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Looking for healthy holiday recipes for the upcoming season? The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and of course, delicious food. But, it doesn’t have to derail your health goals.
I’ve rounded up a new collection of healthy holiday recipes from my registered dietitian colleagues and other websites I love. These dishes are packed with flavor, festive flair, and nourishing ingredients, so you can enjoy every bite without the guilt.
From hearty mains to vibrant sides and irresistible appetizers, these dishes have something for everyone at your holiday table. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, these nutritionist-approved appetizers, mains, and sides will keep you satisfied and help you stick to your health goals at the same time!
Appetizers
Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese, & Arugula Tart
If you’re looking for another festive crowdpleaser, this caramelized onion, goat cheese, & arugula tart is the perfect balance between savory and sweet.
“I love this caramelized onion tart for an easy holiday appetizer. It’s topped with creamy goat cheese and peppery arugula and is so flavourful. It’s always a hit when I serve it,” says Christina Iaboni, RD
This caramelized onion, goat cheese, and arugula tart balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a buttery, crisp puff pastry base, making it an irresistible appetizer. Packed with antioxidants from the onions and arugula, along with healthy fats from the goat cheese, it’s a delicious and nutritious addition to any holiday spread.
Dietitian tip: If arugula is not your jam, substitute with watercress for an equally delicious option.
Shrimp Ceviche Cocktail
Need an elegant starter that doesn’t fill everyone up before the holiday meal? This shrimp ceviche cocktail by Skinnytaste fits the bill and is about as simple and elegant as it gets.
Ceviche is typically served as an appetizer consisting of raw or lightly cooked seafood marinated in citrus and other seasonings. This shrimp ceviche one of the best healthy holiday recipes and a refreshing appetizer that combines zesty lime-marinated shrimp with creamy avocado and crunchy vegetables.
Packed with 11 grams of lean protein, heart-healthy fats, and only 100 calories per serving, it’s a flavorful and nutritious way to start any festive gathering. Serve it in a martini glass to really elevate its presentation and add to its festivity!
Dietitian tip: Since this appetizer is small, savor it slowly to fully enjoy it and allow time to feel fullness before the main meal.
Walnut Stuffed Mushrooms with Cheddar, Apple, and Sage
Stuffed mushrooms are one of my favorite appetizers, as I often associate them with awesome weddings and cocktail hours I’ve attended. If you love a good stuffed mushroom but want to uplevel your recipe game, these Walnut Stuffed Mushrooms are the perfect pick.
“Bring more plants to the party with these mushrooms stuffed with “walnut meat” for a boost of fiber, protein, and healthy fats for a satisfying appetizer or side dish,” says Mandy Enright, MS, RDN, RYT, the Food + Movement Dietitian. They’re also super quick and easy to prepare, among the other things you may be making.
These stuffed mushrooms combine the savory richness of walnuts, sharp cheddar, and fresh sage with a hint of sweetness from apples, delivering flavor in every bite. they’re packed with plant-based protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making them a nutritious and satisfying holiday appetizer.
Dietitian tip: You can also swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or apples for raisins.
Main Dishes
Herb-Roasted Turkey
Nothing says Thanksgiving like a good turkey. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it’s the start of the holiday season when everyone anticipates all the fun and excitement. I usually feel most energized during this time and motivated to do everything to make the holidays as festive as possible.
If you’re new to hosting Thanksgiving or are just seeking a new turkey recipe, this Herb-Roasted Turkey from Eating Well is deliciously aromatic and easy. It combines fresh minced herbs, aromatics, and a touch of olive oil for a flavorful and tender centerpiece. With its golden-brown skin and juicy, perfectly seasoned meat, it’s a delicious holiday classic and a lean source of protein, making it a wholesome addition to your festive table. Protein can help keep you full, which can support weight loss or, at the very least, prevent weight gain during the holidays.
Dietitian tip – Try eating your turkey before everything else on your plate to fill yourself up!
Lighter Shrimp Scampi
If your family is not into turkey or you’re looking for a seafood-based meal for the night of seven fishes, this lighter shrimp scampi dish by Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN is a perfect choice. With less than 400 calories and 37 grams of protein per serving, this is a satisfying classic that won’t disappoint.
Made with zucchini noodles, this flavorful dish combines the richness of garlic, shallots, and a touch of Sriracha with the brightness of lemon and white wine. Packed with lean protein, heart-healthy olive oil, and nutrient-dense zucchini noodles, it’s a guilt-free, delicious choice for the holiday season that balances indulgence with nutrition.
This meal is pulled right from Toby’s cookbook “Smart Meal Prep for Beginners” which includes many other healthy and easy meal ideas and a 6-week plan to build a consistent meal prep habit.
Dietitian tip: If you want the taste of real spaghetti too, mix zucchini noodles with high-protein spaghetti or whole wheat spaghetti (I love Barilla’s Protein plus pasta) for a balanced and healthy combination.
Balsamic Pork Loin
Whether it’s for Christmas or a turkey alternative for Thanksgiving, pork loin is lean, decadent, and flavorful main dish that is incredibly nutritious. I was able to meet several representatives from the National Pork Board at a nutrition conference, and they truly care about the quality and taste of their finished product.
This balsamic-marinated pork loin by Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and herbaceous flavors, with rosemary and garlic enhancing every bite. Rich in protein and low in fat, it’s a wholesome, satisfying main dish that pairs well with any healthy side for a balanced meal. I’ve made pork before for the holidays and can attest to its delicious flavor, moisture, and aroma while it’s soaking in all the herbs!
