JINGLE ALL THE WAY TO A HEALTHIER HOLIDAY
Deck the halls with boughs of holly and your kitchen table with dishes that are as good for your taste buds as they are for your well-being! This holiday season, let’s ditch the notion that healthy equals boring. Get ready to spice up your holiday feast with a dash and sprinkle of healthy and a whole lot of delicious flavor. These recipe ideas are sure to jingle all the way to a festive menu that’s not just merry but also remarkably good for you!
Avocado & Pomegranate Salsa:
Start your festive feast with a zesty Avocado & Pomegranate Salsa. Diced organic avocados, juicy pomegranate seeds, diced red onions, and a splash of lime juice create a merry dance of flavors. It’s like a fiesta for your tummy – and your health! Additional toppings options include (but are certainly not limited to) organic black beans and cilantro for extra heartiness and freshness.
Butternut Squash Noodle Stir-Fry:
Swap traditional noodles for spiraled butternut squash in a veggie-packed stir-fry. Add in colorful organic bell peppers, snap peas, water chestnuts, onions, and a gingery soy sauce for a dish that’s as vibrant as your Christmas decorations. Gluten-free? No problem! Sub the soy sauce for Tamari or Tamari teriyaki sauce.
Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash:
Elevate your side game with Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash. Roasted acorn squash halves cradle a hearty mix of quinoa, cranberries, and a medley of herbs of your choosing. It’s a little pocket of joy that’s both Instagram-worthy and incredibly delicious.
Herb-Infused Turkey Tenderloin:
If you didn’t have enough turkey over Thanksgiving, give your turkey a trendy twist with Herb-Infused Turkey Tenderloin. A blend of rosemary, thyme, and sage makes this dish the rockstar of your dinner table. It’s succulent, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Sweet Potato Toast Bites:
Raise a toast to health with Sweet Potato Toast Bites. Swap out bread for sweet potato slices, and then pile on festive toppings like goat cheese, pomegranate arils, walnuts, sage, and a drizzle of honey. Truly, the toppings possibilities are endless with sweet potatoes. For crisp bites, line a baking sheet with foil or a silpat, and pop 1/4″ sweet potato rounds in the oven at 350 for ten minutes, then flip over for another 10 minutes. Still not crispy? Flip over and bake for another 10 minutes. Last, choose your fresh, organic toppings and chow down. It’s a toast to your taste buds!
Cranberry Orange Chia Pudding:
Elevate your holiday breakfast with a nutrient-packed cranberry orange chia pudding that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. The festive red hues and zesty citrus flavors make this dish a celebration of seasonal ingredients, while the chia seeds offer a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Not sure how this all comes together? We’ll leave this simple recipe here for you:
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or raw, organic honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of one orange
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Optional toppings: sliced almonds, additional cranberries, or a drizzle of honey for serving
Rudolph’s Berry Smoothie Bowl:
Add a pop of color to your holiday spread with Rudolph’s Berry Smoothie Bowl. Blend frozen berries, banana, and a splash of almond milk, then top with festive fruits and a sprinkle of granola. Don’t forget Ruldolph’s nose…place a bright red berry (like a raspberry or cherry) in the center to represent his famous red nose. It’s breakfast, snack, or dessert – you decide!
Cranberry Sparkler:
For kids and adults, a Cranberry Sparkler is a fun and festive choice for a holiday dinner, as the deep red color and effervescent bubbles create a visually appealing drink that complements the holiday spirit. The tartness of the unsweetened cranberry juice adds a refreshing twist, making it the perfect non-alcoholic option for both adults and children to enjoy throughout the festive meal.
Simply mix unsweetened cranberry juice with sparkling water, add a squeeze of lime juice and a few fresh cranberries for garnish. Serve over ice for a refreshing, healthy drink!
Gingerbread Smoothie:
This smoothie drinks like a dessert. Blend together almond milk, banana, a pinch of each: ground ginger, ground cinnamon, cloves, ground allspice, ground nutmeg, cardamom, and tiny bit of ground black pepper with a touch of molasses. Want an extra boost of health? Add a handful of spinach for extra nutrition without affecting the taste. It’s a smoothie that sleighs (pun intended) on both taste and nutrition.
Organic Overnight Oats:
Organic overnight oats are the unsung heroes of holiday mornings, making breakfast magic happen while you’re snug in your bed. Bursting with wholesome goodness and draped in an organic halo, these oats offer a nutty, hearty start to your day, letting you slide through festivities with energy to spare. Plus, when your breakfast supports sustainable, organic practices, it’s like giving a green thumbs-up to Mother Earth—now that’s a holiday treat worth savoring! Combine organic rolled oats with almond milk and let them soak overnight. In the morning, top with fresh organic fruit, nuts, and a splash of organic yogurt…or whatever else your taste buds are craving!
This holiday season, let your dinner table be the epicenter of a festive flavor explosion. With these trendy and tasty recipe ideas, you’re not just making healthy choices; you’re celebrating the season with a culinary dance party. So, deck the halls, turn up the holiday tunes, and get ready for a Christmas dinner that’s as joyful for your taste buds as it is for your well-being. Here’s to a holly, jolly, and oh-so-healthy holiday feast!