50 holiday recipes you won’t regret in January

don't let holiday cheer ruin a healthy start to 2016.
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Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Polenta A comforting, cozy dish that focuses on nutrition, rather than indulgence.

Tuscan Tomato White Bean Soup Borrowing creaminess from white beans, as opposed to heavy cream, this warm delight is best enjoyed cozy on the couch with a holiday movie.

Blistered Green Beans with Tomato-Almond Pesto A new flavor profile for anyone ready for a departure from traditional holiday green bean takes.

Roasted Carrots and Red Onions with Fennel and Mint A bold, bright presentation that will be a welcome visual (and delectable) addition to the holiday feast table.

Pumpkin Muffins You won’t find any white flour in this recipe, but you will find warming spices of the season.

Apple Brownies The holidays wouldn’t be complete without sweet treats. With this recipe, your sweetness comes with wholesome ingredients, rather than unnecessary guilt.

Lentil and Goat Cheese Stuffed Sweet Potatoes A lovely main dish to make if hosting vegetarians at your holiday table. This filling offering takes both flavor and nutrition seriously.

Roasted Cauliflower with Apples & Dill An unexpected combination of flavors make for an impressive side dish to bring to holiday gatherings.

Broccoli Soup Your old favorite can be made without cream, and this recipe proves it!

Lentil Salad Incorporating more color into your holiday offerings has never been more nutritious or flavorful. Figs, citrus, and fennel play welcome roles in this soon-to-be winter favorite.

Buckwheat Waffles Breakfasts on cold holiday mornings are some of our favorite holiday memories. Add this recipe to your morning favorites over the from-the-box kind.

Almond Date Truffles If you plan to give these, fair warning: Make two batches. You’ll want to keep one.

Mapled Chocolate Chip Cookies You won’t find any white flour in here, but you will find maple-y, chocolatey goodness you crave at this time of year.

Roasted Green Beans with Hazelnuts  Don’t be surprised if this makes it to the table long after the holidays are done. This simple preparation will make green bean casserole a faint memory.

Cabbage Slaw with Gluten Free Cornbread Not all holiday sides needs to see the inside of a casserole dish. This smart, colorful cabbage creation is as delicious as it is nutrient rich.

Caramelized Cauliflower Soup The name alone sounds enticing, doesn’t it?

Apple, Almond & Buckwheat Muffins Keep a batch of these at the ready for mornings where time is in abundance, and breakfast can be enjoyed together.

Cinnamon Roasted Vegetables This simple preparation will delight the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters at the table.

Saffron Bulgur with Vegetables As if dressed in its holiday best, this dish makes a stunning entrance (and a speedy departure!).

Butternut Squash, Leek, & Apple Soup Winter cold, you have just met your culinary match.

Pomelo Green Beans If you’re not currently incorporating citrus into your green bean prep, you soon will be.

A Good Winter Salad And the name means it, too. Master this winter essential and toss together for impromptu dinners throughout the holiday season. And, we’d imagine, well beyond.

Shallot Balsamic Tomato Soup Winter wouldn’t be complete without a grilled cheese/tomato soup day. This flavor combination brings forth a welcome update on the traditional ideas.

Acorn Squash Quinoa Stuffing Of course we had to include a stuffing, it’s the holidays! This delightful recipe focuses on healthy, filling ingredients.

Herbed Sweet Potato Muffins Who says a savory muffin isn’t welcome at the table? These delights will make a believer of anyone.

Roasted Broccoli Rabe and Grilled Chicken


Topped with a delicious lemon vinaigrette, this green-filled dish also features a refreshing hint of basil.

Hummus Board with Roasted Root Vegetables


The ultimate spread for holiday entertaining including; Indian spiced hummus with cilantro pesto, roasted garlic and parmesan hummus with rosemary oil, pumpkin and goat cheese hummus with crispy sage and prosciutto pesto, and roasted root vegetables.

Rosemary Farro with Roasted Grapes and Shallots

A much healthier alternative to rice, this toasted almond and mozzarella topped version is packed with plenty of flavors that are sure to please.

Black Beluga Lentils with Prosciutto and Yogurt
A handful of complementary flavors topped with red wine vinegar and fresh herbs. 

Chickpea Za’atar Salad


An ancient Middle Eastern spice blend steals the spotlight in this savory dish featuring roasted aubergines and wheat berries.

Cold Curried Cauliflower

A delicious curry vinaigrette lends a refreshing touch to the sweet flavors of the roasted cauliflower.

Roasted Fennel and Satsuma Orange Salad

This colorfully festive dish is just what your holiday table was missing. We can’t get enough of the invigorating pairing of the fennel and oranges!

Fig and Pear Salad


A refreshing blend of autumn’s quintessential flavors paired with an ingenious vanilla bean vinaigrette.

Caesar Salad with Salmon


A deconstructed Caesar salad pared down to its most basic elements lays the groundwork for a savory, oven-roasted slice of fresh salmon. 

Tomato and Bean Soup

This veggie-packed blends features the unique flavors of Swiss chard, spicy pepper flakes, and a generous dose of crushed garlic.

Shredded Collard Greens


Sweet potatoes, minced ginger, and crumbled goat cheese lend a savory note to this Southern classic.

Nutty Honey and Cider Poached Apple with Yogurt


This nutrient-heavy mixture incorporates a slew of exotic combos including quinoa, chia seeds, and plenty of fruits.

Autumn Arugula Salad

Pumpkin pie spices, roasted acorn squash, and a spiced pomegranate dressing complete this indulgent yet healthy starter.

Spinach Quinoa Patties


The healthier alternative to a burger, served with a side of cabbage, sprouts, and winter apples.

Roasted Carrot and Beet Salad


A colorful mix of the season’s freshest finds, garnished with roasted pepitas.

Winter Millet Salad


A seasonal blend of butternut squash and avocados, topped with a garlic lemon vinaigrette. 

Blueberry Scones

This Paleo-friendly recipe is just the thing for breakfast the morning after a decadent meal.

Chicken and Eggplant Salad


Roast chicken paired with a delectable herb salad of mint, basil, and oregano. 

Market Fish with Charred Greens


A citrus honey yogurt provides a creamy base for this watermelon radish and basil garnished dish.

Apple Cranberry and Walnut Salad

A refreshing starter with autumn’s signature ingredients, drenched in a savory apple juice dressing.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Saute


A simplified version of a holiday classic with just the right touch of flavor and spice.

Quinoa Stuffing with Apples, Sweet Potatoes, and Hazelnuts

Rethink this Thanksgiving staple with a healthy twist that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Jam Thumbprint Cookies
This grain-free blend (that’s also short on sugar!) is sure to inspire plenty of guilt-free helpings.

Turkey, Kale, and Brown Rice Soup A hearty soup (starring Turkey Day leftovers) that’s just as flavorful as it is healthy.

Coconut Curry Soup


Smashed garlic, fresh ginger, and a generous seasoning of red curry paste invite an array of exotic flavors to this mouthwatering dish.

Anna Kocharian Avatar

Anna Kocharian

Writer/Editor

Anna has a penchant for travel, fresh flowers, and books. You can usually find her on some sort of culinary adventure, seeking the best burgers or waffles in the city.