The perfect Christmas dinner: accents for a healthy holiday menu

Christmas is just around the corner - and with it the big question: What will be on the table this year? How about the right accents that are not only festive but also healthy? Fresh, seasonal ingredients not only conjure up delicious side dishes, but also ensure that you and your guests feel completely at home.

Why healthy side dishes?

Traditional holiday menus are often heavy and leave you feeling oversaturated. So why not offer a light but equally festive alternative? Fresh, seasonal ingredients taste good and make you feel good. In this blog post, we present our highlight: healthy Christmas salad that can be prepared without any stress. We also give you practical tips on how to make your Christmas dinner a success without any stress and make it a highlight for you and your guests.

This fresh salad combines the tart taste of rocket and lamb's lettuce with sweet and sour pomegranate seeds and citrus fruits, making it the perfect, light addition to the holiday menu. The pomegranate seeds provide valuable antioxidants, the walnuts healthy fats, and the oranges a refreshing acidity that rounds off the salad. The cinnamon note in the dressing and the caramelized walnuts give it a subtle Christmassy touch - a delicious and healthy choice for the Christmas season.

Preparation:

1. Roast walnuts: Roast the walnuts in a pan over medium heat until lightly browned and aromatic. Caramelize with maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon to give them a Christmassy flavor. Set aside and let cool.
2. Prepare the pears: Dust the pear slices with a little cinnamon to give them a more Christmassy flavour. Lightly fry them in a pan to soften and caramelise them.
3. Assemble the salad: Arrange the rocket and lamb's lettuce in a round bowl/box. Distribute the pomegranate seeds, orange segments and the seasoned pear slices evenly over the top. Add the crumbled goat's cheese or feta and the toasted walnuts.
4. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Season to taste with salt, pepper and optionally a pinch of cinnamon or star anise. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
5. To serve: Garnish with fresh herbs such as mint or parsley. Mix lightly before serving.

1. Menu planning and purchasing:

• Plan the menu a week in advance.
• Divide the shopping list into “fresh ingredients,” “non-perishable ingredients,” and “drinks.”
• Check supplies to avoid unnecessary purchases.

2. Schedule for preparation:

• 3-4 days in advance: Get long-lasting ingredients, make fermented cranberries or kombucha – perfect for the night of the celebration!
• 1-2 days in advance: cut vegetables, roast nuts, prepare sauces. You don't need to transfer anything to our new food storage containers , just prepare, heat and serve and store them airtight.
• On the day of the celebration: All you have to do is heat it up and serve it – the kitchen remains relaxed.

3. Cook smart:

• Choose dishes that can be prepared in advance (e.g. oven-baked dishes such as maple carrots).
• Prepare simple desserts like parfaits in advance.

4. Kitchen organization:

• Divide the kitchen into work stations: cutting area, cooking area and serving area. Avoiding chaos made easy!

5. Involve guests:

• Delegate small tasks such as serving or arranging – this creates a relaxed atmosphere.

6. Prepare the table decoration:

• Set the table the evening before: glasses, napkins and simple decorations such as fir branches and tea lights in our Ripple Jar create a festive atmosphere.

7. Time for you:

• Take at least an hour for yourself to start the evening relaxed and well prepared.

In our other Christmas blog posts you will find delicious dishes such as roasted maple carrots with fermented cranberries , Brussels sprout variations and wintery kombucha creations as well as last minute gift ideas .