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Healthy Holiday Recipe Roundup: Classic Comfort with Modern Wellness Swaps

The holidays are here—and let’s be real: we want the nostalgic flavors and to feel good after the meal. At OWL Chiropractic, we’re all about that sweet spot where tradition meets function.


Whether you're hosting or bringing a dish to the table, this roundup gives you hearty, healthy holiday recipes with easy allergen-friendly swaps so everyone can enjoy (and digest) the celebration.


HEALTHY HOLIDAY MAIN DISHES

table set with healthy holiday foods

1. Herb-Roasted Turkey with Garlic Ghee Rub

Why we love it: A juicy, golden turkey with crisp skin and deep flavor. Ghee adds richness without the dairy irritation.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs), thawed

  • 1/2 cup ghee (or butter)

  • 6 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme

  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary

  • 1 tbsp salt, 1 tsp pepper

  • 1 lemon, halved

  • 1 onion, quartered

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Pat turkey dry.

  2. Mix ghee, garlic, and herbs into a paste.

  3. Rub mixture under and over the skin. Stuff cavity with lemon and onion.

  4. Roast according to bird weight (roughly 15 min per pound), basting occasionally.

  5. Let rest 20 min before carving.

Allergen-Friendly Swap: Use olive oil instead of ghee for dairy-free.


maple glazed ham for your healthy holiday

2. Maple Glazed Ham with Spiced Pears

Why we love it: Sweet, savory, and elegant. A crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with holiday sides.

Ingredients:

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6–8 lbs)

  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • 3 ripe pears, sliced

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Score the ham and place in a roasting pan.

  2. Whisk maple, mustard, and cinnamon; brush over ham.

  3. Scatter pears around ham and bake for 1.5–2 hours, basting every 30 min.

Allergen-Friendly Swap: Make it paleo by using grain-free mustard and no added sweeteners.


HEALTHY HOLIDAY SIDES

3. Classic Green Bean Almandine

Why we love it: A fresh, crunchy contrast to heavy mains. Almonds add texture and healthy fats.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb green beans, trimmed

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 2-3 min, then plunge into ice water.

  2. Sauté garlic in oil, add almonds to toast.

  3. Toss in green beans, season, and serve.

Allergen-Friendly Swap: Use pumpkin seeds for nut-free.


healthy holiday stuffing from sourdough

4. Sourdough & Sage Stuffing

Why we love it: A true holiday staple with savory herbs and crusty bread magic.

Ingredients:

  • 1 loaf sourdough, cubed and toasted

  • 1/2 cup diced onion

  • 1/2 cup celery

  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley

  • 2 tsp dried sage

  • 2 cups broth (veg or chicken)

  • 2 eggs

  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a casserole dish.

  2. Sauté onion and celery until soft.

  3. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and let soak.

  4. Transfer to dish, cover with foil, bake 30 min, then uncover and bake 15 more.

Allergen-Friendly Swap: Use gluten-free bread and veggie broth for GF/DF option.


HEALTHY HOLIDAY DESSERTS

5. Spiced Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

healthy holiday spiced apple crisp

Why we love it: Warm, cozy, and less fussy than pie. The oat topping hits the sweet spot.

Ingredients:

  • 5 apples, peeled and sliced

  • 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1 cup rolled oats

  • 1/2 cup almond flour

  • 1/3 cup maple syrup

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toss apples with spices and lemon, place in baking dish.

  2. Mix topping ingredients until crumbly. Spread over apples.

  3. Bake 40-45 minutes until golden.

Allergen-Friendly Swap: Use sunflower seed flour instead of almond for nut-free.


6. Chocolate Avocado Mousse

Why we love it: Rich and creamy, but secretly packed with healthy fats. No baking required.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados

  • 1/4 cup cacao powder

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup

  • 1/4 cup almond or oat milk

  • 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Blend everything until silky smooth.

  2. Chill 1 hour and serve with berries or shaved dark chocolate.

Allergen-Friendly Swap: Use oat or coconut milk and skip nuts for full allergen-free.


Final Word from OWL Chiropractic

At OWL, we know wellness is more than movement—it's what you eat, how you rest, and the traditions you build. These classic healthy holiday recipes bring the comfort and clarity your body craves


And because we love a good upgrade, each dish includes an easy allergen-friendly swap to help you honor everyone’s needs without sacrificing flavor.


From our table to yours: Happy Holidays from OWL Chiropractic!

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