50+ Healthy Holiday Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Stay on track this season with these delicious options.

The holidays can be pretty stressful. There’s hosting out-of-town family and seeing relatives we haven’t seen in a while, but it goes way beyond that. The thing that stresses me out the most is the expectation of eating my weight in cookies or carb-heavy side dishes! It’s almost impossible to use the, “I’m on a diet,” excuse when the holidays come around. I’d have a hard time sticking to it even if I tried. There are just too many bad choices within arms length! So, this year, we decided to do something different. We collected 50+ healthy holiday recipes that are flavorful enough to satisfy the whole family without making anyone feel too guilty.

Our Favorite Healthy Holiday Recipes

Our list of healthy holiday recipes includes breakfast, appetizers and snacks, soups and salads, main dishes, side dishes, cookies, and healthy dessert options. We included several vegan holiday recipes, plus plant-based, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, so there’s something for everyone. The best part: Every recipe is designed to satisfy the entire family, regardless of their dietary preferences. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to create the best holiday menu that everyone will be talking about all year long.

Healthy Holiday Breakfast Ideas

If you’re hosting family this year, you’ll need to feed them something for breakfast. These are our best holiday breakfast ideas, and they’re designed to be easy to pull off and feed a crowd, too.

Gingerbread Scones

If you’re looking for an easy make-ahead breakfast, these Gingerbread Scones are the way to go. They taste like dessert, but they’re made with whole-wheat flour and each scone clocks in at only 259 calories. If you make extras, you can enjoy them as a holiday snack, too.

Get the recipe: Gingerbread Scones

Cracker Barrel “CopyCat” Hashbrown Casserole

Casserole breakfasts keep things easy, which is especially necessary during the hectic holiday season. We made this classic restaurant favorite healthier by using Greek yogurt and skim milk, keeping the calories to only 100 per serving. Don’t worry; it tastes so great, no one in the family will be able to tell this recipe is healthy and naturally gluten-free!

Get the recipe: Cracker Barrel “CopyCat” Hashbrown Casserole

Spicy Breakfast Tacos

For a vegan breakfast that everyone in the family will love, look to these Spicy Breakfast Tacos. The firm tofu, combined with garbanzo beans, mimics the texture of scrambled eggs. They provide a ton of protein and fiber, too, to keep you full all morning long. If you use corn tortillas, this recipe is gluten-free as well.

Get the recipe: Spicy Breakfast Tacos

Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

This French toast recipe is rich, decadent, and unbelievably easy to make. Just layer the bread and sweet apple filling in a slow cooker, add the French toast batter, and let it cook. It’ll be ready in about two hours on the high setting or four hours on low.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Overnight oats are the lifesaver of busy weekdays, and they’ll save you a ton of stress when feeding a crowd during the holidays. The combination of peanut butter and bananas is unforgettable, especially when combined with heart-healthy oats and warming cinnamon. We used almond milk and all plant-based ingredients in our recipe to keep the recipe vegan-friendly.

Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

Super Easy Three-Ingredient Pancakes

If the family is begging for pancakes, give them what they ask for. They’ll never know you made life easier by making them with only three ingredients! You only need coconut oil, a ripe banana, and two large eggs to pull off this guilt-free pancake recipe. Gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and absolutely delicious!

Get the recipe: Super Easy Three-Ingredient Pancakes

Guilt-Free Migas Recipe

Migas are a classic Mexican breakfast made with fried tortilla strips, scrambled eggs, and cheese. Using corn tortillas in our recipe not only makes the dish gluten-free, but it also keeps the carbs low — only 7 grams per serving. You’ll love the way the textures and flavors come together, and you’ll understand why it’s one of our favorite holiday breakfasts!

Get the recipe: Guilt-Free Migas Recipe

Healthier “Energy-Boosting” Granola Recipe

Sometimes, you need a grab-and-go style breakfast during the holiday season. Look no further than our easy Energy-Boosting Granola recipe. It’s made with gluten-free oats, sesame seeds, pepitas, honey, and melted coconut oil. For a vegan version, use maple syrup instead of honey.

