‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what’s a better way to spread holiday cheer than with a delicious and nutritious feast? This year, ditch the traditional heavy dishes and opt for some healthier alternatives that still pack plenty of flavor. From roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze to quinoa-stuffed acorn squash, we’ve got 20 festive healthy Christmas recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a culinary newbie, these holiday recipes offer something for everyone. And the best part? They’re all made with wholesome ingredients and are easy on the waistline. So why not try something new this year and make your holiday gatherings a little healthier, yet just as merry?
In our collection of healthy Christmas recipes below, you’ll find ideas for everything from appetizers to main courses, sides, and even desserts. Get ready to indulge in some guilt-free holiday cheer!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
Roast Brussels sprouts until caramelized and sweet, then drizzle with a tangy balsamic glaze for a delicious side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized and tender, stirring occasionally.
5. While the sprouts are roasting, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until glaze has thickened slightly.
7. Remove roasted Brussels sprouts from oven and toss with balsamic glaze.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash
Savor the flavors of fall with this delightful and nutritious recipe, perfect for a cozy dinner or a warm breakfast.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium acorn squash (about 1 lb each)
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: your choice of nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or broth.
4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in cumin and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Stuff each squash half with cooked quinoa mixture, dividing it evenly between the two.
7. Place stuffed squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and roast for 45-50 minutes or until squash is tender.
Cooking Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Elevate your holiday table with this flavorful and aromatic turkey breast recipe, perfect for a special occasion or everyday meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and brush the herb mixture evenly over both sides of the breast.
4. Roast the turkey for 45-50 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Sweet and savory, these maple-glazed carrots with thyme are a delicious side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
• 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, garlic, and thyme until well coated.
3. Spread carrot mixture onto a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Drizzle maple syrup over the carrots, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until carrots are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lentil and Mushroom Wellington
A savory twist on the classic beef Wellington, this Lentil and Mushroom Wellington is a flavorful vegetarian option perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic until tender.
3. Stir in lentils, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Roll out puff pastry on a floured surface to a large rectangle.
5. Place the mushroom-lentil mixture along the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
6. Brush edges with beaten egg and fold pastry over filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Place Wellington on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush top with remaining egg.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Rosemary
Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Rosemary Recipe
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Elevate your snack game with this simple and delicious recipe for baked sweet potato fries infused with the aromatic flavor of rosemary.
Ingredients:
————
– 2-3 large sweet potatoes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt, to taste
– Optional: garlic powder or paprika for added flavor
Instructions:
————-
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
3. Cut the sweet potatoes into long, thin strips (about 1/2 inch thick).
4. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato fries with olive oil, chopped rosemary, and salt until they’re evenly coated.
5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Arrange the fries in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the fries are tender and slightly caramelized, flipping them halfway through.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with garlic powder or paprika if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Pomegranate Salad
Elevate your salad game with this refreshing combination of baby spinach, juicy pomegranate seeds, and tangy feta cheese.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup pomegranate arils (fresh or dried)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine spinach leaves and pomegranate arils.
2. Top the spinach mixture with crumbled feta cheese and chopped pecans.
3. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep), 0 minutes (cooking)
Cauliflower Mash with Garlic
Transform humble cauliflower into a rich and creamy side dish by blending it with garlic, butter, and chicken broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of butter until well coated.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
4. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted cauliflower, remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
5. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
A warm and comforting soup perfect for fall and winter days, this Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Soup combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, peeled and chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream (optional)
– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
3. Place the squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
4. Roast the squash for 45 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
5. Scoop out the flesh of the roasted squash and blend it with the chopped onion, garlic, broth, and heavy cream (if using) in a blender or food processor.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes (roasting time), plus blending time
Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa
Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors with this refreshing recipe that combines grilled salmon with a tangy and sweet citrus salsa.
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. Grill salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. While the salmon is grilling, combine orange and grapefruit juices, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and olive oil in a bowl.
