Festive Healthy Holiday Recipes to Make Your Season Bright
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the pressure to create delicious and memorable meals for our loved ones. But why can’t these dishes be both tasty and good for you? This year, ditch the rich and heavy recipes that leave you feeling sluggish and opt instead for a selection of festive healthy holiday recipes that will satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.
In this article, we’ll share 20 mouthwatering and nutritious recipes to make your holiday season merry and bright. From roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze to baked pears with honey and almonds, these dishes are sure to impress your guests and leave them feeling full and happy.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: A sweet and tangy twist on a classic side dish!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
5. While the sprouts are roasting, prepare the balsamic glaze by whisking together 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey (optional).
6. Remove the sprouts from the oven and drizzle with the balsamic glaze.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash
A seasonal delight! This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the natural sweetness of acorn squash, making it a perfect side dish or main course for fall and winter gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized acorn squash
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or thyme) for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
4. Stir in cooked quinoa, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff each squash half with the quinoa mixture, dividing it evenly.
6. Place the stuffed squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the squash is tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast
Elevate your holiday meal with this flavorful and moist herb-roasted turkey breast recipe. Perfect for a smaller gathering or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 (2-3 pound) boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and lemon zest.
3. Place the turkey breast on a roasting pan or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Brush the herb mixture evenly over the turkey breast, making sure to coat it thoroughly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Roast the turkey breast in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Elevate your side dish game with these sweet and savory carrots glazed with pure Canadian maple syrup and infused with the warmth of thyme. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2-inch sticks
– 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup and olive oil.
3. Add chopped carrots and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Sprinkle thyme leaves over the carrots and season with salt to taste.
5. Spread the carrots in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until carrots are tender and caramelized.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting dish combines the flavors of lentils and sweet potatoes with a crispy mashed potato topping, perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cups mashed potatoes
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lentils according to package instructions or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add sweet potatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in cooked lentils and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with mashed potatoes and dot with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts
Enjoy a comforting and healthy dessert by baking apples with cinnamon and walnuts, perfect for a cozy evening treat. This simple recipe yields tender apples infused with the warmth of cinnamon and crunchy texture from toasted walnuts.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 apples (any variety), cored
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
3. Core the apples and fill each with the sugar-cinnamon mixture.
4. Place the apples in a baking dish and top each with chopped walnuts.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
6. Serve warm, topped with additional cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cauliflower Mash with Garlic and Chives
A creamy and flavorful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, this cauliflower mash is a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the cauliflower and remove the leaves and stem.
3. Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
4. In a large skillet, sauté the garlic and butter over medium heat until fragrant.
5. Add the processed cauliflower to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender.
6. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the cauliflower to your desired consistency.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. If using cheese, stir it in until melted.
9. Garnish with chopped chives and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Pomegranate Salad
This refreshing salad combines the earthy sweetness of spinach with the tartness of pomegranate, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 cup pomegranate arils (fresh or dried)
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
– 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. Sprinkle feta cheese and nuts over the top.
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 only)
Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors, featuring roasted butternut squash as the star ingredient. A hint of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds depth to this comforting and nourishing dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds.
3. Roast the squash for 45 minutes, or until tender.
4. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.
5. Add roasted squash, broth, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the pot.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
7. Use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree soup.
8. Add heavy cream or half-and-half (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
Cooking Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf
Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf Recipe
This hearty pilaf combines nutty wild rice with earthy mushrooms and aromatic spices, perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and oyster), sliced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring the water or broth to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the wild rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in the thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
5. Fluff the cooked wild rice with a fork and add it to the skillet with the mushroom mixture. Toss to combine.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Grilled Salmon with Citrus Salsa
Brighten up your dinner plate with this refreshing recipe, featuring grilled salmon paired with a zesty citrus salsa. The perfect combination of flavors and textures to impress any crowd!
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. In a bowl, combine orange juice, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice. Stir well.
4. Serve grilled salmon with citrus salsa spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Lean Turkey
A flavorful and nutritious twist on a classic dish, these stuffed bell peppers are packed with lean turkey, quinoa, and a blend of savory spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound lean ground turkey
– 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
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 skillet, cook the turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
4. Add the cooked quinoa, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to the turkey. Stir until combined.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture and top with the bell pepper tops.
6. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the earthy flavor of kale with the sweetness of apples, all tied together with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large apple, diced (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale with your hands for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender.
2. Add the diced apple to the bowl and toss to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil to make the vinaigrette.
4. Pour the vinaigrette over the kale and apple mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Baked Pear with Honey and Almonds
Experience the perfect blend of sweet and savory as pears are baked to perfection with a drizzle of honey and crunchy almonds. This simple yet elegant dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), halved
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together sugar, honey, and vanilla extract.
3. Place pear halves in a baking dish, cut side up. Spoon the sugar-honey mixture evenly over each pear half.
4. Sprinkle sliced almonds over the pears.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until pears are tender and caramelized.
6. Remove from oven and sprinkle with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Elevate your side dish game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with the savory goodness of garlic and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 3-4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, garlic, olive oil, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the potato mixture out in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, flipping them halfway through cooking.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chickpea and Vegetable Curry
This flavorful and nutritious curry recipe combines the creamy richness of chickpeas with a medley of colorful vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium-sized bell peppers, diced
– 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium-sized carrot, peeled and grated
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, tomatoes, and spinach)
– 2 teaspoons curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz), full-fat
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, bell peppers, and carrot. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in the chickpeas, mixed vegetables, and coconut milk.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Serve hot over rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Avocado and Grapefruit Salad
A refreshing and tangy salad that combines the creamy richness of avocado with the bold flavor of grapefruit, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 large grapefruit, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado and grapefruit segments.
2. Sprinkle the chopped fresh mint leaves over the top.
3. Drizzle the olive oil and grapefruit juice over the salad, tossing gently to combine.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Whole Wheat Cranberry Orange Scones
Start your day with a delicious and flavorful treat that combines the sweetness of orange and cranberries with the nutty goodness of whole wheat. These scones are perfect for a breakfast or brunch gathering, and can be easily customized to fit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 2 tablespoons orange zest
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, egg, cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice.
5. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and stir until dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times.
7. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick.
8. Cut into wedges and place on prepared baking sheet, leaving 1 inch space between each scone.
9. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Transform your favorite pasta dish into a healthy and flavorful zucchini noodle recipe, perfect for warm weather or any time you want to lighten things up. This quick and easy recipe combines the freshness of zucchini noodles with the rich flavors of homemade pesto.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (see note)
– Salt, to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wash and spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
3. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
4. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften and slightly caramelize.
5. Stir in the pesto and season with salt to taste.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Dark Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and indulgent treat that combines the freshness of strawberries with the richness of dark chocolate.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa solids)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
2. Dip each strawberry slice into the melted chocolate, coating about 3/4 of the fruit.
3. Place the dipped strawberries on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a wire rack set over a piece of parchment paper.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
5. Just before serving, dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a no-bake recipe!
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a delicious and healthy holiday season with these 20 festive recipes! From savory dishes like Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze and Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash to sweet treats like Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a variety of options, including Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast, Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme, and Spiced Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping holiday centerpiece, these recipes are sure to impress.