There’s so much to love about Christmas dinners. The delicious food… and that post-Christmas dinner snooze.
But all too often, Christmas dinners are not very healthy. They tend to be loaded with calories.
And we all know what that means… Your clothes mysteriously shrinking over the holidays.
But what if you could indulge in Christmas dinner and still be able to fit into your skinny jeans?
Today I’m sharing 20 healthy Christmas dinners. They’re not only tasty but good for you too.
And let’s not forget about all those tasty leftovers. To keep them fresh longer, be sure to store them in air-tight food storage containers.
I recommend these glass food storage containers here because they are sustainable that will leak into your food.
1. Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Traditional roast turkey is good and all. But one bad thing about it is that it takes up all of your oven space… And it takes a ton of time.
So, the perfect solution is to deep fry your turkey instead. In fact, deep frying your turkey can take as little as two hours.
But deep-fried turkey is not healthy. And it has a ton of calories.
This air fryer turkey breast is moist and delicious. Best of all, it takes only about an hour to cook.
It’s also low in calories. In fact, one serving contains only 410 calories.
It’s also pretty healthy. That’s because you’re not deep-frying it.
Instead, you’re using an air fryer. Besides making your food healthier, air frying also saves you time.
Now you can make this dish in your oven. However, it would take you twice as long to make it.
So, if you want to save time, definitely use an air fryer. If you don’t have one yet, you can get a good here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 410
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 55g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
2. Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad
Source: flavorthemoments.com
Salads are a great way to make your Christmas dinner nutritious. But your typical salad can taste just like grass.
And who wants to eat grass for Christmas dinner?
This Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad tastes just as good as it looks. Fluffy quinoa is mixed with nicely caramelized roasted butternut squash, baby kale, crunchy pecans, fresh green onions, and juicy pomegranate arils.
And it’s all tossed in a sweet and tangy homemade salad dressing. Yum!
Besides being tasty, this salad is pretty filling. That’s because it contains quinoa.
Quinoa is a good source of plant-based protein. It’s also rich in magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus, which are important for strong bones.
As an added bonus, it’s gluten-free. So, you can eat it if you have allergies or sensitivities to gluten. If you’d like to try some, you can get some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 274
- Fats: 21g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
3. Vegan Turkey
Source: instantveg.com
Are you looking for a vegan alternative to turkey? This dish is for you.
This “turkey” is moist, savory, and pretty filling. You definitely won’t miss the meat!
To make it, you’ll be using vital wheat gluten. Vital wheat gluten is a vegan meat substitute.
It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein. And it contains selenium, which is a powerful antioxidant. So, eat up that vital wheat gluten.
The great thing about it is that you can make it taste like turkey or other meats just by adjusting your flavorings.
So, it’s a good item to have on hand if you’re vegan or just want to add more plant-based meals to your diet. If you’d like to stock up on some, you can get some here.
Serve with vegan gravy. Bon appetit!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 230
- Fats: 10g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
4. Balsamic Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Source: joyfoodsunshine.com
When you think of Christmas dinner, you probably think of turkey or ham. But sometimes you want something different.
This slow cooker pot roast is exactly that. The chuck roast is tender and juicy.
And it’s perfectly seasoned with a homemade meat rub. The sweet, savory, and tangy sauce is the icing on top of the cake, ahem, pot roast.
What I love about this pot roast is that it takes only 5 minutes of prep time. Then you let your slow cooker do the cooking.
It also makes 10 servings. So, it’s great for large family gatherings or for plenty of leftovers.
So, make sure you use a large slow cooker. You can get a pretty budget-friendly one here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 306
- Fats: 19.1g
- Protein: 25.9g
- Carbs: 5.7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 3.5g
5. Healthier Cinnamon Maple Slow Cooker Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Source: recipesfromapantry.com
Christmas dinner is all about the turkey or ham. But we can’t forget about the sides, right?
In fact, they’re one of my favorites. Sides like mashed potatoes, gravy, mashed potatoes… Did I already mention mashed potatoes?
These mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, sweet, and oh so comforting. In fact, I prefer these mashed sweet potatoes to regular mashed potatoes.
That’s because they satisfy my sweet tooth…but in a healthy way.
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but nutritious too. They contain tons of Vitamins A and C, which you need for a healthy immune system.
And they’re rich in antioxidants, which may promote good health.
These mashed sweet potatoes are yummy just the way they are. But you can add pecans for extra holiday cheer.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 137
- Fats: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
6. Simple Herb and Garlic Roasted Turkey Breast
Source: flavorthemoments.com
Want to enjoy turkey without all the fuss? Then make this roasted turkey breast.
It is moist on the inside, and the skin is golden and crispy… Just the way it should be.
The herbs add lots of freshness and give it that extra oomph.
What I love most about it is that it takes only 50 minutes to make. So, you get all the taste of traditional turkey dinner without all the fuss.
