27 Healthy Christmas Dinners

Christmas can be overwhelming to our diet, especially when all we want to do is stuff our faces. Make these delicious healthy Christmas dinners that are full of flavor and are relatively easy to make.

Christmas is a magical time of the year. We all seem a bit happier during Christmas.

Maybe it has to do with all the yummy food – particularly at Christmas dinner.

But all that yummy food tends to go to your waistline. That’s because of all the calories.

In fact, on Christmas day, we eat on average 5 373 calories. If you’re a man, that’s twice your recommended daily intake.

If you’re a woman,  that’s almost three times your recommended daily intake. Eek!

It’s no wonder we have trouble squeezing into our skinny jeans.

That’s why I’m sharing 27 Healthy Christmas Dinners. They’ll help you indulge – without feeling like a stuffed turkey.

And for all those yummy leftovers, get out your food storage containers. If you don’t have a good set,

I recommend these glass food storage containers.

They’re air-tight, so they keep your leftovers tasting fresh longer. And they’re eco-friendly too.

Do you prefer plastic ones?  These BPA-free plastic containers are good as well.

1. Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Dates

Source: allnutritious.com

You probably hated Brussels Sprouts as a kid. So, you probably want to pass on this.

But before you do, hear me out. These Brussels Sprouts ain’t your ordinary Brussels Sprouts.

The magic sauce is this: you’re sauteing them. By sauteing them, you get them nicely caramelized.

So, they’re pretty sweet instead of bitter. You’re also sauteing them in bacon grease. Yum!

And you’re tossing them in date paste. So, you get even more caramel flavors.

And you’re adding THE secret weapon – bacon. And bacon makes everything tastes much yummier, right?

Per Serving:

• Calories: 251
• Fats: 18g
• Protein: 7.6g
• Carbs: 17g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 8.6g

Recipe

2. Stuffed Flank Steak

Source: savoringthegood.com

We all know that Turkey is the star of the show. But this Stuffed Flank Steak is sure to come a close second.

The flank steak is melt-in-your-mouth tender. And you’re stuffing it with butter-sauteed mushrooms, brie cheese, walnuts, and baby spinach.

So you get an ooey-gooey cheesy, nutty, umami morsel of yumminess. This Stuffed Flank Steak sure gives the turkey a run for its money!

Prepping this steak takes just 20 minutes. Then you place your flank steak in a sous vide water bath like this.

Check out more 500 calorie recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 486
• Fats: 29g
• Protein: 52g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

3. Carrot and Beetroot Salad

Source: allnutritious.com

After all that beef and turkey, it’s nice to cleanse your palate. And my Carrot and Beetroot Salad is perfect for that.

It’s sweet, light, and refreshing. And the balsamic vinaigrette adds a pleasant tang.

Making this salad is relatively easy. Start by grating your carrots and beets using a vegetable grater like this.

Next, make your balsamic vinaigrette. Combine honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add your carrots and beets, tossing well. Garnish with parsley. Check out more 200 calorie meals here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 238
• Fats: 14g
• Protein: 2.5g
• Carbs: 28g
• Fiber: 4.1g
• Sugar: 22g

Recipe

4. Whole30 Mashed Potatoes

Source: aubreyskitchen.com

Christmas dinner wouldn’t be the same without mashed potatoes. And these mashed potatoes are as good as they come.

They’re creamy, buttery, and super comforting. So, they’re perfect for a cold winter’s day.

These Mashed Potatoes are also easy to make. That’s because you’re leaving the skin on.

Just make sure you scrub your potatoes well with a vegetable brush like this. Once clean, cut your potatoes into small cubes.

This will help your potatoes cook faster. Then add your potatoes to salted boiling water.

Boil for about ten minutes before draining. Next, place your potatoes in a food processor.

Pulse until crumbly. Finally, add ghee, almond milk, salt, and pepper and pulse until creamy.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 460
• Fats: 21g
• Protein: 8g
• Carbs: 62g
• Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

5. Turkey Tenderloin

Source: plattertalk.com

Turkey is another food you can’t miss on Christmas day. But let’s face it – cooking a whole turkey can be a royal pain.

All the defrosting, basting and roasting for several hours. It’s enough to make you want to go back to bed.

This Turkey Tenderloin makes Christmas dinner so much easier.  In fact, you’ll need just one hour to make it – from start to finish.

And it smells and tastes amazing. That’s because you’re adding fragrant herbs like sage and rosemary.

Making it is so simple. Season your turkey tenderloin with dried rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper.

Then put your tenderloin in a roasting pan and cover. Roast for about 40 minutes.

Winner, winner, turkey dinner.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 187
• Fats:
• Protein:
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber:
• Sugar:

Recipe

6. Vegan Shepherds Pie

Source: mypureplants.com

A lot of people are turning to plant-based eating. But being plant-based shouldn’t mean missing your old favorites.

