20+ Healthy Holiday Recipe Tips You Must Try Them!
Published on: Mar 8, 2024
During the holiday season, it can be easy to indulge in unhealthy foods and neglect our wellness goals. However, with a little bit of planning and creativity, we can still enjoy delicious holiday meals that are also nutritious. In this article, we will share some helpful tips for incorporating healthy ingredients into your holiday recipes, making them both flavorful and beneficial for your body.
Main Ingredients: Giblets, Tips, Turkey, Water, Black Peppercorns, Bay
If you're looking for a twist on the traditional holiday turkey, try this Beer Can Turkey recipe. The beer adds moisture and flavor to the meat, making it juicy and delicious. Simply rub the turkey with your favorite spices and place it on a beer can filled with your choice of beer. Roast in the oven or on the grill for a tasty and unique holiday meal.
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Salmon Crepes With Creamy Sage Pesto
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Milk, Water, All Purpose Flour, Unsalted
If you're in the mood for something a little fancier, try these Salmon Crepes with Creamy Sage Pesto. The beer can is used to steam the salmon, infusing it with the flavors of the beer. The creamy sage pesto adds a delicious and elegant touch to this dish. Perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner at home.
These Holiday Butter Cookies are a must-have on any holiday dessert table. The beer can is used to create a moist and tender cookie, while the butter adds richness and flavor. These cookies are perfect for decorating and can be customized with your choice of frosting and sprinkles. Get creative and make them your own!
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Easy No Bake Holiday Oreo Cookie Balls #oreocookieballs
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Oreo Cookies, Chocolate Morsels
If you're short on time but still want to impress your guests, these Easy No Bake Holiday Oreo Cookie Balls are the perfect solution. The beer can is used to create the perfect shape for these bite-sized treats, while the Oreos add a delicious crunch. Roll them in your choice of toppings, such as crushed candy canes or sprinkles, for a festive touch.
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Chocolate Holiday Pretzel Candies
Main Ingredients: Candy, Waffle, Candies, Hershey S Kisses
These Chocolate Holiday Pretzel Candies are a combination of sweet and salty and are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering. The beer can is used to create the perfect indentation for the chocolate, while the pretzels add a delicious crunch. These candies are also great for gift-giving – just package them in a festive tin or jar.
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Frosted Holiday Cookie Cups
Main Ingredients: Refrigerated Cookie Dough, Vanilla Frosting, Nestle
These Frosted Holiday Cookie Cups are a fun and creative twist on traditional cookies. The beer can is used to create the perfect shape for these cookie cups, which are then filled with your choice of frosting and sprinkles. These are great for kids to decorate and customize with their favorite colors and flavors.
Who says beer can chicken can't be used for dips? This Holiday Guacamole is a delicious and festive twist on a classic. The beer can is used to create a flavorful and juicy chicken, which is then shredded and mixed with avocado, lime, and other flavorful ingredients. Serve with your favorite chips for a tasty appetizer.
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10 Holiday Side Dishes
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Olive Oil, Salt, Butternut Squash
No meal is complete without some delicious side dishes. This recipe for 10 Holiday Side Dishes uses the beer can to create a flavorful and juicy chicken, while also using it to make a tasty and creative side dish. From cornbread stuffing to cheesy Brussels sprouts, these side dishes will be the talk of the table.
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Healthy 5-Ingredient Flourless Banana Bread
Main Ingredients: Bananas, Old Fashioned Rolled Oats, Large Eggs, Pure
If you're trying to stick to a healthier diet but still want to enjoy beer can chicken, try this recipe for Healthy 5-Ingredient Flourless Banana Bread. The beer can is used to create a moist and flavorful chicken, while the banana bread is made with only 5 simple ingredients. This guilt-free dish is perfect for any occasion.
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Healthy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Chicken Broth, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Italian
This Healthy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy beer can chicken. The chicken is cooked on the beer can, adding moisture and flavor, and then shredded and mixed with whole wheat pasta, veggies, and a creamy Tuscan sauce. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in.
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No Bake Holiday Oreo Truffles
Main Ingredients: Oreos, Cream Cheese, Baking Chocolate, Green Food
These No Bake Holiday Oreo Truffles are a fun and easy dessert that's perfect for the holidays. The beer can is used to create the perfect shape for these truffles, which are then coated in chocolate and topped with festive sprinkles. These are great for gift-giving or as a sweet treat for yourself.
