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Share some ideas for healthy Christmas side dishes if you’re planning the festivities!
Hello friends! how are you I hope you had a wonderful weekend! We had a Fighter Group Christmas party, I was teaching a barre class and I saw Wicked for the third time. I will probably see it at least one more time in theaters – I think the Pilot is a must see! The girls and I also started holiday baking and made mint bark and peanut butter flowers.
I’m starting to plan our holiday menus and trying to come up with side dish ideas. Of course, my favorite part of the holidays is being with family, but delicious food comes second 😉 Main courses always take center stage, along with desserts, but side dishes are an easy way to add color and nutrition. I love side dishes that are easy to prepare or can be made ahead of time, and these options tick all the boxes!
Here is our holiday menu for this year:
brunch:
Fruit salad
Coffee, mimosas, desserts
dinner:
Mashed sweet potatoes
Green salad
Mulled wine and champagne
Dessert bowl – Christmas cookies, Yuletide
*It is worth noting here that we get meat ButcherBox (<— this link gives you free ground beef for life!) and I order Christmas Eve from the local gf bakery
10 healthy Christmas side dishes
Sweet potato casserole with crunchy walnut topping
Sweet potatoes are a classic holiday staple, and this dish turns them into a lightly sweetened casserole that’s comforting but packed with nutrients.
Why it’s great: Naturally sweet and rich in vitamins, this dish is perfect with roast meat or vegetarian dishes.
Peak health: Sweet potatoes are full of fiber, vitamin A and antioxidants.
I also love mashed potatoes with cinnamon and butter.
Baked Brussels sprouts with cranberries and nuts
Brussels sprouts get a festive upgrade with pickled cranberries and crunchy pecans, making this recipe an ideal side dish for Christmas dinner.
Why it’s great: The combination of earthy sprouts, sweet cranberries and nutty pecans is irresistible.
Peak health: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C and potassium. It’s funny to me that growing up it was said that brussels sprouts were the most disgusting vegetable. When I finally tried them (maybe in my 20s?) I was like waiting. These things are truly amazing.
Cauliflower and potato puree with garlic and herbs
This creamy cauliflower dish is a healthy addition to traditional mashed potatoes and a great option for those looking to cut down on carbs.
Why it’s great: It is velvety smooth, flavored and pairs beautifully with any Christmas dinner main course. I like to use an immersion blender to make them super smooth.
Peak health: 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 delicious salad with oranges, fennel and arugula.
Why it’s great: A light and citrus side dish that cleanses the palate and balances richer dishes.
Peak health: Full of vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber.
Balsamic Roasted Vegetables
This simple yet elegant dish combines root vegetables like carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes with a balsamic glaze.
Why it’s great: The caramelized balsamic glaze provides a burst of flavor that complements roasted meats or vegetarian dishes.
Peak health: Root vegetables are full of fiber and essential vitamins such as beta-carotene.
Here is a simple recipe.
Maple Glazed Carrots with Thyme
Bright, sweet and a little salty, these carrots add a pop of color to your Christmas table while being simple to prepare.
Why they’re great: The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the light maple glaze, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. In addition, they are full of beta-carotene and fiber.
Goes well with: Roast turkey or ham in honey.
Healthy tip: Replace the butter with olive oil to make 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, tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts for a dish rich in texture and flavor. It’s also packed with antioxidants and whole grains.
Goes well with: Stuffed courgettes or roasting.
Healthy tip: Use unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce added sugar.
Cauliflower steaks with Parmesan cheese
These elegant cauliflower steaks make a bold statement and are crowd pleasers for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Why they’re great: Cauliflower is a low-carb, low-nutrient alternative to heavier side dishes, and the Parmesan crust adds a satisfying crunch.
Goes well with: Rib rings or roast chicken.
Pomegranate and citrus salad
A bright and refreshing salad that balances the richness of other Christmas dishes.
Why it’s great: Pomegranate seeds add a festive touch, while a citrus vinaigrette brightens the kale.
Goes 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 lively and delicious.
Herb quinoa pilaf with toasted almonds
A versatile, 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 wonderful texture and earthy, festive flavors.
Goes well with: Roast turkey, grilled salmon or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Healthy tip: Add some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a sweet-tart color and flavor.
This one it looks light and delicious and is easily something you can make ahead of time.
How to eat healthy on Christmas Day
Staying healthy over Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on holiday fun – also, remember that it’s really about what goes into your routine the other 364 days of the year.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without compromising your wellness goals:
First fill with vegetables: Fill your plate with nutrient-dense side dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts or a salad before diving into heavier meals. For blood sugar balance, I like to eat vegetables first, then protein, and finally cabre.
Watch your portion sizes: Eat carefully, enjoy the company around you and stop when you are satisfied.
Stay active: Incorporate some movement into your day, whether it’s an after-dinner family walk or a morning yoga session. i love Sculpt Society for quick workouts at home.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water so you don’t mistake thirst for hunger and to balance out all the cocktails.
Eat protein: I feel like holiday dinners usually feature protein dishes as the main course, so load up!
See 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! Do you eat traditional holiday foods or indulge? One year we had Chinese food with my dad and it was great, and when we lived in Valdosta we were into surfing and weed.
xoxo
Gina