Besides being tasty, it’s also low in calories. So, you can have one serving (or two) and not feel guilty.
Can’t get enough of the garlic? Serve with some garlic mashed potatoes.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 282
- Fats: 7g
- Protein: 51g
- Carbs: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
7. Sweet Potato Casserole Cups
Source: easyhealthllc.com
I love my sweets, as I’m sure many of you do too. So, when I can have a side dish that’s also sweet, I feel just like a kid in a candy store.
This sweet potato casserole is full of “sugar” and spice, and everything nice. The nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla get you in the Christmas spirit.
Meanwhile, the chopped pecans, ground flaxseed, and unsweetened coconut add texture.
And the best part is that one serving contains only 10 grams of sugar.
That’s because instead of using sugar as a sweetener, you use a brown sugar substitute.
So, you get to eat your cake, ahem, sweet potato casserole and have it too.
Besides using a brown sugar substitute in your casserole, you can also use it for your baking. So, if you’re planning to do a lot of Christmas baking, be sure to stock up on some here.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 196
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
8. Cranberry Balsamic Roasted Chicken
Source: cottercrunch.com
Not a fan of roasted turkey? Have some roasted chicken instead.
This roasted chicken is super flavorful and juicy. That’s because you’re marinating it in a sweet and tangy balsamic marinade.
And the cranberries and maple syrup add extra tartness and sweetness. It’s a party in your mouth.
Besides being delicious, it’s good for you too. It is packed with protein and fat, so it’s pretty filling.
So, it may keep you away from all those Christmas cookies that are calling your name.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 355
- Fats: 25g
- Protein: 22.5g
- Carbs: 12.4g
- Fiber: 1.3g
- Sugar: 10g
9. Honey Roasted Butternut Squash With Cranberries & Feta
Source: peasandcrayons.com
Are you looking for an elegant yet simple side dish? Then be sure to try this dish.
The tartness of the cranberries compliments the sweetness of the butternut squash and honey. Meanwhile, the crumbled feta adds a nice creaminess… You’ll definitely want seconds.
And at only 122 calories, you can go right ahead.
Besides being low in calories, it’s nutritious too. In fact, one serving provides more than double your daily Vitamin A needs.
It’s also an excellent source of Vitamin C. So, you’re giving your immune system a boost.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 122
- Fats: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 9g
10. Honey Glazed Hasselback Butternut Squash
Source: thehealthyfoodie.com
Now time for some Hasselback Butternut Squash. After all, you can never get enough butternut squash on Christmas Day, right?
Now Hasselback typically refers to potatoes. In case you don’t know what that is, it’s simply this: a baked potato that has been cut halfway through into tiny fan-like slices.
This honey glazed Hasselback butternut squash is so pretty. You won’t want to eat it.
And it tastes delicious. The sweetness and tenderness of the butternut squash complement the crunchiness of the chopped pecans nicely.
And the fresh herbs and honey mustard glaze make it plate licking good.
Besides being yummy, it’s good for you too. For instance, it’s rich in fiber.
Just one serving provides 20% of your daily fiber needs. And it contains a lot of Vitamin A, which helps build your immune system.
Now it does take some time to cook. But it’s well worth it.
To make sure it cooks fast enough, make sure you use a dark roasting pan. That’s because dark surfaces generate more heat, so your food cooks faster. This dark roasting pan here should do the trick.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 189
- Fats: 9g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
11. Easy Quinoa Stuffing
Source: simplyquinoa.com
For me, the best part of Christmas dinner is the stuffing. After all, what’s not to love about the flavorful morsels of goodness?
This easy quinoa stuffing offers an alternative to your traditional stuffing. And it tastes just as good… In fact, I could eat a whole plate of it.
It’s satisfying, creamy, sweet, and is packed with a ton of spices and herbs. Some of them are ground cinnamon, dried thyme, and chili flakes.
So, get out those measuring spoons. I recommend these ones here.
And unlike your regular stuffing, this one is gluten-free. That’s because you use quinoa instead of bread in your stuffing.
So, it’s the perfect stuffing if you or your guests have allergies or sensitivities to gluten.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 268
- Fats: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 41g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
12. Sous Vide Turkey Breast With Apple Cider Gravy
Source: canadianturkey.ca
Want to make a fuss-free Christmas dinner? Then be sure to make this sous vide turkey breast.
Now sous vide is when you place your food in a vacuum-sealed plastic pouch, then place it in a water bath to cook slowly for a long time.
This results in your food is even more flavorful and tender.
This technique comes in handy when you’re cooking turkey breast. That’s because, let’s face it, without the gravy, turkey breast can be quite bland.
And this turkey breast is anything but bland. It’s juicy, savory, and has a hint of heat.
The garlic butter and apple cider gravy put this dish over the top.
