19+ Healthy Christmas Side Dishes Recipe Try These Culinary Delights!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
Christmas is a time for indulgence and celebration, but that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice our healthy eating habits. With all the rich and heavy main dishes typically served during this holiday, it's important to balance it out with some nutritious and flavorful side dishes. Not only will these healthy Christmas side dishes be a hit with your family and friends, but they will also provide a much-needed break from all the heavy foods. So, let's dive into some delicious and nutritious recipes that will add a healthy touch to your Christmas dinner.
Roasted Cauliflower with Red Bell Pepper, Green...
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Red Bell Pepper, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground
This roasted cauliflower dish is the perfect side for your Beer Can Chicken. The combination of savory cauliflower and sweet bell peppers creates a delicious flavor explosion in your mouth. The addition of green onions adds a touch of freshness to the dish, making it a well-rounded accompaniment to your main course.
2of 20
Cheesy Corn Casserole
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Unsalted Butter, Garlic, Flour, Milk, Cream
This cheesy corn casserole is a crowd-pleasing side dish that will pair perfectly with your Beer Can Chicken. The creamy corn mixture is baked until golden and bubbly, with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Your guests will be going back for seconds, guaranteed.
3of 20
Healthy Christmas Brussel Sprouts
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chopped
For a healthy twist on a classic holiday side dish, try these Christmas Brussel sprouts. The sprouts are roasted until tender and crispy, then tossed with a light dressing made with olive oil, lemon juice, and honey. The addition of craisins and walnuts adds a festive touch to this nutritious dish.
4of 20
10 Holiday Side Dishes
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Butternut Squash
If you're looking for some inspiration for your holiday meal, look no further than this list of 10 delicious side dishes. From garlic mashed potatoes to roasted root vegetables, there's something for everyone on this list. And of course, don't forget to pair them with your Beer Can Chicken for a mouth-watering feast.
5of 20
Christmas Green Beans with Toasted Pecans
Main Ingredients: Butter, Honey, Minced Garlic, Chopped Pecans, Green
These Christmas green beans are a simple and flavorful side dish that will complement your Beer Can Chicken perfectly. The green beans are cooked until tender and tossed with toasted pecans, garlic, and a touch of honey. This dish is sure to be a hit at your holiday table.
6of 20
Christmas Inspired Sautéed Broccoli
Main Ingredients: Broccoli, Grass Fed Butter, Red Pepper, Mushrooms
For a quick and easy side dish, try this Christmas-inspired sautéed broccoli. The bright green color and crunchy texture make it a beautiful addition to your plate. The addition of cranberries and pine nuts adds a festive touch to this simple but delicious dish.
7of 20
Christmas Inspired Red Cabbage Side Salad
Main Ingredients: Red Cabbage, Small Red Onion, Carrot, Orange, Extra
This colorful red cabbage side salad is the perfect accompaniment to your Beer Can Chicken. The crisp cabbage is tossed with apple cider vinegar, honey, and mustard for a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. The addition of crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy and salty element to the dish.
8of 20
Roasted Fall Vegetables
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Carrots, Brussel Sprouts, Red New Potatoes
For a truly seasonal side dish, try these roasted fall vegetables. The combination of sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and brussel sprouts creates a colorful and flavorful dish that will pair perfectly with your Beer Can Chicken. The addition of maple syrup and crispy bacon adds a touch of sweetness and saltiness to the dish.
9of 20
Spiralized Potato Pancakes with Spiced Applesauce
Main Ingredients: Apples, Cinnamon Sticks, Green Cardamom Pods, Fresh
If you're looking for a unique and tasty side dish, try these spiralized potato pancakes. The crispy and flavorful pancakes are served with a side of spiced applesauce for a delicious and unexpected combination. They are the perfect addition to your Beer Can Chicken feast.
10of 20
Brown Sugar Roasted Baby Carrots
Main Ingredients: Baby Carrots, Cooking Oil, Salt, Pepper, Brown Sugar
These brown sugar roasted baby carrots are a simple and delicious side dish that will complement your Beer Can Chicken. The carrots are tossed with brown sugar, butter, and garlic before being roasted to perfection. The result is a caramelized and sweet dish that will be devoured by all.
11of 20
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Cranberries
For a side dish that combines savory and sweet flavors, try these bacon roasted brussels sprouts with cranberries. The salty and crispy bacon pairs perfectly with the tart and sweet cranberries, making this dish a standout on your holiday table.
