These easy Christmas lunch ideas are sure to please everyone at your holiday table, whether you're hosting a crowd or a smaller affair.
1/45
Turkey Wild Rice Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Two Minnesota delicacies, turkey and wild rice, are the stars of this sensational soup. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Terri Holmgren, Swanville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
This creamy, comforting all-in-one meal doesn’t need a side dish, but it’s never a bad idea to have crusty garlic bread on hand for dipping. To make this soup vegetarian, swap in earthy veggies like butternut squash and chickpeas for the turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or turkey broth.
2/45
Pasta with Asparagus
From the Recipe Creator:
Many terrific recipes change hands at my ladies' bridge group's monthly get-togethers. That's where I discovered this zippy, tempting dish. The garlic, asparagus, Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes create an irresistible taste combination. —Jean Fisher, Redlands, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 83mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
Top this tasty 20-minute pasta with sauteed cubed pancetta or bacon for a savory, crunchy topper that adds protein and a wonderful saltiness. For the brightest flavor, look for signs to tell if asparagus has gone bad and make sure you’re using the freshest veggies possible.
3/45
Snowflake Tomato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Your family is bound to dig in to this brimming bowl! The sensational soup packs lots of pleasing ingredients, and is extra fun to eat when you pipe on a sour cream snowflake. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 140 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
Made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this comforting homemade tomato soup goes wonderfully with gooey grilled cheese sandwiches or simple side salads.
4/45
Festive Tossed Salad with Feta
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this when we’re having company because it’s fast and easy, and it goes with just about anything. Cranberries and feta cheese add a bright touch to the colorful salad. It’s a snap to toss together with packaged greens. —Kate Hilts, Fairbanks, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 156 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 344mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
This bright, crunchy salad is a delightful Christmas side dish that adds gorgeous red and green colors to a holiday spread. Easy Christmas salads are a great way to add much-needed greenery to heavy holiday fare.
5/45
Christmas Tortellini & Spinach Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this soup for the first time in the summer, but when I saw its bright red and green colors, my first thought was what a perfect Christmas Eve dinner idea! —Marietta Slater, Justin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 239 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 1135mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
Asiago is a nutty, umami-rich Italian cheese that melts beautifully into mashed potatoes, pasta sauces and soups like this one. Choose your favorite store-bought tortellini (or make your own!), and serve the whole thing with crusty Dutch oven bread for even more wow factor.
6/45
Roasted Pear Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Oven-roasted pears take the ho-hum out of this green salad created by our Test Kitchen staff. They tossed together a good-for-you medley of mellow pear slices, crispy greens, nuts and dried cranberries. The creamy dressing carries yet more pear flavor, sweetened with just a touch of honey. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 174 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 178mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
Crunchy, sweet, tart and chewy, this green salad is as lively as can be. Toast the hazelnuts to bring out their buttery, golden flavor.
7/45
Christmas Fettuccine
From the Recipe Creator:
Celebrate the season like characters in the romantic comedy 'The Holiday' with a bowl of Christmas fettuccine! I created my own version at home, resulting in all the best elements of fettuccine Alfredo, vodka sauce and lemon-garlic scampi sauce all in one indulgent holiday dish. —Kristina Vanni, North Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 643 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 54mg cholesterol, 589mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 21g protein.
8/45
Mushroom Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
This meatless casserole is one of my all-time favorites. Loaded with mushrooms and covered in a rich sauce, it's a home-style side dish that will have everyone scooping up seconds. —Rosemary Janz, Concord, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 406 calories, 35g fat (19g saturated fat), 103mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
9/45
Roasted Red Pepper Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like cream of tomato soup, try making it with purchased roasted red peppers instead of tomatoes. Using jarred roasted red peppers makes it extra easy, and pureeing the soup in a blender gives it a nice smooth texture. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 135 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 753mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
We love turning roasted sweet peppers into a creamy, slightly smoky soup that pairs perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches. I like to use an immersion blender to puree the soup so I don’t have to dirty a blender. Just make sure to remove the pot from the heat before blending and start on a low speed.
10/45
Chicken Divan
From the Recipe Creator:
Frozen broccoli and leftover chicken get an easy—but elegant—treatment in this. I dress things up with a saucy blend of cream soup and mayonnaise, then cover it all with a golden, cheesy crumb topping. —Bertille Cooper, California, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 629 calories, 49g fat (14g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 944mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.
