It’s the festive season, which means plenty of celebratory meals ahead. It also means living in fear of emerging out the other side with a physique resembling Santa Claus. But there is a way to enjoy the season to be jolly without resorting to a New Year’s resolution to never eat again. Try these meals that say ‘special celebration’ without saying, ‘I can no longer zip up my pants’.
Seafood sensations
Gotta love seafood. It always tastes like a celebration, yet it’s so light and packed full of goodness.
1. Asian salmon salad
A delicious hunk of salmon nestled on a zesty bed of vermicelli noodles and bok choy. Don’t mind if we do!
- See here for the Asian salmon salad recipe.
2. Avocado and prawn salad
Nothing says ‘party’ like a prawn or two! Teamed with some creamy avocado and a hit of citrus, you’ll feel decadent and indulgent – but your hips won’t. Amen to that.
- See here for the Avocado and prawn salad recipe.
3. Baked salmon with orange and ginger
Not sure what the best thing about this dish is – how healthy it is, how good it tastes or how easy it is to make. Needless to say, it’s a winner all round.
- See here for the Baked salmon with orange and ginger recipe.
4. Prawn, watermelon and feta salad
Whether it’s as an entree, a side or a deliciously light and fresh main meal, you’ll wonder why you never tried this fantastic flavour combination before.
- See here for the Prawn, watermelon and feta salad recipe.
Not-so-paltry poultry offering
We all know chicken is good for us, and these recipes also show that it is anything but boring.
5. Lemon and garlic roast chicken
You’ll be so busy relishing this delicious roast meal that you’ll totally forget about how healthy it is for you. Just as well your body is paying attention.
- See here for the Lemon and garlic roast chicken recipe.
6. Macadamia-crusted chicken
Whoever invented the macadamia crust, we salute you. Well, we would, but we’re using both our hands to eat our divine (and let’s not forget, healthy!) macadamia-crusted chicken.
- See here for the Macadamia-crusted chicken recipe.
7. Stuffed roast quail
Don’t bypass this recipe thinking it’s too tricky or fiddly, it’s ultra-easy to make and the result is uber-special.
- See here for the Stuffed roast quail recipe.
8. Chicken and mango salad
For a summertime celebratory lunch meal, you can’t get much more perfect than this light yet luscious salad. And dare we say a glass of crisp white wine to wash it down with …
- See here for the Chicken and mango salad recipe.
Meat up for a special meal
These tasty lamb and beef dishes have the protein power to fill you up and keep you satisfied, with none of the stodge.
9. Garlic and rosemary BBQ lamb
A barbie is a great way to cook for a special occasion, and also (if you do it right) a healthy option. This, my friends, is doing it right.
- See here for the Garlic and rosemary BBQ lamb recipe.
10. BBQ ribs
BBQ ribs, healthy? Would we steer you wrong? Get that paper bib on, quick sticks!
- See here for the BBQ ribs recipe.
11. Thai beef salad with nam jim
Delicate strips of beef and a spicy zesty topping means this is one salad that won’t leave you secretly wanting a burger afterwards.
- See here for the Thai beef salad with nam jim recipe.
12. Pan-fried lamb salad with tzatziki
What turns a lamb salad from a healthy meal into a celebration worth remembering? A dollop of tzatziki, that’s what. Try it. You’ll see.
- See here for the Pan-fried lamb with tzatziki recipe.
Vegetarian meals to remember
These meat-free options are worthy of the grandest occasion.
13. Roasted vegetable stack with tomato relish
A feast for the eyes – and the tastebuds – and worthy of any feast!
- See here for the Roasted vegetable stack with tomato relish recipe.
14. Vegetarian eggplant rolls with tomato basil sauce
One of those deliciously decadent dinners that you’d never think was also kind to your waistline. Better yet, it’s cheap as chips to make for those of us celebrating on a budget.
- See here for the Vegetarian eggplant rolls with tomato basil sauce recipe.
Yum I much prefer these types of recipes anyway. We have lived on different kinds of salads with a bit of meat thrown in for good measure. I’d much rather not eat the normal stodgy Christmas food 😋
Having alternative options is always great and these recipes look great.
I tried the Macadamia-crusted chicken last night and it was amazing. I do love Macadamia nuts though but they are not cheap so would probably try again with some other nut. Maybe a pine nut and try some pesto crusted chicken or similar
Baked Salmon with Ginger and Orange seems like a good idea. I love salmon but haven’t tried this combination before. I also used to think that vegetarian dishes are boring but these 2 recipes are mouthwatering too.
Yumm avacardo and prawn salad now that sounds delicious. Some great recipes for meals this summer right here. Definitely will be coming back here and printing these out for meals before summer ends. Nice healthy eating also so why not.
Those bbq ribs are following me around the site. I need them in my life. Prawn and watermelon salad sounds delicious as does chicken and mango. So many great flavour combos. Yum!!
The Thai Beef salad looks delicious – I would like to try this for a summer dinner.
Thanks for the fresh recipes… we love seafood and especially prawns..we do indulge at Christmas but always great to prepare differently…