Festive & Flavorful: Nutritious Twists on Classic Holiday Dishes

The holiday season is upon us, bringing wonderful opportunities to gather with loved ones around a delicious meal. This is the time of year to indulge in good food and good company, and this holiday season you can enjoy the best of both worlds by adding nutritious twists to your family favorites. These easy swaps will help you increase gut-friendly fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats in your dishes (yes, even for Christmas!) without losing the rich flavor you love. 

Seven Simple Swaps

Transform traditional dishes with these seven simple and nourishing swaps. Whether you’re looking to expand your recipe collection or simply want to feel your best throughout the season, here are creative ways to add healthy touches to holiday meals.

Roast Your Turkey (Instead of Deep Fried)

A holiday turkey is the classic American centerpiece, and deep fried turkey has recently been popularized for its crisp exterior and speedy preparation, especially here in Oklahoma.

A roasted turkey, however, is a timeless approach that allows seasonings such as rosemary, thyme, and citrus to add a depth of flavor hard to achieve through other cooking methods. 

Consider preparing a roasted turkey this holiday season, and complete the dish with a herb-rich marinade.

Olive Oil Instead of Butter

Not only does extra virgin olive oil possess a unique, savory flavor, but research proves that it is a heart healthy powerhouse. Olive oil is the first step to perfectly roasted vegetables, and it can be used as a substitute for butter in everything from stuffing to mashed potatoes. If you aren’t sold on the idea of using olive oil instead of butter, no worries! Consider halving the amount of butter in a recipe and replacing the rest with olive oil to try it out.

Fresh Sweet Potatoes (or no-sugar-added canned options)

If you’re making sweet potato dishes, skip sugary canned varieties. Fresh baked or roasted sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that allows you to avoid the extra sugar. 

If you choose to go with canned, steer clear of varieties packed in syrup. Instead, choose cans labeled as no-sugar-added.

Make Your Own Cranberry Sauce

Making homemade cranberry sauce is easier than you think (and will have your family begging you to bring it every year after)!

Just simmer fresh or frozen cranberries with add-ins such as orange juice or brown sugar. This way, you control the amount of added sugar. Not only will your homemade cranberry sauce be a family favorite, but it will introduce an antioxidant powerhouse to your meal.

Use Whole Grain Bread or Quinoa for Stuffing

This is the easiest swap in the list: instead of white bread, use whole grain bread or cooked quinoa for a high-fiber stuffing with a nutty, satisfying flavor.

If you feel hesitant, consider replacing half of the white bread with whole wheat bread rather than all of it. Remember, saying hello to simple swaps doesn’t mean replacing your beloved family recipes!

Add a Bowl of Fresh Fruit to Your Dessert Spread

Offer a bowl of fresh fruit alongside your richer desserts for a light addition to the dessert spread. Serve the fruit with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt for a delicate finish.

Try our Fall Fruit Salad, which features heart healthy walnuts and a citrus finish!

Include a Salad

Balance out heavy dishes with a fresh side salad. Simply toss mixed greens with cranberries and feta, then top with an easy, olive-oil based homemade dressing. 

Try our warm Brussel Sprout Salad for a festive take on tradition.

Spice It Up

Nothing captures the holiday season like walking into a home filled with the scents of cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice. Snuggling up by the fire with a mug of apple cider – do you remember those days?

These same spices and herbs enhance your holiday dishes as well, providing flavor without the need for extra sugar and salt. Plus, they make your home smell incredible!

Herb Marinades

Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage add a depth of flavor to sauces and marinades that will have your family wondering what the secret ingredient is. Mix these fresh or dried herbs with olive oil, lemon, and garlic to marinade your turkey, ham, and roasted veggies. With these bold flavors, you won’t even notice that the salt shaker went untouched in the cabinet.

Spice Instead of Sugar

Use fragrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove to enhance the natural sugars in your dishes so you can use less sugar and still get the flavors you crave.

For example, when making sweet potatoes casserole, garnish your dish with either marshmallows or brown sugar, instead of both. That way, the rich flavor of the sweet potato takes center stage.

Dessert

Dessert is the most anticipated course of the meal, and while it’s tempting to serve only the traditional pies, offering lighter options allows a balanced approach to indulgence without sacrificing beloved family recipes.

Richer Flavors with Less Sugar

Choose dark chocolate enhanced by flavors like espresso, cinnamon, or vanilla to create rich and satisfying desserts (without over-the-top sweetness). This way, it takes less to satisfy your cravings.

Use Whole Wheat Flour for Baking

What do muffins, cakes, breads, and cookies have in common?  They can all be baked with whole wheat flour instead of white flour, often without anyone noticing! 

Don’t believe me? Try our Peanut Butter Banana Bread! It combines whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour to achieve the perfect texture.

Choose Fresh or Frozen Fruit Instead of Canned Fruit

What can level up grandma’s apple pie recipe? Fresh or frozen apples add a crispness that sugary canned varieties simply cannot match.

When baking fruit-based cakes and pies, choose fresh or no-sugar-added frozen varieties to avoid unnecessary syrups and sugar.

Sample Menu

Here’s a sample menu featuring Choose Homemade recipes perfect for your holiday table. Each dish is a mix of classic flavors and healthy swaps, perfectly designed to complement eachother!

Appetizers

Side Dishes

Desserts

Conclusion

With these simple swaps, your holiday table will be festive, flavorful, and just a bit healthier. Enjoy a season full of love, comfort food, and the warmth that comes from sharing meals with those who matter most. Cheers to a nutritious and joy-filled holiday season!