Diabetes-Friendly-Christmas-Recipes
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7 Diabetes-Friendly Christmas Recipes

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7 Diabetes-Friendly Christmas Recipes

Christmas is the perfect time to share around the table with your family and friends – but what if your loved ones have some dietary restrictions? Leaving them out is out of the question, so we’ve gathered some diabetes-friendly recipes to help you celebrate the holidays while making everyone feel included.

1. Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Grilled lemon herb chicken is a simple recipe you can serve along with other foods, such as salads or mashed potatoes if consumed moderately by those with Type 2 Diabetes. This recipe is low on calories and carbohydrates, making it an overall enjoyable and diabetes-friendly recipe due to the slightly charred flavor of grilled chicken and the addition of flavorful herbs.

Ingredients:

  • Trimmed chicken breasts
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Fresh herbs (such as rosemary and thyme)
  • Dried basil
  • Dried parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Place trimmed chicken breasts in a plastic bag and marinate for two or more hours with oil, garlic, lemon peel, thyme, rosemary, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Once marinated, drain the chicken, disposing of the marinade. Place it on a rack of uncovered grill over medium coals.
  3. Once grilled, serve with roasted vegetables and other diabetes-friendly complementary foods.

2. Cauliflower Mash with Garlic and Chives

This recipe is a lower-calorie alternative to mashed potatoes. The cauliflower mixed with chives and garlic results in a burst of flavor that comes close to the consistency of mashed potatoes. Also, cauliflower mash comes together faster than mashed potatoes.

Ingredients:

  • Cauliflower
  • Garlic (minced)          
  • Chives (chopped)
  • Greek yogurt
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Place the cauliflower in a steamer and fill it with water; wait 10-15 minutes or until tender.
  2. Once tender, drain the water, allow the cauliflower to cool down, and thoroughly dry it before proceeding.
  3. Run through a food processor and mix the cauliflower in minced garlic, chopped chives, Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. You can also mash it manually the old-fashioned way. Continue until the texture is smooth and fluffy.

3. Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce

Baked salmon with dill sauce is a heart-healthy recipe rich in fatty acids with a bold flavor that’s easy to cook in the oven. Fresh dill and lemon sauce help bring out a characteristic flavor and resemble a heavy cream in look, taste, and consistency. Its powerful taste goes well with fresh vegetables and other plain foods.

Ingredients:

  • Salmon fillets
  • Dill (chopped)
  • Greek yogurt
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Bake salmon for 20 minutes.
  2. While it cooks, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped dill, lemon juice, and garlic powder into a sauce.
  3. Serve the salmon and top with sauce.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Nothing is easier and tastier than some roasted Brussels sprouts. This little vegetable takes on a sweet flavor when roasted, aided by the olive oil, and a dash of balsamic glaze only enhances the flavor further. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste, and you’re done with this perfect side dish.

Ingredients:

  • Brussels sprouts
  • Olive oil
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roast until crispy, about 15-30 minutes.
  3. Serve while hot and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

5. Zucchini Noodles with Diabetes-Friendly Pesto

Zucchini makes for an elegant yet simple substitute for pasta in this quick and easy recipe. The zucchini looks beautiful when spiralized into these healthy noodles, even more so after being garnished with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

Ingredients

  • Zucchini (spiralized)
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Pesto sauce (look for a lower-carb version)

Instructions:

  1. Sauté zucchini noodles and cherry tomatoes in a pan for about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Toss with a diabetes-friendly pesto sauce.

6. Turkey and Vegetable Skewers

You can mix and match this low-carb recipe with whatever you like. If red onions aren’t for you, switch them out with any other vegetable you prefer. You can serve it as a side dish or nibble away as you prepare the night’s main course.

Ingredients:

  • Turkey breast (cut into cubes)
  • Bell peppers (assorted colors)
  • Red onion
  • Cherry tomatoes

Instructions:

  1. Thread turkey and vegetables onto skewers.
  2. Grill until turkey is cooked and vegetables are tender.

7. Sugar-Free Berry Trifle

This gorgeous and sugar-free dessert comes together in a snap. If you have a party coming up and want to offer an eye-catching treat that’s still inclusive of your diabetic guests (or yourself), you can leave it ready in the fridge overnight and decorate it before the party.

Ingredients:

  • Sugar-free sponge cake or almond flour cake
  • Mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • Sugar-free vanilla pudding

Instructions:

  1. Layer slices of cake with berries and sugar-free vanilla pudding.
  2. Top with sugar-free whipped cream.
  3. Chill and enjoy!

– Written by Geraldine Orentas in partnership with leading stethoscope distributor Stethoscope.com