Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Holiday & Occasion Recipes
  4. Healthy Christmas Holiday Recipes
  5. Special Diet Christmas Recipes
  6. Low-Calorie Christmas Recipes
  7. Low-Calorie Holiday Dinner Recipes That Won't Pack Pounds

Low-Calorie Holiday Dinner Recipes That Won't Pack Pounds

August 27, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
3757831.jpg
For a delicious, healthy dinner this holiday season, make a lighter entree to serve your friends and family. Our low-calorie holiday dinners are healthy main-course recipes that will please all the guests at your dinner table. Try Braised Lamb Shanks & Eggplant for a flavor-packed, slow-cooked meal or Roast Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze for a festive, low-calorie chicken dish. Enjoy your holiday meal with our low-calorie dinner recipes.
Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Braised Lamb Shanks & Eggplant

3757831.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This slow-cooked lamb and eggplant stew melts in your mouth. Sumac, a lemony-flavored spice, gives the dish a fruity, tangy aroma. Look for it in Mediterranean markets or spice shops. Serve the stew over mashed root vegetables, bulgur or brown rice.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Roast Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze

3757562.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This sweet-tart pomegranate molasses glaze is delicious combined with the citrusy sumac spice rub, and gives the roasted chicken a dark, ruby luster. Rub the chicken earlier in the day, or overnight, for the best flavor.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Turkey Tenderloin with Cranberry-Shallot Sauce

3757260.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Turkey and cranberry sauce is delicious any time of year. To help keep this recipe fast, sear the tenderloins and get them in the oven first, then prep the shallots, thyme and cranberries and make your sauce. If you like sweeter cranberry sauce, you may want to add another tablespoon of brown sugar. Serve with: Mashed sweet potatoes, sautéed Brussels sprouts and a glass of Riesling.

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Apricot-Espresso Glazed Roast Pork Loin

3757685.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A little espresso gives a robust edge to the sweet-tart apricot glaze for this roasted pork loin. There is a 20-minute cooking range for the pork because its thickness can vary--check your roast at the earlier range of timing to make sure you don't overcook it. Recipe by Joyce Hendley for EatingWell.

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Rustic Mushroom Tart

3756517.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Don't let phyllo dough's fussy reputation put you off: our method of brushing olive oil and sprinkling breadcrumbs between the layers makes this tart actually quite simple to assemble, and helps keep it healthy. It can be served as a main course or cut into smaller pieces and enjoyed as an appetizer.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Garlic-Stuffed Standing Rib Roast

3757864.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A beef rib roast screams celebration. The meat is expensive, but rewards minimal effort with amazing, juicy flavor. All you need to do is poke pieces of sliced garlic into the meat, season it with salt and pepper and roast it. Serve with mashed potatoes and greens. Or make it brilliant with savory herb, Parmesan and horseradish breadcrumbs (see variation). Use leftovers in sandwiches or roast beef hash.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Seven-Hour Leg of Lamb

3757866.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A seven-hour leg of lamb is a traditional technique for slow-cooking lamb until it is fall-off-the-bone tender and luscious. This one is seasoned with plenty of garlic, lemon and fresh herbs and the resulting rich jus is served alongside the meat. For a brilliant accompaniment, serve with creamy stewed white beans.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Salmon with Red Wine-Morel Sauce

3757565.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Dried mushrooms give this rich red-wine sauce an almost meaty flavor. Look for them in the produce department of well-stocked supermarkets or specialty grocers. If you're not a fan of salmon, try the recipe with halibut instead. Serve with barley tossed with parsley and steamed broccolini. To double: Prepare a double batch of sauce in the large skillet, increasing reduction time as needed. Cook 2 1/2 pounds of salmon in two batches, adding oil as necessary.

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Michel Nischan's Roast Turkey with Potato Pan Gravy

3757861.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Plan ahead to make this succulent turkey recipe--brining the turkey for 12 to 18 hours before roasting makes the meat super-juicy and flavorful. The gravy, made silky-smooth in a blender (no lumps!), is thickened with potatoes instead of cornstarch or flour.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Tenderloin

5420971.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This super-simple recipe covers beef tenderloin in a blend of cracked black, white and green peppercorns. Though it takes moments to prepare, since it's beef tenderloin it's perfect for a special occasion. Look for peppercorns in the bulk spice section so you can buy just what you need. The recipe will also work with black ones only.

