18 Healthy Recipes for a Guilt-Free (But Still Delicious) Holiday

Often times appetizers are a bigger draw than the main course. Who doesn’t love tons of savory flavor packed into bite-sized form? Feel free to pick with these recipes!

Rancho La Puerta’s recipe for Grilled Figs with Creamy Honeyed Ricotta and Almonds is positively mouthwatering and bound to be a new favorite.

Pritikin blends elegance with low-calorie goodness with its recipes for Salmon Bites, Stuffed Artichoke Bottoms with Black Bean Salsa, Stuffed Red Bliss Potatoes, and Tangerine Scallops! Get all four recipes here!

Warm up for your holiday dining marathon with a little soup!

This recipe for Apple Parsnip Soup from The Lodge at Woodloch is sweet and savory.

The Thai curry paste in this Squash-Apple Soup from Rancho La Puerta features a similar savory-sweet flavor profile, and you can really wow guests by serving the soup in a hallowed out squash or mini pumpkin!

Roasted Yellow Pepper Soup from Mayflower Inn and Spa is a tasty option packed with fall flavor and vitamin C!

I can safely say that there is nothing I love more than sides during holiday feasts and Thanksgiving never fails to impress.

Mashed potatoes are always a solid go-to during the holidays. Put a new spin on an old favorite with these recipes from some of our favorite spa kitchens. Cal-a-Vie spices things up with a recipe for Wasabi Mashed Potatoes while Canyon Ranch serves up a Celery Root & Potato Puree. Finally, freshen up with Red Mountain’s recipe for Whipped Neufchatel Mint Potatoes.

Of course there’s more to holiday side dishes than heaps of potato-based recipes – try out Roasted Cauliflower with Turmeric and Ginger or Jalapeno Cornbread Stuffing from Shane Diet, Weight-Loss & Fitness Resorts – both recipes here.

The main event doesn’t always have to be a turkey!

For a smaller gathering try this recipe for Canyon Ranch’s Raspberry Cornish Hen.

And for our vegetarian readers, Travaasa shared this printable recipe for delish Tofurkey!

Photo courtesy of Travaasa

Dessert doesn’t always have to be a no-no. Treat yourself to something sweet!

This Almond Ricotta Torte recipe from Mii amo is a favorite of ours and pairs perfectly with an after-dinner tea!

Perfection doesn’t come close to describing the Maple Pecan Pumpkin Pie from Green Mountain at Fox Run, it’s definitely worth the splurge of dessert to have a slice!

Photo courtesy of Mii amo

Holidays are for celebrations and what good celebration doesn’t feature a friendly cheers. Try this very appropriately named cocktail recipe at your holiday gathering!

Pilgrimage
2oz. Caliche Rum
.75 Squash & Pumpkin Spice Syrup
.75 Fresh Carrot Juice
.25oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 Dash Chocolate Bitters

Garnish: Roasted Marshmallow with Orange Twist

Hankering for more? Check out these 6 tips for healthy holiday eating from the experts at Pritkin Longetvity Center and Spa.

What are some of your healthy holiday recipes? Share them with us in the comments below and we may feature it in an upcoming post!