41+ Healthy Holiday Recipes

The Ultimate Guide to Healthy Holiday Cooking

Holiday cooking doesn’t have to mean overcomplicated recipes or feeling off-track. With a few simple swaps, you can keep things festive and nourishing. And the recipes below are anything but boring! These are some of my favorite ways to make holiday meals a little lighter and a whole lot easier, all without missing out on the comforting goodness of the season:

• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt – Still creamy and tangy, but high in protein.
• Use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes – Adds natural sweetness and extra nutrients.
• Roast veggies with avocado oil instead of butter – A lighter, heart-healthy option that still gives a delicious crisp!
• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs – Great for stuffing or topping casseroles.
• Cut sugar in baked goods – Most recipes still taste amazing with less!
• Try unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana in place of oil or butter in baking – Perfect for cookies, muffins, and breads.
• Use cauliflower rice or quinoa for grain-based sides – A great way to sneak in extra veggies or protein.
• Go for leaner proteins like turkey breast or chicken – Still hearty and filling, just a bit lighter.
• Make homemade desserts – So easy, and you can control the sweetness!

My biggest tip of ALL for the holiday season is to focus on protein and choose balance. It’s ok to treat yourself, to indulge, it’s the holidays! Balance is key. These small swaps can also add up and make a big difference in how you feel throughout the season. Healthy, simple, and still 100% delicious!

41+ BEST Quick & Easy Healthy Holiday Recipes

Healthy Holiday Appetizers

1. Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip

Gooey, hot, melty, cheesy goodness. I think it’s safe to say that we could all use a little bit of that in our lives! Especially since this Slow Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip is super easy to make and perfect for a small gathering. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe is a fool-proof way to impress your friends and have a delicious spinach artichoke dip on hand!

2. Easy Roasted Carrots

This is my go-to Honey Roasted Carrots recipe that comes together in under an hour! I love that it’s such an easy way to add an elegant touch and lots of flavor to everything from weeknight meals to dinner parties. My kids love the sweet flavor from the honey, and I love the protein boost from the whipped cottage cheese. This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is honestly SO simple to make!

3. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

There’s nothing like this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe for an indulgent, creamy, delicious appetizer or snack! Every bite is full of cheesy, savory flavor. Enjoy with fresh-cut vegetables, pita chips, on sandwiches, or any way you like!

4. Garlic Hummus Recipe

I’ve been making this Homemade Hummus Recipe for YEARS and it’s still my go-to for everything from parties to family gatherings or just a healthy afternoon snack. I love that it’s smooth, creamy, and has the best warm garlicky flavor with just a hint of heat! It’s so easy to make with just 8 ingredients in 10 minutes and I love that it’s way better than store bought. Even my kids love it, which if you have picky eaters like me, you know is a huge win!

5. Healthier Rotel Recipe

This Healthier Rotel Dip recipe is easy to make and has 20g of protein! I’ve been making this recipe for YEARS as a healthy high protein snack, but I also love bringing it to gatherings. It’s always so flavorful and such a hit! The flavor-packed Rotel and lean ground beef is stirred into creamy, melted cheese, then seasoned and topped with fresh cilantro and chopped veggies. In this post I’ll show you exactly how to make the BEST Rotel Dip for cookouts, parties, or just a healthy, savory snack at home!

6. Black Bean Corn Salad

I’ve been making this Black Bean Salad every week lately, and it still hasn’t gotten old! I love that I can use it as an appetizer or snack with a side of tortilla chips. Made with fresh ingredients, it’s chunky, vibrant, and refreshing with a touch of zesty flavor and a hint of spice.

7. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Easy to make Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites that are tangy, perfectly sweet, spicy, savory, and just so DELICIOUS! This addictive side dish, snack, or appetizer is an all-time favorite. Every bite is full of flavor! You’ll love how quick and simple this wholesome recipe is.

8. Whipped Feta Dip

Every time I bring this Whipped Feta Dip to parties or get-togethers, people go crazy over this delicious appetizer! It’s been my go-to dip for years and it’s always my favorite. Not only does it have that garlicky tangy feta flavor that’s so good, but it also has a perfectly creamy and light texture that’s perfect for dipping chips, veggies, crackers, or anything else. And as a buy mom of 3, I love that this dip comes together in just 5 minutes!

Main Healthy Holiday Meal

9. Best Roasted Turkey

This easy, yet impressive Herb Butter Roasted Turkey recipe is your step-by-step guide to a juicy, flavorful holiday turkey. I’ve been making this roasted turkey recipe for YEARS and it’s still my go-to for Thanksgiving! The herb butter keeps all the aromatic flavors close to the meat while keeping it perfectly moist. No dry meat or overcooking here! This tested and perfected recipe will show you how to make a PERFECT Thanksgiving turkey every single time.