5. Stir well to combine.
6. Serve grilled salmon with citrus salsa spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Whole Wheat Cranberry Walnut Stuffing
This recipe offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional bread-based stuffing, using whole wheat breadcrumbs and incorporating the natural sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups whole wheat breadcrumbs
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the garlic, cranberries, walnuts, and sage to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture is fragrant and the cranberries have popped.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked mixture with the whole wheat breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Avocado and Shrimp Christmas Appetizer
Elevate your holiday gathering with this refreshing and flavorful appetizer, perfect for a festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch rounds
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine diced avocado, shrimp, lime juice, and cilantro.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Arrange the baguette slices on a serving platter or individual plates.
4. Spoon the avocado-shrimp mixture onto the bread, leaving a small border around the edges.
5. Garnish with additional cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Chickpea and Kale Stew
Warm up with this comforting, plant-based stew that combines the nutty flavor of chickpeas with the earthy taste of kale. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper in a little water until tender.
2. Add the chickpeas, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the chopped kale and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the kale is tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Nuts
Warm up with this simple and delicious dessert recipe that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nuts. Perfect for a cozy evening or a quick breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples, cored
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (or your preferred nut)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and brown sugar.
3. Core the apples, leaving a small border at the top.
4. Stuff each apple with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, dividing it evenly among the apples.
5. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
6. Dot the top of each apple with butter and sprinkle with chopped nuts.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Dark Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Skewers
Elevate your snack game with these Dark Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Skewers, perfect for a quick treat or party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed fresh fruit (grapes, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi)
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– Wooden skewers
– Optional: chopped nuts or shredded coconut for garnish
Instructions:
1. Wash and pat dry the fresh fruit.
2. Thread 3-4 pieces of fruit onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. Dip the tip of each fruit skewer into the melted chocolate, coating about 1 inch of the fruit.
5. Place the dipped skewers on a parchment-lined plate or tray. If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
7. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
A refreshing and light vegetarian pasta dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (see note)
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with a little water and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat evenly.
4. Roast the zucchini noodles in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re slightly tender.
5. While the zucchini is roasting, heat the pesto in a small saucepan over low heat.
6. Once the zucchini noodles are done, toss them with the warm pesto and top with Parmesan cheese and chopped basil (if using).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa
A flavorful and nutritious recipe that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the nutty taste of quinoa.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup black beans, cooked
– 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, cilantro, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, filling to the top.
5. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bell peppers are tender.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the bell peppers have slightly caramelized.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Ginger-Turmeric Spiced Hot Chocolate
Ginger-Turmeric Spiced Hot Chocolate is a unique and invigorating take on the classic wintertime treat. This recipe combines the comforting warmth of hot chocolate with the spicy, earthy flavors of ginger and turmeric.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, warm the milk over low heat.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric until well combined.
3. Gradually whisk the dry mixture into the warmed milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking continuously, until the hot chocolate is smooth and fragrant.
5. Remove from heat and add salt to taste.
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad Recipe
Roasting beets brings out their natural sweetness, pairing perfectly with the tanginess of goat cheese. This salad is a flavorful and refreshing twist on traditional greens.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 8 oz goat cheese, crumbled
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Wrap beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let beets cool, then peel and slice into wedges.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and roasted beet wedges.
6. Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle with chopped nuts (if using).
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Almond Flour Christmas Cookies
These soft-baked cookies are a delicious twist on traditional holiday treats, made with the nutty flavor of almond flour. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with hot cocoa by the fire.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: red and green sprinkles for festive touch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, confectioners’ sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and egg until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes using a cookie cutter or glass rim.
6. Place cookies on prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each.
7. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden around edges.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in this holiday season with these 20 delicious and healthy Christmas recipes! From savory main courses like Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast and Lentil and Mushroom Wellington, to sweet treats like Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Nuts, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy nutritious sides such as Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze and Cauliflower Mash with Garlic. Don’t forget the festive drinks, including Ginger-Turmeric Spiced Hot Chocolate. These mouth-watering recipes are sure to make your holiday gathering a hit!