Get the recipe: Healthier “Energy-Boosting” Granola Recipe

Easy Cinnamon Apple Peanut Butter Toast

Avocado toast gets all the love these days, but we can’t stop thinking about this Cinnamon Apple Peanut Butter Toast. It’s like a grown-up version of PB&J, and it just happens to be made with all plant-based ingredients.

Get the recipe: Easy Cinnamon Apple Peanut Butter Toast

Slow Cooker Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata

Frittatas are a fantastic way to easily feed a crowd on a busy holiday morning. This recipe makes six servings, and each contains only 139 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates. Look no further if you’re searching for a low-calorie, low-carb breakfast recipe.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Spinach and Mozzarella Frittata

Easy Holiday Appetizers & Snacks

A hungry group leads to a hangry group, and no one wants to deal with that! This collection of easy holiday appetizers and snacks will keep your group going in between meals.

Easy Roasted Vegetable Flatbread

This easy appetizer tastes incredible, and looks gorgeous, too. We start with our no-yeast flatbread, which only takes about ten minutes to make. After baking these fluffy, light flatbreads, top them with your favorite toppings, like ricotta cheese, roasted root vegetables, and fresh herbs. To make this recipe vegan-friendly, skip the cheese or use vegan cheese alternatives like this plant-based cheese spread.

Get the recipe: Easy Roasted Vegetable Flatbread

Creamy Vegan Spinach Dip

Spinach dip is a classic addition to any holiday appetizer table, but it’s generally made with fat-filled mayonnaise or sour cream. We made a vegan-friendly version using all plant-based ingredients, including cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices. No one will notice it’s not the original: It tastes that good!

Get the recipe: Creamy Vegan Spinach Dip

Herb-Roasted Nuts

These herb-roasted nuts are an easy vegan snack for the holiday season. We use a half-cup of just about every nut we could find, roasting them with herbs and spices to create a rich-flavored dish with multiple textures. You won’t be able to stop yourself from digging in for bite after bite!

Get the recipe: Herb-Roasted Nuts

Vegetable Skewer Cocktail Recipe

Trying to get the family to eat more vegetables? They won’t be able to resist these cute vegetable skewer cocktail cups. The sauce at the bottom of the glass is made by pureeing cottage cheese, celery, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth. It almost tastes like a ranch dressing dip, but it’s so much healthier!

Get the recipe: Vegetable Skewer Cocktail Recipe

Quinoa Meatballs

This gluten-free, vegetarian appetizer is just as satisfying as a meaty meatball, but they’re 100 percent vegetarian. It’s easy to turn them into a vegan recipe, too, by using flax eggs and skipping the Parmesan cheese.

Get the recipe: Quinoa Meatballs

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe

We take regular baby Bella mushrooms and transform them into something incredible with this Easy Stuffed Mushrooms recipe. They’re tasty warm or cold, so make a batch for the appetizer table and store some away in the fridge as a quick-and-easy snack.

Get the recipe: Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

Baked Sweet Potato Chips with Rosemary and Sea Salt

Instead of grabbing bagged chips from the grocery store this year, make your own snacks instead. Our Baked Sweet Potato Chips turn out super crunchy. Because they contain minimal ingredients — only sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and fresh rosemary — they’re vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free.

Get the recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Chips with Rosemary and Sea Salt

Healthy Holiday Soups & Salads

Start dinner off right with these soups and salads. We love how they’re not your typical soup and salad options. Instead, they’re hearty while still being healthy.

Garlic Braised Greens and Chickpea Salad

Instead of serving a cold salad this holiday dinner, try switching things up with a hot salad. This is one of our favorite healthy holiday salads! You’ll love the flavors in this Garlic Braised Greens and Chickpea Salad recipe, which is also made with all plant-based ingredients.

