5 Healthy Holiday Side Dish Recipes
When it comes to holiday meals, what do you look forward to the most? Is it the meat that is served, or the side dishes? All the special dishes help fill out and complement the main courses, making every feast one to remember.
Even when shifting your food habits, you can still serve a memorable spread by incorporating these healthy holiday side dish recipes. Featuring fresh ingredients and creative flavors, these dishes are perfect for impressing your guests. Hope you’ll try some of these fantastic 5 healthy holiday side dish recipes.
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and nutritious side dish that can complement any main course. These little cruciferous vegetables contain an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for your holiday spread. Perhaps you didn’t think you liked them, but if you haven’t had them roasted, try again. You might discover a new food friend.
To make your batch of crispy, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, start by trimming the stems off and cutting them in half. Then toss your prepped sprouts with some olive oil and spread them on a cookie sheet. Bake them at 400°F until golden brown and deliciously crisp on the outside. Finally, brush your finished sprouts with some tangy balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich addition to any meal. Not only do they contain high levels of dietary fiber and antioxidants, but they are also rich in vitamin A and potassium. Peel and cube your sweet potatoes into even pieces, then boil them until fully cooked.
After draining the water, mash your sweet potatoes with some butter or coconut oil, sea salt, and pepper to taste. If you want a little more taste, try mixing in ¼ teaspoon of cardamom at a time, adding more to taste. No need to smother with marshmallows to enjoy a delightful upgrade from mashed potatoes.
3. Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a must-have on any holiday table. It’s packed with antioxidant-rich fruits like cranberries and oranges. Here’s a quick and easy version to make – toss the ingredients into a food processor and pulse to chop and blend. Depending on your taste preference, you could sprinkle in cinnamon and ginger. Enjoy this fresh and tasty condiment along with your holiday meal.
4. Green Beans with Almonds
When it comes to side dishes, nothing beats a classic green bean almondine. Its flavor is also second to none, with a rich blend of savory, nutty, and sweet notes. And best of all, it’s simple to prepare, making it the perfect accompaniment for any holiday feast. You can’t go wrong with this delicious green bean dish.
5. Roasted Root Vegetables
Root veggies pack a powerful punch, delivering a host of vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system strong. Some popular varieties include carrots, parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes, and turnips. The key to successful roasting is cutting the vegetables in similar sizes.
I chop all of mine, then put them in a plastic produce bag, drizzle olive oil in, twist the bag close and shake it up to coat the veggies. Then spread them on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with ground Rosemary and Thyme, and bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes. This medley of roasted root vegetables makes a colorful and nutritious addition to any holiday meal.
Delicious Holiday Flavor
There’s no need to sacrifice flavor when making healthy choices this holiday season. Try some new approaches. These side dishes are all delicious AND good for you. Have you modified a holiday favorite to fit your healthful food plans?
