The holidays are a time to celebrate, share, and nourish, not just our spirits, but our bodies in ways that support long-term wellness. This curated menu pulls together some of our favorite festive recipes that are not only delicious, but also full of nutrient-rich, brain- and heart-friendly ingredients.
Click directly on each recipe to get the directions and ingredients.
Starter & Sides
Honey-Roasted Beet, Brussels Sprout & Fennel Salad
Begin your holiday meal with this vibrant, crunchy salad. The sweet roasted beets pair beautifully with slightly bitter Brussels sprouts and fragrant fennel, while a touch of honey gives just the right seasonal note. This dish is a great way to add color and antioxidants to your spread.
Roasted Root Vegetables
A classic holiday side reimagined: root vegetables (think carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, or whatever you have on hand) roasted until caramelized and tender. This dish brings warmth, earthy flavor, and fiber to your table.
This Paleo scalloped sweet potato side dish brings creamy, comforting flavor to the holiday table — but without dairy or grains. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are layered and baked in a rich, naturally sweet coconut-milk and garlic sauce, delivering a warm, tender texture that’s both festive and nourishing
Overstuffed Mini Peppers
These colorful bite-size peppers are bursting with flavor and a perfect appetizer or side. Stuffed with fillings that can include grains, proteins, or greens, they’re easy to make ahead and scream “party” — while staying brain-healthy and wholesome.
Main Course
One-Skillet Chicken, Brown Rice, and Chickpeas
This hearty, one-pan dish brings together tender chicken thighs, nutty brown rice, warm chickpeas, and the sweetness of dried fruit. It’s comforting, balanced, and perfect if you want a protein-rich main that’s still wholesome and stress-free to prepare.
Seared Salmon with Green Lentils, Roasted Beets & Wilted Kale + Sauce Vierge
For a more elegant main, this seared salmon dish offers a beautiful blend of textures and flavors: earthy lentils, sweet roasted beets, and lightly wilted kale, all coated in a bright and fresh sauce vierge. Omega-3s from the salmon, fiber from lentils, and antioxidants from the beets and kale — a nutrient-packed centerpiece.
Dessert / Sweet Finish
Zucchini Walnut Cake
No heavy, sugar-laden pies here, this zucchini walnut cake is moist, nutty, and subtly sweet. It’s a delightful way to use up zucchini, and the walnuts add healthy fats that support brain health. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze to keep it festive.
(Link to recipe)
Creamy, rich, and surprisingly light, this Greek Yogurt Chocolate Pie is the perfect holiday dessert for anyone who wants indulgence without overdoing it. Silky chocolate mousse is folded into tangy Greek yogurt, creating a dessert that’s both decadent and full of protein. A graham crust or nut-based base gives it a sturdy, classic finish
Sundal (Spiced Chickpeas Snack)
This traditional chickpea snack (often made with coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves) is a lovely, protein-rich treat that’s perfect for snacking while mingling or as a light dessert alternative. It’s earthy, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying.
(Link to recipe)
Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Prep
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Do your roasting ahead. Beets, root veggies, and even squash soup base can be roasted a day or two before — just reheat before serving.
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Prep make-ahead salad dressing or glaze. The maple-Dijon glaze for carrots and honey vinaigrette for the beet salad taste even better when made in advance.
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Batch-cook grains and legumes. Cook your brown rice and lentils the day before; store in the fridge for quick assembly.
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Use leftovers creatively. Extra salmon? Flake it the next day into a grain bowl. Leftover cake? Serve with yogurt or tea for brunch.
