Healthy Christmas Recipes for When You Want a New Holiday Menu

The holidays aren’t exactly the healthiest time of the year. Between feasts and finishing leftovers, it’s easy to get carried away. You can end up consuming more calories, sweets, and alcohol than you planned, which can leave you feeling stuffed and bloated. 

There’s nothing wrong with a nostalgic and comforting feast, such as turkey, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese. However, if you’re looking to cut calories and lose weight, you may need to think outside the box. Healthy Christmas recipes can help balance the nutrient intake when paired with more indulgent ones. 

The meals can be light, delicious, and filling. They can cater to your every need with just a couple of adjustments. In this article, you’ll find healthy dishes with a lot of flavor. From low-fat swaps to dessert alternatives, here’s what to make this Christmas.

What Are Some Healthy Christmas Recipes?

Healthy Christmas recipes strike a balance between flavor and lower-calorie options. They offer a lighter take on classic dishes. The meals can include lean protein, vegetables, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and fewer sugary foods. 

You need to balance rich dishes with lighter ones to feel more nourished and still satisfied. For example, if you’re making a casserole, balance it out with a serving of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, spinach, or broccoli. Fiber-rich foods such as vegetables and whole grains can keep you full for longer. Including enough protein can also help with your weight and/or health-related goals (1). 

Our previous post goes into great detail about the healthy Christmas treats.

These easy healthy Christmas recipes can help you get started.

Tomato and Goat Cheese Bruschetta

Makes 4 servings. Calories: 153 | Protein: 6 g | Carbs: 17 g  | Fat: 7 g

This appetizer is a lighter and healthier alternative to classic cheese platters or creamy dips. Goat cheese provides protein and other nutrients. The tomato and toasted bread add flavor with fewer calories.

Ingredients

• 1/2 baguette
• 1/3 cup goat cheese
• 1 large tomato
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 4 basil leaves
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste

Directions

• Cut the baguette into 8-inch pieces, each 1-inch thick. 
• Place the baguette on a baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil over it and bake for 7-10 minutes or until crispy.
• Cut the jalapeno and tomatoes into small cubes. Mix with the garlic, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and some salt.
• Spread the cheese onto the bread and add the tomato mixture.
• Sprinkle some basil leaves on top.

Recipe courtesy of Your Healthy Beginning.

If you wish to free yourself from all the extra pounds that have been weighing you down for way too long, start using the BetterMe: Health Coaching app and overhaul your entire life!

Honey Roasted Carrots

Makes 4 servings. Calories: 204 | Protein: 1 g | Carbs: 29 g | Fat: 10 g

Root vegetables are an excellent side dish, rich in fiber and antioxidants such as beta-carotene. Roasting the carrots draws out their flavor. Coating them in honey lets them caramelize, which makes them even sweeter. 

Ingredients

• 8 medium-sized carrots (peeled)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 F.
• Place the carrots in a non-stick baking dish.
• Cover with some honey, olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until the carrots are fully coated.
• Bake for 30 minutes or until the texture of the carrots is soft. 

Recipe courtesy of Allrecipes.

Green Bean Artichoke Casserole

Makes 10 servings (¾ cup each). Calories: 207 | Protein: 8 g | Carbs: 22 g | Fat: 10 g

Casseroles often contain high amounts of cheese, cream, and butter. This alternative uses a lighter base, which reduces the fat content and calories. The artichokes and green beans help create a balanced meal and provide fiber. 

Ingredients

• 6 cups green beans
• 3 cans artichoke hearts (chopped and drained)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley (minced)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup bread crumbs (preferably seasoned)
• Salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste

Directions

• Add 6 cups of water to a saucepan and bring to a boil.
• Cook the beans for a couple of minutes or until they’re slightly soft.
• Drain the beans and set them aside.
• In a different pan, saute the garlic and onion. Add the artichokes and beans. Season them well then add some parmesan and bread crumbs. 
• Transfer the vegetables to a baking dish and add the rest of the cheese. Bake for half an hour or until the top gets a brown crust. 

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home.

Turkey and Kale Minestrone Soup

Makes 5 servings (1.5 cups each). Calories: 257 | Protein: 25 g | Carbs: 28 g | Fat: 5 g

Turkey minestrone maximizes nutrient intake. You can use it to repurpose some leftover turkey and add plenty of vegetables. It’s easy on the stomach, versatile, and very filling. When served with whole-grain toast or a baguette, it becomes a very satisfying meal. 

