It’s that time of year again! The christmas season is upon us and with it comes dinner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for something easy and healthy to cook, we’ve got you covered! This blog features 7 healthy christmas eve dinner recipes that are sure to please. From sweet potato shepherd’s pie to roasted butternut squash quesadillas, there is something for everyone on this list. So whether you’re celebrating christmas eve by yourself or hosting a dinner for family and friends, make sure to try one of these recipes!
Top 7 Healthy Christmas Eve Meal Ideas
#1 Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese & Pomegranate
Nutritional Value
Looking for a healthy and festive dish to serve at your Christmas dinner? Why not try roasted Brussels sprouts with goat cheese & pomegranate!
Brussels sprouts are a great alternative to traditional holiday foods like pies and cakes. Not only do they contain high levels of fiber but they’re also packed full of antioxidants, making them good for your overall health. Pomegranate adds a tart flavor that goes well with the sweetness of the brussels sprouts. Goat cheese is another fantastic addition – it’s creamy, rich and slightly tangy, making it perfect for vegetarians or those who are dairy-free. If you’re looking for an appetizer or side dish that will keep everyone happy at your Christmas table, roast Brussels sprouts with goat cheese & pomegranate should definitely be on your list.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 large shallot, sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2-3 teaspoons white balsamic vinegar
- ⅓ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cut off the stem end of the Brussels sprouts. Next, toss them with olive oil and salt before arranging them on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Finally, top them with goat cheese and pomegranate juice before serving.
#2 No-Sugar-Added Cranberry Sauce
Nutritional Value
If you’re looking for a cranberry sauce that doesn’t have any sugar, this recipe is perfect for you! It has a delicious tart flavor and can be used as a glaze or dip for turkey or ham. You can also use it as a salad dressing or to sweeten up your vegetables etcetera. No-Sugar-Added cranberry sauce is an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese, both of which are important for maintaining healthy immune systems. The sauce also contains dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6.So feel free to enjoy this healthy cranberry sauce whatever way you like.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- ⅓ cup pitted dates
- 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Prep
In a blender, puree the apple cider and dates until smooth. Place in a medium saucepan with the cranberries. Over medium-high heat, bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the cranberries have broken down, 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
#3 Healthy Green Bean Casserole
Nutritional Value
A yummy and healthy green bean casserole is a great way to get your vegetables into your diet. The nutritional value of this dish is excellent, with high levels of vitamins A, C and folate. In addition, it also provides fiber and potassium. This recipe is easy to make and can be tweaked to fit any taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
- 2 ½ pounds green beans, trimmed and cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces (about 8 cups)
- 2-3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white or black pepper
- 2 ½ cups low-fat milk
- 1 1/2 cups fresh whole-wheat breadcrumbs (see Tips) or 1/2 cup shredded or crumbled cheese
Prep
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine green beans, cheese, flour, baking powder and salt. Stir until well mixed. In another small bowl or glass jar with a tight fitting lid with extra-virgin olive oil. Pour mixture over bean mixture and stir until well coated. Remove the green beans from the oven when they are done. Preheat the oven to broil. Half of the green beans should be placed in a 2-quart broiler-safe baking dish. Half of the sauce should be spread over the green beans. Top with the remaining green beans and the remaining sauce. Now, it’s ready to serve.
#4 Lemon-Garlic Marinated Shrimp
Nutritional Value
When it comes to healthy Christmas Eve meals, shrimp is a great option. Not only are they high in protein and healthy fats, but they’re also loaded with vitamins and minerals. One of the nutrients in shrimp that’s especially important is vitamin B12. This crucial nutrient helps support nerve health and can help prevent cognitive decline as we age. In addition to B12, shrimp are also a good source of phosphorus, selenium, and magnesium.
This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty but healthy meal. The lemon and garlic flavors will give it an amazing taste, while keeping things healthy. You can serve it over steamed vegetables or rice to make it complete and nutritious. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe to your preferences – add diced onions, bell peppers or mushrooms if you want some extra variation.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/4 pound cooked shrimp
- 4 garlic cloves
- Salt to taste
Prep
First, start by mixing together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and salt. Add the shrimp to the mixture and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to an hour so the flavors can meld. Finally, grill or cook over medium-high heat until cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
#5 Fresh Apple Squares
Nutritional Value
Fresh apple squares are a healthy and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed any time of day. They are high in fiber, which keeps you feeling full longer, and vitamins A and C, which provide your body with antioxidant benefits. In addition, the squares are low in calories and cholesterol, making them a great choice for weight loss goals.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 ½ tablespoons white sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped apple
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts
Prep
Preheat the oven to 350° F. (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. In a small mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons white sugar and the remaining 2 teaspoons cinnamon. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, and melted butter with a wooden spoon until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined, then add the apple and walnuts. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan and top with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top springs back when lightly pressed. Allow the pan to cool completely before cutting into squares.
#6 Flourless Chocolate Cookies
Nutritional Value
Flourless Chocolate Cookies are a popular type of cookie that do not use any flour. Flourless Chocolate Cookies are a delicious and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day. They’re made with only natural ingredients, so they’re also a healthy choice. Each cookie has 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, which means they’re a good source of both nutrients. In addition, each cookie contains 3 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fat. The cookies also have a lot of antioxidants, including vitamin E and vitamin C.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Prep
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a larger bowl or in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until it is creamy. Add the granulated sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
#7 Quinoa & Chia Oatmeal Mix
Nutritional Value
Quinoa and chia are two of the most popular plant-based sources of protein. They are also high in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. Quinoa is a complete protein and has the highest level of all essential amino acids. Chia is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and calcium. Together, they make an excellent breakfast or snack option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup rolled wheat and/or barley flakes (see Tip)
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 cup dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries and/or chopped apricots
- ½ cup chia and/or hemp seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Prep
To make the hot cereal dry mix, follow these steps: In an airtight container, combine oats, wheat and/or barley flakes, quinoa, dried fruit, seeds, cinnamon, and salt. To make 1 cup of hot cereal: 1/3 cup Quinoa and Chia Oatmeal In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/4 cup water (or milk). Bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Allow to stand for 5 minutes, covered. Stir in your preferred sweetener and top with nuts and/or additional dried fruit, if preferred.
Words From Sheru Classic
In conclusion, we would like to offer some simple tips to help you have a healthy and festive Christmas Eve. Be sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, avoid processed foods, drink plenty of water, and get some exercise!
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