11/45
Elegant Cranberry Pear Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad recipe, with its combination of fresh ingredients and crunchy walnuts, is quick to make yet looks very classy. —Irene Fenlason, Helena, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 169 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 73mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
Chopped fresh pears add brilliant crunch and subtle sweetness to this simple green salad, which also features crumbled blue cheese and toasted walnuts. Beyond lunch, it also makes a lovely vegetable side dish for roasts or festive Christmas ham recipes.
12/45
Slow-Cooker Baked Ziti
From the Recipe Creator:
I don't know one family that doesn't have some crazy, hectic evening. This recipe is a quick and easy fix for a busy weeknight dinner. —Christy Addison, Clarksville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 379 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 886mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
13/45
Broccoli Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don’t like broccoli beg me to make this comforting broccoli cheese casserole recipe. It's similar to a classic green bean casserole, but the melted cheese just puts it over the top. —Elaine Hubbard, Pocono Lake, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 26g fat (11g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
This irresistibly cheesy, five-ingredient broccoli dish is one of our favorite casserole recipes for a reason. Thawed frozen broccoli does the trick in this recipe, but steamed fresh broccoli works just as well. Feel free to mix in extra veggies like cauliflower, parsnips or even button mushrooms.
14/45
Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I knew this ham soup recipe was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for it! The hearty soup—chock-full of ham, veggies and cheese—is creamy and comforting. And even though the recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, don’t expect it to last more than one meal! —Marty Matthews, Clarksville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 331 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 73mg cholesterol, 772mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 19g protein.
We know exactly what you should do with that giant plate of leftover Christmas Eve ham in the fridge. This cheesy ham soup contains bright green peas and starchy potatoes, making it the perfect wintertime lunch when paired with buttery cornbread or fluffy Parker House rolls.
15/45
Festive Cranberry Fruit Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This fruit salad is a tradition on my Christmas table. It goes together quickly, which is a plus on such a busy day. —Rousheen Arel Wolf, Delta Junction, Alaska
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 105 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein.
Use fresh or frozen cranberries for this sweet-tart, berry-packed salad that adds a gorgeous pop of color to any holiday spread. Mix in aromatic chopped mint for an even more refreshing flavor.
16/45
Brie Mushroom Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Simmer up the earthy flavor of fresh mushrooms and the richness of Brie cheese in one delicious, creamy soup. I serve big bowlfuls to warm up everyone on chilly days. —Maria Emmerich, River Falls, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 328 calories, 22g fat (14g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 1192mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
Don’t get me wrong—I love regular cream of mushroom soup. But this upgraded version with boosted umami flavor is worth the extra effort. If you’ve never tasted Brie in soup, you’ve got to try this. It may become one of your all-time favorite soup recipes.
17/45
Perfect Winter Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
This is my most-requested salad recipe. Serve it as a side salad along with your holiday meal, or enjoy it for lunch the next day with cubed turkey or chicken on top. —DeNae Shewmake, Burnsville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 235 calories, 18g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 47mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein.
Winter doesn’t have to be a salad-free season, thanks to easy recipes like this one. It jazzes up spring mix with dried cherries, pecan halves and a creamy maple vinaigrette. Use any of your favorite apple varieties, like tart and crunchy Granny Smith apples.
18/45
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. —Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 502 calories, 28g fat (18g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
19/45
Southwest Chicken Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
Chicken thighs are a nice change of pace in this easy chili. I also use a smoked ham hock and fresh cilantro for flavor and to keep the dish interesting. —Phyllis Beatty, Chandler, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 343 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 104mg cholesterol, 735mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 33g protein.
This satisfying chili is flavored with a ham hock, giving it a flavor boost compared to typical chicken chili recipes. It also includes chopped green chiles and lots of punchy spices to kick up the heat. Top with a big dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions and crushed tortilla chips.
20/45
Citrus Fennel Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I guarantee guests will love the taste of this unique salad. The pleasant orange flavor pairs well with tender pieces of fennel.
—Marion Karlin, Waterloo, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 89 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 336mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 fruit.
