Just because it’s Christmas, doesn’t mean your plan to eat healthy, nutritious food needs to completely go out the window.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas at yours or travelling to a loved one’s place, it’s easy to incorporate a few healthier dishes into the menu.
And healthy doesn’t mean boring. These recipes make the most of our incredible fresh summer produce, making lean proteins and vegetables the hero.
Of course it wouldn’t be Christmas without dessert, so we’ve thrown in a few healthier dessert recipes too.
READ NEXT: Try these delicious Christmas cottage recipes
Christmas wreath salad
Christmas wreath salad
This makes a fantastic centrepiece for the table, but it’s really just lettuce and tomatoes given a bit of a makeover.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Grilled chicken with warm cos lettuce salad
Grilled chicken with warm cos lettuce salad
This warm char-grilled lettuce with creamy chicken salad is perfect for lunch, and as a side for dinner or a BBQ. It’s a healthier alternative to a Caesar salad. And suitable for diabetics, too.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Char-grilled lobster tail salad
Char-grilled lobster tail salad
Treat your guests to this indulgent char-grilled lobster tail salad.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Honey roasted carrots with labne
Honey roasted carrots with labne
Carrots don’t have to be boring. The addition of honey here really brings out their natural sweetness.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Freekeh salad with spiced vegetables
Freekeh salad with spiced vegetables
Embrace the lovely flavours of fresh vegetables, zesty Moroccan spices and nutty freekeh in this surprisingly filling summer salad.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Warm chicken, labne and maple walnut salad
Warm chicken, labne and maple walnut salad
An exotic and exquisite warm chicken, labne and maple walnut salad that totally holds is own as a main alongside the honey-glazed ham.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Lentil, gorgonzola and witlof salad
Lentil, gorgonzola and witlof salad
This deliciously bright and colourful lentil, gorgonzola and witlof salad will look gorgeous on your Christmas table.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Herb-crumbed fish fillets
Herb-crumbed fish fillets
This recipe is packed full of brilliant flavours and textures for a fun way to get your family to eat more seafood. Serve with tartare sauce that perfectly complements the crunchy coating.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Eggplant, kale and lentil salad
Eggplant, kale and lentil salad
This delicious salad is packed full of flavour and textures, proving that healthy lunches don’t have to taste boring. You’ll love the combination of flavours and sweet pomegranate dressing.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Avocado caprese salad
Avocado caprese salad
Vine-ripened truss tomatoes are perfect for a simple recipe like this for their brilliant colour, robust flavour and crisp, tangy flesh to stand out at their best. This salad is perfect for lunch or as a side at dinner.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Watermelon and lemon tea granita
Watermelon and lemon tea granita
While traditional granitas and sorbets are packed full of sugar, this refreshing melon and citrus recipe from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s Sugar-Free cookbook is sweetened naturally with stevia for a healthy, cooling dessert.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Coconut and chocolate nut frozen terrine
Coconut and chocolate nut frozen terrine
If you’re looking for healthy ways to satisfy your sweet tooth, this deliciously creamy frozen terrine is for you. With all the flavours of chocolate and coconut ice-cream, this is vegan and sugar-free.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Frozen mango macadamia crunch
Frozen mango macadamia crunch
Brandy snaps. Mango. And ricotta. Sold.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Prawn and mango salad
Prawn and mango salad
This gorgeous salad covers all the flavour bases with sweet mango, juicy prawns and a cheeky kick of heat from the chilli and mustard. And with all those vibrant colours, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Cherry, walnut and feta salad
Cherry, walnut and feta salad
Indulge in the delicious combination of cherry, walnut and feta in this fresh wholesome salad – a perfect addition to Christmas lunch this year!
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Baked snapper with peppercorn and dill butter
Baked snapper with peppercorn and dill butter
Served with grilled asparagus, this stunning whole baked snapper is brimming with zesty flavours.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Roast salmon with fennel and apple salad
Roast salmon with fennel and apple salad
The currants and fresh basil really make this recipe sing.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
Roast vitello tonnato
Roast vitello tonnato
Vitello tonnato is a well-known Italian veal dish accompanied with a tuna mayonnaise. It is usually served cold or at room temperature, making the perfect appetiser for a Christmas lunch.
See the full Australian Women’s Weekly recipe here.
