Remix Your Christmas Dinner With These Healthy Options

We’re all about pleasure when it comes to food, and that’s especially true during the months of November and December, when the holiday parties, Christmas cookie exchanges, and family dinners seem never-ending. And while we totally endorse indulging all of your cravings during these festive months (what other time of year is all about the food and drinks?) we also understand that it’s easy to get a little carried away — particularly when it comes to sugar, salt and booze. To help you enjoy your favorite savory mains, buttery baked goods and soup recipes without eating yourself into a coma, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite healthy Christmas recipes that emphasize both big flavors and nutrition.

Along with veggie-heavy sides and Christmas salads, this list boasts plenty of lean, flavorful proteins like turkey and steak, rib-sticking root vegetables and even a few pastas. Wintry, festive ingredients like pomegranate seeds and winter squash abound, along with surprising add-ins like smoked almonds and grated ricotta salata.

Each recipe we’ve included here emphasizes colorful produce, whole grains and legumes, while limiting the use of refined white flour, sugar and ingredients high in saturated fat like butter and heavy cream. Whichever recipes you choose, make sure to keep it fun and festive — after all, that’s what this season is all about!