Raw fennel has a fresh, licorice-like flavor and crunchy texture that is incredibly satisfying in salad form. For a pleasantly bitter twist, swap in grapefruit for the naval orange slices.
21/45
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to make these twice-baked sweet potatoes because they can be prepared ahead of time. With the addition of cream cheese, they are very creamy and not overly sweet. It is so easy to increase the quantity to any number. —Linda Call, Falun, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato: 297 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein.
People often confuse yams and sweet potatoes at the supermarket. You can make this recipe with either, but it tastes best with orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, like Garnet or Jewel. If you’re a sucker for sweet potatoes with marshmallows, finish these twice-baked potatoes with a few mini marshmallows.
22/45
Bacon Caesar Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
Family and friends always say my Caesar salad rivals any restaurant version. The addition of bacon is a little untraditional, but it lends a slightly smoky flavor and makes it unique. —Sharon Tipton, Winter Garden, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 158 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
After tasting this smoky bacon-topped salad, you’ll want to drizzle the zesty, garlicky Caesar dressing on just about everything. For best results, avoid the most common mistakes when cooking bacon, like crowding the pan or throwing out the grease.
23/45
Blood Orange Caprese Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
A colorful twist on the classic caprese salad of mozzarella, basil and tomato, this one uses blood oranges in place of the tomato and is flavored with pomegranate instead of basil.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 367 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
Add this festive seasonal salad to your next Christmas buffet and wait for the compliments to pour in. Then, use any leftover citrus for blood orange margaritas.
24/45
Garlic Knotted Rolls
From the Recipe Creator:
Using frozen yeast dough is an easy way to make homemade rolls. These cute knots add a special touch to any menu. —Kathy Harding, Richmond, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 roll: 168 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
These buttery rolls are loaded with golden garlic and look especially pretty with a finishing sprinkle of poppy seeds. Think outside the knot and have fun with all the different ways to shape dinner rolls.
25/45
Cornbread Sausage Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this cornbread sausage stuffing over 45 years ago as part of a special dinner I prepared to thank our wonderful family for all of their help when we bought our first home. It's a family favorite to this day. —Ruth Seitz, Conesville, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 348 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 77mg cholesterol, 908mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein.
Feel free to use a store-bought pan of cornbread to make this sweet-and-savory stuffing. Of course, you can always make cornbread from scratch! Since the recipe calls for a whole stick, opt for the best butter brand you can find.
26/45
Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
We think this recipe from Marjorie Carey from Alamosa, Colorado, tastes just like Wendy's chili! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 259 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 47mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 20g protein.
This recipe makes a lot of hearty, soul-warming chili, so divide any leftovers into separate freezer-safe containers for soup and label each with the date. They’ll be good for up to six months. When it’s time to serve, heat the chili in a saucepan and finish it with crunchy tortilla chips, sliced jalapenos, shredded cheddar or green onions.
27/45
Tuna Melt
From the Recipe Creator:
When our children were young, I often fixed these warm, crunchy sandwiches. They go well with chips and a salad for a quick lunch. —Carole Anhalt, Manitowoc, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 363 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 629mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
I love all kinds of toasty hot sandwiches, but there’s something extra special about an old-fashioned tuna melt. This recipe is a hybrid of the best grilled cheese you’ve ever had and a perfect tuna salad sandwich. A side of potato chips is nonnegotiable!
28/45
Zippy Three-Bean Chili
From the Recipe Creator:
I use convenient canned pinto, black and great northern beans to speed preparation of my hearty three-bean chili. The one-dish meal has a thick consistency and peppy Tex-Mex flavor. —Agnes Hamilton, Scott Depot, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 274 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1.500 starch, 1 vegetable.
Did you know you can make homemade taco seasoning for this robust chili? But don’t worry—we also found the best taco seasoning brands that taste nearly as good as homemade.
29/45
Chicken Wild Rice Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 154 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
We love homemade soup recipes around the holidays because they’re the perfect way to sneak in leftovers like roasted turkey, spiral ham and all sorts of veggies. Bonus: This earthy, comforting wild rice soup can be made gluten-free by swapping in a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and using rice flour in the roux.