And this Vegan Shepherd’s Pie proves just that. You’ve got a flavorful layer of veggie stew.

It’s got 3 different veggies: eggplants, zucchini, and rainbow carrots.

And it’s topped with a dreamy, creamy layer of mashed potatoes. Your tastebuds won’t know what hit them.

With a Shepherd’s Pie this good, you won’t miss the meat. Check out more 300 calorie recipes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 297
• Fats: 2.4g
• Protein: 6.5g
• Carbs: 65g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 11g

Recipe

7. Hearty Vegan Cranberry Portobello Pot Roast

Source: rhubarbarians.com

Nothing comes close to how comforting Pot Roasts are. But on a plant-based diet, they’re a big No-No.

This Vegan Cranberry Portobello Pot Roast is like a warm hug. You’ve got the meaty, umami flavors of the mushrooms.

And they’re bathed in a delicious gravy with a side of mashed potatoes. And you’re adding cranberries too.

These give the dish a lovely tartness. This is offset by the sweetness of the carrots.

Besides being tasty, this dish is nutritious too. One serving provides 210% of your daily Vitamin A needs.

It also provides 39% of your daily Vitamin C needs. So, it boosts your immune system.

Now that’s a winning combination.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 283
• Fats: 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 46g
• Fiber: 7g
• Sugar: 10g

Recipe

8. Vegan Wellington

Source: mypureplants.com

Need a vegan-friendly Beef Wellington? Give this one a try.

The puff pastry is tender, flaky, and golden. And the filling is a match made in foodie heaven.

That’s because it’s made of butternut squash, mushrooms, and walnuts. So, you’ve got some sweet, umami and crunchy action going on.

And the rosemary and nutmeg add aromatic, festive flavors. Yum!

This Vegan Wellington is great on its own. But if you want, you can serve it with this vegan gravy.

It’s ready in only 3 minutes, and it’s gluten-free too.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 318
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

9. Balsamic Slow Cooker Pot Roast

Source: joyfoodsunshine.com

Are you more of a meat lover? This Balsamic Slow Cooker Pot Roast is sure to satisfy your cravings.

It’s tender, saucy, and delicious. The beef broth adds even more meatiness.

And the honey mustard makes this pot roast finger-licking good.

What I love most is that you don’t need to brown the pot roast. Just coat your Roast with olive oil.

Place it in your slow cooker. Then add rub and sauce, and away you go.

Now Christmas Day can be pretty busy – and you may get distracted. So your Pot Roast could get too dry.

That’s why it’s best to use a programmable slow cooker like this. Set your timer, and it will automatically switch to warm once done.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 306
• Fats: 19.1g
• Protein: 25.9g
• Carbs: 5.7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 3.5g

Recipe

10. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Source: budgetdelicious.com

Need the perfect side for your Pot Roast? These Garlic Mashed Potatoes are a great option.

They’re creamy, garlicky, and buttery. Don’t be surprised if you want seconds – it’s that good.

Make sure you have some breath mints handy. That’s because you’ll be using a whole head of garlic.

If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use this garlic paste instead.

Besides being yummy, these mashed potatoes are also nutritious. One serving provides 20% of your daily fiber needs.

It also contains potassium which is crucial for healthy blood pressure.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 306
• Fats: 15g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 2g

Recipe

11. Green Beans Almondine

Source: veggiedesserts.com

Looking for a vegetable side dish that people will want to eat? Look no further.

On the menu is Green Beans Almondine. They look and taste divine.

Blanched green beans are sauteed in creamy butter. Then they’re topped with garlic, shallots, and almonds.

Besides being tasty, this side dish is good for you too. Almonds are full of heart-healthy fats.

And green beans ain’t too shabby either. They contain Vitamins C and A, which boost your immune system.

They even contain Vitamin K, which helps your blood clot.

Healthy eating couldn’t get much better.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 82
• Fats: 5g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

12. Polish Christmas Mushroom Soup

Source: polonist.com

Christmas days can be chilly. So, it’s nice to have a bowl of soup to warm you up.

This Polish Christmas Mushroom Soup will do just that. It’s warm, earthy, and savory.

And it’s full of mushrooms. So, you’re getting lots of meaty textures and umami flavors.

And the peppercorns add a pleasant heat. Meanwhile, the celery root, parsley root, and carrots add loads of freshness.

Your tastebuds will be super happy – and so will your brain.

That’s because mushrooms are rich in brain-boosting B vitamins. They also contain copper, which maintains your bones and nerves.

Mushrooms are also rich in selenium, a powerful antioxidant.

Now you will need dried wild mushrooms. These may be more difficult to find at your local grocery store.

