The 25 Best Healthy Christmas Recipes

Can you believe Christmas is only a week away? Where has the time gone! I don't know about you, but I want to savor every last moment of the holiday season and finish the year strong. There's something magical about focusing on the simple things in life just as the year comes to a close that really helps me wrap up my goals and get a fresh start for the next ones.

Not only is Christmas a time for slowing down with the ones you love most, it's a time of celebration and joy. And how do we celebrate? With food of course! This is one of the reasons I became a food blogger - I love creating timeless recipes that invite people together and create memories that last a lifetime.

So, without further ado, today's recipe roundup has a little something for everyone for Christmas! When I asked all of you on Instagram what Christmas day looked like in terms of food, I got lots of different responses. Some people treat Christmas dinner as a second Thanksgiving, while others want nothing to do with cooking so they keep things simple and "make ahead friendly." Others make Christmas Eve a bigger deal than Christmas day!

With this feedback, I decided to include recipe ideas that cater to each of these traditions as well as different dietary needs. I also included some of my favorite brands and products to make your day easier and healthier. I hope you find something delicious from these 25 healthy Christmas recipes below!

As always, if you make any of my recipes, please leave a star rating and review so others know how you liked it. It helps other people discover Ka Pai Cooking and I love seeing my recipes come to life in your home! Merry Christmas!

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Healthy Christmas Recipes: Breakfast

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Make-Ahead Breakfasts

If you're anything like my family, you run downstairs to open presents as soon as you wake up. Breakfast is an after-thought! We always choose foods that can be ready in 10 minutes or recipes that can be made ahead of time. If that sounds like you, check out these amazing meal-prep breakfast recipes for Christmas morning:

• Healthy Apple Pecan French Toast Casserole
• The Ultimate Healthy Breakfast Burritos
• Easy Healthy Breakfast Egg Muffins (high protein!)

The "Fancy" Breakfasts

Maybe breakfast sets the tone for your day; you have the table set, a hot cocoa bar on the counter, and lots of delicious options to enjoy first thing in the morning. Here are some yummy ideas for your special Christmas breakfast:

• Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Crepes
• Healthy Gingerbread French Toast with a Sweet Molasses Syrup
• 5 Minute Healthy Breakfast Banana Split

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Healthy Christmas Recipes: Main Dishes

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Meal Prep Dinners

Some of my followers on Instagram said they make their Christmas dinner the day before so they can enjoy leftovers the day of and relax with family. If that sounds like you, here are some great options for meal prep Christmas dinners:

• Instant Pot Healthy White Chicken Chili
• Incredible Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
• Hearty Instant Pot Beef Stew

A "Second Thanksgiving"

Maybe one day of turkey and mashed potatoes isn't enough for your family, but you don't want exactly the same thing you had just a month ago. I've included some fun ideas below for a "Thanksgiving 2.0" that are sure to satisfy every taste bud:

• Turkey Cranberry Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Easy Healthy Homemade Shepherd's Pie

The "I-Want-Something-Different-This-Year" Menu

Looking for a non-traditional Christmas dinner recipe idea? Here are some tried and true reader-favorite recipes from the blog that are sure to please everyone:

• 30 Minute Sheet Pan Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Protein Packed Spinach Lasagna Rolls
• Healthy Homemade Shrimp Alfredo Pasta

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Healthy Christmas Recipes: Side Dishes

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My Favorite Salads

I'm a firm believer that salads are more than just lettuce, croutons, and a dressing, and these incredible salad recipes are anything BUT that! Check out these incredible combinations:

• Easy Christmas Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
• Roasted Broccoli Salad with Bacon and Feta
• Raspberry Almond Arugula Salad with Lemon Pepper Chicken

Drool-Worthy Side Dishes

Not gonna lie, sometimes the side dishes are what I'm more excited about on special occasions like Christmas! Here are some of my best, show-stopping side dishes the whole family will love:

• White Cheddar Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
• One Pot Healthy Homemade Baked Beans (sugar-free!)
• Easy Oven Baked Mac and Cheese

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Healthy Christmas Recipes: Snacks Desserts and Treats

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Cookies Galore!

How could you celebrate Christmas without cookies?! You can't. (And I couldn't possibly narrow down all my cookie recipes so you'll have to check them out here.) Here are my two newest cookie recipes you HAVE to try:

• Healthy Chewy Snowman Molasses Cookies
• Healthy Mini Chocolate Peppermint Pies

Healthy Snacks

If you don't already have enough food on Christmas day, you have to try these healthier snacks! They're perfect for munching on if you're trying to save room for Christmas dinner and need something to tie you over!

• Sugar-free Birthday Cake Puppy Chow
• No Bake Healthy Gingerbread Protein Balls
• Instant Pot Sweet and Spicy Meatballs

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Brands I Love for Healthy Christmas Recipes

Please know that none of these mentions are sponsored! I genuinely love each of these brands because they offer healthier options for traditional ingredients. I use them daily and highly recommend each of them!

• Country Crock plant-based butter: by far my favorite butter. I'm not dairy-free or vegan but I always use this butter when I cook and bake because it's made from olive oil, which has the heart healthy monounsaturated fats instead of regular saturated fats.
• Oikos Triple Zero greek yogurt: the yogurt brand I use for every single recipe on the blog! This brand has zero fat, zero added sugars, zero artificial sweeteners, and 17g protein per serving!
• Jennie-O turkey bacon: I love this brand of turkey bacon because it's high quality meat and the bag is resealable. Trust me, having a zipper makes all the difference in the freshness of your turkey bacon! I always use this brand in my recipes.
• Lily's Chocolate: if you aren't dairy-free or vegan, this brand of chocolate is my absolute favorite! Their chocolate is so delicious but it's naturally sweetened with Stevia instead of cane sugar or corn syrup. They also have incredible seasonal flavors especially for Christmas! These cookies use their limited edition peppermint white chocolate.
• Body Fortress whey protein: my number one protein powder. I love this brand because their protein is made with clean ingredients, is naturally gluten-free, and isn't grainy when you mix it. The best part though? Their protein powder is the highest quality and THE CHEAPEST per ounce in the entire market (trust me, I've done my research!).

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Conclusion

I hope this recipe roundup for my best 25 healthy Christmas recipes was helpful! I have so many different recipes to choose from and I know whatever you choose, it'll make your Christmas day that much more special.

Which of my healthy Christmas recipes did you make? Leave a comment below and let me know! You can also leave a star rating and review on the recipe you make so other readers know how you liked it. Merry Christmas!