Healthy Holiday Recipes
Whether you’re attending a holiday potluck or cooking for family gatherings, it’s often hard to make the meal healthy. Check out these crowd-pleasing healthy recipes from our nonprofit partners American Heart Association and American Cancer Society, plus the Mayo Clinic.
BRUNCH
Avocado Blueberry Muffins – substitute avocado for the butter or oil for a scrumptious breakfast muffin
Banana Bread Smoothie – whether as a breakfast treat or a dessert, the oats in this recipe are healthy for your heart
Breakfast Burritos – a low-cal version that uses an unusual ingredient we guarantee you already have in your pantry to make light, fluffy scrambled eggs
Cauliflower Quiche – your guests will never know about the hidden main ingredient in this recipe
Greek Frittata – a Mediterranean flavor infused brunch recipe you can make in a slow cooker
Morning Glory Muffins – using whole-wheat flour and applesauce, this recipe packs warm flavors
Popovers – this four-ingredient breakfast treat is quick and easy to customize with toppings such as salsa, avocados, pico, and cheese
Pumpkin Oat Muffins – low in fat and loaded with vitamin A and fiber, pumpkins are good for more than just fall decor
Sliced Fruit with Honey-Vanilla Yogurt Dip – any fruit can be dunked into this American, no-cook yogurt dip
Steamed Pumpkin Bread – a moist and delicious update to the traditional steamed brown bread recipe
APPETIZERS
Caprese Kebabs – an easy appetizer that combines the colors of the season: red cherry tomatoes, green basil, and white mozzarella
Creamy Spinach Feta Dip – a lighter, heart-healthy version of the favorite dip sure to change the mind of any spinach “disliker”
Crunchy Cucumber-Dill Salad – this dish provides a refreshing option that doesn’t weigh you down
Festive Tuna Roll-Ups – Bright red and green pepper rings dress up this easy appetizer
Ginger-Pumpkin Bisque – This recipe adds richness without the fat of heavy cream
SIDE DISHES
Acorn Squash Wedges with Walnuts – this slow cook recipe incorporates a brown sugar and walnut sauce that makes “browning” simple
Baked Mushroom Mac-n-Cheese – create this comfort food staple with a healthy twist
Cauliflower Mash – this side tastes so much like mashed potatoes that no one but you will know the truth
Creole-Style Black-Eyed Peas – It’s believed black eyed peas bring good fortune when eaten on New Year’s Eve; the beans in this dish are an excellent source of folate and fortune!
Green Bean Casserole – this recipe includes a homemade white sauce instead of canned cream of mushroom soup, which cuts the sodium significantly without sacrificing flavor
Maple Syrup-Glazed Sweet Potato Casserole – slash the calories of this classic dish by incorporating whipped egg whites for a light and healthy side
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower – add crunch to your meal with this flavorful and eye-pleasing dish
Simple Squash Salad – a light dish you can serve hot or cold
MAIN DISHES
Curried Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Chutney – the sweet and tart cranberries add a seasonal twist to this holiday meal
Festive Turkey Rice Salad – use your leftover turkey to make this quick, two-step meal
Herb-rubbed Turkey Au Jus – instead of adding butter to the turkey and serving it with gravy, this healthy version is complemented with an herbal run and a flavorful au jus
Mom’s Roasted Turkey with Butternut Squash and Asparagus
Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Salsa – pineapples, cranberries and cinnamon combine in a tangy salsa that great’s for winter holidays
Orange-Rosemary Roasted Chicken – The piney flavor of fresh rosemary makes for a festive addition
Turkey Medallions with Sweet Potato-Walnut Mash – a festive one-skillet dinner that’s delicious any time of year and easy enough for a weeknight
DESSERTS
Apple Bread Pudding – whole grain bread, apples and cinnamon make a sweet dessert that is healthy too!
Baked Apples and Pears with Almonds – this dessert uses honey and fruit to satisfy any sweet cravings without the guilt
Baked Sweet Potatoes and Apples – this warm seasonal recipe makes a great breakfast dish, side dish, or dessert
Cheese Latkes – top this dessert with fresh fruit for a healthy and warm end of meal treat
Honey and Spiced Pears – a delicate and easy dessert using seasonal fruit
Fruited Rice Pudding – make this protein-packed dessert ahead of time, refrigerate and serve cold or serve it straight from the oven and warm
Mint-Chocolate Meringue Cookies – bite-size cookies bursting with flavor you would never guess were low in calories and fat
Read more about how our nonprofit partners are making a difference in communities across the nation here. Feel moved to act? You can celebrate the season and give the gift of hope by donating today.
