"Pack your Own Meal" to the Holiday Get-Together!

The holiday season doesn’t have to derail your health goals.

ou can bring dishes to gatherings that are both festive and packed with protein to keep you feeling satisfied.

These three recipes prioritize whole foods and are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!

1. Herb-Crusted Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Dipping Sauce

These flavorful meatballs are a crowd-pleaser and a protein-packed alternative to traditional appetizers.

Ingredients (Makes ~24 meatballs):

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup almond flour or breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

For the cranberry dipping sauce:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey, egg, almond flour, garlic, parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add Parmesan if using.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. While meatballs bake, prepare the sauce. Combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and water in a small pot. Simmer over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens (about 10 minutes).
6. Serve meatballs with the cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

2. Festive Quinoa Salad with Roasted Chicken

This colorful dish is loaded with protein, fiber, and seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients (Serves 6):

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 2 cups shredded roasted chicken (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the dressing:

• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chicken, pomegranate seeds, kale, and nuts.
2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
4. Add feta cheese, if desired, and mix gently.
5. Chill for 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.

3. Protein-Packed Sweet Potato Casserole

A healthier twist on a holiday classic with added protein from Greek yogurt and a crunchy pecan topping.

Ingredients (Serves 8):

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 2 tbsp almond flour
• 1 tbsp melted coconut oil or butter
• 1 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil or steam sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
3. Mix mashed sweet potatoes with Greek yogurt, almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased casserole dish.
4. In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans, almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup until combined. Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potato mixture.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp.

These dishes not only deliver on flavor but also keep you fueled and aligned with your health goals. Bring one (or all three!) to your next holiday gathering and enjoy guilt-free festive cheer!

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