Share some ideas for healthy Christmas side dishes if you’re planning to celebrate!
Hello friends! How are you? I hope you had a great weekend! We had a Fighter Group Christmas party, I taught a class, and I watched evil For the third time. I’ll probably see it at least one more time in theaters – I think the pilot needs to be seen! The girls and I also started a holiday baking party and made peppermint bark and peanut butter flowers.
I started planning our holiday menus and was trying to come up with side dish ideas. Of course, my favorite part of vacation is spending time with family, but delicious food is a close second. 😉 Main dishes always take center stage, along with desserts, but side dishes are an easy way to add some color and nutrition. I love side dishes that are easy to prepare or can be prepared in advance, and these options tick all the boxes!
Here’s our holiday list for this year:
Breakfast and lunch:
fruit salad
Coffee, mimosas and pastries
dinner:
Beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce
Mashed sweet potatoes
Green salad
Pulled wine and champagne
Candy Tray – Christmas Cakes, Christmas Log
*It is worth noting here that we get our meat from it Butcherbox (<—This link gets you free mincemeat for life!) And order a Christmas log from a local GF bakery
10 healthy side dishes for Christmas
Sweet potato casserole with crunchy pecan topping
Sweet potatoes are a holiday staple, and this dish transforms them into a lightly sweetened casserole that feels indulgent yet packed with nutrients.
Why is it great: This dish is naturally sweet and rich in vitamins, and is perfect with grilled meats or vegetarian dishes.
Highlighting health: Sweet potatoes are full of fiber, vitamin A and antioxidants.
I also love mashed sweet potatoes with cinnamon and butter.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
Brussels sprouts get a festive upgrade with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, making this a perfect side dish recipe for Christmas dinner.
Why is it great: The combination of earthy buds, sweet cranberries, and pecans is irresistible.
Highlighting health: Brussels sprouts are a great source of fibre, vitamin C and potassium. It’s funny to me that while I was growing up, Brussels sprouts were rumored to be the nastiest vegetable. When I finally tried them (maybe in my 20s?) I was waiting. This stuff is really amazing.
Garlic and herbs mashed with cauliflower and potatoes
This creamy cauliflower dish is a healthy twist on traditional mashed potatoes and a great option for those looking to cut back on carbs.
Why is it great: It’s velvety soft, delicious and pairs beautifully with any Christmas dinner main course. I like to use an immersion blender to make it super smooth.
Highlighting health: Cauliflower is low in calories and rich in vitamin C and phytonutrients.
Citrus and fennel salad
Spice up your Christmas with this refreshing and lively salad containing orange, fennel and arugula.
Why is it great: A light, citrusy side dish that cleanses the palate and balances rich dishes.
Highlighting health: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber.
Grilled vegetables with balsamic
This simple and elegant dish Combines root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with a refreshing balsamic glaze.
Why is it great: The caramelized balsamic glaze adds a touch of flavor that complements grilled meats or vegetarian dishes.
Highlighting health: Root vegetables are full of fiber and essential vitamins like beta-carotene.
Here is a simple recipe.
Maple carrots with thyme
These bright, sweet and slightly salty carrots add a pop of color to your Christmas table while being easy to prepare.
Why they are great: The natural sweetness of carrots blends perfectly with the light maple glaze, making it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re loaded with beta-carotene and fiber.
Pairs well with: Roasted turkey or honey-baked ham.
Health tip: Replace butter with olive oil to maintain heart health.
Vegan wild rice and cranberry salad
A refreshing and delicious side dish that is perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Why they are great: This festive salad combines chewy wild rice, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts for a dish rich in texture and flavor. They are also full of antioxidants and whole grains.
Pairs well with: Stuffed or roasted squash.
Health tip: Use unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce added sugar.
Cauliflower steak with parmesan cheese
These elegant cauliflower steaks make a bold statement and are a delight for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Why they are great: Cauliflower is a low-carb, nutrient-packed alternative to heavier sides, and the Parmesan crust adds a satisfying crunch.
Pairs well with: Prime rib or grilled chicken.
Pomegranate and citrus salad
A bright and refreshing salad that balances the richness of other Christmas dishes.
Why is it great: Pomegranate seeds add a festive touch, while a citrus vinaigrette brightens the cabbage’s aroma.
Pairs well with: Stuffed turkey or grilled salmon.
Health tip: Massage the cabbage with olive oil to make it less chewy and easier to digest.
This looks so vibrant and delicious.
Herbed quinoa pilaf with toasted almonds
A versatile, nutrient-dense side that brings a light, nutty flavor to your Christmas table.
Why is it great: Quinoa is a complete protein, making it a great choice for vegetarians. The addition of fresh herbs and crunchy almonds gives it a delightful texture and festive earthy flavors.
Pairs well with: Roasted turkey, grilled salmon, or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Health tip: Add some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a sweet burst of color and flavor.
this It looks light and delicious and can easily be made in advance.
How to eat healthy at Christmas
Staying healthy over Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on the fun of the celebration – also remember that it’s really about what’s going on in your routine the other 364 days of the year.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without compromising your health goals:
Fill the vegetables first: Fill your plate with nutrient-dense sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or salads before diving into heavier dishes. To balance my blood sugar, I like to eat vegetables first, protein second, and crab last.
Pay attention to your portion sizes: Eat mindfully, enjoy the company around you, and stop when you feel satisfied.
Stay active: Incorporate some movement into your day, whether that’s an after-dinner family walk or a morning yoga session. I love Sculpture Society For quick exercises at home.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid confusing thirst with hunger and to balance out any cocktails.
Protein intake: I feel like holiday dinners tend to feature protein dishes as the main course, so load it up!
Check out more tips about How to stay healthy during the holidays here.
More of our favorite holiday dishes are here!
Tell me friends: Are you cooking this year? What’s on the menu? Please share the goods in the comments section! Are you eating traditional holiday food or branching out? One year we had Chinese food with my dad and it was great, and when we lived in Valdosta we went surf and turf.
xoxo
Jenna