Get the recipe: Garlic Braised Greens and Chickpea Salad

Spinach, Lentil, and Beet Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

This vegan salad is a winner for anyone who loves roasted beets. The beets and lentils can be cooked ahead of time, and the orange vinaigrette is good in the fridge for three to four days.

Get the recipe: Spinach, Lentil, and Beet Salad with Orange Vinaigrette

Apple and Endive Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

For a more classic fall salad, look no further than this Apple and Endive Salad. The flavor of the tart apples and bitter greens pair perfectly with the sweet-and-tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Add in nutty walnuts and salty feta, and you have a winner!

Get the recipe: Apple and Endive Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Crunchy Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Creamy Dijon Dressing

If you have any Brussels sprouts haters in the family, you might change their minds with this stunning salad. The kale and Brussels sprouts are shredded like coleslaw, so your guests might not know they’re eating sprouts until they take a few bites. Everyone will love the smooth creamy Dijon dressing, which smooths out the earthy flavor of the kale.

Get the recipe: Crunchy Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Creamy Dijon Dressing

5-Ingredient Bacon Cauliflower Slow Cooker Soup

This soup makes a perfect starter course for any holiday meal. It contains all the flavors you love about loaded baked potatoes, but comes in a healthier package. By the time you puree the cooked cauliflower, no one will even know it’s not potatoes.

Get the recipe: 5-Ingredient Bacon Cauliflower Slow Cooker Soup

Slow Cooker Turkey Sausage with Barley Soup

If you’re serving a smaller holiday meal, this soup is the perfect addition. It’s packed full of bold flavors, and the barley makes it quite filling. The turkey sausage makes it festive and well-timed for a holiday meal, too.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Sausage with Barley Soup

The Best-Ever Roasted Pumpkin Soup

This vegan pumpkin soup couldn’t be easier to make. You can roast pumpkin or butternut squash, or feel free to use canned pumpkin puree as a shortcut. The coconut milk gives it a creamy flavor without adding any dairy, and the toasted pepitas on top create a nice textural contrast.

Get the recipe: The Best-Ever Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Holiday Main Dish Recipes

These recipes are probably what you were looking for when you searched for holiday main dish recipes! Whether you’re planning Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, they’re filling and delicious, and the meat-eaters in the group will also love the vegan options.

How to Cook the Perfect Turkey

The perfect holiday dinner usually requires the perfect turkey. We detail how to brine the turkey using a classic brine or a dry brine. Then, we start the turkey in a high-temperature oven to crisp up the skin before turning down the oven temp to help the bird cook evenly. You’ll end up with a perfectly juicy, moist turkey that everyone will love.

Get the recipe: Here’s How to Cook the Perfect Turkey and Gravy

Foolproof Maple Garlic Turkey Breast

If a whole turkey isn’t in the cards this holiday season, you can still be festive with a smaller turkey breast. This recipe roasts the turkey in the oven to create a herb-rubbed, crispy turkey breast that’s absolutely irresistible.

Get the recipe: Foolproof Maple Garlic Turkey Breast

Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

Simplify your holiday dinner this year by cooking it in the slow cooker! A large, four-pound turkey breast will cook in seven to eight hours on low, or you can turn the temperature to high to get it done in three to four hours. That leaves the oven freed-up for more holiday recipes that require oven space.

Get the recipe: Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast

The Best and Easiest Glazed Ham Recipe for the Holidays

Skip the turkey this year and make a glazed ham instead. That doesn’t mean you have to buy an expensive ham, either: We have a super simple recipe! Simply combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a little apple cider vinegar to pull it off.

Get the recipe: The Best and Easiest Glazed Ham Recipe for the Holidays

Vegan Mushroom Wellington

If you’re looking for a vegan main dish, look no further than this Vegan Mushroom Wellington. It’s as easy as picking up a package of vegan-friendly puff pastry, cooking the tasty mushroom filling, and baking the loaf to perfection.

