Share some healthy Christmas side dish ideas if you’re planning for the holidays!
Hello friends! what are you doing I hope you had a great weekend! We did the Fighter Group Christmas party, I taught a barre class and I saw Bad for the third time. I will probably see it at least one more time in theaters – I think the pilot is a must see! The girls and I also started the holiday baking party and made mint bark and peanut butter blossoms.
I’m starting to plan our holiday menus and have been trying to come up with side dish ideas. Of course, my favorite part of the holidays is being with family, but the delicious food comes in 2nd place 😉 The main dishes are always the focus, along with the desserts, but side dishes are an easy way to add some color and food. I love side dishes that are simple to prepare or can be made ahead of time, and these options check all the boxes!
This is our holiday menu for this year:
Lunch:
Nana’s Egg Casserole
Fruit salad
Coffee, mimosas, desserts
Dinner:
Giant cheese board
Beef fillet with horseradish sauce
Mashed sweet potatoes
Green salad
Mulled wine and champagne
Dessert Platter – Christmas Cookies, Yule Log
*It’s worth noting here that we get our meat Butcher shop (<— this link gets you free ground beef for life!) and I order the yule log from a local gf bakery
10 healthy Christmas side dishes
Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping
Sweet potatoes are a classic holiday staple, and this dish turns them into a lightly sweet casserole that’s hearty but packed with nutrients.
Why it’s great: Naturally sweet and rich in vitamins, this dish is perfect with grilled meats or vegetarian dishes.
Health highlights: Sweet potatoes are packed with fiber, vitamin A and antioxidants.
I also love Cinnamon Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
Brussels sprouts get a festive upgrade with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, making this an ideal side dish recipe for Christmas dinner.
Why it’s great: The combination of earthy sprouts, sweet cranberries and pecans is irresistible.
Health highlights: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C and potassium. It’s funny to me that growing up, Brussels sprouts were rumored to be the ugliest vegetable. When I finally tried them (maybe in my 20s?) I was like waiting. This stuff is really amazing.
Cauliflower and mashed potatoes with garlic and herbs
This creamy cauliflower dish is a healthy twist on traditional mashed potatoes and a great option for those looking to cut back on carbs.
Why it’s great: It’s velvety smooth, flavorful and pairs beautifully with any Christmas dinner main course. I like to use the immersion blender to make them super smooth.
Health highlights: Cauliflower is low in calories and high in vitamin C and phytonutrients.
Citrus and fennel salad
Brighten up your Christmas jumper with this cool and delicious orange, fennel and arugula salad.
Why it’s great: A light and citrusy accompaniment that cleanses the palate and balances richer dishes.
Health highlights: Full of vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber.
Balsamic roasted vegetables
This simple yet elegant dish combines root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips and sweet potatoes with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Why it’s great: The caramelized balsamic glaze adds a burst of flavor that complements grilled meats or vegetarian dishes.
Health highlights: Root vegetables are full of fiber and essential vitamins such as beta-carotene.
Here is a simple recipe.
Maple carrots with thyme
Bright, sweet and slightly salty, these carrots add color to your Christmas table while being simple to prepare.
Why they’re great: The natural sweetness of the carrots pairs perfectly with the light maple glaze, making them a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re packed with beta-carotene and fiber.
Goes well with: Roast turkey or ham baked in honey.
Health tip: Replace the butter with olive oil to keep this dish heart-healthy.
Vegan Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad
A refreshing yet filling side dish that is perfect for guests with dietary restrictions.
Why they’re great: This festive salad combines chewy wild rice, tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts for a dish rich in texture and flavor. It’s also packed with antioxidants and whole grains.
Goes well with: Stuffed or roasted pumpkins.
Health tip: Use unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce added sugar.
Parmesan crusted cauliflower steaks
These elegant cauliflower steaks make a bold statement and are a delight for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Why they’re great: Cauliflower is a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative to heavier sides, and the parmesan crust adds a satisfying crunch.
Goes well with: Prime rib or roast chicken.
Cabbage salad with pomegranate and citrus fruits
A bright and refreshing salad that balances the richness of other Christmas dishes.
Why it’s great: Pomegranate seeds add a festive touch, while citrus vinaigrette brightens the kale.
Goes well with: Stuffed turkey or roasted salmon.
Health tip: Massage the cabbage with olive oil to make it less chewy and easier to digest.
This looks vibrant and delicious.
Herb quinoa pilaf with roasted almonds
A versatile and nutrient-dense side that brings a light, dry flavor to your Christmas table.
Why it’s great: Quinoa is a complete protein, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarians. The addition of fresh herbs and crunchy almonds gives it a delightful texture and earthy, festive flavors.
Goes well with: Roast turkey, grilled salmon or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
Health tip: Add some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a sweet tart with color and flavor.
This it looks light and delicious and is easily something you could make ahead of time.
How to eat healthy at Christmas
Staying healthy over Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on the festive fun — also, remember that it’s really all about what’s going on in your routine the other 364 days of the year.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holiday season without compromising your wellness goals:
Fill vegetables first: Fill your plate with nutrient-dense sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or salads before diving into heavier dishes. For blood sugar balance, I like to eat vegetables first, then protein, and lastly cabr.
Watch your portion sizes: Eat mindfully, enjoy the company around you and stop when you feel satisfied.
Stay active: Incorporate some movement into your day, whether it’s an after-dinner family walk or a morning yoga session. love Sculpt Society for quick home workouts.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid hunger pangs and to balance out any cocktails.
Eat protein: I feel like holiday dinners tend to include protein dishes as the main course, so load.up!
See more tips on how to stay healthy during the holidays here.
More of our favorite holiday dishes are here!
So tell me my friends: are you cooking this year? What’s on the menu? Please share the products in the comments section! Do you do traditional holiday food or branch out? One year we had Chinese food with my dad and it was awesome, and when we lived in Valdosta we surfed and turfed.
xoxo
Gina
