41 Healthy Christmas Recipes: Delicious and Light for the Holidays

‘Tis the season for merriment and feasting, but who says holiday meals can’t be both delicious and healthy? In our article, “41 Healthy Christmas Recipes: Delicious and Light for the Holidays,” we have curated a collection of delectable dishes that will satisfy your taste buds without weighing you down. From roasted garlic mashed potatoes and cauliflower to gluten-free chocolate ganache tart, we have something to suit every palate. Our recipes prioritize colorful produce, whole grains, and legumes, while limiting refined white flour, sugar, and saturated fats. So go ahead and indulge in your favorite holiday foods guilt-free, knowing that you’re nourishing your body in the most delightful way possible.

Appetizers and Dips

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Cauliflower

In this recipe, we’ve taken traditional mashed potatoes and added a healthy twist with the addition of cauliflower. The combination of roasted garlic, potatoes, and cauliflower creates a creamy and flavorful dip that is perfect for spreading on bread or dipping with vegetables. This appetizer is not only delicious, but it’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables during the holiday season.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Ganache Tart

If you’re looking for a decadent dessert that is also gluten-free, then this chocolate ganache tart is the perfect option. Made with a gluten-free crust and a rich chocolate filling, this tart is sure to satisfy all of your chocolate cravings. The velvety smooth ganache is made with dark chocolate, coconut cream, and a touch of vanilla for added depth of flavor. This dessert is a must-have for any chocolate lover during the holidays.

Green Beans with Orange and Almond Gremolata

Add a burst of freshness and acidity to your holiday table with these green beans dressed with a vibrant orange and almond gremolata. The gremolata is a mixture of finely chopped almonds, orange zest, garlic, and parsley, which adds a zesty and fragrant element to the dish. This side dish is not only delicious, but it also adds a pop of color to your spread, making it visually appealing.

Yellow Split Pea Dip

If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful dip to serve at your holiday gathering, then this yellow split pea dip is the perfect choice. Made with cooked yellow split peas, garlic, lemon juice, and a variety of spices, this dip has a creamy and smooth texture that pairs perfectly with sliced cucumbers, carrots, or pita bread. The addition of the split peas not only adds a burst of flavor but also boosts the protein content of the dip.

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Main Dishes

Herb-Roasted Turkey

When it comes to holiday meals, turkey is always a favorite. This herb-roasted turkey recipe takes the classic holiday staple to the next level with a flavorful herb rub. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon zest, and olive oil creates a fragrant and tender turkey that is sure to impress your guests. Serve it with traditional sides like stuffing and cranberry sauce for a complete holiday feast.

Pork Tenderloin with Quinoa Pilaf

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious main dish for your holiday celebration, then this pork tenderloin with quinoa pilaf is a great choice. The tender and juicy pork is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then roasted to perfection. The quinoa pilaf, made with a variety of vegetables and spices, adds a wholesome and flavorful element to the dish. This main course is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and fiber.

Orange-Ginger Roast Chicken with Fennel and Radicchio Salad

Add a burst of citrus and warmth to your holiday menu with this orange-ginger roast chicken. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of orange juice, ginger, garlic, and spices, then roasted until golden and juicy. Serve it with a refreshing fennel and radicchio salad, dressed with a tangy citrus vinaigrette, for a well-rounded and light main course that is still full of flavor.

Winter Squash and Spinach Lasagna

When it comes to holiday comfort food, lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser. This winter squash and spinach lasagna is a healthier twist on the classic, without sacrificing any of the flavor. Layers of roasted winter squash, sautéed spinach, and a creamy ricotta mixture are topped with a generous amount of cheese and baked to bubbly perfection. This vegetarian main dish is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins and minerals from the winter squash and spinach.

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Side Dishes

Vanilla Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a staple of holiday meals, and this vanilla roasted sweet potato recipe takes them to the next level. The sweet potatoes are tossed in a mixture of vanilla extract, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then roasted until caramelized and tender. The addition of vanilla adds a unique and fragrant flavor to the dish, making it a standout on your holiday table.

