10+ Whole30 Holiday Recipes for a Healthier Celebration

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it can also be a challenge to stick with healthy eating. Whole30 offers a way to enjoy festive meals while maintaining your wellness goals. This article will guide you through delicious Whole30 holiday recipes that are both satisfying and compliant with the program.

From appetizers to main courses and sweet treats, you can create a festive menu without straying from Whole30 guidelines. These recipes focus on fresh, whole ingredients, making it easier for you to enjoy the season while feeling your best.

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

Spiced butternut squash soup is a warm and comforting dish perfect for the holidays. Its creamy texture and rich flavors can brighten any table. You’ll love the mix of spices that make this soup special.

To start, choose a firm butternut squash. The skin should be smooth and free of blemishes. You will peel and cube it for cooking.

For added flavor, use ginger and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme. These ingredients give your soup a delightful holiday taste.

Once everything is prepared, cook the squash until it’s tender. After that, blend it smooth with some broth and coconut milk for a creamy finish.

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and cube the butternut squash.
3. Toss squash with oil and roast for 25-30 minutes.
4. In a pot, sauté onion and ginger until soft.
5. Add spices, broth, and roasted squash.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Blend until smooth and stir in coconut milk.

Herbed Turkey Breast

Herbed turkey breast is a fantastic dish for your Whole30 holiday meals. It’s juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. You can impress your guests with the delicious taste of fresh herbs.

Start by mixing ghee with garlic and thyme. You can use a food processor for this. Then, gently peel the skin from the turkey breast. Rub the herb mixture under the skin for extra flavor.

Sear the turkey skin-side down in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and brown. After that, roast it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until done.

The result is a beautifully roasted turkey breast that’s perfect for any holiday table. It pairs well with a variety of sides, keeping your meal Whole30 compliant.

Ingredients

• 1 turkey breast, skin-on
• 3 tablespoons ghee
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh thyme

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix ghee, garlic, and thyme in a bowl.
3. Carefully peel the skin from the turkey breast.
4. Rub the herb mixture under the skin.
5. Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
6. Place turkey skin-side down in the skillet; cook for 4-5 minutes.
7. Roast in the oven until fully cooked.

3) Cranberry Orange Brussels Sprouts

Cranberry Orange Brussels Sprouts are a tasty addition to your holiday table. This dish combines the earthy flavor of brussels sprouts with the sweet and tangy notes of cranberries and orange.

Start by roasting the brussels sprouts until they are crisp-tender. The caramelization adds a nice depth of flavor. Then mix in dried cranberries for sweetness. The zest and juice of fresh oranges brighten the dish beautifully.

For an extra touch, consider adding a bit of balsamic glaze. It enhances the overall flavor without adding too many extra calories. This dish is not just delicious but also colorful, making it a feast for the eyes.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup (150 g) dried cranberries
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet, cut side down.
4. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
5. Remove from the oven and mix in cranberries, orange zest, and juice. Serve warm.

Garlic Mashed Cauliflower

Garlic mashed cauliflower is a fantastic side dish for your holiday meals. It offers a creamy texture that pairs well with many main courses. This dish is not only delicious but also fits into Whole30, keto, and paleo diets.

To make it, you’ll need fresh garlic for great flavor. Roasting the garlic can enhance its sweetness. You can use ghee or olive oil to keep it dairy-free.

This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and reheated easily. This way, you can enjoy your time with family and friends without rushed cooking.

Ingredients

• 1 head of cauliflower
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Add garlic cloves, drizzled with olive oil, and roast for 25 minutes.
4. Blend the cauliflower and garlic until smooth.
5. Stir in ghee or olive oil, salt, and pepper.

5) Pumpkin Sage Sausage Patties

These pumpkin sage sausage patties are a delicious way to enjoy seasonal flavors. They are perfect for breakfast or a holiday brunch.

To make your patties, combine ground pork, pumpkin puree, and fresh sage in a bowl. Mix everything well to get the flavors blended together.

Form the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C) and add a little oil.

Cook the patties for around 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.

You can serve these warm and enjoy the rich taste of pumpkin and sage in every bite!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix ground pork, pumpkin puree, and fresh sage.
2. Form small patties, about 2 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F or 190°C).
4. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

6) Almond-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Almond-crusted chicken tenders are a tasty option for Whole30 meals. They are crispy, juicy, and simple to prepare. You can enjoy them as a main dish or a tasty snack.

