Discover the ultimate collection of Healthy Christmas Dinner Recipes to help you create a festive and memorable holiday feast. From flavorful appetizers and hearty roasts to vibrant sides, refreshing salads, and indulgent desserts, you’ll find everything you need to craft a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones and enjoying delicious meals together, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on health or flavor. Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or planning an intimate Christmas dinner, these Healthy Christmas Dinner Recipes are designed to delight your taste buds while keeping your wellness goals in mind. With a mix of classic holiday dishes and creative twists, this collection ensures that everyone at your table, from the health-conscious to the indulgence-seekers, will find something to enjoy.
From perfectly roasted meats and vibrant vegetable sides to crisp, refreshing salads and decadent-yet-healthy desserts, there’s a dish for every course and craving. Start your meal with mouthwatering appetizers that set the tone for a festive feast. Follow up with a centerpiece roast that’s tender, flavorful, and lighter on calories. Pair it with a variety of wholesome sides that highlight seasonal ingredients. And of course, no holiday meal is complete without desserts—think rich flavors and satisfying textures that don’t skimp on nutrition. With these recipes, you can celebrate the magic of Christmas with a menu that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
APPETIZERS
Prosciutto and Mozzarella Skewers
The combination of prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato and fresh basil is hard to beat. They are the perfect appetizer for Christmas or any celebration.
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms with Ricotta and Spinach
These festive vegan stuffed mushrooms are a perfect appetizer for the holiday season. Umami-packed mushrooms filled with cheesy vegan ricotta, spinach and garlic and topped with vegan parmesan make a perfect vegan alternative to traditional stuffed mushrooms, but are gluten- and dairy-free and so delicious!
Christmas Tree Dip
This Christmas Tree Dip appetizer is a party headliner, with layers of scrumptious, bold Mediterranean flavors that make it addictive … and a cute holiday “tree” shape makes it the centerpiece of any buffet. But, luckily, it’s quick and easy to whip up (we’re talking 10 minutes here – seriously)!
Gluten Free Rosemary Sesame Seed Crackers
These homemade gluten free Rosemary Sesame Seed Crackers are super easy to make and are perfect to serve with your homemade dips when you are entertaining guests.
Cranberry Jalapeno Dip
This delightful concoction combines the tartness of cranberries with the freshness of cilantro, the mild bite of green onions, and a hint of heat from jalapeño, creating a vibrant and textured dip that’s perfect for holiday.
Easy Vegan Mushroom Crostini
These festive vegan mushroom crostini recipe is an easy and impressive appetizer perfect for holidays. Crunchy baguette with grilled vegan mozzarella topped with sweet caramelized onions and mushrooms with a hint of balsamic and Dijon mustard will surely be a show stopper.
ROASTS
Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
This Oven-Roasted Turkey Breast recipe is my go-to for a fuss-free alternative to cooking a whole turkey. It’s ideal for smaller gatherings or family dinners, ensuring that each serving is juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. This straightforward recipe delivers a deliciously tender roast turkey breast every time, making it a fantastic option for those who want the taste of the holidays without the extensive preparation.
Best Holiday Prime Rib Roast, Easy Bone-in Ribeye Standing Rib
Seasoned and oven seared this Holiday Prime Rib roast melts in your mouth… And it’s so easy to make!
Vegetarian Roast Dinner
Ultimate vegan loaf, harmoniously blending the earthy richness of lentils, the hearty crunch of nuts, and the umami depth of mushrooms, is a perfect crowd-pleasing holiday centerpiece. This wholesome and easy gluten-free juicy vegetarian roast is packed with plant-based protein and fiber, and is full of flavor! Serve it with mashed potatoes, vegan gravy and a side of balsamic-glazed brussels sprouts for a complete vegan roast dinner!
One Tray Oven Baked Chicken and Vegetables
If you are looking for an easy-to-make roast dinner for Christmas, then you can’t go past this one tray oven baked chicken dish.
Air Fryer Turkey Legs
This air fryer turkey legs recipe requires almost no prep work, cooks quickly, and turns out juicy and delicious. Perfect for serving at smaller Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, game day gatherings, and as an easy weeknight meal
Bottom Round Roast
Juicy and tender bottom round roast encrusted with sea salt and herbs. This roast beef recipe is a family favorite!
