It’s not impossible to feature lean proteins and veggies this time of year. Check out these Whole 30 recipes for the holidays.
Tis the season to be merry and throw all caution to the wind and eat too many foods that you know aren’t good for you. Right?
Wrong.
While it’s the perfect time to enjoy some once-a-year treats, we don’t need to ditch any and all good habits just because it’s a holiday. In fact, I think if you set a pretty table and serve something bubbly in elegant glasses, you can totally get away with serving a “healthy” dinner for your holiday feasts.
Today I’ve rounded up a handful of festive recipes that are naturally gluten- and dairy-free. Technically, they work for paleo and whole 30, but honestly, they’re just real good food. Or good real food.
Whichever description you choose, you can’t go wrong working these goodies into your holiday menu planning.
Whole 30 Recipes for the Holidays
Roast Chicken and Vegetables
Inspired by our trip to France, this recipe for Roast Chicken and Vegetables is a one-dish supper with an amazing combination of flavors. It’s super easy to prepare.
Just clean and trim the vegetables, toss them with olive oil and salt and pepper, season the chicken, put them all together in a roasting pan and slide it in the oven. Then just walk away. You’ll have plenty of time to get ready for your guests.
Hearty Gluten-Free Meatballs
These Hearty Gluten-Free Meatballs are comfort food that are naturally gluten-free. The secret? Mushrooms! Chopped fine, mushrooms add substance without tasting mushroomy. You won’t have to worry about mushroom-haters turning down these meatballs.
These meatballs are super freezer-friendly and go well with a number of homemade sauces including your standard red sauce as well as this Naturally Sweetened Apricot BBQ Sauce.
Favorite Slow Cooker Pot Roast
If you’re looking for a pot roast that can produce a tasty gluten-free gravy, this Favorite Slow Cooker Pot Roast is it. I use tomato sauce to add a nice flavor to the jus, and it also thickens the jus just enough for it to serve as a decent gravy.
Serve this luscious roast over mashed potatoes with a few veggie dishes on the side. Tiny Tim would give three cheers for this festive feast!
Kale Salad with Red Grapes, Almonds, and Scallions
This is a festive and tasty side dish for your holiday gatherings. This kale salad uses grapes for sweetness without added sugars — perfect for those on a Whole 30 diet. Just be sure to omit the maple syrup if you’re doing a strict Whole 30.
The salad can be made several hours in advance, making your final prep minutes easy and carefree.
Jessika’s Roasted Vegetables
These roasted vegetables just take a few minutes to prepare and 30-45 minutes in the oven. They make a delicious side dish that can accompany a number of meals.
Serve them piping hot from the oven or warm with a drizzle of Dijon Vinaigrette.
Mamabars (aka DIY Larabar Recipe)
These Mamabars are a naturally sweet treat, featuring nuts and dried fruit — no added sugar. They make a sweet addition or even substitution for cookies. Serve with hot coffee or tea and dessert will be awesome. Santa won’t know the difference!
Alice E says
Thank you and HOORAY!! for a Christmas post that has healthy food instead of another sugar and fat filled dessert. I have enough dessert and cookie recipes for three lifetimes already, I suspect.
Even without something bubbly in glasses special meals can be healthy! Well-cooked meats, tasty vegetables and fruits can make a very special meal indeed.
One of the things I liked to include was a fruit salad with cut-up fresh, frozen and canned fruits and berries. It usually included canned pineapple, frozen strawberries and cut up peeled oranges. Then I added others such as diced apple, pear or sliced bananas or grapes and sometimes frozen blueberries or peaches. The juices from the fruits, especially orange, pineapple or strawberries took the place of a dressing.
I also like to splurge on some of the more expensive frozen vegetables that I don’t normally indulge in. There are usually some baby or other special vegetables offered that don’t have any sauces.
Jessica Fisher says
Ha! Glad you liked the post. Your menu plans sound great!
And I should have clarified…. we do a lot of bubbly WATER… either LaCroix which comes in natural flavors without sugar or Pellegrino and lime. 😉