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Five Healthier Christmas Recipes You'll Love

Read Time: 5 minutes

It's that time of year again! As we say farewell to 2022, many of us look forward to sharing holiday memories with loved ones.

It's time for gingerbread houses, candy canes, and cookies. But if you prefer lighter fare, those sugary treats can be a real nutrition-buster.

As always, we're here to help you have a happy holiday, no matter what your menu looks like. We have five healthier Christmas recipes that are just as delicious as the originals you know and love. So go ahead and indulge—it's our gift to you!

 

Everyone's Eggnog

This classic holiday beverage doesn't have to be loaded with sugar and calories. Our lighter version uses skim milk and low-fat yogurt, and it's still super creamy and delicious. If you're feeling spicy, add in 1/2 cup of white rum or vanilla vodka for the adults.

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups low-fat milk or milk alternative (creamier is better, think coconut)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt
  • 1/4 cup egg substitute or 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 white rum or vanilla vodka (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a small saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until steaming. Add sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon; stir until sugar is dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat. Stir in yogurt and egg substitute until well blended. Add vanilla extract.
  3. Top with a sprinkle of allspice or cinnamon if desired. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

 

Quintessential Quinoa Stuffing

Give traditional stuffing a healthy makeover with this quinoa stuffing recipe. Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling, and satisfying option for your holiday feast. This recipe also includes tons of veggies like celery, onions, and mushrooms, so you can feel good about what you're eating.

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups quinoa
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or craisins
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz button mushrooms, diced small (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. In a large saucepan, bring quinoa and vegetable broth to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onion and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in cranberries or craisins, parsley, garlic, mushrooms, salt, and pepper; cook for 5 minutes more.
  5. Add the cooked quinoa and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil; mix well.
  6. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until heated through.

 

Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These roasted sweet potatoes are tossed in a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. They make a delicious side dish for any holiday meal for those who love sweet potato casserole. If you're short on time, you can even cook them in the microwave before roasting to speed up the process.

Serves: 8 

Ingredients:

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Serve immediately.

 

Vegan Christmas Roast

A roast is usually the centerpiece on anyone's holiday table, but here's the thing: there aren't always vegan versions of this main dish. This super simple vegan Christmas roast is made with seitan, a wheat-based protein, and it's flavored with a blend of rosemary, sage, and thyme. It makes a delicious main dish for any holiday meal, vegans included.

Serves: 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 1 (16 oz) package seitan, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • vegan gravy (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, toss seitan with olive oil, sage, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread seitan in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until browned. Serve immediately, with gravy substitute if desired.

 

Paleo Pecan Pie

We're not leaving without having dessert, okay? This pecan pie is made with a grain-free crust and is sweetened with honey instead of sugar. It's the perfect dessert for your holiday table—or any time you're in the mood for something sweet! 

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

  • 1 recipe grain-free pie crust
  • 3/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 3 tablespoons arrowroot powder or tapioca flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups pecans, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

 Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, molasses, arrowroot powder or tapioca flour, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Stir in eggs, pecans, and vanilla extract.
  3. Pour mixture into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow to cool before serving.

 

The Gift of Health

No matter what your holiday plans are this year, we hope these five healthy holiday recipes help you stay on track. We've got you covered with recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.

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Wishing you all a happy, healthy holiday season!