Hosting A Holiday Dinner? Here Are The 7 RD-Approved Recipes You Need

So, let's talk healthy holiday hosting. From apps to dessert, here's every recipe you need to serve up a delicious meal that keeps spirits bright, not bloated.  

Instead of a cheese board, guacamole and chips, crudités (although we always applaud veggies), why not serve a low-carb, low-fat, but just as tasty appetizer everyone wants to get their hands on. It will even please your keto, paleo, dairy-free, and gluten-free friends.

I'm all for low-effort, high-flavor cooking when it comes to satisfying a crowd. That is why a whole roasted chicken is my go-to recipe and makes most people happy. And with this 30-minute hands-on hack, you can cook it and leave it, which means more time to gather gifts and set the table!

I am all about winter squash these days, more specifically the adorable and tiny honey nut squash found at most markets today. These cuties cook up real fast, and you can even eat the skin (let's hear it for added fiber!). I simply slice them in half, drizzle with coconut oil, and sprinkle with sea salt, cinnamon, and honey. Then bake at 350°F for about 20 to 25 minutes. Not only does this add a burst of color to your plate, but the vitamin A will support your eyes, skin, and immunity all winter long. A delicious side that makes everyone happy but leaves the starches to a minimum, which means more room for dessert!

I always serve a green, but when prepping for a party, I hate for my greens to get soggy. That's why I stick to broccoli, a hearty green veggie that most people love! I roast the florets and stems in avocado oil, sea salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until brown and crispy. Just before serving, I squeeze some fresh lime over the top and serve fresh cilantro and sliced scallions. Take it to the next level and add dukkah for a grain-free crunch everyone can get into! 

My favorite festive recommendation is to simply enjoy Champagne and to add some extra antioxidants via floating berries (I like blueberries and raspberries; garnish with mint); this comes in at under 100 calories per flute; you can't beat that.  

If Champagne isn't your thing, then I recommend going a bit spicy. My favorite, shall we say, "harder" cocktail is vodka on the rocks with a dash of hot sauce and a toothpick of gourmet olives. Yes, you read that right, and don't knock it till you've tried it. Olives provide heart-healthy fat and keep your appetite in check and your heart healthy! Not to mention the colors here are totally on point!

Keep it simple for dessert and stick to a good old favorite: chocolate. Dark chocolate bark is delicious and contains fiber, minimal sugar, and just enough sweetness to help you close out the night without revisiting the dessert table more often than planned. As an added treat, I mix my dark chocolate with some white chocolate.