Delicious and Healthy Christmas Salads & Side Dishes to Try

The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes an abundance of rich and indulgent foods that can be detrimental to our health and fitness goals. However, with a little creativity and planning, you can still enjoy delicious and healthy Christmas salads and side dishes that will satisfy your taste buds without compromising your well-being.

Winter Wonderland Quinoa Salad

This salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, featuring quinoa as the base, mixed with roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and chopped pecans. The tangy dressing made from apple cider vinegar and olive oil adds a delightful touch to this festive dish.

To make this salad, cook 1 cup of quinoa according to package instructions. In a separate pan, roast 2 cups of diced butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil until tender. Then, combine the cooked quinoa, roasted squash, 1/4 cup of chopped cranberries, and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans in a bowl. Drizzle the apple cider vinaigrette made from 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top.

Green Bean Almondine

This side dish is an elegant and flavorful addition to any Christmas feast, featuring blanched green beans sautéed with sliced almonds, garlic, and lemon zest. The result is a crunchy and savory treat that complements any main course.

To make this dish, blanch 1 pound of fresh green beans in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Then, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sauté the sliced almonds and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the blanched green beans to the pan, followed by 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate

This dish is a delicious and healthy take on traditional roasted vegetables, featuring caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with pomegranate seeds, chopped pistachios, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The result is a flavorful and nutritious side that pairs perfectly with any Christmas main course.

To make this dish, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 pound of fresh Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Then, toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios, 1 tablespoon of pomegranate seeds, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Spiced Cranberry Sauce

This homemade cranberry sauce is infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making it the perfect accompaniment to any Christmas dessert. The best part? It’s made with fresh cranberries and no added sugars!

To make this sauce, combine 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 cinnamon stick, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the cranberries pop and the mixture thickens.

Maple Glazed Carrots

This side dish is a delicious and healthy take on traditional roasted carrots, featuring caramelized carrots tossed with maple syrup and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. The result is a sweet and savory treat that complements any Christmas main course.

To make this dish, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss 4-6 medium-sized carrots with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Then, toss the roasted carrots with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme.

Cranberry Orange Relish

This homemade relish is a perfect blend of flavors, featuring cranberries, orange zest, and chopped pecans mixed with a tangy dressing made from apple cider vinegar and olive oil. The result is a delicious and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with any Christmas main course.

To make this relish, combine 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with 1/4 cup of chopped orange zest, 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the top and toss to combine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these healthy Christmas salads and side dishes are perfect for those looking to indulge in festive flavors without compromising their fitness goals. From the Winter Wonderland Quinoa Salad to the Spiced Cranberry Sauce, each dish is a delicious and nutritious addition to any holiday feast.