Written by Vanessa Carrillo

With Christmas and New Year's just around the corner, it's understandable if you haven't figured out what to bring to dinner yet. But don't worry, we've got you covered with our perfect list of easy, delicious, and low-calorie dishes that everyone will love.

Ham & watercress salad with clementine dressing 378 calories per serving

This fresh and light salad is perfect for a crowd and an easy way to incorporate new vegetables like watercress. The clementine dressing takes it to the next level!

Pulled ham & maple mustard slaw 260 per serving 

A perfect way to use ham besides eating it plain. Use this receipe to zuzh up your main entree.

Sunday Roast Chicken 292 calories 

A classic, but a stable in many households- the Sunday roast chicken will satiasfy any crowd for any holiday. Chicken is a go-to lean protein for a quick meal.

Slow-Cooker Marinated Mushrooms 42 calories 

Mushrooms are the underdog of non-strachy vegetables. I don’t think these fungi don’t get enough credit for its wonderful taste and texture. This receipe will change your mind if you’re not a fungus fan.

Orange Pomegranate Salmon 307 calories 

This receipe is perfect because it’s unique from all the other salmon recipes. Impress your friends and family with this creative, light, and fresh salmon bake.

California Roast Lamb 152 calories 

Lamb is an underrated protien. I don’t always get a chance to eat it, but when I do- it’s a heavenly experiance. Try this wonderful recipe out!

Northwest Cherry Salsa 18 calories 

This cherry salsa is a fun break from the typical mango salsa. It creates a new experience in your mouth. Pair it with your favorite lean protein (cough cough salmon) and bon appeite!

Rich & Creamy Parmesan Mashed Potatoes 199 calories 

Mashed potatoes run through our veins and if you haven’t tried parmesan infused mashed potatoes, run to your nearest store and buy a 50 pound bag of potatoes because you’re going to making this recipe all year round.

Stuffed Asiago-Basil Mushrooms 35 calories

Here we are once again with another finger-licking fungus recipe. If the first one didn’t convince you, try this one! It’s paired with cheese and a fresh herb like basil.

Roasted Eggplant Spread 84 calories 

This roasted eggplant spread is a great alternative to the usual dips you see at holiday gatherings. Sneak in some extra veggies and impress your friends with this delicious and healthy dip.

Country French Pork with Prunes and Apples 286 calories

For all the pork lovers out there, this recipe is for you. The rich and flavorful dish includes a serving of veggies and fruit, making it a complete meal.

Black-Eyed Peas with Collard Greens 177 calories

This quick and easy side dish is a great way to include more legumes in your diet.

Charred herb and fetta salmon with radish and onion pickle 569 calories

Another salmon recipe, but we promise it's worth it! The herb and feta topping with the pickled radish and onion make for a unique and flavorful dish.

Roasted root vegetable & goat's cheese filo tart 343 calories 

Transform your boring veggie roast into an impressive and easy-to-make dish with this roasted root vegetable and goat's cheese filo tart.

Mango and chilli-pickled cucumber noodle salad 155 calories

Last but certainly not least, this light but bold dish will grab everyone’s attention when you announce what you brought to your holiday dinner. Make double because you’ll want to eat this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

About the Author

Vanessa Carrillo BS Nutritional Science 

Contributing Editor 

Vanessa is a Chicago-based community nutritionist. She has a BS in Nutritional Science from Iowa State University. 

She enjoys writing about Latino food, trendy health products, and pop culture. She writes, edits, and creates content for The Millennial Nutritionist. If she’s not working, you can find her running with her Husky along Chicago’s lakefront path. Catch more of her on The Millennial Nutritionist Podcast.