Healthy Holiday Recipes for a Joyful Season

December is a season of celebration, connection, gratitude, and of course, plenty of delicious food! While holiday treats are part of the fun, these recipes are here to help you enjoy the flavors of the season while still supporting your wellness goals. This month, we’re sharing nourishing, feel-good twists on classic holiday favorites designed to keep you energized, satisfied, and balanced. Whether you’re prepping for meals during a busy week, hosting family and friends, or enjoying a cozy night in, these recipes offer simple, wholesome options you can feel good about.

Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Chickpeas

Looking for a crunchy, high-protein snack? Chickpeas’ protein content varies depending on source and cooking method, but you can count on at least 7 grams of protein per 100 grams of chickpeas.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of cooked Chickpeas
• 1 tbsp of neutral oil
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp of ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Take your cooked chickpeas and pat them dry with paper towels. The drier your chickpeas are before roasting, the crispier they will be!
3. Transfer the chickpeas to a sheet pan and drizzle with oil, making sure the chickpeas are well spaced to allow for airflow.
4. Toss to coat, and bake for 20 minutes – or until crispy.
5. While the chickpeas are still hot, toss with cinnamon, sugar, and salt.
6. 2nd bake (optional), to help the seasoning adhere to the chickpeas, you can pop them back into the oven for 10 more minutes.

Winter Beetroot Salad

A colorful antioxidant rich side dish for holidays or weeknight meals.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of roasted beets
• 3 cups of mixed greens
• 1/2 cup of walnuts
• 1/4 cup of feta

Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt + pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Assemble greens, roasted beets, walnuts, and feta.
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
3. Toss gently and serve warm or chilled.

Peppermint Hot Cocoa Protein Shake

A refreshing, chocolatey holiday shake that tastes like a peppermint mocha, without the sugar crash.

Ingredients

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp peppermint extract (a little goes a long way!)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
• Handful of ice

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and add more peppermint extract if you want a stronger flavor.
4. Top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or crushed peppermint.

Cranberry Orange Overnight Oats

Bright, fresh flavors with a cozy winter feel, perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp dried or fresh cranberries
• orange zest to taste
• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a jar.
2. Stir until fully combined.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. Enjoy cold or warmed with extra cranberries on top.

Gingerbread Cookie Energy Bites

A grab-and-go holiday snack that tastes like nostalgia, but is packed with fuel.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 3 chopped dates
• ½ cup almond butter
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until sticky and combined.
2. Roll into 1-inch balls.
3. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set.
4. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.