30 Ways to Lighten Up Your Favorite Holiday Comfort Foods

POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Admit it: we all look forward to the holidays because it gives us license to indulge in some of our all-time favorite comfort foods. At the same time, we know you want to be health-conscious where you can, too, and oftentimes the tricky part is nailing a healthy recipe that actually hits the spot. Don't worry; we've got you covered. From low-carb mashed potatoes to vegan desserts, you won't be sorry if you try one of these lightened-up versions of your holiday favorites.

Quinoa Chili
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Quinoa Chili

Get the recipe: quinoa chili

Light French Onion Soup
The Butter Half

Light French Onion Soup

Get the recipe: light french onion soup

Stuffed Squash With Quinoa, Cranberries and Goat Cheese
Delightful Mom Food

Stuffed Squash With Quinoa, Cranberries and Goat Cheese

Cranberry Maple Lentil Loaf
Cotter Crunch

Cranberry Maple Lentil Loaf

Vegetarian Chili
POPSUGAR Photography | Anna Monette Roberts

Vegetarian Chili

Get the recipe: vegetarian chili

Autumn Kale, Apple and Quinoa Salad
Cooking Classy

Autumn Kale, Apple and Quinoa Salad

Healthy Green Bean Casserole
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Herb-Roasted Tri-Color Carrots
Averie Cooks

Herb-Roasted Tri-Color Carrots

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Healthy Sweet Potato Casserole

Whole Wheat Veggie Gyoza
A Beautiful Mess

Whole Wheat Veggie Gyoza

Get the recipe: whole wheat veggie gyoza

Healthy Fried Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Healthy Fried Chicken

Get the recipe: healthy fried chicken

Pumpkin Chicken Chili
Heather Christo

Pumpkin Chicken Chili

Get the recipe: pumpkin chicken chili

Healthy Shrimp and Grits
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Healthy Shrimp and Grits

Get the recipe: healthy shrimp and grits

Vegan Split Pea and Sweet Potato Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegan Split Pea and Sweet Potato Soup

Paleo Chocolate Pudding
Wicked Spatula

Paleo Chocolate Pudding

Get the recipe: paleo chocolate pudding

Italian Sausage, White Bean and Kale Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Italian Sausage, White Bean and Kale Soup

Gluten-Free Gnocchi With Pomodoro Zucchini Pasta
Inspiralized

Gluten-Free Gnocchi With Pomodoro Zucchini Pasta

Vegan Apple Cranberry Crisp
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Vegan Apple Cranberry Crisp

Lentil Bake With Sugar-Free Barbecue Sauce
Healthful Pursuit

Lentil Bake With Sugar-Free Barbecue Sauce

Low-Carb Tortilla Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Low-Carb Tortilla Soup

Get the recipe: low-carb tortilla soup

Paleo Pot Pie
Wicket Spatula

Paleo Pot Pie

Get the recipe: paleo pot pie

Gluten-Free Cheddar Biscuits
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Gluten-Free Cheddar Biscuits

Low-Carb Mashed Potatoes
POPSUGAR Photography | Michele Foley

Low-Carb Mashed Potatoes

Get the recipe: low-carb mashed potatoes

Cornbread Salad with Jalapeño-Browned Butter Vinaigrette
Host the Toast

Cornbread Salad with Jalapeño-Browned Butter Vinaigrette

Baked Potato Chips With Onion Dip
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Baked Potato Chips With Onion Dip

Vegan Banana Apple Chunk Bread
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegan Banana Apple Chunk Bread

Loaded Baked Potato Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Get the recipe: loaded baked potato soup