15 quick and healthy dinners to survive the festive season
Feeling like you need a healthy boost but don't have time to cook? Don't worry, these wholesome, fuss-free dishes are ready in 30 minutes or less
You want to go into Christmas feeling your best, not low in energy and groggy from all the indulgent eating. Maximise nutrition but minimise the stress around meal times during the busy festive period with our super-healthy, super-speedy dinners. They'll be on the table in 30 minutes (or under). We have warming soups, vitamin-packed stews and nourishing noodles to keep you well fed.
Next, check out our all our Christmas recovery recipes and read how to beat indigestion on the day.
5 tips for staying healthy over the festive season
1. Keep an eye on how much alcohol you're drinking. Too much can affect your mood, sleep, and is often high in both sugar and calories.
2. Get out for a walk on your own or with the family. Walking aids digestion, reduces anxiety and supports blood sugar control.
3. Consider taking a probiotic. If you usually experience gut issues, a probiotic supplement could be just the ticket to ease symptoms.
4. Practice mindfulness if and when you can. Christmas can be a stressful time, so try to find the time for small moments of calm.
5. Choose healthier sweet treats. Swap out the occasional piece of chocolate for some dried fruit, you'll still get a sugary hit but you'll also benefit from the fibre and other nutrients.
15 healthy dinners for the Christmas holidays
Cavolo nero orecchiette
Enjoy this easy-to-make, quick pasta. It’s full of goodness from the iron-rich cavolo nero, which is in season over the winter.
Warm winter bean salad with chicken
Here's our top tip: keep a few jars of good quality butter beans in your cupboard and you can throw together a healthy meal any time. We've combined them with bitter leaves, chicken and herbs to make this winter salad.
Vegan ramen
Ramen is a great go-to when you want something warm and nourishing. Add whatever veg you have in the fridge, plus we've used tofu to keep it vegan but feel free to mix up the protein. Dried mushrooms and miso paste give the broth plenty of umami flavour, plus the miso packs in plenty of gut-healthy benefits.
Creamy sprout, hazelnut & leek pasta
Use up your leftover Christmas brussels sprouts in this comforting pasta recipe. The dish is healthy and low in calories, making it ideal after those festive indulgences.
Speedy lentil coconut curry
This quick and easy curry has such great depth of flavour and most of the ingredients can be found in your storecupboard or freezer. It's healthy too, as well as being low in fat and calories.
Turkey cobb salad
If you're craving something festive but not so heavy, try this turkey cobb salad with pancetta, avocado, eggs, chicory and tomatoes. It looks beautiful on a platter – serve with tangy dijon dressing on the side.
Prosciutto, kale & butter bean stew
This quick bean stew is topped with crispy prosciutto to add a nice hit of salt, yet it's still healthy and balanced. It’s all cooked in one pot, so it’s easy on the washing up – just what you need during the hectic festive season.
Red cabbage, cauliflower & coconut dhal
Use up your leftover red cabbage to make this easy dhal with coconut. It's satisfying, healthy and full of nutrients – just what the doctor ordered!
Mexican bean soup with shredded chicken & lime
Leftover chicken ups the protein in this chunky, hearty bean soup, which is low in calories and fat. To keep things vegetarian, top with avocado or crumbled feta instead of chicken.
Turkey noodle soup
Turn carrots, frozen peas, shredded turkey and stock into a tasty, speedy dinner with this wholesome noodle soup. Add fresh ginger for a spicy kick with extra nutrients.
Turkey potato curry
Spice up turkey and cooked potatoes with this easy, effortless curry. Serve with rice or naan for a wholesome dinner everyone will love.
Vegan kale pesto pasta
Anything this green can only be good for you! Whizz up kale, pumpkin seeds, basil and garlic to make the pesto, then stir through wholemeal spaghetti for a healthy vegan meal.
Vegetarian quesadillas
Who knew five ingredients could make something so good? On a dark, drizzly evening, everyone will be happy to tuck into a plate of these cheesy bean quesadillas flavoured with spicy chipotle. Serve with green salad, for extra healthy points.
Healthy bolognese
For a guaranteed family favourite, it's got to be spaghetti bolognese. Swap traditional beef for lean pork mince to make a lighter sauce. Serve with wholemeal linguine or spaghetti.
Butternut squash & chickpea tagine
Make this tasty vegetarian tagine that kids will love as much as grown-ups. It's a great way to serve four of their five-a-day and it's freezable.
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