Give Your Holiday Spread a Healthy, Delicious Twist
/By Lori Kampa — Last Updated: December 10, 2024
Ahh, the holiday season is upon us – a time for cozy gatherings, festive decorations, and, of course, tables full of delicious dishes. There’s something so comforting about the tradition of holiday food, right? But what if we add a little twist this year? I’m talking about flavor-packed, health-conscious side dishes that will make your holiday feast both nourishing and delicious. Sound good? Let’s dive in!
I’ve put together a selection of sides that will not only make your taste buds dance but also keep your body happy. Trust me, these dishes are so good, no one will notice they’re packed with all the good stuff. And, hey, maybe a few of them will become new traditions at your holiday table.
I’ve given simple guidance for these sides. You can find more precise instructions online if you want them.
Beetroot and Goat Cheese Salad
Looking for something light and refreshing? Roasted beets and goat cheese team up perfectly to balance out heavier dishes. Beets are rich in antioxidants, and when paired with creamy goat cheese and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, you create a colorful, nutritious dish. Toss it all with a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon zest, and a hint of honey – so simple, yet so fancy.
Citrus Fennel Slaw
Now, here’s a fun little palate cleanser. This citrus fennel slaw is light, bright, and just what you need to break up all those heavier dishes. Thinly slice some fennel and toss it with citrus segments (oranges or grapefruit work beautifully, or hit the easy button and use canned mandarin slices), then dress it up with a mustard vinaigrette. It’s crisp, refreshing, and the perfect pop of color for your table.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate and Balsamic Glaze
Let’s talk about brussels sprouts. Before you turn up your nose (I know, I know, they’ve gotten a bad rap in the past), trust me – when roasted to perfection, they become little caramelized bites of heaven. Toss in some bright pomegranate seeds after roasting for a burst of freshness and drizzle on a balsamic glaze for that sweet-tangy finish. Roast them at 425°F tossed in a little olive oil to get that crispy exterior. It’s the perfect combo of sweet and savory. You might even convert some brussels sprout skeptics with this one.
Mashed Cauliflower with Roasted Garlic
Craving mashed potatoes, yet want to keep it lighter? Enter mashed cauliflower. This little trick lets you cut down on carbs without losing out on that creamy, comforting texture we all love. Roast a few garlic cloves and blend them in with the cauliflower and a drizzle of olive oil. The result? A smooth, garlicky side that’s sure to please.
Charred Broccolini with Chili and Garlic
Broccolini is like broccoli’s cool cousin – slightly sweeter and just as versatile. Give it a quick char in a hot skillet, then toss it in some garlic-chili oil for a little kick. The key here is to get your pan really hot, so you get that perfect smoky charred look and taste. This dish is simple, festive, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges
Instead of the usual candied yams, why not opt for roasted sweet potato wedges with a sprinkle of heart-healthy spices? Think festive, like cinnamon and nutmeg. Brush with olive oil before roasting to get them perfectly crispy outside. These wedges are the ultimate sweet and savory side to balance out all the indulgence.
There you have it – a few ways to put a modern, healthy spin on your holiday table. With these sides, you’ll prove that nutritious and delicious can go hand in hand. And who knows? You might just start a new tradition or two.
This holiday season let’s celebrate with joy, balance, and dishes that nourish us inside and out. And if you’re craving some extra grounding amid the festivities, join me for a Vinyasa 1 all-levels yoga class on Mondays at 9:30 a.m. at Green Lotus in Lakeville.
You can also join me for a workshop on January 4th all about kicking the sugar habit!
Or, who knows? You might just catch me stretching in line at Target! Cheers to happy and healthy holidays.
Practice or study with Lori
Lori Kampa Kearney is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Wellness Educator, and 200-hour-certified yoga instructor. She has been teaching yoga since 2014 and specializes in vinyasa power yoga, gentle yoga, and chair yoga. As a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Lori teaches busy professional women how to stay energized, reduce fatigue, improve brain clarity and overall health, and revitalize their outlook on life. Lori helps women over 40 who struggle with anxiety, depression, divorce, and/or pain in their bodies to feel better physically and mentally and to connect to everything around them mindfully. Using the principles of clean eating, self-care, and mindfulness, she helps her clients take the mystery out of eating well and have fun making the transition to a healthier lifestyle. Lori facilitates wellness workshops at Green Lotus that dive into reducing stress, kicking sugar, detoxifying the body, learning secrets to sleep, and so much more.
