Looking for a festive, lighter feast this year? From wholesome appetizers to better-for-you mains, these healthy Christmas recipes are guaranteed to satisfy every palate.
1/30
Roasted Turkey Breast
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this turkey breast for my first formal dinner party as a newlywed. It was such a success that it's become a standby on all my entertaining menus. —Lisa Mahon Fluegeman, Cincinnati, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounce-weight: 285 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 medium-fat meat.
2/30
Gouda Mixed Potato Mash
From the Recipe Creator:
Everything's better with cheese, right? This cheesy two-potato mash is no exception. If you cube the cheese, you’ll discover delicious pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish. —Shelby Goddard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 178 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
3/30
Garlic-Sesame Green Beans
From the Recipe Creator:
Sauteed bits of garlic and shallot, with a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, turn ordinary beans into something special. Keep the recipe in mind for your garden crop in summer. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 67 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 305mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
4/30
Horseradish-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin
From the Recipe Creator:
Wow your friends and family with this tender beef encased in a golden horseradish crust. Roasted garlic boosts the robust flavor even more. —Laura Bagozzi, Dublin, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 268 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat.
5/30
Gluten-Free Stuffing
From the Recipe Creator:
Gluten-free eaters, rejoice! Now you can enjoy everyone's favorite Thanksgiving dish, too. This easy side has all the classic stuffing flavor minus the gluten. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 146 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 561mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
6/30
Appetizer Wreath
From the Recipe Creator:
I have lots of fun with this festive appetizer wreath. I often place a bowl of stuffed olives in the center. —Shirley Privratsky, Dickinson, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 125 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 166mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
7/30
Orange-Glazed Pork Loin
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the best pork recipes I've ever tried. My family looks forward to this roast for dinner, and guests always want the recipe. The flavorful rub, and the glaze brightened with orange juice, are also outstanding on pork chops. —Lynnette Miete, Alna, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork with 1 tablespoon glaze: 199 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
8/30
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.
9/30
Roasted Herbed Squash with Goat Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
Cooking is a hobby I'm so happy to share with my toddler. She (and all our Christmas Eve party guests) heartily approved of this new potluck favorite. Any type of winter squash works here. —Lindsay Oberhausen, Lexington, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 251 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 715mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 10g fiber), 7g protein.
10/30
Deviled Eggs
From the Recipe Creator:
Herbs lend amazing flavor to these deviled eggs, which truly are the best you can make! The recipe includes tasty variations that feature bacon, chipotle peppers and crab. —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed egg half: 73 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 108mg cholesterol, 81mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
11/30
Slow-Cooker Butternut Squash Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
Much of the work for this soup can be done in advance, and it keeps all day in the slow cooker. The recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a crowd. Once you’ve tried it, try mixing it up—add sage or savory with the thyme, or replace the thyme with nutmeg. For a vegan version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. —Jennifer Machado, Alta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 124 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 616mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch.
12/30
Pecan Orange Salmon
From the Recipe Creator:
This baked pecan orange salmon is definitely a favorite to prepare and share, because you can adjust it to suit anyone by dialing up or down the mustard and honey. —Kari Caven, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 295 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 456mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
13/30
Herb-Buttered Baby Carrots
From the Recipe Creator:
The herb butter can be used for everything from vegetables to roast chicken, turkey, game hens—let your imagination be your guide. —Sandra Corey, Caldwell, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 143 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
14/30
Feta Bruschetta
From the Recipe Creator:
You won't believe the compliments you'll receive when you greet guests with these warm appetizers. Every crispy bite offers the savory tastes of feta cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic. They're terrific for holiday parties or most any gathering. —Stacey Rinehart, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 296 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
15/30
Parmesan Baked Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
It always amazed me that this simple recipe could make potatoes taste so good. Mom liked to make them for Easter because they were more special than ordinary baked potatoes. —Ruth Seitz, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
2 halves: 165 calories, 9g fat (6g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein.
16/30
Cranberry-Pecan Wheat Berry Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to experiment with different grains and wanted to give wheat berries a try. My whole family goes nuts for this salad, especially my mom. —Kristen Heigl, Staten Island, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 298 calories, 15g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 261mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 5g protein.
17/30
Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
From the Recipe Creator:
This picture-perfect linguine is a feast for the eyes and, with a hint of heat, a treat for the palate. —Megan Hidalgo, Quarryville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 462 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 144mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
18/30
Spiced Acorn Squash
From the Recipe Creator:
Working full time, I found I didn't always have time to cook the meals my family loved, so I re-created many of those dishes in the slow cooker. This treatment for squash is one of our favorites. —Carol Greco, Centereach, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 squash half: 433 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 142mg sodium, 86g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein.