Get the recipe: Vegan Mushroom Wellington

Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash

These vegan-friendly stuffed acorn squash would make a great side dish for any holiday dinner, but they’re also a great choice for a vegan main dish. They look gorgeous, and they’re surprisingly filling. Between the chickpeas and the winter squash, this dish packs in 7 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein.

Get the recipe: Chickpea Stuffed Acorn Squash

Gardener’s Pie

We took the classic Shepherd’s pie and made it vegan-friendly with our Gardener’s Pie recipe. It contains all the warming flavors of the original, but we fill it with tofu and mushrooms instead of ground meat.

Get the recipe: Gardener’s Pie

Healthy Holiday Side Dishes

No holiday dinner is complete without a few well-placed side dishes. These healthy holiday side dishes take unhealthy classics and turn them into nutrient-dense favorites.

Healthy Cast-Iron Stuffing Recipe with Ezekiel Bread

Turkey just isn’t the same without stuffing, but most recipes aren’t very healthy. We change all that with this healthier cast-iron stuffing! Instead of white bread, we use Ezekiel bread, which is more nutrient-dense because it’s made with sprouted grains. Our recipe contains turkey sausage and chicken broth, but it can easily be adapted for vegetarian diners.

Get the recipe: Cast Iron Ezekiel Bread Stuffing

Surprisingly Healthy Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

If you think you can’t have decadent mashed potatoes just because you’re watching what you eat, think again. We skip the calorie-dense sour cream and heavy cream in lieu of lighter buttermilk. The potatoes taste just as good, but with significantly less guilt!

Get the recipe: Surprisingly Healthy Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes

Cauliflower Holiday Stuffing

For a vegan alternative to classic stuffing, try making this Cauliflower Holiday Stuffing. Skipping the bread also makes this dish gluten-free and low-carb — only 4 grams of carbohydrates per serving! That definitely makes this one of our favorite healthy holiday side dishes.

Get the recipe: Cauliflower Holiday Stuffing

Amazing Orange-Rosemary Maple Sweet Potatoes

Many holiday sweet potato dishes ruin the nutritious content of sweet potatoes by covering them with marshmallows. We keep things healthy (and vegan) by cooking our sweet potatoes with maple syrup, orange juice, and fresh rosemary instead.

Get the recipe: Amazing Orange-Rosemary Maple Sweet Potatoes

Butternut Squash and Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Try making this Butternut Squash and Cranberry Quinoa Salad for a different take on a sweet side dish. It’s delightfully flavorful and nutty, thanks to the addition of quinoa. The protein content of quinoa makes this a great dish to have on the table for vegan or vegetarian eaters, too.

Get the recipe: Butternut Squash and Cranberry Quinoa Salad

Skinny Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

This side dish combines everything we love about mashed potatoes and loaded baked potatoes, all rolled into one dish. We make it in the slow cooker, keeping it low-maintenance while also freeing up the oven to roast your turkey or make the other side dishes.

Get the recipe: Skinny Slow Cooker Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Charred Corn

This dish has it all going on: It looks gorgeous, it tastes amazing, and it’s made with all plant-based ingredients. The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy edge to these vegetables, making them stand out from the other side dishes on the table.

Get the recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Charred Corn

5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

If you grew up with mac and cheese on the table during the holidays, you absolutely must make this 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. The macaroni cooks in only five minutes in the Instant Pot, and the pressure should release naturally in another ten minutes. Then, stir in the low-fat milk, cheese, and some mustard to create a healthier mac and cheese that still tastes fantastic.

Get the recipe: 5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Effortless 5-Ingredient Stuffed Peppers

These easy stuffed peppers are a great way to get the kids at the table to eat more vegetables. The stuffing contains quinoa and ground turkey seasoned with salsa. Add in some cheese and roast the peppers until they’re tender. The result is soft and cheesy, so your kids might not even realize they’re eating a vegetable.