Ingredients

• 1-2 cups leftover turkey meat 
• Handful of kale
• 1 cup shell pasta (cavatelli)
• 1 can of tomatoes with juices included
• 6 cups turkey/chicken stock 
• 1 onion (diced)
• 2 celery stocks (thinly sliced)
• 1 large carrot (thinly sliced)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 garlic cloves (chopped)
• 1 can cannellini beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce 
• 1 tablespoon herb spices (dried basil, oregano, or thyme) 
• Pinch of cayenne
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parsley for garnish

Directions

• Saute the onions with olive oil over medium-high heat. 
• Add the garlic, celery, and carrots and cook for a couple of minutes or until the onion starts to brown.
• Add the herb spices, tomatoes, beans, and stock. 
• Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and allow it to simmer until the beans are fully cooked.
• Add the pasta and cook until it’s al dente. 
• Add the shredded turkey meat and kale, letting it wilt. 
• Add the soy sauce and cayenne and adjust the saltiness to your liking. 
• Finish with some fresh parsley. 

Recipe courtesy of Feasting At Home. 

Mediterranean Seven-Layer Dip

Makes 12 servings. Calories: 78 | Protein: 2 g | Carbs: 7 g | Fat: 5 g

This is a delicious and nutritious dip. It uses ready-made ingredients that are layered one on top of the other. They meld together to boost the flavor and texture. You get a flavorful alternative to a classic taco dip.  

Ingredients

• 1 cup sour cream (preferably reduced-fat)
• 8 ounces hummus
• 1/4 cup red onion (chopped)
• 8 ounces roasted sweet red peppers (chopped and drained)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• A dozen Greek olives (chopped and pitted)
• Some fresh parsley for garnish
• Baked pita chips for serving

Directions

• Get a 9-inch pie dish or a shallow serving plate.
• Spread a generous amount of hummus evenly onto the dish.
• Top with a layer of sour cream.
• Sprinkle over some red peppers, onions, and cheese.
• Decorate with olives and fresh parsley.
• Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
• Serve with pita chips. 

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home.

Can You Make Your Christmas Meals Healthier?

Yes, you can. Optimize the food you already eat by adding more ingredients with high nutritional value, such as whole grains, vegetables, and lean protein sources (2). 

You can swap your seasonings to make something healthier. Use various cooking techniques, monitor the portion sizes, and avoid overeating. These tips can help you make healthy Christmas recipes for weight loss:

• Sneak in fiber: Add ground flax seeds to baked goods or add cooked lentils to your stuffing mix. Use whole-wheat or legume-based pasta in your mac and cheese instead of the usual white pasta. 
• Make your own sauces: Store-bought sauces can contain a lot of added sugar. Prepare a homemade BBQ sauce, Alfredo, Bechamel, honey and mustard, or whatever you prefer.
• Use healthy cooking methods: Try cooking healthy Christmas recipes using methods such as steaming, grilling, roasting, and baking. Avoid deep-frying as this can add a lot of extra calories (3). 
• Balance the plate: Find ways to add more vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats to every meal. 
• Portion control: Don’t stop yourself from eating your favorite dish. Simply limit the amount of rich dishes you eat and balance your plate with vegetables and other lighter dishes. Use smaller plates to control the intake and reduce overindulgence. 

Read more: What Is A Clean Eating Food List For Beginners?

How to Make Christmas Meals Lower in Fat

To make light Xmas meals, incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients and use cooking methods that don’t add too much fat. Choose lean proteins, such as seafood, skinless poultry, or plant-based alternatives. Trim the excess fat from the meat before you cook it.

Another way to create low-calorie Christmas recipes is to replace high-fat ingredients with low-fat options. For example, instead of cream and butter, use low-fat milk, Greek yogurt, or plant-based milk. 

Use cooking techniques such as steaming, grilling, and roasting instead of frying. Cook the food in a non-stick pan to reduce the added fats. Instead of using lots of butter and salt to add more flavor, rely on herbs, spices, and acids such as citrus fruits (4). 

What Are Some Healthy Alternatives for Christmas Dishes?

Look for balance and diversity. Choose a base and add multiple nutrient-dense products with various textures and colors. Boost the food menu with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Here are some strategies you can use to plan healthy Christmas recipes.

Appetizers and Starters

• Vegetable Platters: Serve diverse produce on a platter such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Pair with hummus or Greek yogurt dips instead of creamy sauces.  
• Whole-Grain Snacks: Serve whole-grain or seed-based crackers. Decorate them with sweet and savory toppings to create healthy appetizer ideas.
• Soup Starters: Replace cream-based soups with broth, lentils, or any kind of vegetable soup. 

Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower mash, carrot and ginger mash, garlic bean mash, or pea and mint purée. Use olive oil or Greek Yogurt instead of butter or cream. 
• Pasta: Swap a full plate of pasta with half a plate of pasta and half vegetables. Use whole-wheat pasta instead of white.
• Fried Foods: Replace high-calorie fried foods with roasted vegetables. Use zucchini, parsnips, beets, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. 

