10+ Last-Minute Recipes for a Fabulous Holiday Menu
By Alyssa Kessel, RDN, LD, Expert Dietitian
There’s no doubt that the holidays are a challenge for the healthy routines we’ve been building, adjusting, and refining all year long. Many patients I work with are dreading the holiday season out of fear they might ruin their healthy routines or sabotage their hard-earned progress. But it’s all about finding the healthy balance between indulgence and moderation.
Many of our holiday favorites can be made into a healthy version. I recommend you make a list of your must-haves and research recipes that align with your healthy eating habits.
To help you prepare for your holiday menus, I’ve found some great recipes that will both nourish you and let you join in on the holiday celebrations. Let me know which one is your favorite!
Appetizers
Snacking at parties can be a challenge, especially if you haven’t eaten before the party. The best way to fight off the holiday munchies is to bring some great appetizers that are healthy too:
- Caprese Christmas Wreath from Cafe Delites
- Greek Yogurt Deviled Eggs from The Real Food Dietitians
Soups & Salads
Instead of stacking your plate with bread and other heavy carb items, go for some tasty soups and salads instead:
- Creamy Cauliflower Soup from Skinny Taste
- Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette from Taste of Home
- Christmas Salad with Citrus-Champagne Vinaigrette from Two Healthy Kitchens
Entrée/Protein:
No holiday menu is complete without a delicious entrée. Not sure what to make? These three are a fabulous start:
- Honey Dijon Roasted Pork Tenderloin from The Seasoned Mom
- Roast Chicken with Rosemary and Lemon from Skinny Taste
- Pan Roasted Pomegranate Glazed Salmon from Half Baked Harvest
Sides
If your sides are typically carb-heavy, here are a few substitutes you can try:
- Spice-Roasted Carrots from The Good Housekeeping
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pine Nuts from Home Cooking Adventure
- Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples from Joy Food Sunshine
Desserts
Everyone knows that desserts are the perfect way to end a great dinner. Below are three tasty treats that won’t distract from your healthy menu:
- Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites from Gimme Some Oven
- Healthy Ginger Snap Recipe from Food Faith Fitness
- Light Non-Alcoholic Eggnog from A Sweet Pea Chef
Breakfast Casserole
Some of my patients celebrate with a big family brunch rather than dinner, so I wanted to make sure there was at least one great casserole on this list:
- Turkey & Egg Breakfast Casserole from Aimee Mars
Remember, it’s all about finding that healthy balance between indulgence and moderation. If you’d like some more personalized support this holiday season, you can get started by filling out our online health history form. Good luck with your holiday menu this Christmas season!
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