The holidays are here, and with them come endless plates of cookies, creamy casseroles, and indulgent treats. I say yes to all of them!
But let’s be honest, by the third holiday party of the season, you’re probably craving something a little lighter that still feels festive and satisfying rather than rich, heavy foods. That is when you need healthy holiday foods!
These seasonal dishes are as good for you as they are delicious, but they all still have that holiday feel that you want at this time of year. It’s all about adding some balance to your holiday table with recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds because they feel good about the food on their plate.
From vibrant salads to hearty mains, these dishes prove that “healthy” and “holiday” go hand in hand.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds
Brussels sprouts are a real festive food thanks to their beautiful, natural green color and the fact that they are in season in the late fall and winter. Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, and the juicy pomegranate seeds add a pop of color and tangy crunch.
These little green powerhouses are packed with vitamins C and K, plus the pomegranate seeds have lots of antioxidants, so you get tons of health benefits from this one pretty dish that screams holiday cheer while keeping things light and fresh.
Quinoa and Cranberry Salad
Quinoa is basically the overachiever of all the grains out there. It’s high in protein, full of fiber, and gluten-free. When you toss some cooked quinoa with sweet cranberries, nuts, and a zesty dressing, you’ve got a salad that’s as colorful as it is nutritious.
This dish is perfect for balancing those heavier holiday meals while feeling festive and completely full after the meal.
Herb-Crusted Roasted Carrots
Fancy carrots are a holiday treat! Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, and a coating of fresh herbs takes them to the next level. Not only do roasted carrots taste incredible, but they are also packed with beta-carotene, along with that hint of holiday magic. They are as healthy as they are beautiful.
Serve them as a festive side, and watch them disappear faster than the holiday cookies.
Cauliflower Mash
Move over, mashed potatoes! Cauliflower mash is here to steal the show. Creamy, buttery, and surprisingly low-carb, this dish is a lighter take on those heavy mashed potatoes.
Cauliflower is full of fiber and vitamin C, so you can feel good about returning for seconds (or thirds). It’s indulgence without the guilt!
Winter Citrus Salad with Arugula
Nothing says “fresh and light” like a bright citrus salad. Juicy oranges and grapefruit pair perfectly with peppery arugula and a light vinaigrette.
This salad is like a burst of sunshine on your holiday table, and it’s loaded with vitamin C to keep you feeling your best during those chilly nights. Who says salads can’t be festive? This one definitely is.
Balsamic Glazed Roasted Vegetables
This dish will make veggies the star of the holiday table. Roasting caramelizes the veggies, making them sweet and irresistible, while the balsamic glaze adds just the right amount of tangy taste.
Veggies are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, so this dish is the perfect way to balance all those rich holiday flavors with something healthier.
Butternut Squash Soup
This silky, creamy soup is a total comfort food in a bowl. Butternut squash is naturally sweet, so the soup is almost like a dessert. It is also low-calorie and full of vitamin A, making it a healthy and comforting option. A hint of nutmeg or cinnamon gives it that holiday flair.
Butternut squash soup is perfect for a hearty lunch, a sweet appetizer, or as the main course on your holiday table.
Cranberry and Orange Oatmeal Bars
Cranberry and oatmeal bars are the perfect holiday snack or breakfast treat. They are made with whole-grain oats, sweet cranberries, and zesty orange, but you can also mix in other things like chocolate chips or raisins.
The bars are packed with fiber thanks to the oats and natural sweetness from the cranberries and oranges.
Unlike most holiday sweets, these won’t leave you in a sugar coma. They are also super portable for on-the-go holiday shopping fuel!
Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
Zoodles are the ultimate healthy swap for pasta, and when tossed with fresh pesto, they’re a flavor-packed delight and so pretty! Green is such a seasonal color, after all.
Zucchini is low in calories but high in vitamins and minerals, so you can enjoy a big bowl without the guilt of holiday food. It’s a great lighter meal option for those nights when you need a break from heavier meals.
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
This salad is a holiday showstopper with its jewel-toned beets and creamy white goat cheese. Beets are packed with antioxidants and fiber, and goat cheese adds a touch of indulgence without overdoing it.
You can also add some walnuts for crunch, and you’ve got a dish that’s as nutritious as it is gorgeous.
Spaghetti Squash with Marinara and Herbs
Who needs pasta when spaghetti squash exists? Once roasted, this veggie transforms into noodle-like strands that are low in carbs and high in vitamins A and C.
You can toss it with marinara and fresh herbs for a comforting, guilt-free holiday meal. It’s cozy, healthy, and totally satisfying.
Apple and Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
This baked oatmeal is like breakfast but also a dessert. Made with whole-grain oats, fresh crunchy apples, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, apple oatmeal is a nice and easy dish that will warm your soul and fuel your hectic holiday days.
Oatmeal is high in fiber and naturally sweet; it’s perfect for keeping you energized throughout all the holiday madness!
