15 quick and healthy dinners to survive the festive season

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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