The holidays are a time to indulge, but you don’t have to sacrifice health for flavor. With a few simple tweaks, you can enjoy all your favorite holiday dishes without the extra calories.
Check out these healthy holiday food alternatives with recipes that’ll keep you merry and bright.
1. Cauliflower Mash (A Low-Carb Alternative to Mashed Potatoes)
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
1. Steam the cauliflower and garlic until tender (about 10-12 minutes).
2. Drain excess water and transfer the cauliflower and garlic to a food processor.
3. Add olive oil or butter and season with salt and pepper.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley if desired.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Instead of Sweet Potato Casserole)
Ingredients:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until the potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized.
3. Herb-Crusted Turkey Breast (Lean Protein Alternative to Honey Baked Ham or Pork Belly)
Ingredients:
- 1 to 2 boneless, skinless turkey breasts (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, then coat with rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and add the chicken broth.
4. Roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
4. Quinoa Stuffing (A Healthier Version of Traditional Stuffing)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, mushrooms, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the sage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked quinoa to the vegetable mixture and stir to combine.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
5. Greek Yogurt Spinach Artichoke Dip (A High-Protein, Lighter Dip Option)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat)
- 1/2 cup light cream cheese
- 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 cup canned artichoke hearts, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cream cheese, spinach, artichokes, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden. 4. Serve with whole grain crackers, raw veggies, or pita chips.
6. Cinnamon-Baked Apples (A Healthier Alternative to Apple Pie)
Ingredients:
- 4 apples, cored
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Core the apples and place them in a baking dish.
3. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon, nutmeg, and honey. Sprinkle the mixture over the apples. 4. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized.
5. If desired, sprinkle with chopped walnuts before serving. Enjoy it warm.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Carrots (Veggie Side Dish)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts and carrots with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the veggies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
8. Chocolate Dates (Alternative to Fudge)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
- 1/2 cup raw almonds (or any other nuts of your choice)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate, 70% cocoa or higher)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for smoothness)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds (optional for added fiber)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the dates. If your dates are firm, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften. Drain them well before using.
2. Blend the nuts and dates in a food processor. Pulse the almonds (or other nuts) until finely chopped, but not a powder.
3. Add the dates, cocoa powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Pulse until the mixture is sticky and holds together. If it’s too dry, add a little water, one teaspoon at a time, until it comes together.
4. Melt the Dark Chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.
5. Scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon) of the date-nut mixture and roll them into balls.
6. Dip each energy bite into the melted dark chocolate and roll them until fully coated.
7. Place the chocolate-coated balls on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
8. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on each bite to enhance the chocolate’s flavor and balance the sweetness.
9. Refrigerate the energy bites for at least 30 minutes to set the chocolate and firm up the bites.
9. 3-Ingredient Healthier No-Bake Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats if necessary)
- 1/2 cup almond butter (or peanut butter, unsweetened)
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, depending on preference
Instructions:
1. Combine the rolled oats, almond butter, and maple syrup (or honey) in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well mixed and the oats are coated in the almond butter and sweetener.
2. Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into balls or flatten them into cookie shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate.
3. Place the cookies in the fridge for 30-60 minutes or until they firm up and set.
**For added flavor, you can mix in a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract.
***If you want extra crunch, feel free to add in some chopped nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
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