Balsamic Roasted Onions

Onions may not be the most glamorous vegetable, but when they’re roasted with balsamic vinegar and a touch of honey, they become a showstopper. Roasting the onions brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor, while the balsamic vinegar adds a tangy and rich element to the dish. Serve these balsamic roasted onions alongside your main course for a flavorful and visually appealing side dish.

Mushroom and Chile-Garlic Green Beans

Green beans are a classic side dish, but they can sometimes be bland and uninspiring. This mushroom and chile-garlic green bean recipe takes them to the next level with the addition of sautéed mushrooms and a spicy chile-garlic sauce. The mushrooms add a meaty texture and earthy flavor to the dish, while the chile-garlic sauce adds a kick of heat. This side dish is a great way to make your holiday menu more exciting and flavorful.

Coriander-Maple Glazed Carrots

If you’re looking for a simple yet flavor-packed side dish for your holiday meal, then these coriander-maple glazed carrots are a great option. The carrots are roasted until tender and caramelized, then tossed in a tangy and sweet glaze made with coriander seeds, maple syrup, and a touch of vinegar. The combination of flavors creates a dish that is both sweet and savory, making it a standout on your holiday table.

Brussels Sprouts with Pepitas and Figs

Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but when they’re roasted until crispy and caramelized and paired with crunchy pepitas and sweet figs, they become a crowd-pleaser. The natural bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is balanced by the sweetness of the figs and the nuttiness of the pepitas, creating a dish that is both flavorful and visually appealing. This side dish is a great way to elevate your holiday menu and add some variety to your spread.

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Tahini Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for a lighter and refreshing side dish for your holiday meal, then this roasted butternut squash salad with tahini vinaigrette is the perfect option. The butternut squash is roasted until tender and caramelized, then tossed with fresh greens, pomegranate seeds, and a tangy tahini vinaigrette. The combination of flavors and textures creates a salad that is both satisfying and full of nutritional goodness. Serve it alongside your main course for a well-rounded and balanced holiday meal.

Crispy Beet and Mozzarella Salad

Add a pop of color to your holiday table with this crispy beet and mozzarella salad. Thinly sliced beets are roasted until crispy and lightly salted, then layered with creamy mozzarella and fresh greens. The combination of sweet and earthy beets with creamy and tangy cheese creates a salad that is both visually appealing and delicious. Serve it as a starter or side dish for a light and refreshing addition to your holiday menu.

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Salads

Salad of the Seven Fishes

If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful salad to serve at your holiday gathering, then this salad of the seven fishes is the perfect choice. Inspired by the Italian-American tradition of serving seafood on Christmas Eve, this salad features a variety of fish and seafood, such as shrimp, calamari, and clams, tossed with fresh greens, olives, and a tangy vinaigrette. This salad is not only delicious, but it also adds a festive touch to your holiday table.

Escarole Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

Add a refreshing and tangy salad to your holiday menu with this escarole salad dressed with a red wine vinaigrette. The bitter and crunchy escarole leaves are paired with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy red onions, then finished off with a zesty homemade vinaigrette. This salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the other dishes on your holiday table and add some freshness to your meal.

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Soups

Savory Pumpkin and Sage Soup

Warm up your holiday gathering with this savory pumpkin and sage soup. Creamy and rich, this soup is made with roasted pumpkin, fragrant sage, garlic, and onions, then blended until smooth and velvety. The addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor to the soup. Serve it as a starter or alongside your main course for a comforting and satisfying addition to your holiday menu.

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Pasta and Noodles

Lentil Bolognese Spaghetti

If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful pasta dish for your holiday meal, then this lentil bolognese spaghetti is the perfect option. Instead of traditional meat-based bolognese, this recipe uses lentils to create a rich and hearty sauce that is both vegetarian-friendly and delicious. The lentils are cooked with a variety of vegetables and spices, then simmered in a tomato sauce until thick and flavorful. Serve it over al dente spaghetti and top it off with grated Parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at your holiday table.