Quick & Healthy Holiday Recipes You’ll Actually Want to Eat

The holidays are filled with food traditions, and while those buttery casseroles and sugar-dusted cookies are delicious, sometimes your body craves something a little lighter (without losing the festive flavor).

The good news? Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. These recipes are quick, simple, and full of flavor — so you can enjoy the season without spending hours in the kitchen or sacrificing taste.

Here are four quick and healthy holiday-inspired recipes you’ll actually want to eat.

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1. Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pecans & Cranberries

Why you’ll love it: Crispy, sweet, and savory — this side dish feels indulgent but packs in fiber and antioxidants.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden.
4. Top with pecans and cranberries before serving.

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2. Turkey & Veggie Lettuce Wraps

Why you’ll love it: A lighter alternative to leftover turkey sandwiches that’s protein-packed and satisfying.

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 2 cups cooked turkey breast, shredded
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 8 large lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix Greek yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper into a light dressing.
2. Toss shredded turkey with dressing.
3. Spoon turkey mixture into lettuce leaves, top with sliced veggies, and wrap.

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3. Protein Hot Chocolate

Why you’ll love it: Cozy, chocolatey, and secretly packed with protein — perfect for those chilly nights.

Ingredients (serves 1):

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Optional: whipped cream or marshmallows for topping

Instructions:

1. Warm milk on the stove until hot (not boiling).
2. Whisk in protein powder, cocoa, and cinnamon until smooth.
3. Pour into a mug and top as desired.

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4. Greek Yogurt Pumpkin Pie Parfait

Why you’ll love it: All the flavors of pumpkin pie, none of the sugar crash.

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ cup granola

Instructions:

1. Mix Greek yogurt, pumpkin puree, sweetener, and spices.
2. Layer into a glass with granola.
3. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

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Final Thoughts

Healthy holiday recipes don’t have to be bland or complicated. With a few smart swaps, you can enjoy festive flavors, nourish your body, and still have room for grandma’s famous cookies.

And if you want even more holiday-friendly recipes, along with quick workouts and mindset tips to keep you balanced, join my 28-Day Holiday Strength Challenge starting November 1.

👉 Click here to join

This season, let’s enjoy the holidays — and feel good doing it.