Dietitian tip: Keep a close eye on the temperature, pulling out when it hits 145 degrees. Since pork is lean and contains less fat, it can dry out easily if it overcooks.
Classic Italian Pasta Fagioli
If you’re looking for a good soup starter or a comforting soup as your main holiday meal, pasta fagioli is truly a crowd pleaser. This classic Italian pasta fagioli by Lisa Andrews is packed with protein and fiber but low in calories and fat.
This hearty pasta fagioli combines tender beans, nutrient-rich whole wheat pasta, and a medley of vegetables in a savory tomato broth, delivering comforting flavor in every bite. “This classic Italian soup is full of fiber and flavor and makes a great lunch or dinner after heavy holiday fare,” says Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, Founder of soundbitesnutrition.com.
With 10 grams of protein, 9 grams of fiber, and under 250 calories per serving, it’s a nutritious, filling meal perfect for a healthy Thanksgiving recipe or any cold winter day.
Dietitian tip: This soup can be a great starter or delicious as a leftover the next day.
Cream of Turkey and Wild Rice Soup
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE a good leftover turkey soup recipe. From what I’ve experienced, it’s commonplace to have leftover turkey no matter how many people you host. This cream of turkey and wild rice soup from Eating Well is so simple to make, rich and creamy, yet good for you.
This creamy soup from Eating Well is a perfect holiday dish, combining tender turkey, hearty wild rice, and common vegetable staples like celery and carrots for a comforting and festive meal. One of its best features is that it’s low in sodium, which is hard to find in a soup. Sodium (a.k.a. salt) can make you onto water weight and cause bloat, so decreasing your intake after the holiday can help your weight “reset” back to normal.
Quick to make with leftover turkey and low-fat ingredients, it’s a healthy, satisfying option for busy holiday evenings.
Dietitian tip: Swap wild rice with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
Sides
Roasted Winter Vegetables Smothered in Tahini Sauce
Many traditional holiday sides are loaded with fat and calories, such as scalloped potatoes or sweet potatoes with syrup. But, they don’t have to be so calorie-laden to taste good.
This roasted winter vegetable recipe combines caramelized cauliflower, parsnips, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with a creamy, spiced tahini sauce for a rich and satisfying flavor. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, this dish is not only delicious but also supports digestion, immunity, and heart health, making it a nutritious seasonal favorite. Fiber, like protein, is essential nutrition for fullness, and can help naturally reduce your calorie intake.
“This Roasted Winter Vegetables Smothered in Tahini Sauce is really easy enough to serve as a side for a Sunday night dinner (try it with my baked lasagna or lentil patties), but it’s special enough to serve at your holiday table too (try it for Thanksgiving or Christmas!),” says Sharon Palmer, RD, Owner of the Plant-Powered Dietitian.
Dietitian tip: Fill half your holiday plate with veggies, which are naturally low in calories, and eat them first along with protein.
Stuffed Squash with Sage Lentils and Wheat
This stuffed winter squash recipe by Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RD features a savory blend of sage-infused lentils, hearty bulgur, and crunchy walnuts, creating a rich and satisfying flavor. Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, it’s a wholesome, delicious option for a nutritious holiday side dish.
This festive side pairs well with turkey, pork loin, or any other type of roast for a sweet and savory accompaniment.
Dietitian tip: Enjoy as a side or a main meal for plant-forward lifestyle.
Coconut Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite all-time veggies, especially so around the holidays. When cooked right, they pick up a warm, earthy, and crispy flavor that pairs perfectly with holiday-themed main dishes.
This Coconut Maple Balsamic Brussels sprouts recipe is provided by Jess DeGore, RD, a dietitian and diabetes care specialist. It combines the rich, caramelized flavor of balsamic vinegar with a touch of sweetness from sugar-free maple syrup. Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and low in carbs, it’s a healthy option that supports stable blood sugar levels, a healthy weight, and overall wellness.
Dietitian tip: Swap the coconut oil for olive oil if you’re watching your saturated fat intake.
Orange Cranberry Green Beans with Brie
Thanksgiving is not complete without a good old green bean recipe. With so many ways to make green beans, why not mix it up from the same boring green bean casserole every year? These green beans with orange, cranberry, and brie add a holiday flare to this dish and a whole lot of flavor. If you love brie as much as I do, you’ll love this dish!
Packed with color and fiber, this delicious green bean recipe is a great addition to your holiday table! It’s easy yet elegant,” says Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD of It’s a Veg World After All.
And at less than 200 calories per cup plus 4 grams of fiber, this is a weight-loss-friendly side at its core.
Dietitian tip: You can adjust the fat or sugar content further if you choose by reducing the amount of brie or cranberries accordingly.
If you love these recipes, find even more healthy holiday recipes here!
Takeaway
Eating healthy around the holidays doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor and fun – plenty of healthy holiday recipes can keep you on track. Whether your goal is to lose weight, maintain, or just feel your best this holiday season, these recipes are here to support your goals! Remember that it is possible to enjoy your meals and still be healthy, and it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing.
If you need more support and accountability in your weight loss journey and a sustainable plan, schedule a FREE nutrition strategy call today. During this 20-minute video call, we’ll discuss your biggest challenges and goals and answer any questions you have to see if my sustainable weight loss program is for you.