10. Garlic Miso Braised Pot Roast

This Garlic Miso Braised Pot Roast has been my favorite cold-weather meal lately! With 73 grams of protein and tons of veggies for fiber, it’s a complete meal that’s full of savory, umami, and even lightly sweet flavors. I love this recipe for elevated holiday dinners, but I also love it for just an everyday weeknight in the fall. The chuck roast becomes fall apart tender, and the pears add just the right touch of sweetness to balance all the savory flavors. And the garlic miso sauce coats everything to caramelized perfection! You guys are really going to love this one.

11. Eggplant Ground Turkey Moussaka

Eggplant Ground Turkey Moussaka recipe that’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd! With layers of tender roasted eggplant, ground turkey tomato meat sauce, creamy béchamel sauce, and parmesan cheese, there is so much delicious flavor and the textures are perfection. While it’s full of cheesy, creamy goodness, this recipe can actually be easily made dairy-free! I love making this moussaka recipe for my family – it’s SO good.

12. Chicken Alla Vodka Pasta

This Chicken Alla Vodka Pasta has been one of my top favorite easy dinners lately! It combines the classic flavor of a rich tomato-based vodka sauce with tender, juicy chicken, so it tastes next-level but actually comes together on the stovetop in 20 minutes. My healthy twist on this classic recipe is higher in protein, easy to make, and has an option to swap the vodka. This easy dinner recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights!

13. Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknight dinners! The lentil filling is so full of flavor, then topped with a fluffy and delicious cauliflower mash. Place the entire thing in a casserole dish, bake, and enjoy. Every single bite is so tasty!

14. Black Eyed Pea Soup

This healthy and flavorful Black-Eyed Pea Soup only takes 30 minutes to make and is one of my family’s favorite New Year’s traditions! Full of veggies, fiber-rich peas, and broth seasoned with herbs, this comforting and hearty soup is perfect when you’re craving something warm and cozy. It’s also one of the best quick and easy weeknight dinners! Pair it with cornbread for the best nourishing healthy soup recipe in the new year.

15. Slow Cooker Ribs

Smokey, sweet, and over 50 grams of protein per serving, this Slow Cooker Ribs recipe has been a family favorite for YEARS! Fall-off-the-bone tender, the ribs are coated in a homemade barbecue, meaning every bite is incredibly flavorful. Cooked low and slow, it’s a hands-off recipe I can prep in the morning and come back to later in the day. This is the kind of comfort food you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s for busy weeknights or dinner gatherings!

16. Chicken Sausage Orzo Casserole

This Chicken Sausage Orzo Casserole is one of my go-to comfort food dinners when I want something warm and cozy that’s quick and healthy! I’ve been testing this recipe for a while, and I can honestly say it’s SO perfect. It reminds me of the viral baked feta pasta, but with a fun and unique twist. With 27 grams of protein, this easy Boursin Pasta Casserole recipe comes together in just 35 minutes.

17. Cottage Cheese Lasagna

The cheesiest, gooiest, creamiest, BEST Easy Healthy Lasagna Recipe for dinner tonight. I’ve been making this recipe for YEARS and it’s still one of my family’s favorites! And with 340+ 5-star reviews, this is truly the best healthy dinner idea. All of the goodness of classic lasagna, but lightened up, made with better-for-you ingredients, and higher protein (40 grams) for a healthy version of the original recipe!

18. The Best Citrus Tea-Glazed Roasted Turkey

When it comes to making the perfect roasted turkey, it doesn’t get much better than this Citrus Tea-Glazed Roasted Turkey recipe. It truly is the best! Not only does it taste delicious, but the citrus tea-glaze adds a slightly sweet flavor and beautiful visual that will impress your guests this holiday season!

19. Broccoli Cheddar Ham Pasta

This Broccoli Cheddar Ham Pasta Casserole recipe is one of my hands-down favorite healthier dinner ideas! With 42 grams of protein, it’s hearty, filling, and SO good. Even my picky kids love this one! The creamy sauce is flavorful and goes over protein pasta, roasted broccoli, and diced ham. The whole thing is baked in a casserole dish topped with cheese and your choice of breadcrumbs for a dinner recipe the entire family will love!

Nourishing Side Dishes

20. Baked Mixed Vegetable Casserole

The easiest side dish for Thanksgiving! This Baked Mixed Vegetable Casserole is made with a next-level creamy mushroom sauce, fresh veggies, and a crispy cheesy cracker topping that’s SO good. I make this every year for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and tons of holiday get togethers, and it’s always such a fave! This isn’t your ordinary veggie casserole side dish. The flavors and texture are elevated and just phenomenal. I could eat this forever!