30/45
Creamy Spinach Mushroom Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This spinach mushroom soup is the perfect accompaniment to any buffet. It can even be made ahead, then warmed and quickly finished on the day of your party. —Susan Jordan, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 219 calories, 18g fat (11g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 952mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
This thick, umami-rich soup calls for vegetable stock to make it vegetarian, but you could use chicken or beef broth to add an even more robust, savory flavor. Work your way through all of our creamy soup recipes for infinite Christmas lunch possibilities.
31/45
Mushroom Panzanella
From the Recipe Creator:
My fresh take on classic Italian bread salad pairs well with grilled or roasted meats. —Jennifer Beckman, Falls Church, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 210 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
When summer’s bounty comes to an end, mushrooms make the perfect wintertime ingredient for this twist on a tomato bread salad. In addition to goat cheese, golden raisins and pine nuts, this untraditional panzanella still has some tomatoes in it. We find that grape and cherry tomatoes are pretty good year-round, especially when mixed with bolder flavors.
32/45
Pomegranate Splash Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can't get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight. —Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with about 4-1/2 teaspoons vinaigrette: 164 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
The health benefits of pomegranates are an added bonus to their vibrant taste. The tasty wintertime superfood adds juicy, tart bursts of flavor to this pretty green salad. Thawed cranberry juice concentrate mixes with olive oil and rice vinegar for an easy dressing you’ll want to make again and again.
33/45
White Bean Soup with Escarole
From the Recipe Creator:
Pantry staples make this healthy soup oh, so simple to prepare. When I can't find escarole, I use fresh spinach. Just add to the soup pot moments before serving. —Gina Samokar, North Haven, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup soup with 1-1/2 teaspoons cheese: 174 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 572mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
Who says hearty stews have to include meat? This stick-to-your-ribs vegetarian dish is a complete meal with whole wheat orzo, creamy white beans and savory shredded Parmesan. This will certainly keep you full in the afternoon as you await a big Christmas feast.
34/45
Pickled Beet Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for a recipe for pickled beets and saw one with lemon instead of vinegar. I immediately thought of making a tabbouleh-inspired salad with beets instead of tomatoes. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 116 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 173mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
If you’re in a green salad slump, this tangy beet salad will be enough to get you—and everyone at your holiday table—excited about salad again. This recipe starts with fresh beets, but you can always swap in store-bought or homemade pickled beets.
35/45
Sweet Potato Pone
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet potatoes are among my favorite vegetables, and this sweet potato pone is my absolute favorite way to prepare them. Not only is it an eagerly anticipated side dish for Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends each year, but also I make it to dress up ordinary meals. You can almost serve it as a dessert! —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 270 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 80mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (29g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
Sweet potato recipes always hit the spot, and this luscious pone is sweet, simple perfection. It’s a fun twist on typical sweet potato casseroles you see around the holidays.
36/45
Holy Moly Potato Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a turned-up version of a cheesy potato soup. We eat this often, especially on cold winter evenings, but it'd be lovely for family get-togethers or potlucks during the holidays! Crushed red pepper flakes really turn up the heat. —Angela Sheridan, Opdyke, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 529 calories, 30g fat (13g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 1981mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 8g fiber), 18g protein.
If you love recipes with onion soup mix, you’ll adore this loaded potato soup that contains a whole carton of French onion dip. We like to serve this soup with crispy tortilla chips because it’s basically a glorified dip (in the very best way).
37/45
Chickpea Tortilla Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This vegan tortilla soup recipe is healthy, filling and family-friendly! We love how hearty and flavorful it is. We like to play around with the different toppings we add each time it's served. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 289 calories, 5g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 702mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 13g protein.
Lime wedges add a balanced hit of acidity to liven up this filling vegan soup. We recommend using no-salt-added canned beans so you can control the seasoning and sodium level yourself.
38/45
Cranberry and Roasted Beet Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this as a healthy, tasty side dish to complement Christmas dinner. This enticing substitute for cranberry relish is excellent with turkey. Even the children loved it! Serve the beet blend alone or on a bed of salad greens. —Brianna St. Clair, Worland, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 212 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
Sweet roasted beets and tangy goat cheese are a timeless duo, especially when sliced almonds, pears and tart cranberry dressing get involved. Use any leftover cheese for one of these tasty goat cheese recipes.
