26 Healthy Recipes That Will Make Everyone at the Dinner Table Merry This Holiday Season
The holiday season is amazing for so many reasons, the biggest one probably being all. the. food! From peppermint bark to gingerbread, treats are all around. And while we fully support indulging in moderation, you can certainly whip up lighter and healthier recipes that still celebrate the season.
Cutting back on a little bit of sugar, avoiding refined carbs, and just adding some more vegetables here and there can go a long way. These next 26 recipes can prove to you just how delicious having a healthy holiday can be.
Butternut Squash Soup
If you're a fan of butternut squash, you are going to go crazy for this recipe. It's smooth and creamy with a well-rounded flavor from the addition of leeks and nutmeg.
Get the recipe: butternut squash soup
Two-Bean Sweet Potato Soup
Black beans and white beans join forces in this epic protein-packed soup that's also under 300 calories a bowl. Perfect for cozying up to on a cold night.
Get the recipe: two-bean sweet potato soup
Slow-Cooker Kabocha Squash Soup
This recipe screams cozy with all the favorites of the season like squash and apples. It's so creamy and hearty that you almost won't believe it's vegan, paleo, and Whole30.
Get the recipe: slow-cooker kabocha squash soup
Curried Cauliflower, Rice, and Kale Soup
What more can you ask for during the holidays than a warming and nutritious soup filled with rice, kale, and the delicious flavors of curry? This will for sure keep the soup haters quiet. It's a whole meal in a bowl!
Get the recipe: curried cauliflower, rice, and kale soup
Maple Cornbread
This recipe for cornbread is healthier than most because it's not sweetened with any refined sugars — only maple syrup. Make sure to enjoy the same day for maximum freshness.
Get the recipe here: maple cornbread
Low-Carb Steak Wraps
Serve these individual steak wraps in place of sliders for a filling appetizer.
Get the recipe here: low-carb steak wraps
Smoked Salmon Dip
This dip requires only four ingredients and takes just five minutes to make. Serve it with your favorite healthy snack, like cucumber slices.
Get the recipe here: smoked salmon dip
Avocado Deviled Eggs
The protein and fats in deviled eggs are sure to keep you satisfied, but the delicious flavor will have you coming back for more.
Get the recipe here: avocado deviled eggs
Spicy Cauliflower Fritters With Chipotle Lime Aioli
Every holiday table needs a snack you can dip, and these cauliflower fritters make it possible on the keto diet. (They're also Whole30- and Paleo-approved.)
Get the recipe: spicy cauliflower fritters with chipotle lime aioli
Roasted Turkey With Garlic and Herbs
It isn't the holidays without a turkey front and center. This recipe is juicy, flavorful, packed with tons of herbs, and roasted to crispy perfection.
Get the recipe: roasted turkey with garlic and herbs
Roast Chicken With Fennel and Olives
The only thing better than a whole chicken is one infused with onion, garlic, and lemon, and roasted atop fennel, olives, and a low-carb vegetable of your choice.
Get the recipe: roast chicken with fennel and olives
Instant Pot Short Ribs
Serve these mouth-watering ribs with a side of mashed cauliflower and green beans and you have the perfect holiday meal. Just 45 minutes in the Instant Pot and you're left with the most tender piece of meat.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot short ribs
Cranberry Raison Brussels Sprouts
It's not a holiday dinner table without the famous Brussels sprouts. The cranberries and raisins in this recipe will have the pickiest of kids reaching for seconds.
Get the recipe: cranberry raison brussels sprouts
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Rice
This cheesy bake is the perfect side dish — and with cauliflower rice, it's good for you, too.
Get the recipe: parmesan roasted cauliflower rice
White Bean Slow-Cooker Mashed Potatoes
The secret to this super creamy and thick vegan mashed potatoes is to substitute the butter for white bean puree. Seasoned with sage and tons of other fresh herbs, this is not any ordinary recipe.
Get the recipe: white bean slow-cooker mashed potatoes
Vegan Stuffed Shells
Pasta shells stuffed with vegan cheese that taste just like the real deal are a gift from heaven. The key is to process tofu just until it has the texture to ricotta and the result is magical. These are only 60 calories a piece but good luck stopping after a few.
Get the recipe: vegan stuffed shell
Pear, Pomegranate, and Spinach Salad
Salads are always a great option for a lighter side to your dinner table. The red pomegranates and green spinach make this salad pop with holiday festivity.
Get the recipe: pear, pomegranate, and spinach salad
Pan-Seared and Baked Chicken With Creamy Lemon Caper Sauce
If you're looking for an indulgent recipe that won't hurt the waist line, try this keto-friendly baked chicken. It's rolled in almond flour and coated in egg for a super crispy exterior and moist interior, only to be covered in a decadent creamy sauce.
Get the recipe: pan-seared and baked chicken with creamy lemon caper sauce
Kale, Ham, and Greek Yogurt Quiche
This recipe will sure leave your family and friends in pure shock. This quiche is not only beautiful aesthetically, but tastes like a hearty treat. It's protein-packed and cheese-free, so you don't have to feel guilty.
Get the recipe: kale, ham, and Greek yogurt quiche
Vegetable Kabobs
If you're holiday dinner spread has more heavy dishes, try making a light appetizer like these skewers with roasted veggies. They're fun to make and eat. Feel free to customize with any other veggies you'd like.
Get the recipe: vegetable kabobs
Zucchini Pasta Alla Norma
This is a classic Italian pasta dish with eggplant, but it's made into a much more healthier version thanks to zucchini noodles to cut the carbs without cutting any flavor or texture.
Get the recipe: zucchini pasta alla Norma
Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash and Chickpea Pasta
If you're craving mac and cheese but not all the calories, this butternut squash bulks this dish up along with chickpeas for extra protein and nutrients.
Get the recipe here: slow-cooker butternut squash and chickpea pasta
Chewy Keto Pecan Cookies
This rich dessert is not only healthy, delicious, and only five ingredients. Your holiday crowd will never guess these cookies are sugar-free.
Get the recipe here: chewy keto pecan cookies
Almond Nog Overnight Oats
Bring the holidays to a healthy breakfast and spice up your overnight oats with an eggnog twist. All you need is six ingredients and five minutes of prep time.
Get the recipe: almond nog overnight oats
Gingerbread Cookies
Dessert doesn't always have to be paleo or keto to mean it's healthy. These gingerbread cookies are made with all the good stuff that's in traditional cookies, but there's a lot less sugar and butter per serving.
Get the recipe: gingerbread cookies
Paleo Pumpkin Bread
Try not to fall in love with this healthy version of pumpkin bread. The notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are addicting. Warm it up in the microwave and treat yourself.
Get the recipe: paleo pumpkin bread