Healthy Christmas Dinner Recipes

It’s no secret that traditional Christmas dishes often contain unhealthy ingredients. Mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and gravy – just to name a few – can all be high in fat or sugar, depending on how they’re prepared. If you want to enjoy the festive flavors of Christmas without sacrificing your health goals, try making one of these delicious and healthy recipes this year!

Baked Sweet Potato Casserole

This baked sweet potato casserole is the perfect holiday side dish, especially if you’re looking for something a little healthier than your typical mashed potatoes. It’s full of delicious flavors and textures, but it won’t leave you feeling weighed down or heavy. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be customized based on your dietary needs.

Ingredients:

-1 tablespoon olive oil

-1 onion, diced

-3 cloves garlic, minced

-2 cups chopped cooked sweet potatoes

-1/2 cup milk

-1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese

-1/4 teaspoon black pepper

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

-1/4 cup all-purpose flour

-1/2 cup chicken broth

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the sweet potatoes and cook for 5 minutes longer, stirring occasionally. Stir in the milk, cheese, pepper, salt, and thyme leaves. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the flour and broth until smooth. Pour into the prepared baking dish—Bake for 20 minutes or until heated through.

Keto Gravy

Gravy is a staple at most holiday dinners but can be high in carbs and other unhealthy ingredients. If you’re following the keto diet and want to enjoy a delicious turkey gravy with your Christmas dinner, try making this low-carb version instead!

Ingredients:

-1 cup heavy cream

-1/2 cup unsalted butter

-1 cup onion, chopped

-1/4 teaspoon black pepper

-1/4 teaspoon salt

-3 cups chicken broth

-1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Add the black pepper and salt and cook for 1 minute more.

3. Add the cream and stir to combine. Gradually add the chicken broth, constantly stirring until the gravy is thickened.

4. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and flour and simmer for 2 minutes longer to thicken. Serve hot with your choice of meats or vegetables.

Beef Tenderloin

For the main course of your Christmas dinner, why not try making a delicious beef tenderloin? This hearty and healthy cut of meat is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

-1 beef tenderloin

-1 tablespoon olive oil

-1 teaspoon garlic powder

-1 teaspoon onion powder

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-1/4 teaspoon black pepper

-1/2 cup red wine

-3 tablespoons tomato paste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Coat the beef tenderloin with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Place the beef tenderloin in a baking dish and pour in the red wine.

4. Bake for 1 hour or until the beef is cooked through.

5. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes.

6. Serve the beef tenderloin with the keto gravy listed above!

Kale Salad With Apples and Toasted Almonds

If you’re looking for a healthier side dish for your Christmas dinner, why not try making this delicious kale salad with apples and toasted almonds? It’s crisp and refreshing but also packed full of nutrients.

Ingredients:

-1 bunch of kale, stemmed and chopped

-1/2 red onion, diced

-1/2 Granny Smith apple, diced

-1/4 cup roasted almonds

-1 tbsp olive oil

-salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the kale, onion, apple, and almonds in a large salad bowl.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.

3. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Baked Garlic Butter Salmon

If the beef tenderloin isn’t your thing, why not try making a delicious baked garlic butter salmon for your Christmas dinner instead? It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with any side dish you choose.

Ingredients:

-1 lb salmon filet

-2 cloves garlic, minced

-2 tbsp melted butter

-salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic and melted butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Place the salmon filet on a baking dish or in an oven-safe skillet and brush it with the garlic butter mixture.

4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through. Enjoy!

Flourless Chocolate Cake

If you’re looking for a sweet treat to finish your Christmas dinner, why not try making this amazing flourless chocolate cake? It’s rich and decadent, so it’s sure to satisfy any dessert cravings.

Ingredients:

-1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

-1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

-pinch of salt

-1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

-1 1/4 cups granulated sugar

-2 large eggs, beaten

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Butter and flour on a 9×13-inch baking pan.

3. Sift together the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until light and fluffy.

5. Add the sugar and beat until well combined.

6. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition for 1 minute.

7. Add the vanilla extract and beat until well combined.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in a pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Benefits Of A Healthy Christmas Dinner With These Recipes!

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas gathering or invited to one, staying healthy during the holiday season can be challenging. Between the rich foods and decadent desserts, it’s easy to overindulge and undo all your hard work with diet and exercise.

But with these delicious recipes for a healthy Christmas dinner, you can enjoy all of the holiday season’s best flavors without sacrificing your health! From a hearty beef tenderloin to a refreshing kale salad with apples and toasted almonds, plenty of options are sure to please your taste buds and your waistline.

Furthermore, the benefits of eating healthy foods at Christmas include improved energy levels, better mood, and reduced risk of chronic diseases.

Opt For A Healthy Christmas Dinner This Holiday Season!

In conclusion, there are plenty of healthy Christmas dinner recipes that you can try for your holiday feast this year. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main course or a refreshing side dish, these recipes have all the ingredients you need to enjoy a delicious and nutritious Christmas dinner with friends and family! So why wait? Start preparing your feast today!