12of 20
Warm Brussel Sprout & Cranberry Slaw
Main Ingredients: Brussel Sprouts, Fresh Cranberries, Coconut Oil, Maple
This warm brussel sprout and cranberry slaw is a unique and flavorful side dish that will add a touch of crunch and color to your meal. The slaw is dressed with a tangy dressing made with apple cider vinegar, honey, and mustard, and topped with toasted almonds for a nutty and crunchy texture.
13of 20
Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Wild Rice, Chicken Broth, Orange Juice, Orange Zest
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful side dish, try this cranberry pecan wild rice stuffing. The wild rice adds a nutty and chewy texture, while the sweet and tart cranberries and crunchy pecans add a burst of flavor. This dish is a perfect pairing for your Beer Can Chicken.
14of 20
Easy Christmas Side Dishes
Main Ingredients: Butter, Frozen Corn, Cream Cheese, Cheese, Garlic
For a stress-free holiday meal, try these easy Christmas side dishes. From roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, these dishes can all be made with minimal effort, leaving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones and your delicious Beer Can Chicken.
15of 20
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts and Cranberries
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Ground Pepper, Pine
For a simple and delicious side dish, try these roasted brussels sprouts with pine nuts and cranberries. The roasted and caramelized sprouts pair perfectly with the crunchy pine nuts and tart cranberries, creating a balanced and flavorful dish. Plus, the bright colors will add a festive touch to your holiday table.
16of 20
Hasselback Potato Gratin
Main Ingredients: Gruyere Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Heavy Cream, Garlic
This hasselback potato gratin is a beautiful and delicious side dish that will impress your guests. The sliced and layered potatoes are baked with a creamy and cheesy sauce, creating a dish that is both crispy and creamy. This dish is a must-try for any Beer Can Chicken lover.
17of 20
Christmas Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Walnuts...
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Brussels Sprouts, Shallot, Bacon Grease
For another variation on a classic holiday side dish, try these Christmas brussels sprouts with cranberries, walnuts, and feta cheese. The sweet and tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and salty feta cheese create a burst of flavors in your mouth. This dish is sure to become a new holiday favorite.
18of 20
No Fuss Honey Roasted Parsnips - Perfect for Christmas...
Main Ingredients: Parsnips, Olive Oil, Runny Honey, Ground Black Pepper
These honey roasted parsnips are a simple and delicious side dish that will pair perfectly with your Beer Can Chicken. The parsnips are tossed with honey, thyme, and butter before being roasted to perfection. The result is a sweet and savory dish that will be a hit with everyone at the table.
19of 20
Duchess Potatoes
Main Ingredients: Russet Potatoes, Egg Yolks, Butter, Salt, Black Pepper
For an elegant and creamy side dish, try these duchess potatoes. The mixture of potatoes, butter, egg yolks, and cream is piped into beautiful and sculptural shapes before being baked until golden and crispy. These potatoes are perfect for a special occasion, such as enjoying with your Beer Can Chicken.
Main Ingredients: Brussel Sprouts, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt
For a simple and classic side dish, try these oven-roasted brussel sprouts. The sprouts are tossed with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings before being roasted until tender and caramelized. This dish is a perfect pairing for your Beer Can Chicken and will surely become a go-to for future holiday meals.
1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
Ingredients:
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Brussels sprouts are a staple side dish for Christmas dinner, and this roasted version adds a burst of festive flavors with the addition of cranberries and pecans. Not only are they rich in antioxidants, but they also provide a good dose of vitamin C, K, and fiber. Simply toss the Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and pecans with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.
2. Quinoa and Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
Ingredients:
2 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
1 cup quinoa, cooked
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
This dish not only looks beautiful on the table, but it also packs a punch when it comes to nutrition. Acorn squash is a great source of vitamin A and fiber, while quinoa is a complete protein and also provides essential minerals like iron and magnesium. To make this dish, simply stuff the cooked quinoa, cranberries, feta cheese, parsley, and olive oil into the acorn squash halves. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the squash is tender.
3. Balsamic Glazed Roasted Carrots
Ingredients:
1 pound carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Carrots are a classic Christmas side dish, but this recipe takes it up a notch with a tangy and sweet balsamic glaze. Carrots are a great source of beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body and helps with healthy vision and immune function. To make this dish, simply toss the carrots with balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and tender.
Incorporating these healthy side dishes into your Christmas dinner not only adds variety to your meal but also ensures that everyone gets their daily dose of nutrients. So, go ahead and try out these delicious and nutritious recipes to make your Christmas dinner a little healthier and more satisfying.