Get the recipe: Effortless 5-Ingredient Stuffed Peppers

Low-Carb Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini

Everyone loves scalloped potatoes, so why not try doing the same dish with low-carb zucchini? Each serving has only 112 calories, 9 grams of carbohydrates, and a whopping 14 grams of protein, thanks to the addition of low-fat cottage cheese.

Get the recipe: Low-Carb Cheesy Scalloped Zucchini

Healthy Holiday Cookies

Cookies and the holiday season go hand-in-hand, so they seem impossible to avoid. Keep on track with your diet or wellness plan by making healthy holiday cookies instead! These cookie recipes are some of our favorite treats of the season.

Easiest Ever Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

The best part about these oatmeal cookies is they use ingredients you probably already have on hand: oats, bananas, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a few optional add-ins.

Get the recipe: Easiest Ever Oatmeal Cookie Recipe

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes, you can have your cookie and eat it, too. These dairy-free, gluten-free cookies are rich and decadent, and they’re almost guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Each cookie has about 250 calories, but they’re so fudgy that you won’t want more than one.

Get the recipe: Double Chocolate Chip Cookies

Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Peanut butter and bananas were made for each other, but we use bananas for a different function in these cookies. The banana takes the place of sugar in this cookie recipe, keeping the added sugars to a minimum without sacrificing flavor.

Get the recipe: Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Carrot Spice Oatmeal Cookies

Vegan cookies are tough to find. Most cookie recipes use butter and eggs, neither of which is an approved plant-based ingredient. So we were thrilled when a cookie recipe made with applesauce and coconut milk turned out as good as a regular cookie! Your guests will love them, too.

Get the recipe: Carrot Spice Oatmeal Cookies

No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Cookie Dough Bars

Okay, you’re probably not going to believe us when we say these ooey, gooey, absolutely delicious Chocolate-Covered Cookie Dough Bars are vegan-friendly. Then, we’re going to tell you they’re no-bake and only need to be refrigerated to let the dough set. Have we all died and gone to cookie heaven? (Yes, I think so.)

Get the recipe: No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Cookie Dough Bars

Healthy Holiday Desserts

It’s hard to deny that a good holiday meal ends with the perfect dessert. Choose from our healthy holiday desserts below. (Psst: Every one of these recipes happens to be vegan-friendly!)

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Milk

Pumpkin pie is pretty easy to make: Combine a few eggs with a can of pumpkin puree and sweetened condensed milk (or a can of pumpkin pie mix and evaporated milk). But is there a better way? We thought so and created this Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Milk. You can also make a gluten-free version of this vegan pie by using flourless pie crust.

Get the recipe: Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Milk

Clean-Eating Apple Pecan Crumble

This Clean-Eating Apple Pecan Crumble is another vegan version of a classic favorite. We skip the pie crust to create a delectable, gluten-free dessert casserole that the whole family will love.

Get the recipe: Clean-Eating Apple Pecan Crumble

Fried Apple Pies that You Can Make in Minutes

Want to have some fun this holiday season? Make these vegan Fried Apple Pies. They’re basically sweet quesadillas made with applesauce and cinnamon sugar. They’re unique and easy to make, and they’ll definitely be a crowd-pleaser!

Get the recipe: Fried Apple Pies that You Can Make in Minutes

5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Spiced Poached Pears

These Slow Cooker Spiced Poached Pears really capture the flavors of autumn. They’re a healthy alternative to sugar-laden desserts, and they’re vegan and allergen-free. Of course, if dairy isn’t an issue, they taste great with whipped cream or a chocolate sauce drizzle!

Get the recipe: 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Spiced Poached Pears

Slow Cooker Cranberry Nut Stuffed Baked Apples

If you’re looking to impress your guests, serve them these plant-based Cranberry Nut Stuffed Baked Apples. They’re made in the slow cooker, so this dessert is practically hands-off. When dessert time rolls around, take the lid off the Crock-Pot and watch the smiles break out as the aroma reaches the dinner table.

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Cranberry Nut Stuffed Baked Apples

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