5 Healthy Christmas Side Dishes to Lighten Up Your Holiday Feast

The holidays are such a special time—gathering with loved ones, sharing meals, and making memories. But let’s be real, it’s easy for holiday feasts to feel heavy and leave us in a post-meal slump. That’s why I’ve put together a list of 5 healthy, delicious, and festive side dishes that’ll keep your table full of flavor without weighing you down.

These recipes are simple to make, family-approved, and perfect for adding a lighter touch to your Christmas dinner. Let’s dive in!

1. Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans

Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but trust me, this dish will win over even the pickiest eaters. The sweetness of the cranberries and the crunch of the pecans make this a holiday favorite at my house!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.
4. Toss with cranberries and pecans. That’s it—easy, right?

Macros (Per Serving 4-6 servings):
Calories: ~100 | Protein: 2g | Carbs: 10g | Fat: 7g

2. Creamy Cauliflower and Potato Mash

This creamy mash blends cauliflower and a touch of potato for the perfect balance of texture and flavor. It’s just as satisfying as mashed potatoes, but much lighter and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 medium russet potato, peeled and diced
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
• ¼ cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the cauliflower, potato, and garlic in a pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil.
2. Cook until tender (about 15–20 minutes), then drain and let sit for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
3. Mash or blend with butter, milk, and yogurt until creamy.
4. Stir in salt, pepper, and chives. Serve warm and enjoy!

Macros (Per Serving About 4–6 servings):
Calories: ~90 | Protein: 2g | Carbs: 11g | Fat: 4g

3. Honey-Glazed Carrots with Thyme

These carrots are like little bites of holiday magic—sweet, savory, and oh-so-simple to make.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb baby carrots (or sliced regular carrots)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Toss the carrots with olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Macros (Per Serving About 4 servings):
Calories: ~80 | Protein: 1g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 3g

4. Quinoa-Stuffed Acorn Squash

This dish doubles as a showstopper! The mix of quinoa, cranberries, and walnuts is festive, filling, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup walnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Roast squash halves at 400°F for 25–30 minutes, cut side down, until tender.
2. Mix the quinoa, cranberries, walnuts, olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill each squash half with the quinoa mixture. Sprinkle with feta (if using) and bake for another 10 minutes.

Macros (Per Serving 4 (half an acorn squash per person):
Calories: ~180 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 7g

5. Green Beans Almondine

This elegant yet simple dish is light, fresh, and pairs perfectly with any main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam or blanch green beans for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
2. Sauté garlic in olive oil or butter until fragrant, then toss in the green beans and almonds.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the beans, season, and serve warm.

Macros (Per Serving About 4–6 servings):
Calories: ~90 | Protein: 2g | Carbs: 6g | Fat: 6g

Tips for Keeping It Light and Festive

• Use fresh ingredients: High-quality, fresh produce makes all the difference.
• Don’t overthink it: Simple recipes often taste the best.
• Focus on balance: Enjoy your favorite holiday dishes but pair them with lighter options to avoid the post-meal slump.

A Holiday to Remember

These healthy Christmas side dishes bring balance and flavor to your holiday table without sacrificing any of the festive spirit. They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and sure to please the whole family.

Want more ideas to make this holiday season your healthiest yet? Check out my No-Cook Grocery Guide here!

Much Love! Kylee Arnold