I hope that this quick post with some of my favourite Christmas menu recipes might help you plan your Christmas menu and lessen the burden of figuring out what you and your family will eat during this festive time of the year.
When it comes to holiday meals, I prefer quick and easy. A few years ago I would make elaborate meals, but nowadays I am all about simplicity. But fear not! I am also about healthy meals that taste amazing.
Scroll to the bottom for a handy guide on when to prep each meal or dessert in the week leading up to Christmas. That way, when Christmas Day arrives, all you need to focus on is the star of the show – the main protein (check out point 1 below for some delicious options).
1. I usually choose a main course that provides protein.
In my family it’s usually roast chicken, turkey, sausages, baked ham or grilled salmon.
A hearty vegetarian lasagna is another wonderful choice. Imagine layers of noodles, ricotta cheese, spinach and marinara sauce. You can also add some plant-based protein like tofu or lentils.
Or you could whip up a colorful tofu or tempeh stir-fry with a variety of veggies, a delicious stir-fry sauce, all served over brown rice or quinoa.
And let’s not forget a cozy and satisfying lentil shepherd’s pie packed with lentils, mixed vegetables and topped with mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower. So good!
2. Next item on the Christmas menu has to be this salad that I can’t get enough of
A green salad wilts quickly. But not this lovely kale salad. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Whip it up the day before Christmas and you’ll have one less thing to worry about. I love including kale in my meals as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to give our brain cells a little extra love. For a festive look, throw in some cranberries and pomegranate seeds. Please don’t worry if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand. I’ve included many substitution options for this recipe. Check them all out in the best kale salad for brain health recipe.
3. Scalloped potatoes come next on the Christmas menu recipes – they will make your taste buds sing!
These excellent make-ahead scalloped potatoes make the ideal side dish for holiday gatherings – or whenever you’ve got a hungry crowd. The ingredients are straightforward and the outcome… well, it’s just downright delicious.
Wanna kick it up a notch? Transform these scalloped potatoes into potatoes au gratin by generously sprinkling some grated cheese on top.
To make your life easier, consider preparing this casserole a few days in advance.
4. Have you ever considered a heart-warming soup for your Christmas feast?
In Romania we have a tradition to eat (any day of the week) soup as the first course. Intriguing, right? Now why not include a flavourful soup in your Christmas preparation?
You can make your favourite soup or choose between this simple yet delicious mushroom soup and protein-rich tomato soup.
5. And of course I can’t NOT mention these nearly-healthy-but-oh-so-delicious cookies that I could eat every single day.
These cookies are easy to make, crunchy and delicious. How could I not include them in the Christmas menu recipes for this year!? They will satisfy your sweet tooth and will definitely impress your family and friends.
The secret?
Puffed quinoa, adding not just a delightful crunch but also a nutritional boost of fiber, protein, complex carbs, iron, and magnesium. It’s a win-win situation!
Here’s the cherry on top: these cookies are freezer-friendly. Whip up a batch weeks before Christmas and you’ve got the festive season’s sweetest secret ready to go. Could it get any better? I don’t think so.
Whip up some puffed quinoa chocolate cookies now!
6. This salmon spread appetizer is as delicious as it is easy to make
Whether you’re planning a fancy Christmas brunch, a quick afternoon snack or a cozy get-together with family and friends, this salmon spread is sure to become your go-to favorite.
There are many ways to enjoy this quick salmon spread recipe. My favourite ways are pairing it with crackers, cucumber rounds and bell pepper slices. Other options are crostini, baked sweet potato rounds, pita bread, wraps, bagels or using it as a salad topper.
7. This fudgy goodness will make you very happy
This fudge recipe is inspired by my mom’s homemade fudge. I replaced white sugar with maple syrup and used less of it. I tinkered with ratios to find the perfect balance.
The result is a homemade vegan chocolate fudge with all the fudgy, smooth and creamy goodness of my mom’s recipe, yet with a touch of my own.
And there you have it: seven healthy and tasty recipes ready to steal the show on your Christmas menu. Did any of these ideas pick your interest?
Share in the comments what is that one thing that your Christmas spread absolutely can’t do without. I’m all ears. And eyes.
Have a wonderful Christmas filled with good food, the warmth of your loved ones and the gift of good health! Cheers to a wonderful holiday season! 🎄🍽️✨
My Meal Plan Guide
Here’s a sneak peek into my December prepping routine. I’m all about making life in the kitchen a breeze, so here’s the game plan:
📅 December 22 (or any cozy day in December):
Whip up a batch of those irresistible puffed chocolate quinoa cookies and tuck them snugly into the freezer for later.
Do the same thing with this creamy homemade vegan chocolate fudge as it stores beautifully in the freezer.
📅 December 23:
Make the scalloped potatoes. Check out the storage secrets here. Warm them up on the big day. So easy!
📅 December 24:
Embrace greens with a kale salad or your go-to salad that keeps well in the fridge.
Feeling a bit adventurous? Make a delicate mushroom soup or creamy tomato soup.
Whip up the quick salmon spread appetizer.
📅 December 25:
The grand finale – focus on the main protein (don’t forget to peek at #1 above for some delicious options).
Efficiency is the name of the game and by the time Christmas arrives, you’ll be in full-on festive mode with minimal last-minute kitchen hustle. Cheers to a well-planned and delicious holiday season! 🎄🍽️✨
Craving more delightful and healthy desserts for your Christmas menu recipes?
These no bake energy bites are a surefire hit in my family. I am crossing my fingers that they will be a hit with yours too. They freeze very well, so you could whip them up at the start of December and have a tasty treat ready to chill in the fridge on the big day.
Now let’s talk homemade vanilla pudding – simple, yet so versatile. Let me share a trick to elevate it a few notches: alternate layers of vanilla pudding with fresh and vibrant berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and maybe even a touch of kiwi), which will transform the pudding into a festive, colorful and healthy Christmas dessert. 🍓🎄✨