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Holiday Funfetti® Mini Cookie Cups
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, Melted Butter, Frosting, Peppermint, M M
These Holiday Funfetti Mini Cookie Cups are a delicious and festive twist on traditional cookies. The beer can is used to create the perfect shape for these cookie cups, which are then filled with a funfetti cake batter and topped with frosting and sprinkles. These are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Holiday Brownie Cookie
Main Ingredients: Brownie Mix, Vanilla Frosting, All Purpose Flour
If you can't decide between brownies or cookies, why not have both? These Holiday Brownie Cookies are a delicious hybrid of the two. The beer can is used to create a moist and flavorful chicken, while the brownie cookie dough is made with a hint of beer for added richness. These are sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
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Holiday Herbed Pita Chips & a Festive Cheese Spread
Main Ingredients: Holiday Chips, Crostini, Pita Bread, Melted Butter
This recipe for Holiday Herbed Pita Chips and a Festive Cheese Spread is a tasty and creative way to use beer can chicken. The chicken is used to make a flavorful and juicy spread, which is then served with homemade herbed pita chips. This is a great appetizer to serve at any holiday party.
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Your Complete Healthy Holiday Meal with Wild Rice...
Main Ingredients: Wild Rice, Chopped Celery, Sliced Mushrooms, Onion
If you're looking for a complete holiday meal that's both healthy and delicious, this recipe for Your Complete Healthy Holiday Meal with Wild Rice is the perfect choice. The beer can is used to create a flavorful and juicy chicken, while the wild rice and roasted veggies make for a nutritious and satisfying side dish.
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Easy One-Pot Pasta | Cozy & Healthy 20 Minute Dinner!
Main Ingredients: Dry Pasta, Grape Tomatoes, Garlic Cloves, Yellow Onion
This Easy One-Pot Pasta is the perfect cozy and healthy dinner for those busy holiday nights. The beer can is used to create a flavorful and juicy chicken, while the pasta and veggies cook in the same pot, making clean-up a breeze. This dish is also great for meal prep – just pack it for lunch the next day.
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Funfetti Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars
Main Ingredients: Batter, Butter, Sugar, Eggs, Vanilla, Flour, Salt
These Funfetti Holiday Sugar Cookie Bars are a fun and festive twist on traditional cookies. The beer can is used to create a flavorful and juicy chicken, while the sugar cookie dough is made with a hint of beer for added richness. These bars are great for decorating and can be customized with your choice of frosting and sprinkles.
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Healthy Chicken Taco Bowl (Whole30!)
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Salsa, Pepper
Are you trying to stick to a Whole30 diet during the holidays? This Healthy Chicken Taco Bowl is the perfect solution. The beer can is used to create a moist and flavorful chicken, which is then shredded and served over cauliflower rice and topped with your favorite taco toppings. This dish is satisfying and full of flavor.
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Healthy 5 Minute Avocado Toast
Main Ingredients: Avocado, Chopped Cilantro, Lime, Red Pepper Flakes
Avocado toast is all the rage, and for good reason – it's delicious and nutritious. This recipe for Healthy 5 Minute Avocado Toast uses beer can chicken as the perfect protein-packed topping. Simply layer avocado, chicken, and your choice of toppings on whole grain toast for a quick and tasty breakfast or snack.
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Holiday Snowflake M&M® Cookies
Main Ingredients: Cake Mix, Frozen Whipped Topping, Butter, Egg, Powdered
These Holiday Snowflake M&M Cookies are a fun and festive twist on traditional cookies. The beer can is used to create a flavorful and juicy chicken, while the cookie dough is made with a hint of beer for added richness. These cookies are a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen and can be customized with your favorite holiday M&M colors.
Use seasonal produce
When it comes to holiday cooking, incorporating seasonal produce is not only a great way to add flavor and nutrients to your dishes, but also a more sustainable choice. Fruits and vegetables such as cranberries, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are all in season during the winter months and can add a pop of color and freshness to your holiday meals. Try incorporating these ingredients into your recipes for a boost of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Swap out unhealthy ingredients
Many traditional holiday recipes may call for ingredients that are high in calories, fat, and sugar. However, you can easily make healthier substitutions without compromising taste. For example, instead of using butter in your mashed potatoes, try using chicken or vegetable broth for a lower-fat option. You can also use Greek yogurt or applesauce as a replacement for oil in baked goods. These small changes can make a big difference in the overall nutritional value of your holiday dishes.
Experiment with herbs and spices
Another way to add flavor to your holiday recipes without adding excess fat or calories is by using herbs and spices. Not only do they add depth and complexity to your dishes, but many herbs and spices also have numerous health benefits. For example, cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while rosemary has been shown to improve digestion and boost the immune system. Get creative and try incorporating different herbs and spices into your holiday cooking for a healthier and tastier meal.
Don't forget about portion control
While it's important to choose healthier ingredients for your holiday recipes, it's also crucial to practice portion control. Overeating, even if the food is healthy, can lead to weight gain and other health issues. When serving your holiday meals, try using smaller plates and filling them with a variety of colorful and nutrient-rich foods. This will not only help with portion control but also make your plate look more visually appealing.
Incorporating these tips into your holiday cooking can help you create delicious and nutritious meals that everyone will enjoy. Remember, the key is to find a balance between indulging in holiday treats and nourishing your body with healthy ingredients. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can have a holiday season filled with both joy and good health.