However, you can find some restaurant-quality dried wild mushrooms here. Bon appetit!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 75
• Fats: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g

Recipe

13. Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad

Source: thekitchengirl.com

Not a huge fan of Brussels Sprouts? You will be after having this salad.

You’ve got the bitterness of the dino kale and Brussels Sprouts. This is offset by the sweetness of the apples and red onions.

Meanwhile, the dried cranberries and pomegranate seeds add tartness. And the sunflower seeds add crunch – it’s a party in your mouth.

And the dressing is amazing. You’ve got sweet, tangy, and spiciness in one bite.

You’ll want to get your Brussels Sprouts sliced really thinly. To save time, you can simply run your Brussels Sprouts through a food processor.

This food processor should handle the slicing pretty quickly.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 159
• Fats: 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 11g

Recipe

14. Air Fryer Turkey Breast

Source: recipesfromapantry.com

Not a fan of dark turkey meat? Make this Air Fryer Turkey Breast instead.

It’s tender, juicy white turkey breast. And it’s lightly seasoned with Steak Seasoning Rub. Yum!

What’s more, it takes just 5 minutes to prep. Then you let your air fryer do the heavy lifting.

To ensure your turkey breast is done, check the internal temperature. You’ll want your digital thermometer to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Don’t have an air fryer on hand? This one here comes at a reasonable price.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 410
• Fats: 19g
• Protein: 55g
• Carbs: 1g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

15. Whole Roasted Chicken with Brie and Grapes

Source: mychefsapron.com

Feeding a small family for Christmas? Serve this roasted chicken instead.

It’s perfect for small gatherings – and tastes so good. It’s juicy on the inside and golden brown on the outside.

And it’s stuffed with Brie cheese and grapes. So, it’s buttery, creamy, and cheesy.

With a dish like this, who needs a whole turkey anyway?

Per Serving:

• Calories: 306
• Fats: 22g
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 13g

Recipe

16. Garlic Smashed Potatoes

Source: recipesfromapantry.com

Looking for a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes? These Garlic Smashed Potatoes are a great option.

They’re golden, crispy, and so flavorful. That’s because you’re tossing them in garlic powder, oregano, and thyme.

So, you’ve got yummy Mediterranean flavors.

And they’re lighter than mashed potatoes. That’s because you’re not adding cream or butter.

Instead, you’re using a bit of olive oil. Olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

And it contains Vitamin E, which promotes healthy skin.

When choosing olive oil, look for extra virgin olive oil like this. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in antioxidants that fight free radical damage.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 169
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

Recipe

17. Seafood Stew

Source: theforkedspoon.com

Time for some seafood stew. Yes, you read that right – seafood on Christmas.

And why not? This Seafood Stew is warm, comforting and full of flavor.

That’s because it has all your favorites. There’s shrimp, calamari, crab legs, mussels, and clams.

And they’re all simmered in a yummy, rich broth. You may even want seconds.

But it’s packed with a whopping 53 grams of protein. So, you’ll definitely feel full after just one bowl.

Want to make it even better? Serve it with some crusty bread.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 462
• Fats: 10g
• Protein: 53g
• Carbs: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g

Recipe

18. Slow Cooker Turkey Breast with Quinoa Cranberry Dressing

Source: foodmeanderings.com

Want to enjoy the turkey – and not feel stuffed? Try this Slow Cooker Turkey Breast.

One serving contains only 164 calories. That’s because it’s white meat instead of dark.

It’s also skinless. So you’re cutting down on the fat and calories.

But nutrition aside, this turkey breast is fantastic. That’s because you’re cooking it in chicken broth.

And you’re seasoning it with onions, garlic, and parsley. You’re also adding cranberries, toasted almonds, and quinoa.

So, you’re getting lots of yummy flavors and textures. There’s nothing bland about this bird! Check out more crockpot recipes here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 164
• Fats: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 29g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

Recipe

19. Roasted Parsnip Soup

Source: foodworthfeed.com

Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy winter vegetables. And this soup is chock-full of winter veggies.

There are roasted parsnips and celery roots. And they’re simmered in a lovely chicken broth.

The nutmeg adds extra warmth. This soup feels just like a warm hug.

What’s more, you’re also pureeing the soup. This gives the soup a nice, creamy texture – without any cream.

The homemade croutons are the icing on top of the cake, ahem, soup. The crunchiness complements the soup perfectly.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 68
• Fats: 26g
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 68g
• Fiber: 11g
• Sugar: 22g

Recipe

20. Cornish Hens with Rosemary Wine Sauce

Source: foodmeanderings.com

Are you having company over for Christmas Dinner? Wow them with these Cornish Hens.

They look fancy – and they taste delicious. That’s because you’re roasting your Cornish Hens in a delicate white wine sauce.

And you’re topping them with fresh rosemary. Your dinner guests will be so impressed.

They’ll think you spent hours in the kitchen. But nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, they take just 10 minutes to prep.