21. Roasted Pumpkin Salad

With over 100 5-star reviews, this Roasted Pumpkin Salad has been one of my top favorite holiday side dishes for years! I always include it in my Thanksgiving menu, but honestly I love it any time during the fall or winter. Savory roasted pumpkin combines with pomegranate arils, feta cheese, and candied nuts before being tossed with a sweet, zesty balsamic vinaigrette. It’s a beautiful side salad, but it’s also amazing with some rotisserie chicken on top as a main! There’s so much to love about this easy recipe.

22. Red Wine Cranberry Sauce

This is hands-down the BEST Cranberry Sauce recipe! It isn’t your average holiday cranberry sauce…it’s SO much better. While many cranberry sauce recipes are overly sweet, this variation is made with red wine and thyme for deep, full flavors that bring out the cranberries and are perfectly balanced. It pairs well with savory meats, as well as breads and other holiday side dishes. If you’re looking for an easy, perfect cranberry sauce for your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu, you’ll LOVE this one!

23. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes

I’ve been making these Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes for YEARS and they’re still one of my favorite holiday side dishes! This hands-off, set-it-and-forget-it method is one of the easiest ways to make mashed potatoes and they turn out absolutely perfect every single time. Savory, buttery, garlicky, and fluffy mashed potatoes (with an optional mushroom cranberry sauce) that’s SO good. If you’re looking for the best Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, this recipe will become your go-to!

24. Apple Cinnamon Pomegranate Pecan Salad

I’ve been making this Pomegranate Salad for years and it’s still one of my favorite holiday recipes! Made with sweet Honeycrisp apples, crumbly goat cheese, crunchy pecans, and tart pomegranate arils, it’s finished with a sweet, spiced maple cinnamon vinaigrette that’s so flavorful. It’s one of those recipes that looks and tastes impressive, but it’s secretly so easy to make. I love adding this side salad to my Thanksgiving and Christmas menu, it’s such a hit every time!

25. Creamy Pumpkin Pasta

All things fall, all things pumpkin, all things pasta. This Creamy Pumpkin Pasta recipe (with over 150 5-star reviews!) is the BEST for a healthy comforting weeknight dinner. This easy meal has been my favorite fall tradition for years! Made with real pumpkin, sage, parmesan, walnuts, pepitas, and pasta of your choice, this cozy fall dinner comes together in just 30 minutes. I love adding rotisserie chicken for a bit more protein, but no matter how you make it, every bite is full of that creamy garlicky pumpkin sauce and pasta that’s SO good!

26. Vegan Green Bean Casserole

This easy-to-make Vegan Green Bean Casserole is one of the best side dishes! Taken to the next level with garlic, mushrooms, a creamy sauce, and fresh rosemary, this recipe is great as both a weeknight vegan dinner or a vegan Thanksgiving side dish. Cozy, hearty, and SO delicious!

27. Roasted Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad

This Roasted Butternut Squash Garlic Quinoa Salad is the ultimate easy side dish or quick weeknight dinner! I’ve been making this recipe for YEARS and I’m still obsessed with it. I love how quickly and easily it comes together! This butternut squash salad is full of cozy fall flavors and perfect for everything from bringing to parties, a holiday side dish, or a simple fall vegetarian dinner recipe.

28. Healthy Mac & Cheese

Rich. Creamy. Gooey. Savory. This Healthy Mac & Cheese has been a favorite in my family for YEARS! Each serving has 28 grams of protein and is a great way to add more veggies into your daily dinners. Made with real butternut squash, cheddar cheese (but can also be easily made vegan/dairy-free), roasted broccoli, and topped off with bacon bits or protein of choice, this butternut squash mac & cheese recipe makes for a dinner that everyone will love. Even my picky kids love it!

29. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Goat Cheese

The hands-down BEST Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe topped with crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. With a soft, tender center and a crispy, caramelized outside, everyone will love this impressive brussels sprouts recipe! Whether you’re celebrating the holidays with friends or making these for an everyday weeknight dinner, this easy side dish will quickly become your favorite!

30. Crispy Garlic Parmesan Crusted Potatoes

Crispy, cheesy potatoes that bake in the oven for under 30 minutes are the perfect side dish! These Crispy Parmesan Crusted Potatoes are so easy to make in just one pan. The herbs, parmesan, and drizzle of oil bring all of the flavors together while not overpowering that yummy potato flavor we all love. The tangy, creamy dipping sauce really takes things to another level. This is a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again!

