Look no further for fall flavor inspiration for your festive gatherings! This collection of holiday recipes from dietitians and food bloggers are the ideal combination of nutrition, flavor, and decadence that will make your holiday meals super satisfying.
Thanksgiving is just over a week away and meal-planning is at the front of our minds. Some of us may be hosting, some of us may be responsible for a dish or two, or some of us may not be celebrating at all. No matter what the status is this year, we all can appreciate and deserve the chance to enjoy some cozy fall flavors. Online search results can sometimes be overwhelming, so I’ve gone through and gathered a variety of the best nutritious recipes to liven up your table this holiday season.
Will you find a new favorite or start a new tradition this year? Check out some of my top picks!
If You’re Looking For Some Salads That Don’t Suck…
First things first…a solid first course can set the stage for the rest of the meal! And I’m a firm believer that diets don’t get to own the salads. That’s why I created my e-book “Salads That Don’t Suck” (which you can get for FREE when you sign up for my mailing list)!
It’s also why I include them here. Because if I’m being honest, I legitimately crave some fresh flavors and crunchy veggies during the holidays. I look forward to the salad course because I know any salad of mine is going to be full of fall flavors, texture, and color! If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the options listed here:
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad from Kara Lydon, RD, LDN at The Foodie Dietitian Blog
Spinach, Arugula, Pear & Pomegranate Salad from Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD Owner, Sound Bites Nutrition
Acorn Squash Salad with Maple Dressing from Megan Byrd, RD of The Oregon Dietitian
Roasted Delicata Squash with Walnut Crumble from Julie Andrews, RD of The Healthy Epicurean
Fall Panzanella Salad from Dixya Bhattarai, MS, RD, LD of Food Pleasure and Health
Kale Salad with Butternut Squash, Barley, and a Tahini Ginger Dressing from Sharon Palmer, MSFS, RD of The Plant Powered Dietitian
Spotlight On: Potatoes
Did you know potatoes are a nutrient-dense, high-quality carbohydrate? Sometimes they don’t get the best rep in the world of nutrition, but I’m here to reassure you there are reasons to put them on your plate this holiday season. Hopefully these holiday recipes from dietitians are enough to convince you!
Cheesy Cauliflower and Potato Bake from Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN, LD of It’s a Veg World After All
Truffle Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes from Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD of Street Smart Nutrition
Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Lemon Garlic Yogurt Dip from Mia Swineheart, RD of Gathered Nutrition
Smoky Sweet Potato Mash from Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD of Street Smart Nutrition
Green Bean and Sweet Potato Casseroles: Reimagined
It doesn’t get much more Thanksgiving classic than a green bean or sweet potato casserole. I’m not here to try and turn your holiday upside down, but if you’re in the mood to serve these veggies in a new way this year, here are some solid options. If you need some inspiration for other ways to make your veggie dishes taste great this year, check out some cooking strategies here.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans from Lexi Endicott, RD of To Taste
Green Bean Casserole with Real Fried Onions from Ann Kent, MS, RDN of Peas and Hoppiness
Sweet Potato Sorghum Salad With Feta from Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD of Street Smart Nutrition
Green Bean Gremolata from Lindsay Pine, RD of Tasty Balance Nutrition
Pecan-Topped Sweet Potato Casserole from Liz Weiss, RD of Liz’s Healthy Table
Turkey Variations
The holidays may not look the same for everyone and sometimes it just isn’t feasible to cook a whole turkey. If you’re cooking for a smaller crowd or just aren’t up to the whole turkey this year, these ground turkey recipes still bring on all the fall flavor goodness. If you need any tips and strategies that could make cooking on a small scale more practical, visit my post here.
Pumpkin Chili with Ground Turkey from Rebecca Clyde MS, RDN cooking for one expert at Nourish Nutrition Blog
Pumpkin Turkey Meatballs from Maggie Michalczyk, RD of Once Upon a Pumpkin
Keeping It Saucy
If you’re not into the gravy this year, or you’re just looking for a new way to incorporate fresh flavors for your friends and family’s taste buds, these are some sauces that could very easily complement any holiday dish.
Mango Ginger Cranberry Sauce from Sara Korzeniewski, RDN, CLT, FDN-P of The Organic Dietitan
Pumpkin Vinaigrette from Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, founder of Nutrition Starring You
Mustard Sauce from Food Republic
Pumpkin Cilantro Pesto from Kelly Jones, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN of Kelly Jones Nutrition
Fruity Desserts
It just wouldn’t feel right not to include some dessert dishes that incorporate fall’s fruit superstar: the apple. I’m not going to make you pick favorites but play around with any apple variety to put your own personal touch on these warm apple desserts.
Slow Cooker Baked Apples from Kara Lydon, RD, LDN at The Foodie Dietitian Blog
Apple Crisp from Sarah Schlichter, RD of Bucket List Tummy
Cardamom Apple Galette from Cara Harbstreet, MS, RD, LD of Street Smart Nutrition
Don’t forget the fall flavors in your drinks! I have the perfect Spiced Cranberry Simple Syrup you can use for your cocktails and mocktails if you plan to try your hand at mixing some drinks this holidays season.
Special thanks and author credit to Emma Searles for her support with the planning and execution of this post.
