I absolutely love the holiday season because it’s all about my favorite things: cozy moments with family and friends, creating lasting memories and enjoying delicious food. That’s why I’m so excited to share a festive collection of recipes that will sleigh your holiday table!
From cute-as-can-be strawberry Santas to a fresh and fabulous candy cane caprese, plus a sparkling pomegranate sangria to toast the season, these creations are not just fun and festive — they’re super easy to make and overflowing with wholesome ingredients.
Take a peek at my merry menu and let me know which ones you’ll be adding to your holiday spread. Wishing you all the joy and magic this season has to offer.
This chocolate-peppermint bark is tree-mendously good! With rich, creamy chocolate, the satisfying crunch of crispy rice cereal and a drop of peppermint extract, it delivers the perfect balance of sweet and minty magic. And here’s the cherry (or optional candy cane) on top — this version has all the chocolaty-peppermint goodness you love this time of year but with a fraction of the calories, sugar and saturated fat. It’s truly the best bark on the block and perfect for gifting, sharing or sneaking a piece — or two — for yourself.
Serve up this sparkling, no-added-sugar pomegranate sangria at your holiday party — it’ll be a holly jolly hit!
Deck your holiday table with this festive and flavorful hummus wreath! You loved it so much last year that I’m bringing it back — it’s officially a TODAY tradition. This showstopping appetizer is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it a terrific centerpiece for your holiday spread. Creamy hummus is shaped into a wreath and decorated with fresh herbs, vibrant cherry tomatoes and a sprinkling of crumbled feta “snow.” It’s healthy, easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests. Consider this wreath your edible holiday décor.
Ho ho ho! These adorable little treats are almost too cute to eat … almost! Made with juicy strawberries, yogurt or ricotta cheese, and a little festive flair, these strawberry Santas are merrily munchable. They’re quick, easy and perfect for getting the kids involved in the kitchen. Serve them as a sweet snack, a playful dessert or a charming addition to your holiday table. One bite and you’ll be in the holiday spirit faster than you can say “jingle bells!”
This is one of my tried-and-true holiday favorites because it checks all the boxes: simple, adorable,and absolutely delicious — aka the holiday trifecta! Arranging fresh slices of mozzarella and tomatoes in the shape of a candy cane, topped with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkling of basil, takes this classic appetizer to North Pole-level fast. It’s a light, flavorful dish that will have your crew dashing to the table for a bite.
What’s better than pancakes on Christmas morning? A jolly Santa pancake! This festive creation isn’t just bursting with holiday cheer — it’s also packed with nutrition from the tip of Santa’s hat to the bottom of his beard. Using my jumbo oatmeal pancake as your canvas, you (and your little elves!) can channel your inner pancake Picasso, decorating it with fresh fruit and creamy Greek yogurt or whipped cream to bring your holiday vision to life. Designed to be shared — because sharing is caring, and staying on Santa’s nice list is a must — this breakfast masterpiece is as fun to create as it is to enjoy.
Just the base of this oatmeal could put anyone in the holiday spirit — it’s gingerbread-spiced and everything nice! But it’s the decorations that truly take it to the next level of festive, featuring a berry reindeer and a kiwi Christmas tree. Rudolph sports a very red strawberry nose, blueberry eyes and pretzel antlers, while the kiwi tree is decked out with raspberry and blueberry “ornaments.” You can easily recreate this winter décor on any flavored bowl of oatmeal you love, but this version is just perfect to me — comforting, delicious and the ultimate fuel for all the festive magic ahead.
This is a nutritionist’s Christmas win — a festive veggie platter that’s as adorable as it is nutritious! Made with layers of crisp celery sticks, cool cucumber slices and colorful bell peppers (feel free to swap in your favorite hues), this edible tree is decorated with vibrant pomegranate seed “ornaments,” fresh dill “tinsel” and sugar snap pea “garlands” to bring the holiday vibe to life. It’s fresh, crunchy and completely customizable — just add your favorite veggies or herbs to make it your own.
Banana Snowmen
Frosty has some competition this holiday season! These banana snowmen are the ultimate seasonal snack of stacked banana slices on a stick to create the cutest little snow-people. They’re dressed up with a carrot nose, mini chocolate chip buttons and a little raspberry hat to top it all off. These tasty gems won’t melt … but they’ll definitely disappear fast!
Here’s how to make ‘em: Slice a banana into nine rounds of even thickness. Carefully slide three slices on each wooden skewer, then slide on raspberry hats. Lay the snowmen down flat and place three chocolate chip buttons and two chocolate chip eyes on each one. To make the nose, cut a carrot into small, thin triangular slices and attach.
This bubbly, refreshing punch — made with fresh fruit, cranberry or pomegranate juice, sparkling water and festive garnishes — is guaranteed to spread healthy holiday cheer with every sip. Serve it as-is for a family-friendly option or spike it with your booze of choice for a tipsy twist.