Better-For-You Holiday Desserts

31. Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cheesecake

Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Cheesecake with 10 grams of protein that’s SO good! Made with pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and cottage cheese, this healthy high-protein cheesecake is actually sweet, creamy, and has that classic cheesecake texture we all know and love. I’ve made this recipe so many times and I could not be more obsessed! It’s one of my favorite desserts in the fall and people are always so shocked to find out it’s made with cottage cheese. You’re going to love it!

32. Maple Crumble Baked Apples

This Baked Apples Recipe is my version of a healthy apple crumble and it’s SO good. The sweet apples are stuffed with a crisp maple, oat, and almond butter crumble, then baked until soft. Served warm, they’re the BEST fall treat! One batch takes less than an hour to make and has all the flavorful fall vibes we all know and love. My kids love making these with me, and we always add a dollop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel for a quick and easy healthy dessert!

33. Raspberry Chocolate Hazelnut Pie

This Raspberry Chocolate Hazelnut Pie is easy to make, can be prepped in just 20 minutes, and has been my top go-to no-bake pie recipe for YEARS. The silky texture, chocolate hazelnut flavor, nutty crisp crust, and sweet and tart topping are the closest thing to dessert magic that exists. Put it together, pop it in the freezer, and just a few hours later it’s ready to go. Every bite is full of creamy, chocolatey perfection!

34. Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies

Soft Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies that are crave-worthy and full of fall flavors! I’ve been making this recipe for YEARS and it’s one of our favorite family traditions. Made with simple ingredients and whipped up in just 30 minutes, these healthy pumpkin oatmeal cookies are so good. They’re baked with maple syrup, brown sugar, and warm pumpkin spice that will make your home smell amazing. This is one of the BEST fall cookie recipes!

35. Gluten-Free Mini Apple Pies

Warm, sweet, and delicious Mini Apple Pies that are gluten-free and easy to make! Mix up the gluten-free crust dough, chill, and then press into a muffin tin. Fill each one with homemade apple pie filling and bake! These fall treats are perfect for holiday gatherings or for when you’re just craving cinnamon apple pie goodness.

36. Honey Pear Ginger Cheesecake

Honey Pear Ginger Cheesecake that’s sweet, creamy, and perfect for any occasion! With hints of ginger, cinnamon, roasted pear slices, and a drizzle of honey, every slice is so good. Whether you’re taking this cheesecake to a holiday party or just craving a wholesome treat at home, every bite is full of flavorful creamy cheesecake goodness!

37. Pecan Pie Bars

These Pecan Pie Bars are always my go-to dessert for holiday gatherings! I’ve been making this recipe for YEARS and it’s always such a hit. Not only are these pie bars perfectly sweet with the best flaky crust, but you’d never guess that they’re also gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free! Made with ingredients you can feel good about, this cozy, nutty dessert is easy to share, and everyone will love it. All of the goodness of melt-in-your-mouth pecan pie, but in an easy pie bar form!

38. Gluten-Free Cranberry Bliss Bars

These Cranberry Bliss Bars are absolutely heavenly! Made with almond flour and oat flour, this Starbucks copycat recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and SO delicious. Fluffy and sweet blondies that are full of orange, cranberry, and ginger flavors topped with a fluffy vegan cream cheese icing, dried cranberries, vegan white chocolate drizzle, and orange zest. Every bite is melt-in-your-mouth good!

39. Spiced Oatmeal Molasses Cookies

Want to know what to make with that big jar of molasses in your pantry? Molasses Cookies, of course! These Spiced Oatmeal Molasses Cookies are anything but your average cookie. They’re SO much better and go above and beyond! Chewy, sweet, and so flavorful. This recipe is quick, easy, and can be made entirely in one bowl. It’s one of my favorite cookie recipes for baking with my kids around the holidays or sharing as gifts!

40. Apple Blackberry Crumble Fruit Bake

Warm, fall fruit covered in a sweet crumble oat topping and topped with a scoop of ice cream. Every bite of this vegan and gluten-free dessert is SO good! This Apple Blackberry Crumble Fruit Bake can be prepped in just 15 minutes and is one of my favorite cozy desserts for a chilly evening!

41. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars that are light, fluffy, soft, and the best fall dessert! Topped with a sweet cream cheese icing and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, these tasty bars are so good. Every bite is full of perfectly spongy pumpkin cake that’s full of fall flavors!

42. Vegan Pecan Pie

Sweet, delicious, and easy to make, this Vegan Pecan Pie recipe is melt-in-your-mouth perfection. Made with your choice of a homemade or store-bought vegan pie crust and simple, everyday pie filling ingredients, you’ll love how perfect this Vegan Pecan Pie is for any holiday occasion!