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Healthy and Delicious Holiday Dishes

Blog Promo Image for healthy and delicious holiday dishes
Dec 11, 2023

Holiday season is upon us! It’s time to celebrate with foods that taste great, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen. Today, Food Hero is sharing five quick and healthy recipes for your table. Add these to any main dish to make a complete meal!

Five Holiday Dishes to Make This Year

Baked Meatballs Dish served in a bowl on table

1.    Baked Meatballs

These protein-packed appetizers are ready in under 30 minutes. Serve to guests with a favorite dipping sauce or bring to a holiday gathering to share with others. Meatballs can be made with lean beef, pork, lamb, turkey or chicken. Pick your favorite!

2.    Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Just 1 hour from start to finish! Pair this cozy bowl of soup with a protein and a vegetable side dish to make a balanced meal. Did you know that potatoes and leeks are great sources of fiber? They support healthy digestion and provide your body with many different nutrients. Check out the latest edition of the Food Hero Monthly to learn more about leeks.

3.    Plant Part Salad

A fresh bowl of veggies is a quick and healthy addition to any holiday meal. Make this salad ahead of time or create a salad bar and let your guests add their own toppings.  If you're looking for an enjoyable activity to entertain kids while you’re chopping in the kitchen, consider trying a holiday-themed coloring page that you can print at home or color online.  

4.    Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies are an easy way to get in more veggies with less work in the kitchen. Try roasting asparagus, carrots or brussels sprouts.  Store leftovers in the refrigerator and eat within 2 to3 days. Enjoy them with scrambled eggs, rice or pasta. Watch to learn how to make broth with your veggie scraps.

5.    Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Hazenlnut Thumbprint Cookies on platter

 

Make a plate of these pretty cookies in just 20 minutes. They’re a light but wholesome treat to complete your holiday meal. Raspberry jam works well, but you can use any fruit jam you like! Thanks to the OSU Extension Indigenous Peoples Workgroup for this wonderful recipe.

What Can You Do with Holiday Leftovers?

After serving a holiday meal, you may be wondering how to use up your leftovers. Check out this Food Hero blog post on making the most of leftovers. These tips will help you find ways to stretch your food budget this holiday season.

At Food Hero we are passionate about  healthy recipes that are quick and tasty. We hope these ideas help you create memories and nourish your body this winter. For more recipes and cooking tips, follow us on social media. Throughout December, we will be featuring, “Food for Festivities.” You can find Food Hero on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.

Sending you warm wishes for a peaceful holiday season!
 

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