabaga

Ready to make things a little more interesting? Introducing rutabaga. This winter veggie is related to white turnips and looks like a cross between ginger and potato. The flavor is similar to carrots, though it tends to be slightly less sweet.

A little under a cup of rutabaga contains:

• 37 calories

• 8.6 grams of carbs

• 2.3 grams of fiber

• 1 gram of protein

Rutabaga is a fantastic alternative to roasted potatoes since it’s similar in flavor but lower in calories and carbs.

12. Butternut Squash

As far as winter seasonal vegetables go, butternut squash is a popular fan favorite. It’s at once hearty, satisfying, creamy, sweet, and nourishing.

About half a cup of butternut squash contains:

• 48 calories

• 2 grams of fiber

• 1.1 grams of protein

For an easy, healthy prep approach, simply bake this winter squash with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. This will enhance its flavor while keeping things light and letting the rich, buttery taste shine through.

13. Sweet Potatoes

Baked sweet potatoes aren’t only easy to make — they also offer lots of flavor when topped with a medley of fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of cheese.

You can also add sweet potatoes to soups, salads, stews, or whatever else you’re craving.

About half a cup of raw sweet potatoes contains:

• 77 calories

• 17 grams of carbs

• 1.5 grams of protein

• 4.4 grams of fiber

And they’re a stellar source of vitamin A.

14. Beets

Root vegetables like beets thrive in winter since they grow underground. Beets have a fresh-from-the-earth flavor, which is often compared to the smell of fresh rain.

Roughly three-quarters of a cup of beets contains:

• 43 calories

• 9.6 grams of carbs

• 2.8 grams of fiber

• 1.6 grams of protein

You can enjoy them raw in a citrus salad or with burrata and arugula. But roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness and makes them nice and tender.

15. Leeks

Leeks are a lovely addition to winter stews and stir-fries. Think of them as a milder, more delicate version of your typical onion — perfect for adding depth without overwhelming the dish.

One cup of leeks contains:

• 54 calories

• 13 grams of carbs

• 2 grams of fiber

• 1 gram of protein

When cooked, leeks soften and develop a sweet, mellow flavor as they caramelize. They’re also rich in flavonoids, an antioxidant that helps fight inflammation.

16. Celery

Celery is hydrating and refreshing, and it’s a surprisingly versatile snack. Its mild, slightly sweet, herbal flavor makes it a perfect choice for dipping into hummus or peanut butter.

One stalk of celery contains:

• 6 calories

• 1 gram of carbs

• 1 gram of fiber

Since it’s crunchy and low-cal, celery is an excellent alternative to crackers. You can also enjoy it in juice form or add it to soups.

17. Fennel

Fennel is another versatile addition to winter meals, whether simmered in soups, gravies, and stews or enjoyed raw as a crisp salad base.

This herb has a unique flavor (often compared to licorice and anise) and is similar to celery in texture. Its refreshing, aromatic taste can really brighten up a dish in unexpected ways.

One fennel bulb contains:

• 31 calories

• 7.3 grams of carbs

• 3.1 grams of fiber

• 1.2 grams of protein

We love it with the creamy umami of parmesan cheese and the zesty tang of lemon-based dressings, creating a flavor balance that’s both vibrant and comforting.

18. Onions

Raise your cold winter hand if you agree that no dish feels complete without onions. These kitchen staples are as versatile as they come, no matter the season — including winter.

You can pickle, fry, sautée, grill, or roast onions, to name just a few uses.

One medium onion contains:

• 44 calories

• 10 grams of carbs

• 1 gram of protein

Raw onions have a sharp, zesty bite that can cut through richer or creamier ingredients, balancing out the flavors and adding that perfect punch. Their ability to elevate any dish makes them a true winter veggie essential.

19. Shallots

Just when you thought onions were the favorite of the bunch, we bring you shallots.

They might look like baby onions, but don’t be fooled. While they’re both members of the allium family, shallots offer a milder, more subtle taste compared to onions.

Even better? Shallots also have slightly higher nutritional benefits than onions.

One shallot contains:

• 31 calories

• 7.4 grams of carbs

• 1.4 grams of fiber

• 1.1 grams of protein

Shallots also have a finer and more delicate texture than onions, making them perfect for adding a light touch to salads, dressings, pasta sauces, or rice dishes.

20. Leafy Greens

Last but certainly not least, let’s take a moment to celebrate winter leafy greens. When the weather cools down, many leafy greens thrive, and they’re great in a variety of dishes, from hearty salads to comforting soups.

The nutritional value of each varies, but they’re all low in calories and offer tons of vitamins and minerals essential to a balanced diet. A few of our favorite greens are spotlit below:

• Swiss chard. Milder than kale and marked by vibrant red stems, Swiss chard can introduce some variety into your winter meals.

• Collard greens. Think of collard greens as kale’s softer cousin. They’re still packed with nutrients but have a more tender texture, making them perfect for soups and stews.

• Kale. The boldest of the bunch, in our opinion! Kale has a sharp, bitter flavor when raw, but it softens nicely when cooked. It holds its structure well, making it great for sautés, soups, kale chips, or green smoothies.

• Cabbage. Cabbage doesn’t pack quite the same punch in terms of nutrition as kale or collard greens, but it’s still a winter staple. It works well in slaws, stir-fries, or even roasted sheet-pan meals.

• Arugula. Peppery, zesty, and refreshing, arugula is a nice base for salads, but we also like it on sandwiches or tossed into pasta dishes for an extra kick of greens.

• Mustard greens. True to their name, mustard greens have a mustard-like bite. They’re often included in Southern-style dishes or sautéed with garlic and olive oil.

• Chicories. Chicories are a larger category of greens that includes endives, escarole, and radicchio. They have a satisfying crunch and a slightly bitter, refreshing flavor that pairs beautifully in dressings or as a base for warm winter salads. Bonus points for being super high in folate.

• Spinach. Ah, the classic green that never goes out of style. Spinach is incredibly versatile. It can be used in everything from smoothies to soups and side dishes, making it a must-have in the winter veggie rotation. It’s also a great vegetarian source of iron.

Winter vegetables are veggies that grow seasonally during the coldest months of the year. Those that thrive in cold weather tend to be root crops, cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, and starchy vegetables, but there’s a whole variety to enjoy.

Looking for more kitchen inspiration and guidance to put this winter vegetables list to use? Try our flavorful and nourishing Mediterranean bowl recipe.

You can also explore diet and meal-planning tips to support your weight loss goals.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.