These Quick and Healthy Recipes Will Free You Up So You Can Actually Enjoy the Holidays

Updated on 12/15/2019 at 10:40 AM

If spending all day in the kitchen preparing a holiday feast isn't exactly your idea of a good time, you'll want to take a peek at these quick and healthy holiday recipes. We've got your entire spread covered with salads, sides, desserts, and of course, the turkey.

What you won't find on this list are refined sweeteners — well, maybe just a little — and long, complicated ingredient lists. Instead, this roundup is packed with healthy proteins, loads of fresh veggies, and lightened up desserts, all of which require very little work on your part. (We're talking throwing the ingredients in a slow cooker, and you're done!) This season, you can relax, visit with loved ones, and maybe even catch that football game.

White Bean Mashed Potatoes

This mashed potato dish technically needs four hours to cook in the slow cooker, but with very little work on your part, you'll be free to decide on the perfect hostess outfit. The white bean sage puree adds creaminess – no butter required!

Get the recipe: white bean mashed potatoes

Roasted Turkey Breast With Garlic and Herbs

No holiday meal is complete without a juicy, perfectly-roasted turkey on the table. Because this recipe uses a turkey breast, as opposed to the whole turkey, it cooks in just two hours (and requires only 10 minutes of prep).

Get the recipe: roasted turkey breast with garlic and herbs

Smoked Salmon Dip

Ready in just five minutes, this savory dip pairs beautifully with crackers or veggie sticks. If anyone at the table is Paleo, prepare the dip with dairy-free cream cheese and serve it with grain-free crackers.

Get the recipe: smoked salmon dip

Butternut Squash

Instead of the hour or more it can take to roast butternut squash in the oven, this Instant Pot version cooks in less than 30 minutes. When it's done, you can cube it, mash it, or blend it into a butternut squash soup.

Get the recipe: butternut squash

Maple Cornbread

Your friends and family will be shocked when they find out this cornbread is made without butter, milk, or refined sugar (if you choose to tell them). It's still so moist and delicious.

Get the recipe: maple cornbread

Paleo Thanksgiving Stuffing

Butternut squash replaces bread in this low-carb, gluten-free stuffing — but with the sausage, crunchy celery, and tart apples, you'll never miss it.

Get the recipe: Paleo Thanksgiving stuffing

Garlic Butter Sautéed Mushrooms

These soft and fragrant mushrooms would be delightful alongside (or on top of) a beef or pork dish. The recipe cooks in just five minutes, but only makes a couple servings, so feel free to prepare additional servings as needed.

Get the recipe: garlic butter sautéed mushrooms

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Brussels sprouts are a popular holiday side dish, but the addition of bacon and a little maple syrup will make them the talk of the table. These sprouts need only 30 minutes to cook, so you can toss them in the oven while the turkey is resting.

Get the recipe: roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon

Short Ribs

This keto-friendly main dish can be made in just over an hour in the Instant Pot, and is finished with a tempting red wine and balsamic sauce.

Get the recipe: Instant Pot short ribs

Vegan Pumpkin Soup

Canned pumpkin helps this soup come together quickly, while almond butter and almond milk make it creamy. (There's even hidden cauliflower for added nutrition!) If you want to save even more time on the big day, make it ahead.

Get the recipe: vegan pumpkin soup

Cranberry Sauce

This lightly-sweetened cranberry sauce is just what your turkey needs. Instead of the high sugar content you see in most store-bought cranberry sauces, this one is made with honey and just a touch of brown sugar.

Get the recipe: cranberry sauce

Collard Green Salad With Roasted Delicata Squash

If you're looking for a hearty salad that you can get on the table while you put the finishing touches on the rest of the meal, this one is sure to please. It takes only 40 minutes to prepare — a large portion of which you're simply keeping an eye on the oven — and the nutty Parmesan pairs wonderfully with the golden squash.

Get the recipe: collard green salad with roasted delicata squash

Turkey Breast and Stuffing

It doesn't get much easier than throwing the turkey and stuffing in the slow cooker together until you're ready to eat. This recipe calls for a loaf of bread, giving you the option to make a gluten-free or keto version.

Get the recipe: turkey breast and stuffing

Vegan Raw Brownies

These Paleo, vegan brownies have a date-sweetened chocolate "dough" topped with a rich, chocolate frosting. They're the perfect recipe to make ahead, since they only take 10 minutes to prepare but will need to chill in the fridge for at least two hours before serving.

Get the recipe: vegan raw brownies

Green Beans Almondine

This dish looks (and sounds) more complicated than it is. You only need half an hour to prep and cook these buttery green beans with a crunchy slivered almond topping.

Get the recipe: green beans almondine