These Christmas side dishes are some incredible healthier options to fill out your holiday table. From traditional Christmas sides like green bean casserole to sides with a healthy spin like loaded cauliflower mash, you’re sure to find some options your family will love.
Christmas Dinner Sides are the Star of the Show
When planning for a holiday gathering like Christmas dinner, I always think more about the side dishes than the “main”.
Whether you do a traditional protein like ham or turkey or go all out with something like prime rib, what you serve on the side will make it feel like a Christmas dinner.
Don’t forget the appetizers! Check out this listing of 15+ Easy Appetizers.
What Goes Well With Christmas Dinner?
You really can’t go wrong with anything on this list! All of these sides go well with any protein.
You’ll find plenty of traditional sides like creamy mashed potatoes and savory stuffing, along with some unique ideas to round out your holiday meal like brown butter mushrooms and spicy honey carrots.
Maybe you’ll find something new to try this year that you’ll be making for years to come!
Don’t forget dessert! Here’s a listing of 50 Healthy Desserts to choose from.
How Many Side Dishes For Christmas Dinner?
Do you go all out or keep it simple? It’s really a matter of personal preference but we typically do 2-3 sides with our holiday dinner.
It’s nice to have a mix of sides including some vegetables, a starch and any kind of “traditional” side you only make for the holidays.
Just remember when planning your dinner that you’re doing a lot of cooking and prepping already. If possible, have your guests bring a favorite side dish to the gathering.
Feel free to send them a link to this post for recipe inspiration!
Need a drink? We have some Cheery Christmas Cocktails for you.
Enjoy These Healthier Christmas Sides
The Holidays can be a tough time to keep your food choices on the healthy side of things.
That’s exactly why we created this listing! Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, keto, whole30 or paleo, you’ll find delicious options in this listing.
Even though these are on the healthier side, they still taste great and feel indulgent. They are the perfect mix of healthy and flavorful!
Christmas Vegetable Recipes
We love these recipes because they are a healthy twist for Christmas dinner, yet still feel like comforting side dishes. The loaded cauliflower mash has become a holiday dinner staple in our house!
Creamy Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
Loaded Mashed Cauliflower (Keto, Low Carb)
Garlic and Sage Brown Butter Mushrooms (Paleo + Gluten-Free)
Roasted Butternut Squash with Goat Cheese from Eat the Gains
Garlic Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon from Paleo Running Momma
Spicy Honey Roasted Carrots from The Endless Meal
Herb-Roasted Parmesan Acorn Squash from The Real Food Dietitians
Italian Roasted Mushrooms and Veggies from Jo Cooks
Traditional Christmas Side Dishes
When I think of traditional sides for Christmas, I think of sausage stuffing and mashed potatoes. However, if you think of sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce we have that covered too. Enjoy!
Gluten Free Stuffing from The Wooden Skillet
Thanksgiving Yams
Sour Cream and Onion Potato Bake from The Defined Dish
Healthy Homemade Cranberry Sauce from Food by Mars
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans from The Real Food Dietitians
Creamy Dairy-Free Mashed Potatoes from Mary’s Whole Life
Christmas Salads
Christmas salads with colorful ingredients are a great way to add some healthy options to the holiday dinner table. Try one of these salads this year to brighten up the table!
Apple Walnut Spinach Salad (GF, Dairy-Free + Refined Sugar-Free)
Waldorf Salad Recipe from This Healthy Table
Pomegranate & Pear Green Salad with Ginger Dressing from Cookie + Kate
Christmas Breads
A warm piece of bread is a great addition to any Christmas dinner. Of course rolls are great too, and they make the perfect mini sandwich for leftovers.
Pull-Apart Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls from Good For You Gluten Free
Paleo “Cornbread” (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free + Dairy-Free Options)
Gluten Free French Bread from Gluten Free on a Shoestring
20 Healthier Christmas Side Dishes: Dairy Free Green Bean Casserole
Ingredients
- 5 pieces bacon, chopped
- 2 cups mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1.5 lbs fresh or frozen green beans, trimmed
- 2 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup arrowroot flour
- 2 cups coconut milk
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- Plantain chips, crunched up as a topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- In an oven safe skillet, cook chopped bacon until it just starts to crisp. Remove and place on a paper towel lined plate. Set aside. Reserve bacon grease in pan.
- While the bacon is cooking, prep mushrooms and garlic as noted. Trim green beans if using fresh.
- Add arrowroot flour and coconut milk to a jar or bowl and whisk. Set aside.
- Heat the same pan you cooked the bacon in over medium heat. Once hot, add mushrooms and cook until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes. Add in minced garlic and mix well with the mushrooms, about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Whisk up the coconut milk mixture again and add to pan, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. The sauce will bubble and thicken, keep stirring to prevent burning. After 2 minutes turn heat off and stir in salt and pepper.
- Add green beans to skillet and mix to combine with the sauce. Sprinkle bacon on top.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, until green beans are tender. Remove, topped with crushed up plantain chips and serve.