Besides being delicious, Cornish hens are good for you too. Cornish Hens are very lean.

So they contain less fat. They are also rich in niacin, which boosts your brain.

So eat up those Cornish Hens!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 64.11
• Fats: 0.11g
• Protein: 1.27g
• Carbs: 3.17g
• Fiber: 0.14g
• Sugar: 0.76g

Recipe

21. Caprese Christmas Wreath

Source: itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com

Need a fancy salad to go with your Cornish Hens? This Christmas Wreath, ahem, salad, is a great option.

It’s simply Caprese salad shaped like a wreath. You use fresh basil to form the leaves.

You decorate it with white baby bocconcini balls and red cherry tomatoes. And you drizzle it with balsamic glaze.

Genius, right?

Want to make it even more elegant? Serve this salad on a beautiful platter.

This circular platter here is embossed with beautiful designs. So, it makes your Christmas Wreath even prettier.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 141
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 5g
• Carbs: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Recipe

22. Roasted Butternut Squash with Bacon

Source: dancingthroughtherain.com

Do you want to indulge your sweet tooth? This Roasted Butternut Squash will help you do that.

The roasted, caramelized Butternut Squash adds lots of sweetness. And it’s paired with crispy bacon.

So the sweetness doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds. And the fresh sage takes this simple dish over the top.

Besides being sweet, Butternut Squash is also highly nutritious. It contains lots of Vitamins A and C.

It is even a good source of manganese and magnesium. So, it’s good for your bones.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 87
• Fats: 6g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

23. Broccoli Kale Salad

Source: sulaandspice.com

Need a change from your basic Garden salad? Try this Broccoli Kale Salad.

It’s pretty easy to make – and it’s yummy too.  You’ve got cruciferous veggies like broccoli and red cabbage.

You’ve also got kale and carrots. So, it’s full of freshness and crunch.

The apples and cranberries add sweetness and tang. This makes the salad perfectly balanced.

And the dressing? You’ll want to drink it.

Don’t be surprised if this salad goes fast.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 183
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Recipe

24. Low Carb Sweet Potato Casserole

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Are you on a low-carb diet? Then you know that casseroles can be a huge No-No.

That’s because they tend to contain lots of carbs. So, they can do a number on your waistline.

So, a Sweet Potato would be out of the question, right? Not with this Low Carb Sweet Potato Casserole.

It’s creamy, sweet, and tastes just like Sweet Potato Casserole. But it doesn’t have any sweet potatoes.

Instead, it contains butternut squash and cauliflower. The squash adds sweetness, while the cauliflower adds that starchy texture.

And the cinnamon adds festive warmth. Meanwhile, the pecans add a nice touch of crunch. Love a sweet potato dish? You might want to try this sweet potato breakfast bowl.

Bon appetit!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 146
• Fats: 13g
• Protein: 2g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 2g

Recipe

25. Vegan Green Beans with Nutritional Yeast Sauce

Source: breesveganlife.com

Looking for a cheesy green bean dish – without the cheese? These Vegan Green Beans are the perfect option.

They’re creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Yet, they don’t contain a drop of dairy.

To make it creamy, you’re using almond milk. And to get savory, you’re using garlic powder and onion powder.

And for the cheesiness, you’re using nutritional yeast. Besides adding umami, nutritional yeast is well – nutritious!

It’s one of the few vegan proteins that is complete. This means it contains all the essential amino acids.

It also contains many B vitamins. And it has beta-glucans, which may boost your immune system.

Need to stock up on some nutritional yeast? You can get some here.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 84
• Fats: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbs: 14g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 3g

Recipe

26. Crock Pot Whole Chicken

Source: wholesomeyum.com

Can’t be bothered to babysit your turkey? Make this Crock Pot Whole Chicken.

It’s buttery, yummy, and juicy-tender. And best of all, you let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.

So you can get all the other things crossed off your To-do list. Yay!

Like the skin crispy? Once your chicken is done, transfer it to a roasting pan.

Then broil for 4 to 6 minutes.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 394
• Fats: 30g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 4g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g

Recipe

27. Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash

Source: wowitsveggie.com

Looking for a vegan alternative to stuffed turkey? Give this Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash a try.

No, it doesn’t taste like turkey. After all, you’re stuffing the squash with brown rice, black beans, corn, and onions.

But it’s pretty flavorful. That’s because you’re using 6 different spices.

So, you’ll need to dig out those measuring spoons. These ones here are magnetic.

So, it’s easier to store them – without losing them.

And this dish is so easy to customize. For instance, you can replace brown rice with wild rice.

Or you can add dried cranberries instead of black beans. The possibilities are endless.

Per Serving:

• Calories:
• Fats:
• Protein:
• Carbs:
• Fiber:
• Sugar:

Recipe