When it comes to holiday meals, there’s lots of room to get creative with side dishes. Whether you serve a traditional meal at your house, or do something unique, side dishes help fill out and complement the main courses, and make every feast one to remember.
If you are in charge of dinner, or want to take a side dish to a holiday gathering, then you will enjoy these healthy and festive side dish ideas. These delicious side dishes feature fresh ingredients and creative flavors, making them perfect for impressing your guests.
5 Healthy and Festive Side Dish Ideas
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and nutritious side dish that
can complement any main course. These cruciferous vegetables contain an impressive array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them an excellent choice for your holiday meal. Beyond their nutritional value, roasted Brussels sprouts also pack a ton of flavor, thanks to the rich zing of balsamic vinegar in the glaze.
The recipe is really simple: To make your batch of crispy, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, toss your prepped sprouts with some olive oil and bake them at 400°F/204°C until golden brown and deliciously crisp on the outside. Finally, brush your finished sprouts with some tangy balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich addition to any meal. Not only do they contain high levels of dietary fiber and antioxidants, but they are also rich in vitamin A and potassium. This makes them an ideal side dish for anyone looking to have a balanced and delicious spread of options.
Begin by peeling and chopping your sweet potatoes into even pieces, then boiling them until fully cooked. After draining the water, mash your sweet potatoes with some butter (non-dairy butter for a plant-based option), sea salt, and pepper to taste. With this simple recipe, you can create a delicious dish that is sure to be a great upgrade from traditional mashed potatoes.
Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry sauce is a must-have on any holiday table. It's packed with antioxidant-rich fruits like cranberries and oranges and healthy spices like ginger and cinnamon. You don’t need to serve canned cranberry sauce when homemade is quick and easy to make - toss the ingredients into a pot on the stovetop, and you've got a fresh and tasty condiment to accompany your holiday meal.
Simple recipe is: fresh or frozen cranberries (about 4 cups, or one 12 oz package), one cup water, sugar to taste (I like mine tart, but you can add about ½ cup and see how you like that), add other fruit like blueberries or orange zest, then add spices like nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon. You can get creative here or keep it really simple. Give it a try and see what you think!
Green Beans with Almonds
When it comes to side dishes, nothing beats a classic green bean dish with almonds. This hearty and healthy dish is packed with nutrients, thanks to its combination of fresh green beans and crunchy, protein-rich almonds. Its flavor is also second to none, with a rich blend of savory, nutty, and sweet notes. And best of all, it's simple to prepare, making it the perfect accompaniment for any holiday feast. Whether serving family or friends or hosting a large gathering, you can't go wrong with this delicious green bean dish.
Roasted Root Vegetables
Root veggies are nutrient-rich veggies that pack a powerful punch, delivering a host of vitamins and minerals to keep your immune system strong. The key to successful roasting is choosing vegetables with similar cooking times so you can cook them all together in the oven. Some popular varieties include carrots, parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes, and turnips. This medley of roasted root vegetables makes a beautiful and nutritious addition to any holiday meal.
There's no need to sacrifice flavor when making healthy choices this holiday season. These side dishes are all delicious AND good for you.
What's a holiday favorite you make every year? Let me know in the comments below!
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