To make these tenders, start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into strips or use pre-cut chicken tenders for convenience. You will need almond flour for the coating, which gives these tenders a satisfying crunch.

Mix the almond flour with seasonings like garlic powder and paprika for flavor. After coating the chicken, bake them in the oven for a healthy cooking method.

For a delicious crunch, bake your tenders at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown. Enjoy these as a fun dish for the holidays or any day!

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Almond flour
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Arrowroot powder (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the chicken breasts into strips.
3. Mix almond flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the chicken strips in the almond flour mixture.
5. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

7) Coconut Milk Eggnog

Coconut milk eggnog is a creamy and festive drink perfect for the holidays. This dairy-free version gives you the classic taste you love, without the dairy.

To make this drink, start by using full-fat coconut milk. This adds richness that mimics traditional eggnog. Combine it with egg yolks and sweeteners like maple syrup for added flavor.

You can spice it up with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla extract. If you like, add a bit of alcohol for an extra kick. Just remember to enjoy it responsibly!

Coconut milk eggnog can also separate as it sits. If that happens, just blend or whisk it until smooth again.

Ingredients

• 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
• 4 organic egg yolks
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: your choice of alcohol

Cooking Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks until they are light and fluffy.
2. Add the coconut milk and maple syrup, whisking until combined.
3. Stir in the spices and vanilla extract.
4. If using alcohol, add it now.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy!

8) Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Crust

Sweet potato casserole with a pecan crust is a tasty dish for your Whole30 holiday meals. This recipe skips traditional sweeteners and uses the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes instead. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving or any festive gathering.

To make this casserole, start by cooking sweet potatoes until they are soft. You can boil them in water for about 15-20 minutes until they are fork-tender.

Next, mash the cooked sweet potatoes with a little ghee for richness. Then, prepare the pecan topping by mixing chopped pecans with melted ghee, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Pour the sweet potato mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle the pecan topping over the top.

Afterward, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the nuts are slightly browned. Enjoy this delicious dish as a delightful side!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook sweet potatoes in boiling water until fork-tender.
2. Mash sweet potatoes with ghee.
3. Mix pecans, melted ghee, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
4. Pour sweet potato mixture into a baking dish.
5. Sprinkle pecan mix on top.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

9) Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

This Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is a refreshing dish for your holiday table. It’s light, tasty, and fits perfectly into your Whole30 meals.

To get started, you’ll need fresh zucchini. Use a spiralizer to create long strands that resemble noodles. This gives the salad a fun twist.

Next, make the zesty lemon vinaigrette. You will whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, mustard, honey, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in olive oil as you whisk until it blends well.

Combine the zucchini noodles with the vinaigrette just before serving. This ensures that the noodles stay crisp. You can add some sliced red onion or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Enjoy this vibrant salad as a side dish or a light main course!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Fresh basil (to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Spiralize the zucchinis into noodles.
2. In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, garlic, mustard, honey, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Slowly add olive oil while whisking.
4. Combine noodles and vinaigrette just before serving.

10) Paleo Green Bean Casserole

Paleo Green Bean Casserole is a warm and inviting dish perfect for holiday gatherings. It replaces canned soups with a homemade cream of mushroom soup that fits within your dietary needs. You can enjoy the familiar flavors without any grains or dairy.

This recipe is easy to prepare and will impress your guests with its delicious taste. The addition of crispy bacon adds a savory crunch that everyone will love. Plus, it’s gluten-free and made from whole ingredients, making it a healthier choice.

To create this comforting casserole, you’ll need fresh green beans, mushrooms, onions, and spices. It’s a great way to enjoy vegetables during the holiday season while sticking to Whole30 guidelines.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh green beans
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 slices of bacon
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Blanch or microwave the green beans for 3 minutes.
3. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy. Then, remove and crumble it.
4. Next, sauté the onions and mushrooms in the bacon grease until they are tender.
5. After that, mix in the coconut milk, salt, and pepper.
6. Finally, combine everything in a baking dish and top it with the crumbled bacon.
7. Bake for 20 minutes until it is bubbly. Then, enjoy!