Holiday feasts? They usually conjure images of creamy casseroles, sugary desserts, and enough cheese to build a snowman. But what if you could skip the guilt trip and still indulge in a festive and delicious spread? Turns out, healthy holiday recipes are more real than Santa Claus! Get ready to take your taste buds on a guilt-free joyride with recipes that prove healthy and holiday can go hand in hand. Read on for 4 recipes for a healthier holiday meal.
Roasted Rosemary Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Mash
Ditch the butter and cream; embrace the natural sweetness! This vibrant mash blends roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash with fragrant rosemary and a touch of maple syrup for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and nutrients.
ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 TBS olive oil
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 TBS pure maple syrup
instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes and butternut squash with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until tender.
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add maple syrup and blend again until thoroughly combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
Say goodbye to soggy sprouts! This recipe elevates the humble Brussels sprout with a tangy balsamic glaze, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a side dish that’s equal parts sweet, savory, and satisfying.
ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 TBS olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
- In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
- Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, cranberries, and pecans. Serve warm.
Herb-Crusted Salmon with Lemon and Dill
Ditch the heavy sauces and let the delicate flavors of salmon shine for this healthier holiday meal! This recipe features salmon coated in a flavorful herb crust and baked with lemon and dill for a light and satisfying main course.
ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 TBS olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced
instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Combine parsley, dill, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Brush salmon fillets with olive oil and press herb mixture onto the flesh side. Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Top with lemon slices and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.
Spiced Apple Crumble with Greek Yogurt
This healthier take on a classic dessert is the perfect way to end your holiday feast on a sweet and satisfying note.
ingredients
- 3 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
- 1 TBS honey
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Toss to coat.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, nuts, and honey. Mix until crumbly.
- Pour apples into a baking dish and top with the crumble topping. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve warm with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a guilt-free indulgence.
These are just a few ideas to get your creative culinary juices flowing. Remember, for a healthier holiday meal it is all about embracing fresh ingredients, experimenting with flavors, and avoiding heavy sauces and creams. With a little imagination, you can create a spread that’s both. And to accompany your meal, check out our “5 Tips for Conscious Drinking During the Holidays“.
