5 Healthy Side Dishes For Christmas

Learn how to make these 5 healthy side dishes for Christmas to keep the meal balanced and healthy. Christmas dinner is a time to share good food and fun with family and friends. The meal doesn't have to be all fat-laden foods though. Offer some healthy side dishes that will balance the decadent desserts and candies that also seem to accompany the day.

Asparagus with Lemon Butter

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of asparagus
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper

1. Place the asparagus in a single layer in a large sheet of aluminum foil.
2. Cut the butter into small pieces and place on the asparagus.
3. Pour the lemon juice over the asparagus.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Wrap up the foil to make a pouch.
6. Bake for ten to fifteen minutes in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven until the asparagus is tender.

Cheese and Fruit Plate

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound of each of several low-fat varieties of cheeses, such as mozzarella, cheddar, Brie, Swiss
• Whole grain crackers
• Fruit, such as pears and apples

1. Cut the cheese into cubes about one inch in size.
2. Wash the fruit and remove the cores and stems. Slice into thin pieces.
3. Arrange the cheese, crackers, and fruit on a platter. Let the cheese come to room temperature for the best flavor.

Steamed Broccoli and Toasted Almonds

Ingredients:

• 1 head broccoli
• 1/2 cup almond slivers
• 1 tablespoon butter

1. Wash the broccoli and cut into bite-size pieces.
2. Place broccoli in steam basket and cook until tender, about ten to fifteen minutes.
3. Toast the almond slivers on a baking pan for five minutes in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven.
4. Put steamed broccoli in a serving bowl. Add butter and toasted almonds. Toss and serve.

Three Bean Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can white beans
• 1 can garbonzo beans
• 1/2 cup black olives
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1. Open the cans of beans and drain the liquid. Rinse the beans and let drain.
2. Add beans and drained black olives to a bowl and pour the olive oil, garlic salt, and black pepper over them. Mix well.
3. Refrigerate at least one hour before serving.

Quinoa

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups low-sodium, low-fat chicken broth

1. Rinse the quinoa until the water runs clear.
2. Roast the quinoa in a dry skillet for five to seven minutes to bring out more flavor.
3. Cook the quinoa in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook fifteen minutes.