If you are planning a Christmas celebration, let me share some ideas for healthy Christmas side dishes.
Hello friends! how are you? I hope you have a great weekend! Have a Christmas party for your Fighters group, teach a volleyball class, and more! evil Third time. I’ll probably see it at least once again in theaters – I think the pilot needs to see it! The girls and I also started a holiday baking party and made peppermint bark and peanut butter flowers.
I’m starting to plan my holiday menu and was trying to brainstorm ideas for side dishes. Of course, what I love most about the holidays is spending time with my family, but good food comes second 😉 While the main dish always takes center stage along with dessert, side dishes are an easy way to add color and nutrition. I like side dishes that are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, so all of these options are checked.
This year’s holiday menu is as follows.
branch:
nana’s egg casserole
fruit salad
coffee, mimosa, dessert
dinner:
giant cheese board
Beef fillet with horseradish sauce
mashed potatoes
green salad
mulled wine and champagne
Dessert tray – Christmas cookies, Yule log
*One thing to note here is that we source our meat. butcher box (<—Use this link to get free ground meat for life!) And I order a Yule log from my local girlfriend's bakery
10 healthy Christmas side dishes
Sweet potato casserole topped with crunchy pecans
Sweet potatoes are a classic holiday staple, but this dish transforms them into a subtly sweet, indulgent, yet nutritious casserole.
Why it’s great: Naturally sweet and rich in vitamins, this dish is perfect for roasted meats or vegetarian main dishes.
Health highlights: Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants.
I also love mashed 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 them the perfect side dish recipe for Christmas dinner.
Why it’s great: The combination of earthy shoots, sweet cranberries, and nutty pecans is irresistible.
Health highlights: Brussels sprouts are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It’s funny to me that when I was a kid, Brussels sprouts were rumored to be the worst vegetable. When I finally tried it (I was probably in my 20s), I was like, I’ve been waiting for it. These are actually amazing.
Cauliflower and potato mash with garlic and herbs
This creamy cauliflower dish is a healthy take on traditional mashed potatoes and is perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs.
Why it’s great: Velvety smooth and flavorful, it pairs beautifully with the main course of your Christmas dinner. I like to use an immersion blender to make it super smooth.
Health highlights: Cauliflower is low in calories and rich in vitamin C and phytonutrients.
citrus and fennel salad
Brighten up your Christmas spread with this refreshing and tangy salad featuring orange, fennel, and arugula.
Why it’s great: A light, citrus-flavored side dish that cleanses the palate and balances a rich dish.
Health highlights: It is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber.
balsamic grilled vegetables
This simple but elegant dish Pair root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Why it’s great: Caramelized balsamic sauce adds an explosion of flavor to complement roasted meats and vegetarian main dishes.
Health highlights: Root vegetables are rich in dietary fiber and essential vitamins such as beta-carotene.
Here’s a simple recipe.
Carrots with maple glaze and thyme
Bright, sweet and lightly flavored, these carrots are easy to prepare while adding a pop of color to your Christmas table.
Why they’re great: The natural sweetness of carrots and the light taste of maple glaze are a perfect match, making it a hit with both children and adults. Additionally, it is rich in beta carotene and dietary fiber.
Works well with: Roasted turkey or honey baked ham.
Healthy tips: To keep this dish heart-healthy, replace the butter with olive oil.
Vegan wild rice and cranberry salad
It’s a hearty side dish that’s refreshing and perfect for people with dietary restrictions.
Why they’re great: This festive salad combines crunchy wild rice, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts for a dish packed with texture and flavor. It’s also rich in antioxidants and whole grains.
Works well with: Stuffed or roasted squash.
Healthy tips: Use unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce added sugar.
Cauliflower Steak Crusted with Parmesan Cheese
These elegant cauliflower steaks make a bold statement and will please vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Why they’re great: Cauliflower is a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative to heavier sides, and the Parmesan rind adds a satisfying crunch.
Works well with: Prime rib or roast chicken.
Pomegranate and citrus scale salad
A bright and refreshing salad that complements the richness of other Christmas dishes.
Why it’s great: Pomegranate seeds add a festive touch, and a citrus vinaigrette brightens up the kale.
Works well with: Stuffed turkey or grilled salmon.
Healthy tips: Massaging kale with olive oil makes it less chewy and easier to digest.
This looks fresh and delicious.
Herbed quinoa pilaf with toasted almonds
A versatile and nutritious side that brings a light nutty flavor to your Christmas table.
Why it’s great: Quinoa is a complete protein, making it a great option for vegetarians. The addition of fresh herbs and crunchy almonds creates a fun texture and an earthy, festive flavor.
Works well with: Roasted turkey, grilled salmon and stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Healthy tips: Add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a sweet-tart pop of color and flavor.
This one It looks light and delicious and can easily be made in advance.
how to eat healthy at christmas
Staying healthy during Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on the festive fun. Also, remember that it’s actually what’s happening in your daily life the other 364 days of the year that matters.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without compromising your health goals.
First of all, eat your fill of vegetables. Before moving on to heavier dishes, fill your plate with nutritious side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts and a salad. To keep my blood sugar levels balanced, I like to eat vegetables first, then proteins, and finally carbohydrates.
Please pay attention to the portion size. Eat mindfully, enjoy the company of those around you, and stop when you’re satisfied.
Stay active: Incorporate movement into your day, whether it’s an after-dinner family walk or a morning yoga session. i love sculpture association For easy training at home.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid mistaking thirst for hunger and to balance your cocktails.
Eat protein: I feel like protein dishes tend to be the main dish for holiday dinners, so load.up!
Check out our tips for staying healthy during the holidays here.
More of our favorite holiday dishes are here!
So tell me, friends, are you going to cook this year? What’s on the menu? Share your goodies in the comments! Do you cook traditional holiday dishes or branch out into new areas?One year I had Chinese food with my dad and it was delicious. When I lived in Valdosta, I enjoyed surfing and playing the lawns.
Shit
Gina
