Can you hear those jingle bells ringing yet? That’s right, Christmas is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning that big, beautiful dinner. But wait, does planning a feast stress you out, especially when you’re trying to keep things on the healthier side? Well, lay those worries aside, because I’ve got your back! Let’s forget those traditional heavy sides for a moment and imagine a Christmas table laden with vibrant, delicious, and healthy side dishes. You will also love our best gluten-free Christmas baking recipes that could compliment to these yummy and healthy recipes. Sounds tempting, right?
So, strap in and get ready, because here’s a list of the best healthy Christmas side dishes that will make your holiday season a whole lot brighter (and lighter!).
CAULIFLOWER MASHED “POTATOES” IN A LEMON CUP
Source: The Curious Plate
Can we all agree that these adorable lemon cups are just too cute? If it wasn’t so over the top, I’d fill them with sunshine and lollipops! But let’s keep it real – and healthy, shall we? So instead, we’re going with a deliciously creamy cauliflower mash.
SPINACH STUFFED MUSHROOMS
Source: A Foodcentric Life
Need a quick way to tame those hungry tigers while you’re prepping dinner? Try these spinach-stuffed mushrooms! With a little sun-dried tomato and Parmesan tossed in, these little guys are a flavor-packed lifesaver for Christmas Eves or game day snacks.
CREAMY INSTANT POT SCALLOPED POTATOES
Source: Eating Instantly
These Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes are all about that cheese and creaminess! Just grab a cake pan and you’re on your way to an easy-peasy holiday side dish that’s bound to impress!
GREEN BEANS WITH BACON AND POMEGRANATE SEEDS
Source: The Roasted Root
Who knew you could jazz up pan-fried green beans with just three ingredients? Add the pops of pomegranate seeds and salty bacon, and voila, you’ve got yourself an easy, delicious side dish!
AVOCADO & GARBANZO BEAN QUINOA SALAD
Source: Taste of Home
This quinoa salad, loaded with avocado and protein, is a fridge staple that keeps well for a few days. Just remember to add in the avocados and tomatoes right before serving.
Related Post: Best Healthy Quinoa Recipes
ROASTED YAMS WITH HONEY WALNUTS & RAISINS
Source: The Roasted Root
Crank up the health factor on your snack game or holiday sides with these roasted yams. With a touch of honey, walnuts, and raisins, it’s a flavor-packed dish you’ll keep coming back to!
WILD RICE STUFFING WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Source: The Roasted Root
Feast your eyes on this wild rice stuffing. With butternut squash, pecans, and dried cranberries, it’s a gluten-free stuffing that’s perfect for holiday sharing.
CRANBERRY APPLE SWEET POTATO HASH
Source: Now You’re Cookin’
This hash is a winner – it’s got cranberries, almonds, sweet potatoes, apples, and a hint of maple. Sweet? Savory? It’s a bit of both, and it’s all kinds of amazing!
Related Post: Best Christmas Cranberry Recipes
INDIAN SPICED ROASTED CAULIFLOWER AND CHICKPEAS
Source: MJ & Hungryman
Spice things up with this roasted cauliflower and chickpea recipe, flavored with Indian spices. It’s simple, healthy, and perfect for all ages.
CRAN-ORANGE COUSCOUS SALAD
Source: Taste of Home
Give couscous a festive twist with oranges, cranberries, basil, and a hint of fennel. It’s a tender, flavorful salad that’s sure to brighten up your holiday meal.
CRISPY GREEN BEAN FRIES
Source: The Girl On Bloor
Next time that french fry craving hits, try these crispy green bean fries. They’re an easy, delicious, and healthy swap you can make in the Air Fryer or the oven!
GLUTEN-FREE JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR CORNBREAD MUFFINS
Source: The Roasted Root
These Gluten-Free Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Muffins are packed with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Serve them with your favorite chili and watch them disappear!
BRUSSEL SPROUT, BACON, AND APPLE NAAN STUFFING
Source: The Curious Plate
Who’s ready for an innovative stuffing recipe that’ll knock the socks off your holiday guests? I’m talkin’ brussel sprouts, crispy bacon, and slices of sweet apple, all cuddled up in fluffy naan bread. It’s a side dish that brings together all the best flavors of the season. It’s hearty, savory, and a little sweet – the perfect complement to any holiday table.
WINTER CAPRESE SALAD WITH CARAMELIZED DELICATA SQUASH
Source: Get Inspired Everyday
Nothing matches the joy of a traditional Caprese Salad with vine-warmed tomatoes. But since it’s fall, we’re making do with roasted and caramelized delicata squash.