Salads & Sides
Peruvian Christmas Rice (Arroz Árabe)
Peruvian Christmas Rice (Arroz Arabe) is a Peruvian rice dish with a well-defined Arabian influence. Vermicelli is browned in oil before adding the aromatics, spices (including saffron and cumin), rice, pecans, and dried fruit (raisins or goldenberries). Garnished with fresh mint and pomegranate arils, it is a quintessential Peruvian holiday dish, it’s gluten free, and can be prepared in about 30 minutes!
Avocado Walnut Cranberry Apple Salad
Avocado Walnut Cranberry Apple Salad is made with four amazing ingredients that come together so beautifully in this salad. It is the perfect salad to have at Christmas time or during the holiday season.
Creamy Chickpea Salad
This Creamy Chickpea Salad is a tasty, simple to make side salad for Christmas. It’s protein packed and easy to make a day ahead of time.
Pan Seared Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
These quick balsamic glazed brussels sprouts are crispy, lightly sweet and utterly delicious. Perfect healthy and easy vegan side dish for your holiday menu ready in 20 minutes!
Pear and Rocket (Arugula) Salad Recipe
Pear and rocket salad highlights the creamy, floral flavor of pear! A 5-minute recipe for candied nuts and a simple homemade balsamic salad dressing make it truly special. The entire salad takes just 20 minutes to make, and is easy enough for weeknight dinners and elegant enough for holiday meals, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Brown and Wild Rice Stuffed Peppers
Brown and wild rice-stuffed peppers are a festive dairy-free, gluten-free main or side dish to serve for holidays and special occasions
Healthy Green Bean Casserole (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)
This Green Bean Casserole recipe is made with all wholesome ingredients, plus it is gluten-free and dairy-free! You’ll love this unique spin on the classic holiday side dish.
Spinach and Persimmon Salad
Spinach and Persimmon Salad with citrus dressing combines a sweet fuyu persimmon and strawberries with salty feta cheese and pistachios in a spinach salad lightly dressed with a citrus marmalade-based dressing… perfect for your holiday table (or anytime)!
Dairy Free Dinner Rolls
Learn how to make soft and fluffy dinner rolls with no milk and no eggs! Great for family dinner or any holiday gathering.
Festive Vegan Salad with Cranberry Dijon Vinaigrette
Festive Vegan Salad with Cranberry Dijon Vinaigrette is a ultimate no-fuss addition to any dinner table this season! A powerhouse mélange of apples, mandarin oranges, brussel sprouts, shredded beets, roasted acorn squash, toasted walnuts and a tangy Cranberry Dijon Vinaigrette comprise this nourishing holiday salad
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Onions
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Onions are my favorite way to make Brussels sprouts — for two reasons: one, I love how easy it is to roast them to perfection on a sheet pan! And two, they get browned evenly with this method, as do the onions!
Pomegranate Avocado Quinoa Salad
This sparkling, satisfying Pomegranate Avocado Quinoa Salad, tossed with a light lemon olive oil vinaigrette, is packed with colorful seasonal produce perfect for your holiday table.
Desserts
Christmas Fruit Salad
A beautifully layered Christmas Fruit Salad with festive stripes, featuring holiday favorites like pomegranates, dried cranberries and pistachios, along with apples and grapes, plus a luscious dressing and crunchy topping. So much more special than typical fruit salad recipes … yet it takes hardly any extra time at all (and can be prepped ahead, too)!
Chocolate Almond Fudge
This chocolate almond fudge is a delicious and healthy fudge. A small piece goes a long way! It is gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free.
Healthy Ginger Loaf Cake
This Ginger Loaf cake aka homemade gingerbread is so perfect for the holiday season and uses only whole ingredients, plus oil-free!
Authentic German Cinnamon Star Cookies
These classic German cinnamon star cookies are naturally gluten-free but so delicious
Trifle (Gluten-free and Dairy-free)
This Gluten Free Trifle which is also dairy free is one gorgeous dessert that you can make for Christmas or for a special occasion. It is made with easy to find ingredients and topped with fresh berries.
Gluten Free Christmas Crack Recipe (Cracker Candy)
This easy gluten free Christmas crack recipe is the perfect holiday snack—it’s a delicious mix of sweet and salty that you just can’t resist! Whether you’re planning to share it as a gift or keep it all for yourself, it’s definitely a festive treat you’ll want to whip up.
Paleo Pecan Pie Bars
Decadent maple syrup and sweet dates combine to make a smooth and creamy filling for these Paleo Pecan Pie Bars. Add some nutty chopped pecans and a delicious almond flour shortbread crust – it’s a match made in heaven!
