Healthy Recipes for the Holiday Season

This holiday season lets celebrate with dishes that are delicious and nourishing. Whether you're hosting this year or simply looking to add a healthy twist to your holiday favorites, these four recipes bring all the flavor and joy without the guilt. So grab your apron, turn up the holiday tunes, and let’s cook up some seasonal flavor!

Pomegranate, Kale, and Wild Rice Salad. 

A hearty and flavorful salad! | Serves 4 

‍Ingredients.

For the salad:

• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 cups chopped baby kale
• 2 cups cooked wild rice (you can use leftover rice or buy precooked)
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/4 cup feta cheese

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup minced onion or shallot
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 2 tablespoons water
  
• 2 tablespoons honey
  
• 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 squeeze lemon or orange juice

‍Instructions.

1. Prep the salad ingredients (chop, rinse, toast, etc). Chill the ingredients in the fridge while you’re making the dressing if you want a cold salad.
2. Mince the shallot or onion and sauté in half a tablespoon of olive oil to reduce the bite. When soft and fragrant, remove from heat and transfer to a food processor. (If you want a stronger flavor for your dressing, skip the sautéing altogether. The shallot in particular works well for this.)
3. Pulse the onions or shallot with the remaining olive oil, water, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and orange juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust. Add additional olive oil or water to keep the mixture moving through the food processor.
4. Toss the salad ingredients together with the dressing just before serving. I prefer to serve this at room temperature or chilled slightly.

Mashed Cauliflower.

Mashed cauliflower tastes similar to mashed potatoes but reduces the carbohydrates. This simple recipe produces a smooth and creamy dish, and you can add a bit of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt if desired.

A yummy, healthy holiday swap! | Serves 4

Ingredients.

• 1 medium head organic cauliflower (Cut into small florets, about 6-7 cups)
• 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2–4 tablespoons water
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions.

1. Boil the cauliflower in water until very tender, about 10 minutes.
2. Drain and place in a blender or food processor. Add olive oil and water, one tablespoon at a time until a smooth consistency, similar to mashed potatoes, is reached.
3. Season with salt and serve immediately.

Minty Hot Cocoa.

Simple and satisfying! | Serves 2

Ingredients.

• 4 teaspoons unsweetened dark cocoa powder or cacao powder
• 2 teaspoons of sugar
• 2 cup 1% milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 peppermint tea bags

Instructions.

1. Mix cocoa, sugar, and milk on low heat over stove top. Gradually stir in vanilla.
2. Pour into mugs once hot and steep peppermint tea bag for 2 minutes.

Cranberry Salsa.

A festive take on a classic dip! | Serves 2cups

Ingredients.

• 3 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/2 medium-size purple onion, chopped
• 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon grated orange rind

Instructions.

1. Process all ingredients in a food processor, pulsing 6 to 8 times or until coarsely chopped, stopping to scrape down sides.
2. Cover and chill 8 hours. It's great on leftover turkey sandwiches or with baked pita chips

These recipes are simple, come together quickly, and packed with flavor and nutrients! Eating well doesn’t have to mean compromising on taste or enjoyment. Give these recipes a try this holiday season!

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