If you’re trying to come up with ideas for your Christmas lunch but don’t have a lot of time on your hands, this post is for you. I have put together some easy Xmas lunch ideas.
As you’re well aware, the Christmas holiday season is always a busy time of year. Parties and gatherings seem to be on the daily calendar, and you can find yourself running around a lot and trying to finish up all your holiday shopping as early as possible (I won’t tell if you don’t). This year, I have you covered and have found 10 easy Christmas lunch ideas that will save you time and help ensure that you still have time to celebrate the holidays
Easy Xmas Lunch Ideas
1. Vegan Scalloped Potatoes
These scalloped potatoes are surprisingly rich and creamy even though they’re made with no dairy (milk, butter or cheese)–vegan comfort food at its best. We use almond milk, herbs and spices to make a flavorful sauce and finish the dish with a crunchy almond topping. This makes a satisfying side dish if you’re cooking for dairy-free or vegan diets.
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Recipe Summary
Nutrition Profile:
- Dairy-Free
- Egg Free
- Healthy Immunity
- High Fiber
- Low-Calorie
- Soy-Free
- Vegan
- Vegetarian
Ingredients
Directions
Tips
To make ahead: Roast potatoes (Step 2) up to 30 minutes ahead. Prepare sauce (Step 3), cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day; gently reheat until steaming before combining with the potatoes.
Nutrition Facts
1/2 cup
2 starch, 1 fat
2. Cheese-&-Spinach-Stuffed Portobellos
Here we take the elements of a vegetarian lasagna filling–ricotta, spinach and Parmesan cheese–and nestle them into roasted portobello mushroom caps. The recipe works best with very large portobello caps; if you can only find smaller ones, buy one or two extra and divide the filling among all the caps. Serve with a tossed salad and a whole-wheat dinner roll or spaghetti tossed with marinara sauce.
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Nutrition Profile:
- Low-Calorie
- Low Carbohydrate
- Gluten-Free
- Vegetarian
- High Calcium
- Bone Health
- Healthy Aging
- Healthy Pregnancy
- Low Added Sugars
Ingredients
Procedures
Tips
Easy cleanup: Recipes that require cooking spray can leave behind a sticky residue that can be hard to clean. To save time and keep your baking sheet looking fresh, line it with a layer of foil before you apply the cooking spray.
Nutrition Facts
2 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 fat
4. Massaged Kale Salad
Here a pungent garlicky dressing is infused into kale by massaging the greens and the dressing together with your hands. Any type of kale will work in this kale salad recipe, just remember to remove the tough stems before you start.
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Nutrition Profile:
- Low-Calorie
- Low Carbohydrate
- High Fiber
- Gluten-Free
- Healthy Immunity
- Low Added Sugars
Ingredients
Steps
Tips
People with celiac disease or gluten-sensitivity should use soy sauces that are labeled “gluten-free,” as soy sauce may contain wheat or other gluten-containing sweeteners and flavors.
Nutrition Facts
about 2 cups
1/2 vegetables, 1/2 lean meat, 2 1/2 fat
5. Coffee-Braised Pot Roast With Caramelized Onions
This recipe is reminiscent of a pot roast made with onion-soup mix, but the flavors are true and pure–and nobody misses the excess sodium. (For a slow-cooker variation, see below.)
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Nutrition Profile:
- Low-Calorie
- Low Carbohydrate
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- Low Sodium
- Healthy Aging
- Healthy Immunity
- Low Added Sugars
What You Need
Steps
Tips
Make Ahead Tip: The pot roast will keep, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat meat slices and sauce, covered, in the oven, microwave or on the stovetop.
Ingredient Note: Although it is not the leanest cut of beef, chuck is still our choice for pot roast because it doesn’t dry out during braising. You will find pockets of fat as you carve it, but they are easy to remove.
For easy cleanup, try a slow-cooker liner. These heat-resistant, disposable liners fit neatly inside the insert and help prevent food from sticking to the bottom and sides of your slow cooker.
Nutrition Facts
about 3 ounces meat & 1/3 cup gravy
1/2 vegetable, 4 lean meat
6. Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork with Roasted Apples & Fennel
Inspired by the Italian roast called porchetta, this herb-slathered pork roast is wrapped in prosciutto. Completely company-worthy, this healthy dinner can be rounded out with garlicky broccolini, smashed potatoes and a dry hard cider.
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Nutrition Profile:
- Dairy-Free
- Gluten-Free
- High-Protein
- Low Added Sugars
- Low-Calorie
Ingredients
Directions
Tips
Make Ahead Tip: Brine the pork (Steps 1 & 2) for up to 4 hours.
Cut Down on Dishes: A rimmed baking sheet is great for everything from roasting to catching accidental drips and spills. For effortless cleanup and to keep your baking sheets in tip-top shape, line them with a layer of foil before each use.
Nutrition Facts
3 oz. pork & 1/2 cup apple mixture
1 fruit, 3 1/2 lean meat, 1 1/2 fat