39/45
Grilled Cheese, Ham and Apple Sandwich
From the Recipe Creator:
In this stepped-up version of a ham and cheese sandwich, melty cheeses, crispy apples and smoky ham are the ultimate combination. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 725 calories, 50g fat (27g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 1415mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
This melty restaurant-worthy sandwich features a whopping four types of cheese—cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere and Brie—that perfectly contrast tart apple slices. Why not whip up some air-fryer potato chips to go with? They’ll make these sandwiches feel even more special.
40/45
Pressure-Cooker English Pub Split Pea Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of today's appliances, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for a bit and then it's "soup's on!" Finish it with more milk if you like your split pea soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 141 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 193mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
One taste of this robust split pea soup, and you’ll never throw out a ham bone again. Seasoned with English mustard, warm nutmeg and a bottle of light beer, this pressure-cooker soup tastes like it’s been cooking all day.
41/45
Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a regional favorite I grew to love after moving to the South: pressure-cooker black-eyed peas. You'll never want to eat canned black-eyed peas again! Serve the dish as a side with grilled chicken, or make it the main course and round out the meal with greens and cornbread. —Tammie Merrill, Wake Forest, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 76 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch.
This 30-minute wonder could be the star of any holiday potluck. It also proves that the Instant Pot is the secret to perfectly cooked beans. Add a diced jalapeno or 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to amp up the heat.
42/45
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Oven temps vary, so keep an eye on them to make sure they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
Opt for small to medium Brussels sprouts to ensure they get extra crispy and sweet in the oven. You’ll also want to spread them out on the sheet pan to give them room to brown properly.
43/45
Grandma's Baked Ham Salad Sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
This is another tried-and-true recipe I found in my grandma's recipe box. I love seeing her handwriting on faded notecards. — Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 338 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 153mg cholesterol, 971mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
Add a sharp grated cheese, like cheddar or Swiss, to your baked ham sandwiches to add a melty element. Once they’re out of the oven, finish them with some fresh lettuce, tomato slices and dill pickles for a bit of freshness and crunch.
44/45
Orange and Olives Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
My grandmother made sure this orange and olives salad was on our holiday table every year. It's so light and simple to make. And it looks pretty on the table! —Angela David, Lakeland, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 54 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 185mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
What better way to celebrate winter’s influx of bright, juicy oranges than slicing them up for this four-ingredient salad? Because it’s so simple, there’s plenty of room to add your own twist with ingredients like minced garlic, chopped cilantro, parsley, red onion or fennel.
45/45
Easy Dutch Oven Minestrone Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
This Dutch oven minestrone soup is quick to prepare with shortcut ingredients and is ready in less than an hour. Add a salad and a warm, crusty loaf of bread to round out the meal. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 384 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 1467mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
If you’ve only used jarred marinara sauce for making pasta, try using it as a richly flavored base for soup. This hearty, untraditional minestrone with Italian meatballs and cheese tortellini is the ultimate cozy comfort food.
Christmas Lunch Ideas FAQ
How do I make my Christmas lunch festive?
An easy way to make your Christmas lunch festive is to make small ingredient swaps that elevate everyday recipes. Replace bacon bits with crisped prosciutto in your appetizers and soups, or toss salads with dried cranberries and candied pecans instead of tomatoes and croutons. Set out a dish of cinnamon-orange honey butter instead of the regular stuff with a basket of warm rolls. These swaps only take a few minutes to make and will make your Christmas lunch extra festive.
What are some easy dishes to include in a Christmas lunch menu?
Some easy dishes for Christmas lunch include make-ahead and slow cooker options. My favorite make-ahead recipes for a 13×9 include casseroles like stuffed shells, chicken cordon bleu, spaghetti pie and phyllo-topped casserole, which can be assembled a day or two in advance and baked when you’re ready to eat. For a hands-off meal idea, these slow-cooker lunch recipes can be tossed in the cooker when you wake up, or really, when your kids wake you up Christmas morning.
Are there vegetarian options for Christmas lunch?
There are absolutely vegetarian options for Christmas lunch! Meat-free soups and salads are my go-to vegetarian lunch ideas for Christmas, but there are also plenty of vegetarian casseroles, if you’re looking for something a bit heartier. To keep things festive, opt for recipes that feature seasonal produce and easy upgrades like spiced, roasted chickpeas, pomegranate seeds and candied nuts.