DELICATA SQUASH AND KALE SALAD
Source: Oh My Veggies
Picture massaged kale leaves topped with roasted delicata squash, pomegranate seeds, wheat berries, and pepitas. Perfect for a festive Christmas display!
Related Post: Best Healthy Winter Recipes
RICOTTA AND PESTO STUFFED TOMATOES
Source: Sugar Et Al
These tomatoes filled with ricotta cheese and basil pesto are simple, healthy, and super tasty. They make a great side dish or a flavorful appetizer.
COLCANNON (IRISH MASHED POTATOES)
Source: The Roasted Root
Colcannon, a.k.a Irish Mashed Potatoes, is a creamy mash with kale and buttermilk. It’s easy to make, yet totally jam-packed with flavor!
CHIPOTLE CHICKEN SWEET POTATO SKINS
Source: Half Baked Harvest
These Healthy Chipotle Chicken Sweet Potato Skins are like fancy nachos, but with sweet potato skins! They’re packed with chicken, chipotle chilies, spices, lime, spinach, and lots of cheese.
ROASTED CARROTS WITH SWEET TAHINI DRIZZLE
Source: Nutrition Stripped
This recipe is all about highlighting the beauty of carrots! Roasted to perfection and drizzled with a sweet tahini dressing, it’s a sophisticated dish that’s perfect for the holiday season.
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH, ONIONS, AND RED POTATOES WITH FRESH HERBS
Source: That’s Some Good Cookin’
Roast your favorite root veggies with olive oil and fresh herbs for a simple yet delicious side dish. It’s a delightful way to elevate the humble roots.
MAPLE ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BEETS
Source: The Roasted Root
This simple dish takes butternut squash and beets, adds a touch of maple, and roasts them to perfection. It’s a nutritious and delightful side dish that’s full of vitamins and antioxidants.
CRISPY BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH HALLOUMI
Source: The Girl On Bloor
Crispy, oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with halloumi. It’s an easy fall side dish that’s ready in just 15 minutes!
ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES WITH BALSAMIC
Source: Give It Some Thyme
Combine sweet potatoes, acorn squash, carrots, parsnips, and red onion, coat them in a balsamic glaze, and roast to perfection. It’s a wholesome, vegan side dish that you can make ahead!
COCONUT ROASTED CARROT SALAD
Source: Running To The Kitchen
Roasted carrot salad with a hint of coconut is a warm, delightful spin on a traditional salad. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and a great addition to your holiday spread.
ROASTED GARLIC CAULIFLOWER MASHED “POTATOES”
Source: Hummusapien
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good mash on their Christmas dinner plate? But this year, we’re trading out the spuds for something a bit lighter – cauliflower! Don’t worry, with an infusion of roasted garlic, this cauliflower mash is every bit as creamy and comforting as the classic. It’s a delicious, lower-carb alternative that’s guaranteed to keep everyone asking for seconds!
EGGPLANT FRIES
Source: Taste of Home
Say hello to your new favorite veggie snack – eggplant fries! Dusted with Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and garlic salt, these fries are broil-cooked, so you can munch without the guilt.
CRISPY SEASONED POLENTA SQUARES
Source: Taste of Home
Polenta squares are a delightful side for any main dish. Seasoned, crispy, and finished with a dollop of sour cream – they’re an absolutely scrumptious dish!
And there you have it, folks! An epic list of healthy Christmas side dishes that don’t skimp on flavor. Who said eating healthy during the festive season had to be boring? Not us! With this list, you’re all set to create a Christmas feast that’s not just delicious, but also nourishing for you and your loved ones. Cheers to a healthier, happier holiday spread! Remember, the magic of Christmas is not just in the presents, but in the presence of good food and even better company. So go, enjoy, and eat to your heart’s content! Keep it healthy, keep it festive, and keep it fun… because that’s what Christmas is all about.
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Some CHRISTMAS DECOR You Can Buy:
- Make your 2023 home or party the best it can be with these Christmas decorations, including 14 LED marquee light-up letters spelling out 'MERRY CHRISTMAS'.(Batteries excluding).
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- 【Light Up Snow Globe】This snow globe lantern with a vintage design. There are Christmas tree in the snow globe, make up a cute and funny picture.This lovingly designed snow globe creates a...
- 【Christmas Musical Snow Globes】Once switch to Music mode, the glitter musical snow globe lanterns cycle plays eight Christmas themed tunes: Jingle Bells, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Silent...
- 【Christmas Decorations】 It is not only an ideal Christmas surprises, but also a great choice for party decorations, which can add fun, sweet and beauty to the holiday. Package includes a USB...
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