Healthy Holiday Meals

Updated December 07, 2009
Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Offer a healthy menu at holiday gatherings such cocktail or caroling parties, breakfast or brunch, tree-trimming suppers, or the main Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.   These healthy meals are packed with flavor, style, and good-for-you nutrients.

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Southern Open House Menu

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr, Leigh Ann Ross

Southern Open House Menu Menu

A restored 19th-century Alabama farmhouse is the setting for an eagerly anticipated annual open house featuring a bounty of wholesome and healthy Southern-style holiday dishes.

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Our Best Holiday Menu

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

Our Best Holiday Menu Menu

Created by the Cooking Light staff, this lavish menu makes Christmas dinner feel fresh while still honoring the traditions that make the holidays so important. They guarantee these recipes will have your guests oohing and aahing before they take the first bite.

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Caroling Party Menu

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr, Mary Lyn Hill Jenkins

Caroling Party Menu Menu

You don't need a great voice to enjoy this make-ahead menu. Gather your friends for a casual winter dinner party and they'll be singing your praises.

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A Holiday Cocktail Party

Credit: Karry Hosford

A Holiday Cocktail Party Menu

Blood oranges and pomegranate seeds give this merry menu color and pizzazz. Seasoned shrimp topped with fruit salsa and mini veggie pizzas are festive and filling but leave just enough room in your tummy for a crunchy cookie dessert.

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Tree-Trimming Party

Credit: Karry Hosford

Tree-Trimming Party Menu

As a casual meal for company or a simple dinner for the family, this comforting one-pot chicken dish is sure to warm up a chilly night. Kick off the tree trimming party with white hot chocolate and round out the evening with coffee-flavored cupcakes.

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Holiday Feast

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell

Holiday Feast Menu

With enough food to feed 12 guests, this feast is ideal for those hosting a large group. Begin the meal with creamy mushroom soup followed by roast beef, mashed potatoes, and sauteed zucchini. Before sending guests off, impress them one last time with an elegant souffle drizzled with vanilla sauce.

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Gift-Opening Breakfast

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Jan Gautro

Gift-Opening Breakfast Menu

Savory bread pudding studded with ham, fontina cheese and asparagus is the perfect start to Christmas morning. The dish takes a little over an hour to prepare so plan to unwrap gifts while it bakes.

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Lightened Holiday Favorites

Lightened Holiday Favorites Menu

Chicken cakes and beef fillets are two hearty entrée options offered on this menu. If you choose to feature both, use smaller fillets and make the cakes half the size. The carrot-sweet potato side dish highlights the ingredients of the season and adds a burst of color to the menu.

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Christmas Dinner

Credit: Karry Hosford

Christmas Dinner Menu

Give the gift of good health when serving this traditional holiday menu. Fennel, Brussels sprouts, apples, and sweet potatoes are nutrient-rich, seasonal veggies that taste great and are good for you. Dig in!

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A Healthy Hanukkah Menu

Credit: José Picayo; Styling: Jocelyne Beaudoin

A Healthy Hanukkah Menu Menu

Share and give thanks with the flavors of seasonal bounty with this menu that serves 16 and features brisket, roasted winter vegetables, and a rustic apple tart.

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A Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Katie Stoddard

A Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

This meatless Thanksgiving menu will fulfill your longings for the earthly flavors that are the hallmark of a great autumn meal.

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Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Menu

Traditional dishes go light in this menu featuring turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and a pecan tart.

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