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Roasted Fish in a Salt Crust

3757860.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Roasting a whole large fish in a salt crust might seem scary, but it's actually quite simple. It's just a matter of placing the fish on top of a bed of salt and patting a layer of salt over the fish--the salt seals in the juices, but amazingly doesn't overwhelm the fish with a salty taste. Present the whole salt-crusted fish at the table if you'd like, then take it to the kitchen to deconstruct it.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Potato-Cheese Pierogi with Sauerkraut

3757856.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Potatoes mashed with sautéed onions and sauerkraut makes a flavorful filling in these yummy pierogi. We used whole-wheat pastry flour for added fiber and substituted extra-virgin olive oil for margarine or butter. Pierogi freeze beautifully, so make a large batch if you like.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Lemon & Oregano Lamb Chops

3757255.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Juicy lamb chops take a trip to the Middle East with a quick herb-and-lemon rub and a tangy cucumber-tahini sauce. Serve with couscous or rice pilaf and a green salad.

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Five-Spice Roasted Duck Breasts

3756026.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Make these roasted duck breasts, seasoned with five-spice powder and redolent with aromatic oranges, the centerpiece of a chic dinner. You may be surprised to know that without the skin, duck is a great healthy choice, with no saturated fat in a 3-ounce serving. Starting duck breasts in a cool skillet, then heating, renders off most of the fat with less mess.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Potato, Red Onion & Fontina Tart

4138413.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Try this roasted-vegetable free-form tart as an appetizer or side dish for a special dinner or as a vegetarian main dish. The pastry dough is very forgiving and quite easy to roll out on parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. The walnut-studded crust is crisper served warm, but you can enjoy the tart at room temperature or cold too.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pork Tenderloin "Rosa di Parma"

Pork Tenderloin "Rosa di Parma"
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This is a traditional roast from the Italian province of Parma, often served for special family celebrations. (“Rosa di Parma” means it's stuffed with Parmigiano-Reggiano and prosciutto.) Typically made with beef, it is equally delicious and more economical made with pork tenderloin and ideal for entertaining parties of 8 to 10. Seek out true Italian Prosciutto di Parma and Parmigiano-Reggiano for this dish--even though they are more costly, the superior flavor is worth the expense.

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Chard & White Beans

3757244.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Acorn squash's natural shape makes it just right for stuffing. This filling has Mediterranean flair: olives, tomato paste, white beans and Parmesan cheese. Serve with: Mixed green salad with radicchio and red onion and crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Horseradish-Crusted Beef Tenderloin

3756361.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Luxurious beef tenderloin shines when treated to a simple horseradish-mustard rub and roasted for a nicely seared and flavorful crust. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the roasting time for well done.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pear Risotto with Prosciutto & Fried Sage Leaves

3756313.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet ripe pear matched with the delicate saltiness of prosciutto defines this creamy risotto that goes well with any roast meat or poultry. Pungent, crispy fried sage leaves give a special finishing touch to this dish.

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19 Braised Lamb Shanks & Eggplant
    2 of 19 Roast Chicken with Pomegranate Glaze
    3 of 19 Turkey Tenderloin with Cranberry-Shallot Sauce
    4 of 19 Apricot-Espresso Glazed Roast Pork Loin
    5 of 19 Rustic Mushroom Tart
    6 of 19 Garlic-Stuffed Standing Rib Roast
    7 of 19 Seven-Hour Leg of Lamb
    8 of 19 Salmon with Red Wine-Morel Sauce
    9 of 19 Michel Nischan's Roast Turkey with Potato Pan Gravy
    10 of 19 Peppercorn-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
    11 of 19 Whole Roasted Fish in a Salt Crust
    12 of 19 Potato-Cheese Pierogi with Sauerkraut
    13 of 19 Lemon & Oregano Lamb Chops
    14 of 19 Five-Spice Roasted Duck Breasts
    15 of 19 Sweet Potato, Red Onion & Fontina Tart
    16 of 19 Pork Tenderloin "Rosa di Parma"
    17 of 19 Acorn Squash Stuffed with Chard & White Beans
    18 of 19 Horseradish-Crusted Beef Tenderloin
    19 of 19 Pear Risotto with Prosciutto & Fried Sage Leaves

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Low-Calorie Holiday Dinner Recipes That Won't Pack Pounds
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.