Healthy Holiday Recipes
Holiday Cranberry-Orange Quinoa Salad
This bright and flavorful quinoa salad is the perfect holiday side dish, combining seasonal flavors and wholesome ingredients. Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and plant-based protein, this dish promotes oral and overall health—a festive and nutritious addition to your holiday table!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Quinoa
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fully cooked and fluffy. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
4. Serve
Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. This makes a perfect side dish for any holiday meal or can be enjoyed as a light lunch.
Oral Health Benefits:
- Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, helping to strengthen teeth and gums.
- Cranberries are rich in antioxidants that help prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the teeth.
- Parsley acts as a natural breath freshener and has antibacterial properties that support oral health.
- Orange provides vitamin C, which is essential for gum health and collagen production.
This quinoa salad is not only delicious and festive but also promotes a healthy smile, making it the perfect recipe for the holiday season!
Gingerbread Energy Bites
These no-bake gingerbread energy bites are packed with wholesome ingredients that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also promote oral and overall health. They're rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats—perfect for a holiday treat without the sugar crash!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or nut butter of choice)
- 2 tbsp molasses (unsulfured, for that classic gingerbread flavor)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp water (if needed)
Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond flour, rolled oats, ground flaxseed, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Add Wet Ingredients
Add the almond butter, molasses, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until well-combined. If the mixture is too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help bind the ingredients.
3. Form the Bites
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and roll it between your hands to form bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the energy bites for about 20-30 minutes to firm them up. Once chilled, they’re ready to enjoy!
Oral Health Benefits:
- Almond Flour provides calcium, which is essential for strong teeth and bones.
- Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, promoting gum health and reducing inflammation.
- Molasses is a natural sweetener that contains less sugar than refined options and offers trace minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are good for oral health.
- Ginger and cinnamon have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and support gum health.
These gingerbread energy bites are a perfect guilt-free holiday dessert option that aligns with your holistic approach to dental care and overall wellness!
Cranberry-Pistachio Dark Chocolate Bark
This cranberry-pistachio dark chocolate bark is a delightful combination of rich dark chocolate, crunchy pistachios, and tart cranberries. It’s an easy holiday treat packed with antioxidants and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
1 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
1/4 cup pistachios, shelled and chopped
1/2 tsp sea salt (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in 20-30 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.Spread the Chocolate
Pour the melted chocolate onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spreading it into an even layer about 1/4-inch thick.Add Toppings
Sprinkle the dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, and sea salt (if using) evenly over the melted chocolate.Chill
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set. Break into pieces and enjoy!
Oral Health Benefits:
Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) contains theobromine, which may help harden tooth enamel and reduce the risk of cavities.
Pistachios provide healthy fats and minerals, like phosphorus, that support bone and tooth health.
Cranberries have natural compounds that help prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth, which supports cavity prevention.
This festive bark is as beautiful as it is healthy and makes a great holiday gift!
Apple-Cinnamon Chia Pudding Parfait
This apple-cinnamon chia pudding parfait brings together the flavors of apple pie in a wholesome, low-sugar treat. It’s full of fiber, antioxidants, and plant-based protein, making it a great dessert or breakfast option.
Ingredients:
For the Chia Pudding
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
3 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Topping
1 apple, diced
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp water
1 tbsp walnuts, chopped
Instructions:
Prepare the Chia Pudding
In a bowl, combine the almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until the chia seeds have absorbed the liquid and the mixture is pudding-like.Prepare the Apple Topping
In a small skillet, combine the diced apple, cinnamon, and water. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are soft. Remove from heat and let cool.Assemble the Parfait
Spoon the chia pudding into a glass or bowl, top with the warm apple mixture, and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top. Serve immediately.
Oral Health Benefits:
Chia Seeds are rich in calcium and phosphorus, essential for strong teeth and bones.
Apples act as natural toothbrushes by stimulating saliva production and gently cleaning teeth as you eat them.
Cinnamon has antibacterial properties that help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Walnuts provide omega-3 fatty acids and minerals like magnesium, which support gum health.
This chia pudding parfait offers a nourishing twist on classic holiday flavors—perfect for a healthy, guilt-free dessert!
These recipes are great ways to celebrate the holidays while focusing on dental-friendly ingredients and overall wellness.
About Janssen Dental Clinic in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Janssen Dental Clinic features the dental expertise of Dr. Craig Janssen, a third-generation dentist serving patients in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the surrounding area. Dr. Craig and his staff specialize in oral health as a component of overall well-being, a philosophy of care known as biological dentistry. They have expertise in reducing the fear and anxiety that people of all ages feel over going to the dentist, with services ranging from routine cleanings to restorative and cosmetic procedures. Call (920) 983-8383 to schedule an appointment. New patients are always welcome.