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A mouthwatering collection of the best healthy holiday meals to include on your menu this year! Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free – we’ve rounded up a list of delicious recipes that are sure to satisfy everyone at your table this Christmas!
With the second wave in full effect, many families have decided to celebrate individually this year instead of in large groups. While you may have fewer people to feed this year, it doesn't necessarily mean you should give the festivities any less effort. For many of us, dinner is the main event on Christmas so to help you keep the spirits alive, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite healthy holiday recipes & menu ideas to put together a proper feast.
Our FAVOURITE Healthy Holiday Recipes:
1.Vegan Lemon Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Who doesn't love potatoes? These garlicky potatoes infused with lemon and herbs are to die for. Simple to make, only a handful of ingredients, and ready in under an hour.
Click here for the full recipe!
2.Vegan Rice Paper Rolls
Creamy avocado, crunchy cucumbers, and hearty tofu tossed in with chillies and a homemade peanut sauce. An incredibly easy, fresh, vegan recipe to serve this holiday season whether you're vegan or not! Click here for the full recipe!
3.Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
What’s a Christmas dinner without mashed potatoes? This is truly one of my favourite holiday recipes. It’s rich, creamy, and buttery yet lower in carbs than your traditional mashed potato recipe. What’s even better? You won't have to take up space on a busy stove making this – all you need is a slow cooker!
Click here for the full recipe!
4. Cranberry Turkey Cocktail Meatballs
These Cranberry Turkey Cocktail Meatballs make perfect healthy holiday appetizers! Made with low-sodium gravy but they definitely don't fall short on flavour.
Clickhere for the full recipe!
5.Kale and Quinoa Salad with Apple-Cinnamon Dressing
This isn’t one of those salads that will still leave you hungry when you’re done. It’s packed with fibre, protein and topped with a sweet and zesty cinnamon dressing!
Serve on its own or even as a side.
Click here for the full recipe!
6. High Protein Holiday Stuffing
This healthy holiday stuffing recipe is a low carb, high protein and dairy free take on a classic Christmas and Thanksgiving side dish that is still totally indulgent!
Click here for the full recipe!
7.Baked Pears with Vegan Stuffing
I don’t know about you but stuffing is by far my favourite festive side-dish! But let’s be real… I could probably eat this vegan recipe all on its own. Made with hearty gluten-free bread, infused with fresh rosemary and cranberries, and served over a baked pear – who says you have to sacrifice flavour just because it’s vegan?
Click here for the full recipe!
8.Macadamia Nut Cookies
Nothing screams Christmas more than the smell of freshly baked cookies filling up your home on a snowy winter day! Perfectly zesty and sweet – these macadamia nut cookies are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Click here for the full recipe!
9.Minty Millet and Pomegranate Salad
Why wait until January to eat a little lighter and brighter? This minty millet salad is the perfect appetizer, side, or even main course. Topped with nourishing pomegranates, crunchy pistachios and tossed in a light but tangy tahini dressing!
Click here for the full recipe!
10.Vegan Kale and Artichoke Dip
A twist on your classic party dip that’s still irresistible but infinitely more healthy. Made with sunflower seed puree and chickpeas served over a crunchy crostini and topped with pickled onions. It’s the perfect high protein appetizer!
Click here for the full recipe!
11.Vegan Lentil Nut “Meatloaf”
You’d never be able to tell that this meatloaf is actually meatless! Made from cooked sweet potatoes, mushrooms, lentils, nuts, and fresh thyme – it’s packed with plant-based protein and doesn’t fall short on flavour.
Click here for the full recipe!
12.Mushroom and Leek Risotto
If you’ve ever been intimidated to try risotto, don’t be! This dairy-free recipe is simple to make and you’ll only need 8 ingredients. It’s creamy, comforting yet also packed with nutrients. The perfect dish when you’re craving carbs and cheesiness!
Click here for the full recipe!
13.Balsamic Baked Pork Tenderloin & Caramelized Figs
The luscious sweet flavour of this pork tenderloin will have your taste buds dancing. Paired with a fig balsamic chilli glaze – it's an ideal main course that will taste great with many sides!
Click here for the full recipe!
14.Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash
Make use of those seasonal veggies with this hearty butternut squash recipe. Stuffed with crispy quinoa, caramelized mushrooms, shallots and a savoury balsamic reduction. It’s the perfect entrée or side dish this holiday season and makes a great centerpiece!
Click here for the full recipe!
15.Massaged Kale Salad with Winter Fruit
This winter salad is far from boring! Made with fibre-rich pomegranates, toasted almonds and topped with a scrumptious orange-ginger dressing. It’s light yet loaded with flavour and is perfect for Christmas with all these vibrant colours… I mean just look at it!
Click here for the full recipe!
Which festive recipes will you be serving up this holiday season?
Share them with me in the comments below!
This article was written in collaboration with Valeria Shvets.
Valeria is a holistic nutritionist and personal trainer in Toronto. Follow the link below to snag a copy of her new E-Book – Nutrition Matters. You’ll find everything you need and more to get started on those healthy New Year’s resolutions!