The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, delicious food. Unfortunately, this often results in consuming a hefty dose of sugar, unhealthy fats, and empty calories.

"By making simple swaps in classic recipes and incorporating vibrant side dishes, you can create a holiday meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing," said Stefanie Riley, a Great River Health Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. We asked her for a few recipes to help get you inspired, and she delivered. Get ready to gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy a festive feast that celebrates the spirit of the season while honoring your health with these recipes.

Healthier Twists on Holiday Classics

The good news is, you don’t have to choose between enjoying your favorite holiday recipes and eating healthy! Instead, make a few substitutions that enrich both the nutrition value and flavor—think olive oil in place of butter, a squeeze of citrus, or adding in nutrient-dense vegetables. Here are five suggestions to get you started.

Roast Turkey with Herbal Citrus Marinade

Traditional Recipe: A butter-brushed roast turkey.

Healthy Twist: Instead of using butter, marinate your turkey with a mix of olive oil, citrus juice (like orange and lemon), and fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme). This not only cuts down on saturated fat but adds vibrant flavors and moisture.

Instructions

• In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup olive oil, juice of 2 oranges, juice of 1 lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a handful of chopped herbs.

• Rub this mixture under the skin and over the turkey.

• Roast according to your usual method, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Stuffing Muffins

Traditional Recipe: A heaping spoonful of butter-soaked bread.

Healthy Twist: A great tip from Stefanie Riley: Prepare food in pre-portioned servings to help curb overeating. “These muffins are great for practicing portion control with a very popular holiday dish," she said. "They also give your meal a nice little fiber boost by using whole wheat bread instead of white.”

Ingredients (makes 12 muffins)

• 1 (16-ounce) loaf whole wheat bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease muffin tins and set aside.
• Spread bread cubes evenly onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, stirring once, until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 300 degrees F.
• Heat butter and olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Once butter is melted, add onion and celery. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes or until onion is translucent. Remove from heat and stir in parsley, Mrs. Dash seasoning and pepper.
• In a large bowl, combine onion and celery mixture with bread cubes. Toss until combined. Add eggs and chicken broth and toss until combined.
• Spoon mixture into muffin tins, packing the stuffing tight and mounding the tops.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Allow muffins to cool before removing from tin.

Nutrition Information (per 1 muffin)

• Calories: 170 kcals
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g Cholesterol: 50 mg Sodium: 300 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g Protein: 5 g

Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Topping

Traditional Recipe: A sweet potato casserole topped with marshmallows.

Healthy Twist: Replace marshmallows with a crunchy topping made from chopped pecans and oats, sweetened with a drizzle of maple syrup.

Instructions

• Boil and mash 4 cups of sweet potatoes. Mix with ¼ cup almond milk, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and a pinch of cinnamon.

• For the topping, combine 1 cup of chopped pecans, ½ cup of rolled oats, 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.

• Spread the sweet potato mixture in a baking dish, top with the pecan mixture, and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden.

Green Bean Almondine

Traditional Recipe: Green beans cooked with butter and bacon.

Healthy Twist: Steam the green beans and toss them with toasted almonds and a splash of lemon juice instead of butter.

Instructions

• Steam 1 pound of fresh green beans until bright green and tender.

• In a skillet, toast ½ cup sliced almonds until golden. Add the green beans and toss with the juice of 1 lemon, salt, and pepper.

Pumpkin Pie with a Nutty Crust

Traditional Recipe: Classic pumpkin pie with a flaky butter-based crust.

Healthy Twist: Use a crust made from ground nuts and dates to add fiber and healthy fats, reducing refined carbohydrates.

Instructions

• For the crust, blend 1 cup of walnuts or pecans with 10 medjool dates until crumbly. Press the mixture into a pie pan.

• For the filling, mix 1 can of pumpkin puree, 1 cup almond milk, ½ cup maple syrup, 2 eggs, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) and pour into the crust.

• Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set.

Nutritious Side Dishes

This year, why not serve up something a little different when it comes to your side dishes? We've put a healthy spin on some traditional favorites, combining vibrant fruits, hearty vegetables, and nutrient-dense grains to create sides that are as delicious as they are good for you.

Pomegranate Pear Salsa

“This recipe is a twist on traditional salsa using fresh winter fruits which makes a perfect sweet and salty flavor combination when paired with baked tortilla chips,” said Stefanie Riley. “It would also work well on top of chicken, fish, or a salad to add more nutrients, versatility, and beautiful color to your meal.”