To make it, you’ll need a sous vide cooker, which you can get right here. You’ll also be placing your turkey breast and seasonings in a plastic bag before vacuum sealing it.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 400
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 44g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
13. Best Vegan Gravy
Source: detoxinista.com
Being vegan doesn’t mean giving up on gravy. And this vegan gravy proves just that.
It’s rich and full of flavor. The onions and garlic cloves add savory notes, while the tamari and mushrooms add umami.
Meanwhile, the potatoes help thicken it.
Making it is pretty easy. Start by sauteeing some onions.
Next, add garlic and mushrooms and sautee for about 2 minutes. Then add some cubed potatoes, water, and tamari, and bring to a boil.
Simmer for about 10 minutes. Finally, carefully place the contents of your pan in a food processor, adding salt and pepper. This food processor here should do the trick.
Blend until smooth and adjust seasonings to your taste. Easy, peasy.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 40
- Fats: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
14. Orange Pomegranate Salmon
Source: tasteofhome.com
Now time for some salmon. Yes, you read that right.
This salmon is tender and flaky. And it’s lightly seasoned with salt and fresh dill, so the taste of the salmon shines through.
The pomegranate seeds and orange slices make it nice and festive. No-one will question why you’re serving salmon at Christmas.
This dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. It has a ton of protein, so it helps keep you full.
And the salmon is packed with omega-3s, which are good for your heart.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 307
- Fats: 19g
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
15. Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Source: evolvingtable.com
Need an easy vegetarian side dish? Then be sure to try this roasted cauliflower.
It’s tender on the inside and nice and crispy on the outside. And it’s covered with a homemade garlic and herb butter sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese…even non-vegetarians will love it.
Besides being delicious, it’s also low in calories. And it’s rich in Vitamin C too.
So, it helps boost your immune system.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 126
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
16. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
Source: eatingwell.com
Looking for a vegan side dish? This is a great option.
These scalloped potatoes are decadent and creamy. Exactly what you want to eat on a cold winter’s day.
And the almond topping adds a nice crunch that balances out the smoothness of the potatoes. These scalloped potatoes are sure to disappear…quickly.
They’re also pretty healthy too. They’re rich in Vitamins A and C, which help boost your immune system.
And they provide calcium and magnesium, which you need for healthy bones.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 198.9g
- Fats: 7.6g
- Protein: 3.9g
- Carbs: 29.9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5.3g
17. Fennel & Cumin Roasted Turkey Breast With Thyme Gravy
Source: myrecipes.com
Christmas dinner can be so hectic. And with all the cooking, sometimes you can’t focus on what’s really important: spending time with your family.
This dish makes Christmas dinner so easy. So, you spend less time slaving in the kitchen.
On the menu is tender, juicy skin-on turkey breast. All lying on a bed of onions, celery, carrots, and thyme sprigs.
And served with a simple, yet delicious homemade thyme gravy.
Serve with some buns to mop up all that delicious gravy. Enjoy!
Per Serving:
- Calories: 247
- Fats: 5g
- Protein: 44g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
18. Maple Mustard Glazed Fresh Ham
Source: myrecipes.com
Not a fan of turkey? Then give this fresh ham a try.
It’s tender and packed with flavor. The maple syrup and Hungarian sweet paprika add sweetness.
While the ground cumin and coriander add warmth. And the Dijon mustard and freshly ground black pepper add some heat.
And unlike cured ham, this fresh ham contains way less salt. So, it’s healthier for you too.
Serve with some garlicky asparagus.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 358
- Fats: 14.3g
- Protein: 46.9g
- Carbs: 7.3g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Sugar: 0g
19. Roasted Herbed Squash With Goat Cheese
Source: tasteofhome.com
It’s nice when you can host large gatherings. The more, the merrier, right?
But large crowds mean more food to cook. After all, you don’t want your guests to go hungry.
This side dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Tender, sweet squash is tossed with fresh herbs.
And it’s topped with fresh crumbled goat cheese for a side dish that is mmm, mmm good. Best of all, it makes ten servings.
So, it’s perfect for a large crowd.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 251
- Fats: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 43g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sugar: 10g
20. Acorn Squash Feta Casserole
Source: tasteofhome.com
I’m a big fan of casseroles, as I’m sure many of you are too. But all too often, they have a ton of calories.
And extra calories mean going on yet another diet come January.
This casserole has all the richness of a traditional casserole… Without all the calories.
The yogurt and feta cheese add creaminess. And the acorn squash adds sweetness.
Meanwhile, the green and red peppers add color and freshness. And the sunflower kernels add a nice crunch.
Best of all, it contains less than 200 calories per serving. So, you can have a serving (or two) and not feel guilty.
Per Serving:
- Calories: 184
- Fats: 11g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
Conclusion
So which one of these recipes is your favorite? Let us know in the comment section!