12 Delicious Very Festive Holiday Recipes for Entertaining

by Liana Werner-Gray

The holidays are a favorite time to gather, share nourishing meals, and celebrate all the flavors of the season. Whether I’m hosting friends or cooking a cozy dinner for family, I always look for ways to make traditional dishes cleaner and more vibrant — without sacrificing taste of course! These very festive recipes are all made with real ingredients and are refined sugar free, gluten-free or dairy-free friendly. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you want to serve a wholesome meal that still feels indulgent.

Before we get into the recipes, I want to make sure you’ve all switched your table salt to a clean, mineral-rich salt. You’ll notice that every recipe here has one thing in common: I use Redmond Real Salt and their seasonings, especially the lemon pepper and garlic salt. Table salt is the absolute worst because it’s so highly processed, stripped of its natural minerals, and often mixed with additives and anti-caking agents that your body definitely doesn’t need. It also has a harsh, flat flavor that doesn’t support nourishing, heart-centered cooking. Using Redmond Real Salt is one of my favorite ways to bring out the flavor in every recipe. I love that it’s pure, unrefined, and naturally full of trace minerals — it truly makes a difference when you’re cooking from the heart.

So, grab your apron, turn up the music, and let’s get cooking!

Cranberry Chicken Skewers

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 320

Juicy chicken with tangy cranberries makes these skewers a perfect festive appetizer that’s equal parts simple and flavorful.

Ingredients:
• 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Redmond Real Salt
• Fresh rosemary for garnish

Actions:

1. Preheat grill or skillet over medium heat.

2. Whisk together olive oil, honey, mustard, garlic powder, and salt.

3. Thread chicken and cranberries onto skewers.

4. Brush with marinade and grill 8–10 minutes per side, until chicken is cooked through.

5. Garnish with rosemary and serve warm.

Fall Harvest Salad

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 275

A bright, crunchy salad packed with autumn flavor — crisp apples, toasted pecans, and a maple vinaigrette.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups mixed greens
• 1/2 apple, sliced
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp Redmond Real Salt

Actions:

1. Combine greens, apples, and pecans in a bowl.

2. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, and salt for the dressing.

3. Toss salad with dressing and top with goat cheese.

Butternut Squash Lentil Chili

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 380

A hearty and comforting plant-based chili perfect for cold nights.

Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp Redmond Real Salt
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Actions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.

2. Add squash, lentils, tomatoes, broth, and spices.

3. Simmer 35–40 minutes, until lentils are tender.

4. Garnish with cilantro before serving.

Spinach Mashed Potatoes

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 220

Creamy mashed potatoes blended with fresh spinach for a bright, nourishing twist on a classic side.

Ingredients:
• 2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 tsp Redmond Real Salt
• Black pepper to taste

Actions:

1. Boil potatoes until soft, about 15 minutes.

2. Drain and mash with olive oil, milk, salt, and pepper.

3. Stir in chopped spinach until wilted and serve warm.

Stuffed Turkey with Pomegranate Glaze

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 490

A show-stopping holiday centerpiece — juicy turkey with a sweet and tart glaze.

Ingredients:
• 1 whole turkey breast (about 3–4 lbs)
• 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp Redmond Real Salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup chopped spinach
• 1/4 cup diced apple

Actions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Mix quinoa, spinach, and apple for stuffing.

3. Slice turkey breast lengthwise and fill with stuffing.

4. Combine juice, honey, oil, thyme, salt, and pepper for glaze.

5. Roast 60–90 minutes, basting halfway with glaze.

6. Let rest before slicing.

Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Maple Frosting

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 260

This cozy, spiced cake tastes like pure fall joy — soft, moist, and topped with creamy maple frosting.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp Redmond Real Salt

Maple Frosting:
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (or vegan alternative)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Actions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking pan.

2. Mix wet ingredients in one bowl, dry in another, then combine.

3. Pour into pan and bake 25–30 minutes.

4. Mix frosting ingredients and spread over cooled cake.

Apple Crumble

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 310

Sweet, spiced apples topped with a crispy oat crumble — a must-have for any holiday table.

Ingredients:
• 5 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 cup gluten-free oats
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/4 tsp Redmond Real Salt

Actions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Toss apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and maple syrup; place in baking dish.

3. Combine crumble ingredients and sprinkle over apples.

4. Bake 25 minutes or until golden.

Lemon Meringue Pie

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 340

A light, citrusy pie with a cloud of meringue — elegant and perfectly sweet.

Ingredients:
• 1 gluten-free pie crust
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 eggs, separated
• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
• 1/4 tsp Redmond Real Salt

Actions:

1. Whisk lemon juice, honey, egg yolks, and arrowroot in saucepan; cook over medium until thickened.

2. Pour into baked crust.

3. Whip egg whites until stiff peaks form; spread on top.

4. Bake 10–15 minutes until lightly browned.

Chocolate Silk Pie

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 360

Rich, creamy, and decadent — a dreamy chocolate dessert made with clean ingredients.

Ingredients:
• 1 gluten-free pie crust
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
• 1 cup coconut cream
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp Redmond Real Salt

Actions:

1. Melt chocolate with coconut cream over low heat.

2. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.

3. Pour into crust and chill 2–3 hours before serving.

Cranberry Bread

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 230

Moist, sweet, and just tart enough — this festive bread pairs perfectly with your morning coffee.

Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp Redmond Real Salt

Actions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, then combine.

3. Fold in cranberries and pour into a greased loaf pan.

4. Bake 35–40 minutes.

   
   

Classic Eggnog

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 280

Creamy, spiced, and nostalgic — a holiday essential made with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients:
• 3 cups almond milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Redmond Real Salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Actions:

1. In saucepan, whisk yolks and maple syrup over low heat.

2. Slowly add milk, stirring until thickened.

3. Add spices and vanilla.

4. Chill and serve with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Redmond Salt Electrolyte Mocktail

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 49

Ingredients:
• 1/2 tsp Redmond Real salt
• 1/8 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 cup organic lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 Tbsp organic lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
• 3 Tbsp organic cherry juice or cranberry juice
• 3 Tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 6 cups spring water
• Handful fresh mint
• 1/4 cup fresh raspberries

Actions:

1. In large pitcher, mix all ingredients except mint and raspberries. Stir well.

2. Add fresh mint and raspberries. Serve over ice.

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The holidays are all about creating connection — through food, energy, and the environment we gather in. When I’m hosting, I love keeping things simple and intentional so everyone feels relaxed and nourished. Here are a few of my favorite ways to make entertaining feel special, without the stress:

Set the scene with nature: Skip the synthetic décor and bring the outdoors in! I like to use pine sprigs, fresh herbs, or even citrus slices as table accents. They smell amazing, add a pop of color, and keep everything toxin-free.

Light it with intention: Beeswax or coconut candles instantly make the space feel cozy. I love using Elements of Grace Candles — their natural scents fill the room with calm, uplifting energy.

Serve family-style: Place your dishes — like the Spinach Mashed Potatoes or Butternut Squash Lentil Chili — in the center of the table so everyone can help themselves.

Create a mindful mocktail station: Set up sparkling water, citrus slices, and herbs like rosemary or mint. Include a clean, non-alcoholic cocktail option for guests.

End with gratitude and grace: Before the meal, I love taking a quiet moment to give thanks — for the food, the hands that prepared it, and the blessings of family and friendship.

These recipes were originally published on my Vitacost blog, where you can purchase all the ingredients in these recipes at a discounted price. Visit Vitacost.com (https://www.vitacost.com/) to shop.

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