Ingredients (makes 6 servings)

• 2 fresh pears, cored and diced
• 1 fresh pomegranate, seeded
• ½ red onion, diced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of ½ lime

Instructions

• Place all ingredients in a large bowl and combine.
• Season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Serve immediately or store in refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Information (per ½ cup serving)

• Calories: 55 kcals
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 10 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
• Fiber: 3 g Protein: 0 g

Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Spinach

This vibrant salad brings a nutritious superfood boost to your holiday table, packed with protein, fiber, and magnesium.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, cooked

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

• ¼ cup feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, spinach, cranberries, walnuts, and feta.

• Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to combine.

Cauliflower Mash

A low carb and calorie alternative to mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower, chopped

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Steam the cauliflower until tender, then blend with olive oil and garlic until smooth. Season to taste.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Add this brussels sprouts recipe for a low-calorie dish rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin K.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

• Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

Wholesome Dessert Ideas

Satisfy your sweet tooth with desserts that are lighter, healthier, and still bursting with festive flavor. From naturally sweetened pies to antioxidant-packed chocolate delights, we’ve rounded up a collection of healthier holiday dessert ideas that let you enjoy the best of the season without the sugar overload.

Gingerbread Apple Crisp

This Gingerbread Apple Crisp is like a holiday hug in a bowl—spiced, sweet, and satisfying, but with a nutritious twist! Apples are naturally sweet and packed with fiber and vitamin C, while the spices bring the festive flavors of the season. This dessert is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free (if you skip the yogurt), and refined-sugar free, making it a healthier choice for anyone wanting to enjoy a cozy, holiday treat.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your preferred variety), peeled, cored, and sliced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)

For the Gingerbread Crumble:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/4 cup almond flour (or whole wheat flour)

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted) or avocado oil

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• Pinch of sea salt

For Serving:

• A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt (for dairy-free)

• Optional: A drizzle of almond butter or coconut whipped cream

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, maple syrup, and flour. Stir to coat the apples evenly.

• Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish or similar-sized oven-safe dish. Spread the apples evenly in the dish.

• In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, chopped nuts (if using), cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Add the melted coconut oil and maple syrup and stir until the mixture is crumbly and everything is well combined.

• Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples in the baking dish.

• Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbling. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until the apples are soft.

• Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Serve warm, topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut whipped cream.

Cocoa-Dusted Almond Butter Truffles

These gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free truffles are perfect for those looking for a healthy, indulgent treat. Almond butter provides healthy fats and protein, making these truffles satisfying while keeping them nutrient dense. They’re easy to make, portable, and pack a delicious punch of flavor—great for gifting or keeping on hand during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond butter (smooth, unsweetened)

• 1/4 cup rolled oats (or almond flour for a grain-free version)

• 2 tablespoons coconut flour (or more if needed to thicken)

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (adjust based on sweetness preference)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Pinch of sea salt

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for dusting)

• Optional: A few tablespoons of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs (for extra texture)

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine the almond butter, rolled oats, coconut flour, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky. If it’s too runny, add a little more coconut flour until it firms up. For an optional texture boost, fold in dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs for extra richness and crunch.

• Using your hands, scoop out small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls. If the mixture gets sticky, wet your hands with a little water to make rolling easier.

• Place the cocoa powder in a small bowl and roll each truffle in the cocoa powder to coat evenly. You can also roll them in a mix of cocoa powder and ground cinnamon for an extra holiday spice kick.

• Place the truffles on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm. They can also be stored in the freezer for a firmer, chilled texture.

• Enjoy the truffles as a quick treat or serve them on a festive platter for your guests. They make a perfect, healthy addition to any holiday spread!

Chia Seed Pudding with Winter Spices

Baking spices provide a warm burst of flavor while chia seeds are rich in omega-3s, fiber, and protein.

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk

• ¼ cup chia seeds

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

• Let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight to thicken.

• Serve with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey on top.

Ready to feel fantastic, knowing you’re feeding your loved ones food that is both flavorful and nutritious? From all of us at Great River Health, we wish you a happy holiday season!

For personalized advice on meal planning and food storage, consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can provide tailored recommendations to help you make the most of your grocery investments and ensure your diet remains both nutritious and enjoyable. From nutrition coaching to fitness classes, well-child checks and preventative screenings, there are endless ways to keep your family healthy at Great River Health. Find out more by viewing our full list of health services.