10 Healthy Holiday Recipes That Everyone Will Love

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, let’s be honest, indulgence. But who says you can’t enjoy delicious treats while still staying on track with your health goals? As a certified nutrition coach and personal trainer with a passion for helping women lead healthy and fulfilling lives, I’ve curated a list of 10 mouthwatering and guilt-free holiday recipes that are bound to become favorites at your festive gatherings. These holiday recipes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to keep you feeling energized and vibrant throughout the season.

Festive Quinoa Salad – a healthy holiday appetizer

A nutrient-packed and delightful salad to start or compliment any holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups water or vegetable/bone broth
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare your Quinoa Salad:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Serve the salad at room temperature or chilled. It’s a colorful and nutrient-packed way to kick off your holiday meal.

Butternut Squash Soup – healthy holiday appetizers

A comforting, and nourishing soup before any holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare your butternut squash soup:

1. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
2. Add diced butternut squash, vegetable broth, and dried thyme to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the squash is tender.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in coconut milk and season with salt and pepper.
4. Warm the soup over low heat if needed before serving. This creamy and nourishing soup will warm your heart and soul.

Cranberry and Pecan Stuffed Turkey Breast – healthy holiday main dish

A great lean protein source for any holiday meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless turkey breasts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare your Cranberry & Pecan Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine dried cranberries, chopped pecans, olive oil, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Carefully butterfly each turkey breast by cutting a slit horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, without cutting all the way through.
4. Stuff each breast with the cranberry and pecan mixture, then secure with toothpicks.
5. Place the stuffed turkey breasts on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the turkey rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This lean protein dish will impress your guests and keep your health goals in check.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze – Healthy Holiday Side

Crispy goodness with every bite. It’s important to add some greens into our meals!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

How to prepare roasted brussels sprouts with Balsamic Glaze:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until coated.
3. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
4. In a small saucepan, heat balsamic vinegar and honey over low heat until the mixture is slightly reduced and thickened.
5. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts before serving. This dish adds a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table.

Spiced Sweet Potato Casserole – Healthy Holiday Side

Wholesome Sweetness with some healthier ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• Pinch of sea salt

How to prepare the spiced sweet potato casserole:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the sweet potato cubes in a pot of water and boil until tender. Drain and transfer to a mixing bowl.
3. Mash the sweet potatoes and stir in almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
4. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to a baking dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, oats, melted coconut oil, and a pinch of salt.
6. Sprinkle the pecan-oat mixture over the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown. This spiced sweet potato casserole is a wholesome and flavorful addition to your holiday spread.

Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Walnuts – Healthy Holiday Dessert

Dessert Done Right, We love a simple and easy healthy holiday dessert.

Ingredients:

• 4 apples, cored
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

How to prepare baked apples with cinnamon and walnuts:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix chopped walnuts, honey or maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
3. Place the cored apples in a baking dish and fill each cavity with the walnut mixture.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is golden.
5. Serve the baked apples warm, with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired, and sprinkled with some more cinnamon. This wholesome dessert is a delightful way to end your holiday meal.

Herbed Quinoa Stuffing – A healthy holiday sides

Another Wholesome Twist on a traditional dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
• 4 cups vegetable or bone broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

How to prepare the Herbed Quinoa Stuffing recipe:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in dried sage, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked quinoa to the skillet and mix well. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Transfer the herbed quinoa stuffing to a serving dish. This wholesome twist on traditional stuffing is a flavorful addition to your holiday table.

Dark Chocolate-Dipped Fruit 🍓 Medley – A Healthy Holiday Dessert

Who doesn’t love some chocolate covered fruit? Make it even more decadent with dark chocolate.

Ingredients:

• Assorted fresh fruits (strawberries, banana slices, apple slices, etc.)
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

How to make a dark chocolate dipped fruit medley(The Steps):

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. Dip each piece of fruit into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.
5. Arrange the dark chocolate-dipped fruit on a platter. This decadent treat offers a balance of antioxidants from dark chocolate and vitamins from fresh fruits.

Peppermint Green 🍃 Smoothie – A healthy holiday snack

Sometimes you want something simple, and refreshing like this smoothie.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Protein Powder (Optional)

Steps:

1. In a blender, combine baby spinach, banana, almond milk, peppermint extract, and honey or maple syrup if using.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding ice cubes as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
3. Pour the peppermint green smoothie into glasses and serve immediately. This refreshing drink is a great way to take a break from heavy holiday meals.

Guilt-Free Eggnog – A healthy holiday desserts

Remake a classic alcohol-free egg nog with healthier ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt

How to prepare the Guilt-Free Eggnog:

1. In a saucepan, heat almond milk and coconut milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Remove from heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
3. Slowly whisk the egg mixture into the warm milk mixture, stirring continuously.
4. Return the saucepan to the stove and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. Do not let it boil.
5. Remove from heat and let the eggnog cool.
6. Once cooled, transfer the eggnog to a pitcher and refrigerate until cold. Give it a good stir before serving. This guilt-free version of a classic holiday drink is sure to spread cheer without the excess sugar and calories.

Conclusion:

This holiday season, treat yourself and your loved ones to a spread of delicious and nourishing dishes that align with your health goals. With these 10 healthy holiday recipes, you can enjoy the festivities without compromising on your commitment to wellness. From nutrient-packed salads to satisfying desserts, these dishes will bring joy to your table and support your journey to health and self-love.

Remember, it’s all about balance and making choices that align with your values and aspirations. Happy holidays and happy, healthy eating from Health Love Fit!