40 Healthy Christmas Recipes for a Wholesome Holiday Feast
These nutritious dishes will balance out your menu!
During the holiday season, wherever you go, iced cookies, rich pies, and creamy eggnog seem to appear out of thin air. With all the Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, and neighborhood potlucks that are probably taking over your December calendar, it's so easy to overindulge in all the sweet treats, buttery sides, and cheesy casseroles that make this festive time of year so special. And while there's absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying these celebratory dishes, moderation is, of course, key.
Sometimes, it's easier said than done, though! That's why sprinkling in a few healthy Christmas recipes that don't skimp on flavor will keep your holiday menu balanced and nutritious. Plus, wholesome dips, seasonal vegetables, and protein-packed entrées will add a pop of color to your table. Kick things off with fresh salads, fancy shrimp appetizers, and colorful crudités. Then, get creative with lightened-up versions of your favorite Christmas recipes, such as tree-shaped deviled eggs and twice-baked sweet potatoes.
If you're looking for a show-stopping main course to impress your guests, try roasted turkey, baked salmon, or stuffed acorn squash. To accompany your entrée, include an assortment of winter vegetables like crispy Brussels sprouts, fibrous cabbage salad, or roasted cauliflower. For those who want simple, time-efficient options that are brimming with nutrients, we've also included air fryer recipes that'll make your mind, body, and spirit happy. Ready to create a wholesome holiday spread? This roundup of healthy Christmas recipes is a great place to start!
Winter Citrus Salad with Feta
Upgrade your winter greens with this seasonal salad. Crisp gem lettuce is topped with crunchy radicchio, rich feta, juicy blood oranges, succulent dates, and salty pistachios and tossed in a tahini-maple dressing that ties it all together.
Get Ree's Winter Citrus Salad with Feta recipe.
Crispy Potatoes Halves with Cilantro Garlic Sauce
Instead of devouring a mountain of buttery mashed potatoes, try this healthier version that’s just as flavorful. Bite-sized potatoes are sliced in half, baked to a golden crisp, and covered in a spicy cilantro-garlic sauce.
Get Ree's Crispy Potatoes Halves with Cilantro Garlic Sauce recipe.
Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs
Spaghetti and meatballs is a cold-weather classic, but a generous serving can weigh you down. For a lighter variation, swap pasta for spaghetti squash. It still has all the delicious flavors of the original, but it's less dense and arguably more presentable!
Get Ree's Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs recipe.
Roasted Carrots with Vinaigrette
Make colorful carrots taste divine by roasting them into the oven and then tossing them in a mouthwatering vinaigrette made of olive oil, dijon mustard, garlic, and herbs. Bonus: You can prepare this healthy Christmas recipe up to two days in advance!
Get Ree's Roasted Carrots with Vinaigrette recipe.
Beet Walnut Goat Cheese Dip
With this nourishing dip on the menu, everyone will still have room for dinner and dessert. It uses herbed goat cheese, pickled beets, and toasted walnuts to create the prettiest spread. And it pairs perfectly with Christmas-colored veggies.
Get Ree's Beet Walnut Goat Cheese Dip recipe.
Apple Cider-Glazed Salmon
If you're searching for a main dish that's satiating and nutrient-dense, try apple cider-glazed salmon that tastes sweet, salty, and spiced. Steamed red potatoes and green beans will round out this healthy plate.
Get Ree's Apple Cider-Glazed Salmon recipe.
Minestrone Soup
Soup is a must during December, and this minestrone is packed with veggies and comfort. Carrots, celery, zucchini, bell pepper, onions, and green beans form the basis of this healthy recipe. And two different types of beans add more fiber and flavor.
Get Ree's Minestrone Soup recipe.
Broccoli Caesar Salad
To make your salad even more seasonal, trade lettuce for roasted broccoli. Each bite of the roasted stems will taste so fresh and crispy. The dressing is also yogurt-based, which will make the side even lighter.
Get the Broccoli Caesar Salad recipe.
Sun-Dried Tomato-White Bean Dip
Not only is this appetizer healthy, but it's also so easy to make. Just add white beans, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon zest and juice to a food processor, blend it up, and serve the spread with vegetables.
Get Ree's Sun-Dried Tomato-White Bean Dip recipe.
Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches
Want something hearty, healthy, and vegetarian-friendly for your Christmas gathering? Buffalo chickpea sandwiches are a great option for a holiday lunch. You can also cut them up into bite-sized pieces and serve them as an appetizer!
Get Ree's Buffalo Chickpea Sandwiches recipe.
Sheet Pan Pork Chops
Whether you're making Christmas dinner for your immediate family or a large crowd, pork chops are a classic. This sheet-pan iteration is super easy to prepare, and a side of crispy Brussels sprouts will add more color, vitamins, and minerals.
Get Ree's Sheet Pan Pork Chops recipe.
Stuffed Tomatoes
It doesn’t get any more nutritious than juicy tomatoes stuffed with even more vegetables! They contain onions, peppers, and celery, plus Italian sausage and pepper jack cheese for comforting additions. The bright red color doesn't hurt, either!
Get the Stuffed Tomatoes recipe.
Avocado Salsa Verde
Decorate your holiday table with this vibrant green dip! It includes creamy avocado, spicy salsa verde, and fresh cilantro for a simple (yet undeniably delicious) appetizer. Swap tortilla chips for pita slices or cut-up vegetables!
Get Ree's Avocado Salsa Verde recipe.
Turkey Meatballs
Mixing in a protein-filled appetizer like these turkey meatballs will fuel your guests. Turkey is a leaner alternative to beef or pork, but with the tasty fillings and a show-stopping dipping sauce, you won't be able to tell the difference!
Get Ree's Turkey Meatballs recipe.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
Each bite of this healthy recipe will bring on the fiber and the warmth. Filled with carrots, celery, spinach, and lentils, this soup will keep everyone cozy on a chilly winter evening. Serve it as a starter or the main meal!
Get the Instant Pot Lentil Soup recipe.
Cabbage Salad
This salad is crisp and crunchy in every bite thanks to the fresh apple, cabbage, and toasted pecans. The best part? It can be prepared up to two days in advance!
Get the Cabbage Salad recipe.
Butternut Squash Casserole
This casserole will turn anyone into a veggie lover! The powerhouse kale and butternut squash are paired with salty bacon, smoked almonds, and plenty of melty cheese for good measure.
Get the Butternut Squash Casserole recipe.
Christmas Crudités
This cute idea turns veggies and dip into a colorful wreath! Just place your creamy herb dip in a bowl in the center then surround it with red and green vegetables on the plate.
Get Ree's Christmas Crudités recipe.
Roast Chicken
A roast chicken is surprisingly simple, yet perfectly elegant. Basically it's the ultimate holiday meal! Not to mention, Ree says it's "buttery, lemony, herby, and extremely tasty."
Get Ree's Roast Chicken recipe.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
High in fiber and antioxidants, sweet potatoes are a great alternative to your other spuds. This version feels extra-special with its topping of toasty oat and pecan crumble.
Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
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