Being in treatment doesn’t mean you have to forgo all of your favorite foods during the holiday season. Boost your holiday spirit with these healthy, hearty recipes. 

One of the things people look forward to the most during the holidays is indulging in decadent food. Just because you’re undergoing cancer treatment doesn’t mean this holiday season has to be any different.

Eating healthy, getting essential nutrients and following your doctor’s meal plan is a must, even during the holidays. But don’t “bah humbug” the situation just yet. All it takes is a little kitchen creativity to make your favorite winter dishes more treatment friendly.

Below is a selection of healthy and tasty dishes to fill you with warmth and goodness this holiday season. 

Appetizers

• Apple Spice Bread

• Pumpkin Ginger Mini Muffins

• Spicy Pear Chutney

• Tomato and Red Pepper Dip

Soups and Salads

• Beef and Vegetable Barley Soup

• Beet, Carrot and Apple Salad

• Chicken Noodle Soup

• Holiday Quinoa Salad 

• Minestrone Salad

• Orzo Salad with Spinach, Tomatoes and Feta

• Potato Soup 

• Spicy Cream of Broccoli Soup

Vegetables and Sides

• Acorn Squash Stuffed with Apricots and Cornbread

• Balsamic Glazed Carrots

• Brussels Sprouts with Pecan and Dried Cranberries

• Sweet Potatoes with Rosemary

• Whole Grain Stuffing with Cranberries and Walnuts

Entrees

• Chickpea and Butternut Squash Fritters with Field Greens

• Curried Chicken and Rice

• Herbed Chicken Cutlets

• Honey Teriyaki Salmon

• Mini Chicken Pot Pies

• Roasted Vegetable Lasagna

• Winter Pumpkin Pasta Bake

Desserts

• Apple-Cranberry Crisp

• Hazelnut Meringue Kisses

• Holiday Gingerbread

• New England Holiday Pudding

• Sliced Oranges with Almonds and Ginger