By: PLEZi Nutrition Team Read Time: 3 minutes

Last week we officially kicked off the holiday season with one of the most anticipated meals of the year: Thanksgiving dinner. As we look ahead to December and more family gatherings and celebrations to come, we’re sharing some of our favorite holiday side dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. 

Green Beans with Orange and Almond Gremolata

High in protein, fiber, and potassium and high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, green beans are a staple holiday side dish that pack a nutritional punch. (recipe and photo via Woman’s Day)

Ingredients: 

  • 2 lb. green beans
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil 
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1/2 c. roasted almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1 tsp. orange zest 
  • 1/2 c. flat leaf parsley, chopped

Directions: 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Add 1 tablespoon salt to boiling water, then in batches, cook green beans until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer green beans to the ice water to cool; drain and set aside.
  • In a small skillet, heat oil, garlic, and rosemary on medium heat until garlic sizzles around the edges and begins to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and toss with almonds and orange zest, then parsley. 
  • Serve over warm or room temperature green beans.

Vanilla Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Boasting a naturally sweet flavor that is often enhanced through cooking and roasting, a side of sweet potatoes is the perfect way to bring a little sweetness to your holiday table. (recipe and photo via Good Housekeeping)

Ingredients: 

  • 2 lb. sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch wedges
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 red chile, thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 1 tbsp. maple syrup

Directions: 

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss potatoes, oil, chile, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut vanilla bean lengthwise in half and scrape seeds into potatoes. (Save scraped vanilla bean for another use.) Toss to incorporate.
  • Transfer to a large rimmed baking sheet and roast until potatoes are tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

Balsamic Roasted Red Onions

A key ingredient in many recipes, onions are a great source of B vitamins and vitamin C which support healthy skin, hair, nerves, and muscles. (recipe and photo via Good Housekeeping)

Ingredients: 

  • 4 medium red onions, each cut into 8 wedges
  • 4 tbsp. olive oil
  • 6 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for sprinkling
  • Kosher salt and pepper
  • 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar

Directions: 

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees F. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss onions with oil, thyme and 3/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Roast 12 minutes.
  • Toss onions with vinegar and continue roasting until golden brown and tender, 10 to 15 minutes more. Transfer to a shallow bowl and sprinkle with thyme, if desired.

If you make any of these recipes or any other healthy holiday dishes, we’d love to check them out! DM us at @plezinutrition – we always love hearing from you!

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