19/30
Christmas Cheese Balls
From the Recipe Creator:
Christmas at our house just wouldn't be complete without these rich cheese balls. Friends and family ask for them every year-and I can make three gifts from just one recipe. —Margie Cadwell, Eastman, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 125 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 165mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
20/30
Brussels Sprouts with Garlic & Goat Cheese
From the Recipe Creator:
I wanted to up my veggie game, so I smothered Brussels sprouts with garlic and goat cheese. It's really a side dish, but I love to eat it for lunch! —Brenda Williams, Santa Maria, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 81 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/30
The South in a Pot Soup
From the Recipe Creator:
With black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, ground beef and comforting spices, this soup has every wonderful memory from my childhood simmered together in one tasty pot. —Stephanie Rabbitt-Schapp, Cincinnati, OH
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 267 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 544mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
22/30
Lamb Chops
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom just loved good lamb chops, and this easy recipe was her favorite way to prepare them. I've also grilled these chops with amazing results. —Kim Mundy, Visalia, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 lamb chops: 157 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 355mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
23/30
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
From the Recipe Creator:
I couldn’t shake my mashed potato habit—until I tried mashed cauliflower with a similar consistency. I started making my own, and my family loves it. —Meredith Howard, Franklin, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 154 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 290mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
24/30
Stuffed Mini Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
There's plenty of both crunch and cream in these party appetizers. Fresh chives help them really stand out. —Jean McKenzie, Vancouver, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 48 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 68mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
25/30
Minted Beet Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
We have neighbors who share vegetables from their garden, and every year my husband and I look forward to their beets. My interest in Mediterranean food inspired this beet salad recipe—the vinegar and oil dressing with fresh mint tones down the sweetness of the beets, and the kalamata olives add a salty touch. —Barbara Estabrook, Appleton, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 123 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 406mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
26/30
Green Beans in Red Pepper Sauce
From the Recipe Creator:
For easy veggies, I make a simple sauce of sweet red peppers, almonds and parsley. We also like this sauce with zucchini or roasted cauliflower. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 95 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
27/30
Roasted Pork Tenderloin
From the Recipe Creator:
There are no complicated steps to follow when preparing this roasted medley of tender pork and veggies. Just season with herbs, then pop in the oven for less than an hour. —Diane Martin, Brown Deer, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 301 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable.
28/30
Honey-Garlic Brussels Sprouts
From the Recipe Creator:
At a holiday dinner recently, I had the best Brussels sprouts ever! They were seasoned to perfection and lightly sweetened. I've tried to re-create the dish, and this comes very close. It has just the right amount of garlic and sweetness. —Robin Haas, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 100 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
29/30
Seven-Layer Mediterranean Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
I like traditional seven-layer Mexican dip, but I love Mediterranean ingredients even more. When I made this mashup, my husband wolfed it down. And he won’t even touch hummus or Greek olives on their own! —Bee Engelhart, Bloomfield Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without pita chips): 91 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 286mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
30/30
Orange Pomegranate Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 62 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
Healthy Christmas Recipes FAQ
How can I make Christmas dinner healthier?
There are plenty of easy ways to keep Christmas dinner on the lighter side without sacrificing flavor. You can add more protein to the meal with lean roasted chicken, turkey or herb-crusted salmon, instead of heavier mains like prime rib or bacon-wrapped ham. Trade creamy sides for steamed or sauteed greens with a drizzle of olive oil, and add color to the table with a vibrant, nutrient-dense roasted beet salad that looks as festive as it tastes.
What are some low-calorie Christmas recipes?
For low-calorie Christmas recipes, look for classics with lighter ingredients, like these slim curried deviled eggs with hummus and reduced-fat mayo in the filling, or a cozy slow-cooker butternut squash soup with a broth base instead of cream. For crowd-pleasing veggies, think herby roasted carrots, acorn squash boats, honey-garlic Brussels sprouts or mashed cauliflower. As for the main course, we love a lean pork tenderloin or head outside (weather permitting) and grill lamb chops.
What are healthy desserts for Christmas?
It’s always tempting to skip homemade desserts and grab something from a bakery or store for Christmas, but if you prefer a healthy dessert recipe, it’s better to make one yourself. Try a bright lemony cake, citrus-poached pears or a ginger plum tart loaded with fruit. These options feel elevated and indulgent, without weighing you down. You can also make a dairy-free pumpkin pie or a big fruit salad that’s naturally sweet.
