18 Healthy Ways to Wow Guests at Your Next Holiday Potluck
There are two types of people in this world: the ones who hate potlucks because that means they have to cook something and the ones who love it because they get to share a dish they treasure. After browsing through these next recipes, anyone in the first category might just flip.
Forget the calorie-heavy potato salad and casseroles that will put you to sleep after a few bites. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed around loved ones, and just because you're watching what you eat, that doesn't mean you can't partake in the festivities or share a great meal with friends and family. For your next potluck, try whipping up one of these 18 healthy dishes for cheer all around.
Balsamic Marinated Steak Bites With Kale and Roasted Tomatoes
Bite-size servings of appetizers are always a great way to entertain guests as everyone arrives to the potluck party. This sirloin filet, which is seared and then coated in a sweet and acidic balsamic vinegar, is sure to impress.
Get the recipe: balsamic marinated steak bites with kale and roasted tomatoes
Sweet and Spicy Deviled Eggs
All you need for this recipe is four ingredients. The honey dijon mustard and cayenne pepper give these deviled eggs an irresistible sweet and spicy taste your guests will love.
Get the recipe: sweet and spicy deviled eggs
Christmas Veggie Kabobs
Nothing is more jolly than a veggie skewer that screams Christmas. The best part is these are super healthy, packing all sorts of red and green vegetables like broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. Just serve with a crowd-favorite dip like hummus or tzatziki.
Get the recipe: Christmas veggie kabobs
Massaged Kale Salad With Sweet Potato Noodles, Persimmon, and a Smoky Orange Vinaigrette
This salad is everything you love about Winter in one plate. The massaged kale and sweet potatoes are nutrient-dense, so it's great to have as a lighter side without compromising flavor.
Get the recipe: massaged kale salad with sweet potato noodles, persimmon, and a smoky orange vinaigrette
Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is always a crowd pleaser at a potluck, especially when it's packed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and lots of basil leaves.
Get the recipe: sun-dried tomato pasta salad
Herbed Quinoa and Chickpea Salad With Lemon-Tahini Dressing
This makes a great dish to bring for vegetarians, as the chickpeas and quinoa are excellent plant-based sources of protein. If you're in a rush and limited on ingredients, this recipe is perfect for you to make.
Get the recipe: herbed quinoa and chickpea salad with lemon-tahini dressing
Kale Salad With Pecorino and Pine Nuts
Kale salad might be the last thing people want to reach for at a holiday potluck dinner, but this is no ordinary salad. Pecorino cheese, toasted pine nuts, sweet golden raisins, and a lemon vinaigrette take it to another level.
Get the recipe: kale salad with pecorino and pine nuts
Red Pepper and Lentil Bake
A dish with lentils is always a great option to bring to a potluck. If anyone is avoiding meat, they will still get their protein in a healthy, comforting, and delicious bake with red bell peppers, apples, and tomatoes.
Get the recipe: red pepper and lentil bake
Orange Rosemary Chicken
Having a more sophisticated potluck? These tender chicken thighs are crisp yet moist and will melt in your mouth. You'll question why you never cooked chicken with orange and rosemary before.
Get the recipe: orange rosemary chicken
Harvest Dairy-Free Simple Vegan Stuffing
This vegan stuffing will make you fall in love with this season. Even without any dairy products, this recipe is light and fluffy with just the right amount of crunch from the pecans.
Get the recipe: harvest dairy-free simple vegan stuffing
Healthy Rosemary Thyme Balsamic Meatballs
Perfect as a main dish to have with rice and roasted veggies or even as an appetizer, these meatballs will be a hit. Instead of regular breadcrumbs, this recipe uses whole wheat ones. The best part is it can be ready in 30 minutes or less.
Get the recipe: healthy rosemary thyme balsamic meatballs
Barbecue Gluten-Free Meatloaf
Meatloaf without breadcrumbs? Not one guest will be able to tell that this is a healthy gluten-free version of a holiday classic.
Get the recipe: barbecue gluten-free meatloaf
Beef Brisket With Smashed Potatoes and Carrots
If your schedule is packed but you still want to bring a dish that will amaze, whip out your pressure cooker and make this melt-in-your-mouth beef brisket. This recipe is so effortless, but tastes like a lot of time and love went into it.
Get the recipe: beef brisket with smashed potatoes and carrots
Instant Pot Pot Roast
Bring Sunday dinner to the potluck with a pot roast so delectable, guests will be going back for seconds. Everything is made in one pot for an easy cleanup after.
>Get the recipe: Instant Pot pot roast
Slow-Cooker Risotto With Butternut Squash
Perfect for a main dish or as side dish to complement, this recipe won't leave anyone missing all the cream and butter in traditional risotto. It's just as creamy with the butternut squash!
Get the recipe here: slow-cooker risotto with butternut squash
Baked Buffalo Wings
This recipe for baked wings cuts the calories in half but doesn't compromise on texture or taste.
Get the recipe: baked buffalo wings
Cheesy Baked Zucchini Casserole With Broccoli
Spiralize your own zucchini or buy it precut to save time for this delicious dish that's easy to share.
Get the recipe: cheesy baked zucchini casserole with broccoli
Creamy, Low-Carb Cauliflower "Potato" Salad
Cauliflower does it again in this "potato" salad dish. Prep it in the evening and let it chill overnight before bringing it to the party.
Get the recipe: creamy, low-carb cauliflower "potato" salad