Here are some functional nutrition-inspired holiday dishes (starter – main – side – dessert and of course a mocktail!) that are both festive and gut-friendly.
These recipes prioritize whole foods, nutrient density, and balanced flavors while avoiding common gut irritants.
They’re easy to make and yum to taste! 😋 🍴
🍥 Appetizer: Roasted beet and walnut dip
🍱 Main: Herb-crusted salmon with pomegranate glaze
🥬 Side: Roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans
🍪 Dessert: Spiced ginger turmeric cookies
🍹 Drink: Festive probiotic mocktail
Enjoy these holiday recipes while keeping your gut happy and your health goals intact! Let me know if you’d like more ideas or tweaks for specific dietary preferences. 😊
RECIPES
Appetizer: Roasted Beet and Walnut Dip
Ingredients:
- 2 medium beets, roasted and peeled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with crudité, gluten-free crackers, or warm pita.
🎁Functional benefits: Beets support liver detoxification, walnuts provide omega-3s, and tahini offers magnesium.
Main: Herb-Crusted Salmon with Pomegranate Glaze
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp almond flour
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix parsley, dill, almond flour, salt, and pepper. Press onto salmon fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon is cooked.
- In a small saucepan, reduce pomegranate juice and honey until syrupy. Drizzle over the salmon before serving.
🎁Functional benefits: Salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3s, and pomegranates are high in antioxidants.
Side: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Add cranberries and roast for another 10 minutes.
- Toss with toasted pecans and balsamic vinegar before serving.
🎁 Functional benefits: High in fiber for gut health, with antioxidants from cranberries.
Dessert: Spiced Ginger Turmeric Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 egg or flax egg
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Combine thoroughly.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto a baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Let cool before serving.
🎁Functional benefits: Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory, and almond flour is gluten-free and nutrient-rich.
Drink: Festive Probiotic Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup kombucha (ginger or cranberry flavor works well)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/4 cup sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Pomegranate seeds and mint for garnish
Instructions:
- In a glass, mix kombucha, pomegranate juice, and sparkling water.
- Add ice cubes and garnish with pomegranate seeds and mint.
🎁Functional benefits: Kombucha provides probiotics, and pomegranate juice is a great antioxidant boost.
Be well.
