9
min read
Healthy Holiday Recipes
The holidays are here! But that doesn't mean all your fitness goals go on a vacation. With family get togethers, and so many delicious feasts it's easy to let your healthy habits slide between Christmas and New Years. This year, along with your typical indulgent dinner menus, help yourself and others by including some of these healthier recipes! We've put together some of our favorite recipes that are festive and delicious.
Balsamic Cranberry Roast Chicken
This chicken recipe is super easy and oh so seasonal. And psst: If you can’t find fresh cranberries, it’s completely okay to use frozen ones; just thaw and drain them first.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1½ cups cranberries, divided
- 8 pieces chicken (thighs, drumsticks or a mixture)
- Nonstick spray, as needed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, plus extra sprigs for finishing
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary, plus extra sprigs for finishing
INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a food processor or blender, process the garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, soy sauce and ½ cup of the cranberries until smooth.
- Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Remove the chicken from the bag; save the marinade. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet or dish, skin side down, and season with salt, pepper, thyme and rosemary. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cranberries around the pan.
- Roast the chicken until the skin begins to brown and the meat is nearly cooked through, about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip the chicken and brush each piece generously with the reserved marinade.
- Raise the oven temperature to 425°F and cook until the chicken skin is crispy.
- Serve warm and dig in!
Baked Banza Ziti
Everyone loves ziti! Banza pasta looks, cooks, and tastes like regular pasta and it contains fewer net carbs! So you can enjoy this recipe without any guilt.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 boxes of Banza Ziti
- 1 jar of of your favorite tomato basil sauce (we like to use Rao's homemade sauce, found in most supermarkets)
- 1 jar of your favorite alfredo sauce (we used Primal Kitchen dairy free alfredo)
- 1 bag of dairy free mozzarella cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Bring large pot of water to a boil. Add Banza and cook to just about under al dente (about 6 minutes). Because the pasta’s going into a hot sauce and in a hot oven, it’ll continue to cook long after it’s been drained.
- While the water boils, combine both jars of sauce in a large pan or skillet over medium heat to make a pink looking sauce.
- When the pasta is done, drain, and pour into a casserole dish.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta and stir evenly.
- Add the dairy free cheese over the top.
- Put the casserole dish into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Lastly, set your oven to broil and monitor it closely. Leave the dish in the oven on broil for no longer than 5 minutes, take the casserole out once the layer of cheese is crispy and has a lightly brown coloring.
- Let cool and enjoy!
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Just three ingredients needed for this incredibly easy and delicious healthy mashed sweet potatoes recipe! This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, and refined sugar free.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound of sweet potatoes
- Raw honey to taste
- 2 tbsp cinnamon
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Rinse sweet potatoes and cut into quarters.
- Steam or boil the sweet potatoes until they are soft in the middle.
- Remove skins and mash until smooth.
- Add cinnamon and honey to taste.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pomegranate Seeds and Pine Nuts
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound of brussel sprouts
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp pine nuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp pomegranate seeds
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Rinse your brussels sprouts, cut the ends off, then cut in half.
- Place on cookie sheet and drizzle with avocado oil, salt and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes or until crispy.
- Let cool and toss in a dish with pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts as desired.
- Enjoy!
Paprika Herb Roasted Carrots
If your holiday menu is in need of a simple yet beautiful side dish, herb roasted carrots are the way to go. This easy-to-make recipe features fresh carrots that are smothered in delish herbs and are super tender!
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 carrots
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Trim the carrots, then slice on the diagonal into ½ inch thick.
- Move the carrots to a baking sheet and add the oil, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the carrots are tender. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving and enjoy!
