Christmas Menu Ideas

Are you struggling with Christmas menu ideas?

If you’re trying to eat healthier, the Christmas holidays can be a challenging time of year.

However, all things considered, Christmas dinner can be a pretty balanced meal. In fact, with a few small changes, it’s relatively easy to turn into a nutrient packed meal.

More often it’s the amount we put on our plates, rather than the Christmas menu itself.

The general rule of thumb for a healthy Christmas dinner plate is:

• 50% of your plate filled with vegetables
• 25% of your plate filled with meat, fish or alternatives
• 25% of your plate filled with carbohydrate foods
• A fruit based appetizer or dessert ensures your meal is well balanced

So, if you’re after healthy Christmas menu ideas look no further…here are my suggestions:

Christmas menu ideas: appetizer

#1 Fan of melon dressed with homemade raspberry coulis

#2 Reduced fat pate with Melba toast

#3 King prawns on a bed of salad with lime wedges, drizzled with a creme fraiche, chopped coriander, and chili dressing.

#4 Homemade vegetable soup, thickened with pureed root vegetables (rather than cream), served with a wholegrain bread roll.

#5 Smoked salmon on a bed of tossed leaves, served with creme fraiche, and lemon wedges.

#6 Mixed fruit platter

Christmas menu ideas: dinner

#1 Herb crusted roast beef

Chop fresh thyme, rosemary and parsley; mix together with a de-seeded and finely chopped red chili, crushed clove of garlic, and 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Pat the herb mixture all over the beef, and roast in a preheated oven, until cooked throughout. Allow the beef to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

#2 Grilled salmon

Serve grilled salmon, with a light sauce – mix horseradish sauce, reduced fat Greek-style yogurt, the zest and juice of half a lemon – drizzled over the salmon.

#3 Turkey

If you’re going for a traditional meal of turkey, it’s a great source of nutrients, and relatively low in fat – just remember to remove the skin.

#4 Vegetarian options

Check out these recipes:

• Tofu croquettes with cranberry sauce
• Vegetarian nut roast

Christmas menu ideas: side dish

#1 Wedges of sweet potato, lightly coated with spray olive oil, sprinkled with cumin, and roasted in a moderate oven.

#2 Spinach mash with reduced fat sour cream, rather than butter or cream.

#3 Crunchy green salad – spinach leaves, green beans, broccoli, green capsicum etc.

#4 Selection of veggies – seasoned with lemon juice, herbs, and spices.

#5 Carrots and parsnips glazed with a little honey, rather than butter.

#6 Garlicky green beans – coat with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh parsley, lemon juice, and pepper to serve.

#7 Brussels sprouts steamed lightly, and roasted with a few chestnuts, lemon juice, and pepper.

#8 Wholegrain bread rolls.

Christmas menu ideas: dessert

#1 Traditional bread and butter pudding with cinnamon, and wedges of nectarine and apricot.

#2 Mixed berry crumble, with wholemeal flour, oats and nuts, served with creme fraiche.

#3 Fruit pudding (reduced sugar), served with fresh fruit coulis, rather than cream or brandy butter.

#4 Cheesecake made with reduced fat cream cheese, and mixed fresh berries. Serve with frozen natural yoghurt.

#5 Fresh fruit platter – pineapple, passion fruit, kiwi, melon, cherries, and mango, served with homemade raspberry coulis.

For tips on Christmas brunch ideas check out my previous post.

What are your Christmas menu ideas for this year?