Fruit Christmas Tree
When the holiday festivities roll around, it’s always fun to browse for new ideas and inspiration. This Fruit Christmas Tree is perfect for a healthy, easy-to-make, kid-friendly recipe this holiday season!
Gluten-free Christmas Fruit Cake
This gluten-free Christmas Fruit Cake is super easy to make, is made with healthy wholefood ingredients and is tastes delicious.
Vegan Chocolate Truffles with Mint
Rich and creamy mint truffles made with dark chocolate but no dairy!
No Bake Gingerbread Cookies
These no bake gingerbread cookies are soft and fudgy, bursting with holiday flavor, and are made with a mix of almond flour and coconut flour. They are gluten free, vegan, refined sugar free, and ready in minutes!
Easy Healthy Apple Crisp Recipe – Gluten Free
Chopped apples are combined with warm spices and topped with a lightly sweetened crunchy topping to make this delicious and healthy apple crisp perfect for the holidays.
Date Bark Recipe
This Date Bark Recipe is basically a healthy candy bar. It’s gooey, chocolatey, crunchy, sweet and salty. It’s the perfect sweet treat to add to your holiday table!
Gluten Free Orange and Almond Cake
This Gluten Free Orange and Almond Cake is moist and packed full of delicious flavour. This orange and almond cake is made using simple ingredients and is one of the easiest cakes you will ever make.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These gluten-free chocolate peppermint cookies are packed with dark chocolate chips and crushed candy canes. They are not only delicious but also a healthier option loaded with protein—just what you need for a gluten-free Christmas treat!
Tips for Preparing Your Christmas Dinner
- Start with a Solid Plan: Begin by creating a detailed menu that includes appetizers, a main dish, sides, and desserts. Take note of any dietary preferences or restrictions among your guests. A clear plan helps you stay organized and ensures a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Shop Early: Avoid last-minute stress by purchasing non-perishable ingredients in advance. For fresh produce, make a shopping list and visit your local market a day or two before the big event to ensure everything is at its peak freshness.
- Prep Ahead: Many dishes can be partially or fully prepared before Christmas Day. Chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and bake desserts in advance to save time. This allows you to focus on assembling and cooking the main components on the day of the dinner.
- Set a Festive Table: A beautifully set table enhances the dining experience. Use holiday-themed decorations, candles, or seasonal greenery to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Arrange your dishes buffet-style or plated, depending on the tone of your gathering.
- Cook Smart: Organize your cooking timeline based on the dishes that take the longest. Use slow cookers, pressure cookers, or the oven to streamline cooking and free up stove space. Remember to rest roasted meats before carving to lock in their juices.
- Include a Mix of Dishes: Balance indulgent favorites with lighter, healthier options to suit all tastes. Incorporate a variety of textures and flavors, like creamy sides, crisp salads, and hearty mains, to keep the meal interesting and satisfying.
- Keep Drinks Flowing: Offer a mix of festive beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Mulled wine, spiced cider, or sparkling water with fresh fruit add a celebratory touch without overwhelming the palate.
- Delegate Tasks: Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Assign simple tasks like setting the table, stirring a sauce, or plating desserts to family members or friends. It makes the process more enjoyable and fosters a sense of togetherness.
- Leave Room for Dessert: Save space for sweet endings by keeping portions of the main meal moderate. Offer a variety of desserts to cater to different preferences, from rich, decadent treats to light, fruity options.
- Relax and Enjoy: Remember, the holidays are about spending time with loved ones. Don’t stress if everything isn’t perfect—your guests will appreciate the effort and cherish the memories you create together.
With thoughtful planning and a little creativity, your Christmas dinner will be a joyful and delicious celebration!
DID YOU MAKE ONE OF THESE CHRISTMAS RECIPES?
Lastly, if you make one of these Christmas dinner recipes, then I would really love to hear from you. You can either leave a comment or you can tag me on Instagram! It really makes my day when I see your creations of my recipes that I have made or recipes that I have shared.
More Christmas Recipes
Welcome to my Christmas recipe collection, where holiday cheer meets healthy eating! Discover a delightful array of easy-to-make, family-friendly recipes that are both gluten-free and dairy-free, ensuring everyone at your table can indulge without worry. From decadent desserts to savory mains, celebrate the season with dishes free from refined sugar, promising a festive feast that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
