Sharing some ideas for healthy Christmas side dishes if you’re planning for the festivities!
Hi friends! How are you? I hope you had a wonderful weekend! We had our Fighter Group Christmas party, I taught a barre class, and saw Wicked for the third time. I will probably see it at least once more in theaters – I think the Pilot needs to see it! The girls and I also started the holiday baking party and made peppermint bark and peanut butter blossoms.
I’m starting to plan our our holiday menus and was trying to brainstorm side dish ideas. Of course, my favorite part of the holidays is being with family, but the delicious food comes in 2nd 😉 The main dishes always take center stage, along with the desserts, but the side dishes are an easy way to add some color and nourishment. I like side dishes that are simple to prepare or can be made in advance, and these options check all the boxes!
Here’s our holiday menu for this year:
Brunch:
Fruit salad
Coffee, mimosas, desserts
Dinner:
Beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce
Mashed sweet potatoes
Green salad
Mulled wine and champagne
Dessert tray – Christmas cookies, yule log
*Worth noting here that we get our meat from ButcherBox (<— this link gets you free ground beef for life!) and I order the yule log from a local gf bakery
10 Healthy Christmas Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Casserole with a Crunchy Pecan Topping
Sweet potatoes are a classic holiday staple, and this dish transforms them into a lightly sweetened casserole that feels indulgent but is packed with nutrients.
Why it’s great: Naturally sweet and rich in vitamins, this dish is perfect with roasted meats or vegetarian mains.
Health highlight: Sweet potatoes are loaded with 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 an ideal side dish recipe for Christmas dinner.
Why it’s great: The combination of earthy sprouts, sweet cranberries, and nutty pecans is irresistible.
Health highlight: Brussels sprouts are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. It’s funny to me that growing up, Brussels sprouts were rumored to be the nastiest vegetable. When I finally tried them (maybe in my 20s?) I was like wait. These things are actually amazing.
Garlic and Herb Mashed 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 it’s great: It’s velvety smooth, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with any Christmas dinner main course. I like to use the immersion blender to make them super smooth.
Health highlight: Cauliflower is low in calories and high in vitamin C and phytonutrients.
Citrus and Fennel Salad
Brighten up your Christmas spread with this refreshing and zesty salad featuring oranges, fennel, and arugula.
Why it’s great: A light and citrusy side dish that cleanses the palate and balances out richer dishes.
Health highlight: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
This simple yet elegant dish combines root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Why it’s great: The caramelized balsamic glaze adds a burst of flavor that complements roasted meats or vegetarian mains.
Health highlight: Root vegetables are full of fiber and essential vitamins like beta-carotene.
Here is a simple recipe.
Maple-Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Bright, sweet, and slightly savory, these carrots add a pop of color to your Christmas table while being simple to prepare.
Why They’re Great: The natural sweetness of carrots pairs perfectly with the light maple glaze, making them 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.
Healthy Tip: Swap out butter for olive oil to keep this dish heart-healthy.
Vegan Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad
A refreshing yet hearty side dish that’s perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Why They’re Great: This festive salad combines chewy wild rice, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts for a dish that’s rich in texture and flavor. It’s also packed with antioxidants and whole grains.
Pairs Well With: Stuffed squash or roasts.
Healthy Tip: Use unsweetened dried cranberries to cut back on added sugar.
Parmesan-Crusted Cauliflower Steaks
These elegant cauliflower steaks make a bold statement and are a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Why They’re 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 roasted chicken.
Pomegranate and Citrus Kale Salad
A bright and refreshing salad that balances out the richness of other Christmas dishes.
Why It’s Great: Pomegranate seeds add a festive touch, while citrus vinaigrette lightens up the kale.
Pairs Well With: Stuffed turkey or grilled salmon.
Healthy Tip: Massage the kale with olive oil to make it less chewy and easier to digest.
This looks vibrant and delicious.
Herbed Quinoa Pilaf with Toasted Almonds
A versatile and nutrient-dense side that brings a light, nutty flavor to your Christmas table.
Why It’s Great: Quinoa is a complete protein, making it a fantastic option for vegetarians. The addition of fresh herbs and crunchy almonds gives it a delightful texture and earthy, festive flavors.
Pairs Well With: Roasted turkey, grilled salmon, or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Healthy Tip: Add some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a sweet-tart pop of color and flavor.
This one looks light and delicious and is easily something you could make in advance.
How To Eat Healthy On Christmas
Staying healthy during Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on the festive fun — also, remember it’s really about what’s going on in your routine the other 364 days of the year.
Here are a few tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without compromising your wellness goals:
Fill up on veggies first: Load your plate with nutrient-rich sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or salads before diving into heavier dishes. For blood sugar balance, I like to eat veggies first, protein second, and cabrs last.
Watch 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 it’s a family walk after dinner or a morning yoga session. I love Sculpt Society for quick at-home workouts.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid mistaking thirst for hunger and to balance out any cocktails.
Eat protein: I feel like holiday dinners tend to feature protein dishes as the main course, so load.up!
Check out more tips on how to stay healthy during the holidays here.
More of our favorite holiday dishes are here!
So tell me, friends: are you cooking this year? What’s on the menu? Please share the goods in the comments section! Do you do traditional holiday food or do you branch out? One year we did Chinese food with my dad and it was awesome, and when we lived in Valdosta we did surf and turf.
xoxo
Gina
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