Although the holiday season is frequently laden with sweet and rich indulgences, it doesn’t mean we can’t find snacks and sides that are light, healthy, or uncomplicated.
I found three interesting recipes on other blogs that I thought were perfect for entertaining during the holidays.
I had a dinner party last night with 15 guests. I tried two different recipes that I found on Pattie’s blog (that I follow) called Olla-Podrida.
Cannellini Bean Dip with Black Olive (vegan) calls for just a handful of healthy ingredients. The dip is savory and creamy with the delicious taste of olives. It’s perfect for scooping with crisp veggies or your favorite chips or crackers (all gluten-free of course). Follow the link to find her recipe.
Next, an interesting Artichoke Salad with Hearts of Palm features hearts of palm, marinated artichokes, a variety of olives, and cherry tomatoes- a delightful mix of textures and delicious flavors. Light, refreshing, and festive, it’s perfect for balancing out all those rich holiday meals. Follow the link to see her recipe. I did make some personal taste changes. See my notes at the bottom of the post for my changes.
The third recipe I found on another blog that I follow, Jeff the Chef’s blog – Make it Like a Man. I have not made this incredible recipe yet, so I don’t have a photo- but click over to his blog to see this beautiful Caprese holiday wreath made of nothing but vegetables and cheese (vegans can substitute vegan feta cheese). It definitely is cheerful, festive, and makes a great presentation during the holidays. I think its a show stopper!!
Whether you’re wanting a festive appetizer or a light, colorful salad, these simple dishes are the perfect balance of healthful ingredients and holiday cheer.
My Notes:
I made a few changes.
First, I used marinated artichoke quarters in a jar. I used some of the marinade from the jar instead of the dressing recipe as suggested.
