Healthy Festive Food for Holidays

The holiday season is known for its indulgent meals and sweet treats, but you can still make healthy festive food for holidays too. However, being healthy often has a negative connotation, especially when it comes to food. But the truth is, you can nourish your body while also delighting your taste buds! Meals don’t have to be flavorless and bland, they can be just as tasty as their unhealthy counterparts. 

If you’re wanting to celebrate the season with yummy festive dishes, you’re in the right place. Here are some of the best healthy recipes for holidays you can feel good about!

Best Healthy Festive Food for Holidays

Lean Meats

Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to cut out things you love. If you’re a big meat eater, you can still enjoy a festive meal by opting for lean meats or less fatty cuts instead. Lean meat has less saturated fat and is lower in calories. However, they are still packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals which help you feel full for longer.

Top sirloin or tenderloin are great alternatives to fattier cuts of red meat. You can also cook chicken, turkey, or pork (or order this lean meat sample for a bit of everything!).

Marinated Salmon

Fish is an excellent option if you want a healthier main dish. Specifically, salmon is a high-quality protein and a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. When cooking your salmon, opt for a marinade that doesn’t use butter or other heavy sauces. For example, the olive oil and spice marinade for these salmon fillets use healthy ingredients to add flavor. 

We also recommend looking for sustainably caught or farm-raised fish. This ensures your meal is not just healthy, but also environmentally responsible!

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Pleasing non-meat or seafood eaters can be hard during the holidays. But this stuffed acorn squash recipe is guaranteed to please even the pickiest of diners! Acorn squashes are plentiful at this time of the year, so pick up a few the next time you are at the store. Cut them in half and fill the cavity with a mixture of brown rice (or quinoa) and veggies. You can also add nuts or dried fruits for extra crunch! Bake them in the oven for a few minutes, and you have a healthy meal that’ll keep vegetarian bellies full!

Salmon Burgers

Who says a holiday meal requires tons of effort and prep? Throw a couple of salmon burgers on the grill (or pan-fry them on the stovetop) for an easy, festive dinner. They take less than 10 minutes to cook and provide an excellent source of protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Instead of the traditional burger toppings, choose healthy greens like arugula to add a peppery bite. Avocado, tomato, pickled onions, and cucumber also work well with the spiced salmon. And for the sides, trade your normal fries for zucchini ones! You’ll cut tons of calories without sacrificing flavor!

Zucchini Noodles

Craving your favorite pasta dish but want to cut down on the carbs and calories? Instead of traditional flour pasta, you can make any type of pasta dish with zucchini noodles! All you need is a spiralizer to get the perfect spaghetti shape (or just slice it thinly for lasagna-type dishes).

Once the zucchini is cut, soak it in salt water for 30 minutes to an hour to draw out moisture. Now you can get creative with a variety of sauces! Lemon pesto and classic tomato are two light options. But you can also try a creamy cashew Alfredo or a spinach and yogurt sauce for a more unique flavor!

Shellfish

Similar to salmon, shellfish is something healthy that you can easily whip up for the holidays. They’re rich in zinc, which is important for your immune health. And they also have lots of vitamin B12, which is essential for red blood cell production. And with so many different types of shellfish out there, you can experiment with different flavors and dishes. 

Here are a couple of shellfish recipes you can try:

• Grilled gulf shrimp skewers with cut veggies
• Pan-seared scallops with lemon
• Oven-baked lobster tails (served with a lean cut of steak for a turf and turf dinner!) 
• Boiled clams with garlic and lemon

Cioppino

A great holiday starter or stand-alone main, cioppino is one of the tastiest healthy recipes for holidays. And because it can be made in batches, it’s also an easy meal to make for large groups. This hearty Italian-American stew is made with a combination of seafood, fresh tomatoes, and wine. You can use whatever you have available, although it traditionally contains a mix of shellfish and fish.

If you can’t get your hands on fresh seafood, you can order a pre-made cioppino instead. With albacore tuna, pink shrimp, and clams, it’s an easy, protein-rich meal you can enjoy anytime! And if you’re looking for a non-seafood version, try a vegetarian version with tofu, mushrooms, and eggplants.

Roasted Cauliflower Steaks

Here’s another one of our favorite meat-free healthy festive food for holidays. These roasted cauliflower steaks are a low-calorie but flavor-packed dish. On top of that, they’re full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins C and K, and fiber. 

And with all the calories you’re saving, you can come up with a decadent sauce to pour over them! Cauliflowers have a mild taste on their own, so feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, citrus fruits, and toppings.

Finding a healthy and satisfying dish to make during the holidays can be a challenge. But these healthy festive food for holidays are guaranteed to be yummy and nutritious at the same time! Practicing mindful eating can also help you make healthier decisions when it comes to food. But, at the end of the day, it’s okay to splurge for the holidays. Enjoy this time with friends and family and make use of the time you have together.