Healthy Holiday Recipies

Healthy Holiday Recipes

Eating well during the holidays doesn’t mean giving up the dishes you love. With simple swaps and lighter ingredients, you can enjoy warm, seasonal comfort foods that support your heart health. These recipes are affordable, easy to make and inspired by the many cultures in Southeast Texas.

Holiday Meals Made Healthier

This page has all of our heart-healthy holiday recipes in one place. Whether you’re looking for a lighter Christmas dish, a healthier holiday dessert, or a festive family dinner, you’ll find seasonal ideas that support your heart and overall wellness.

Each recipe includes:

  • Easy step-by-step instructions
  • Budget-friendly ingredient lists
  • Heart-healthy swaps
  • Cultural variations and flavor options

Recipe Categories

Cranberry-Orange Relish

A bright, fresh side dish that adds color and flavor to any holiday table without the extra sugar found in canned sauces.

Herbed Sweet Potato Mash

A simple, cozy Thanksgiving side dish made with pantry staples and fresh herbs. Naturally sweet, creamy, and packed with vitamins!

Slow Cooker Turkey & Veggie Pozole Verde

A warm and comforting holiday dish inspired by Mexican cuisine. This heart-healthy recipe is full of fiber, low in sodium, and affordable for families

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites (Diabetes Friendly)

These diabetes-friendly bites are creamy, lightly sweet, and made with only fruit as the sweetener.

Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes & Green Beans

A simple and comforting holiday meal that is heart-healthy, affordable, and easy for families. Uses basic pantry herbs and one sheet pan for quick cleanup.

Diabetes-Friendly Holiday Cinnamon Apple Bake

A warm, cozy dessert with no added sugar. This recipe is heart-healthy, affordable, and safe for families who need to watch their blood sugar.

Have a question or looking for more information?

Quick Cooking Tips for a Healthier Holiday

Make your holiday meals lighter with small, simple changes:

  • Use olive or avocado oil instead of butter.
  • Choose baked or roasted dishes and less fried foods.
  • Add herbs and spices for flavor instead of extra salt.
  • Fill half your plate with vegetables whenever possible.
  • Choose lean proteins like turkey breast, chicken, or fish.

Keep Your Heart Healthy All Season Long

Your holiday meals can be both delicious and good for your heart. Explore more tools, trackers, and wellness support throughout the Season for Heart Health.

Why Choose Community?

As a local nonprofit health plan, Community Health Choice gives you plenty of reasons to join our Community. From the benefits and special programs we offer to the way our Member Services team helps you make the most of them, Community is always working life forward for you and your family.

“Community Health Choice is always there to answer my questions and help me and my family with our medical needs. I truly appreciate and value their customer support and service.”

– Cecily
Member of Community Health Choice

Cranberry-Orange Relish

Cranberry-Orange Relish

A bright, fresh side dish that adds color and flavor to any holiday table without the extra sugar found in canned sauces.

Instructions

  1. Zest and juice the orange.
  2. Add cranberries, orange juice, and ½ cup water to a medium pot over medium heat. Once the water starts to boil, reduce to a simmer.
  3. Let simmer until the cranberries begin to pop and the sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in cinnamon and orange zest.
  5. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding a little honey or maple syrup if needed.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed
  • 1 medium orange (washed well, leave the peel on)
  • ½ cup water
  • 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Why It’s Heart-Healthy

  • Fresh cranberries are full of antioxidants that support heart health
  • Orange adds natural sweetness
  • Lower added sugar than canned sauces
  • No added salt

Why Choose Honey or Maple Syrup Instead of Sugar?

Honey and maple syrup digest more slowly than table sugar, giving you sweetness without causing your blood sugar to spike. They also contain trace minerals and antioxidants that refined sugar doesn’t have. A little goes a long way, helping make this dish both heart-friendly and diabetes-conscious.

Herbed Sweet Potato Mash

Herbed Sweet Potato Mash

A simple, cozy Thanksgiving side dish made with pantry staples and fresh herbs. Naturally sweet, creamy, and packed with vitamins!

Instructions

  1. Boil the sweet potatoes
    Add cubed sweet potatoes to a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 12–15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain well.
  2. Mash until smooth
    Return potatoes to the pot. Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mash with a fork or potato masher.
  3. Add herbs
    Stir in fresh herbs. Add a splash of broth if you want a smoother texture.
  4. Taste and adjust
    Add a bit more pepper or herbs based on your preference.
  5. Serve warm
    Garnish with a sprinkle of herbs for color or chopped nuts for crunch.

Ingredients

  • 3 large, sweet potatoes (about 2–2.5 lbs.), peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh herbs (mix of rosemary, thyme, parsley), finely chopped Note: If using dried herbs only use:
    ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • Optional: a tiny pinch of dried sage (⅛ teaspoon)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • Optional: 1–2 tablespoons low-sodium vegetable broth for extra creaminess

Why It’s Heart-Healthy

  • Uses olive oil instead of butter
  • Lower in sodium
  • Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants

Slow Cooker Turkey & Veggie Pozole Verde

Slow Cooker Turkey & Veggie Pozole Verde

A warm and comforting holiday dish inspired by Mexican cuisine. This heart-healthy recipe is full of fiber, low in sodium, and affordable for families.