Main Courses

• Fatty Cuts of Meat: Choose lean cuts of meat to reduce saturated fat, such as chicken or turkey. Use herbs and spices to add more flavor. 
• Stuffing: Use whole-grain bread, quinoa, and/or vegetables for stuffing. For a healthy Christmas dinner recipe, you can also add nuts and cranberries. 
• Gravy: Use low-sodium broth and replace the cream with cornstarch slurry.

BetterMe is your fast-track ticket to long-lasting weight loss! Tailor your fitness journey and maximize your results with just a couple of swipes!

What Healthy Christmas Desserts Can You Make?

Healthy desserts are lower in added sugar and calories. You can treat yourself to something sweet that is aligned with your dietary goals. Foods such as apples, bananas, nuts, figs, and dates are a great choice. They offer natural sweetness packed with vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats.

Here are a few healthy Christmas recipes you can try: 

• Baked Apples – Fill apples with cinnamon and honey and bake until tender. Top with some chopped pecans and sesame seeds.
• Banana Bread – Use very ripe, spotty bananas to make banana bread. Mix with some melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Sprinkle in some salt and baking soda. Stir in the flour until combined. Add some nuts, fruits, or chocolate chips. Bake in a loaf pan. 
• Fruit Salad – Mix any kind of fruit with contrasting flavors. Include berries, apples, grapes, oranges, and bananas to add color. Sprinkle in some honey, nuts, and seeds. 
• Chia Seed Pudding – Combine the chia seeds with milk and honey in a jar. Let it sit in the fridge overnight or for at least 4 hours. Serve with your favorite toppings, such as granola, berries, and walnuts. 

If you’re curious about the healthy Christmas cookies, check out our earlier article.

Read more: Sugar-Free Gluten-Free Desserts That Never Fail (+ Extra Tips To Satisfy A Sweet Tooth)

What Other Low-Calorie Christmas Recipes Can You Try?

Healthy food for a Christmas party doesn’t need to be boring. Think of stuffed mushrooms or bell peppers. Low-calorie foods can help with weight management. You can consume satisfying portions without going over your daily caloric needs. 

The nutrients support various bodily functions, such as digestion, hormonal balance, and energy production. These options can include:

• Stuffed Mushrooms: Combine garlic, cream cheese, parsley, parmesan, and bread crumbs in a bowl. Stuff mushrooms with the cheese mixture and sprinkle more parmesan on top. Bake until tender. 
• Vegetable Stuffed Bell Peppers: Prepare a filling with brown rice, onion, tomatoes, garlic, pinto beans, and season to taste. Stuff bell peppers and sprinkle some Cheddar cheese on top. Bake until the cheese turns golden with spots. 
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Season the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, Bake until tender. Sprinkle some honey and balsamic vinegar over them. Toss and ensure they’re coated evenly. 
• Cabbage Rolls: Combine cooked rice, ground meat, onion, and egg. Season with some garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix all the ingredients and fill the base of a cabbage leaf. Roll it up and repeat with the rest of the filling. Bake until the meat is fully cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

For more details about vegan holiday recipes, take a look at our prior publication.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which healthy swaps work for Christmas dishes?

Healthy swaps can make a meal lighter. Consider replacing creamy dips with Greek Yogurt or hummus. Use lean proteins instead of fatty meats, and swap the butter for healthy oil, such as extra virgin olive oil. 

• Are there gluten-free options for Christmas treats?

Yes. Any gluten-free flour blend dessert is an excellent substitute for traditional recipes. This includes almond flour sugar cookies, chocolate coconut bars, cranberry orange tart, and oats with nut butter and honey. 

• Which low-sugar Christmas desserts are best?

A healthy chia seed pudding made with nuts, granola, dried or fresh fruit provides a tasty treat with various nutrients. Other options include baked apples, strawberries dipped in dark chocolate, or a fruit salad. They provide a sweet, yet nutritious finish.

• What are some simple healthy Christmas side dishes?

Choose foods that are rich in nutrients. Include roasted vegetables, salads, whole grains, garlic mashed cauliflower, etc. Season the dishes with herbs and spices and combine leafy greens with fruit. For example, make a kale and cranberry salad with toasted almonds and a lemon-honey dressing. 

The Bottom Line

Healthier Christmas meals should focus on nutrient density. You balance the macronutrients and minimize excess calories from added sugars and unhealthy fats. The dishes prioritize lean protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The ideas listed here provide healthy alternatives to some of the staples of a traditional Christmas dinner. Remember to get creative and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.