Includes an oven option for those without a slow cooker.

Instructions

Slow Cooker Instructions

  1. Add turkey, hominy, salsa verde, broth, onion, peppers, garlic, cumin, and oregano to the slow cooker.
  2. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until turkey is tender.
  4. Remove turkey, shred it, and return it to the pot.
  5. Add zucchini, corn, and cabbage.
  6. Cook for 20–30 more minutes until vegetables soften.
  7. Stir in lime juice and add black pepper to taste.
  8. Serve warm with toppings of your choice.

Oven Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Place turkey, veggies, hominy, salsa verde, broth, cumin, and oregano into a large oven-safe pot.
  3. Stir gently and cover with a lid.
  4. Bake 1.5–2 hours, until turkey is tender.
  5. Shred turkey and stir back into the pot.
  6. Add zucchini, corn, and cabbage.
  7. Bake 20 more minutes.
  8. Add lime juice before serving.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound turkey breast or turkey tenderloin, cut into large chunks
  • 1 (25 oz) can low-sodium hominy, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (16 oz) jar salsa verde (low-sodium if possible)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups chopped zucchini
  • 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
  • 1 cup chopped green cabbage (optional but traditional)
  • 1 poblano pepper or bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for topping
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Optional toppings:
Avocado slices, radishes, shredded cabbage, a small pinch of queso fresco

Why They’re Heart-Healthy & Diabetes-Friendly

  • High in fiber from hominy and vegetables
  • Low-sodium ingredients help support heart health
  • Turkey is a lean protein
  • Uses healthy toppings like lime, cilantro, and avocado
  • Low in saturated fat

Budget Tips

  • Use frozen vegetables to lower cost
  • Choose store-brand salsa verde and broth
  • Stretch leftovers with brown rice or whole-wheat tortillas
  • Use turkey tenderloin or leftover turkey

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Bites

Creamy, lightly sweet, and made with only fruit as the sweetener.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust:
    Mix almond flour, melted coconut oil, mashed banana, and cinnamon until crumbly.
    Press into mini cupcake liners. Refrigerate.
  2. Make the filling:
    Whisk or blend pumpkin puree, cream cheese, Greek yogurt, mashed banana, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until silky smooth.
  3. Assemble:
    Spoon the filling over each crust and smooth the tops.
  4. Chill:
    Refrigerate 2–3 hours or freeze 30–45 minutes until firm.
  5. Serve:
    Keep chilled for best texture.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 (8 oz) block reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ ripe banana, mashed very smooth
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil or olive oil
  • 1–2 tablespoons mashed banana
  • Pinch of cinnamon

Why They’re Heart-Healthy & Diabetes-Friendly

  • No added sugars — sweetness comes naturally from banana.
  • Banana adds fiber, potassium, and natural creaminess.
  • Still rich, satisfying, and cozy for fall.

Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes & Green Beans

Herb-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potatoes & Green Beans

A simple and comforting holiday meal that is heart-healthy, affordable, and easy for families. Uses basic pantry herbs and one sheet pan for quick cleanup.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with oil.
  3. Place sweet potato cubes on one side of the sheet pan.
  4. Place chicken breasts in the middle of the pan.
  5. Place green beans on the other side.
  6. Drizzle olive oil over everything.
  7. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, paprika, and pepper evenly across the pan.
  8. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and sweet potatoes are fork tender.
  9. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
  10. Top with parsley if desired.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Fresh parsley for topping (optional)

Why It’s Heart-Healthy

  • Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and rich in vitamins
  • Chicken thighs without skin lower saturated fat
  • Uses herbs and lemon instead of salt for flavor
  • Olive oil supports heart health
  • Balanced meal with lean protein and vegetables

Budget Tips

  • Buy family-size packs of chicken thighs
  • Use frozen green beans to save money
  • Swap sweet potatoes for regular potatoes if needed
  • Double the recipe for leftovers

Diabetes-Friendly Holiday Cinnamon Apple Bake

Diabetes-Friendly Holiday Cinnamon Apple Bake

A warm, cozy dessert with no added sugar. This recipe is heart-healthy, affordable, and safe for families who need to watch their blood sugar.

Made with apples, cinnamon, and an oat-free crunchy topping.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Lightly grease a small baking dish.
  3. Place sliced apples in the dish.
  4. Drizzle with lemon juice, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  5. Toss gently.
  6. In a small bowl, mix almond flour, nuts, coconut oil, and cinnamon.
  7. Sprinkle topping over the apples.
  8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until apples are soft and the topping is lightly golden.
  9. Let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Topping (oat-free):

  • ½ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Why It’s Heart-Healthy

  • Made with whole fruit
  • No added sugar except a small optional drizzle
  • Almond flour and nuts offer healthy fats
  • Low in sodium
  • High in fiber

Why It’s Diabetes-Friendly

  • Apples have natural sweetness
  • No refined sugar
  • Topping is oat-free and low in carbs
  • Healthy fats like coconut and olive oil help steady blood sugar
  • Cinnamon may support balanced blood sugar

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