With Christmas fast approaching, if you’re anything like me, you’re craving the simple pleasures of the season. The holidays don’t have to mean over-the-top feasts or endless leftovers. Sometimes, the best moments are the simplest—good food, great company, and a meal that feels just right. Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner for two or a small gathering, this festive menu is packed with flavour, nutrition, and ease. Featuring Alberta Chicken (#partner), this menu delivers all the seasonal joy without the stress of a traditional, large-scale spread.
A Thoughtfully Simple Holiday Menu
This menu is designed to be balanced, satisfying, and easy to pull together, with a dietitian’s touch to bring nutrition insights, cooking hacks, and practical tips to your holiday table.
Starter: Winter Pomegranate & Citrus Salad
A light, bright way to start your meal, packed with antioxidants, fibre, and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or kale)
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 small orange, peeled and segmented
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp canola oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Directions:
- Whisk together olive oil, pomegranate molasses, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss greens, pomegranate seeds, orange slices, and nuts in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with feta before serving.
Dietitian Tip: Pomegranates are loaded with polyphenols that support heart health and immunity, while citrus fruits provide a boost of vitamin C during cold and flu season. If pomegranates are not available, swap for dried cranberries or diced apple!
Cooking Hack: Toasting nuts enhances their natural oils and deepens their flavour. Heat them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Main Course: Honey-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Cranberry Glaze
A festive, protein-packed dish with seasonal herbs and a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze.
Ingredients:
- 4 to 6 bone-in, skin-on Alberta chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp canola oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Cranberry Glaze:
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tbsp Alberta honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 navel orange, sliced
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix oil, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper into a paste. Rub all over the chicken.
- Roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes (or until internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C).
- Meanwhile, simmer cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, and salt over medium heat until thickened (about 10 minutes).
- Brush the glaze over the chicken, add orange slices and return to oven for last 5 minutes of roasting.
Why Chicken? Chicken is a lean, high-quality protein that supports muscle recovery and immune function—a great choice for active lifestyles. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cook quickly and stay juicy, making them a practical and flavourful alternative to roasting a whole bird.
Cooking Hack: If you’re short on time, spatchcock (butterfly) a whole chicken by removing the backbone—this helps it cook evenly and faster while keeping it juicy.
Side Dish: Blissfully Simple Buttered Potatoes
A comforting, classic side with fibre, potassium, and slow-burning carbohydrates.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb baby potatoes (red or Yukon gold)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or ½ tsp dried) (optional)
Directions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain.
- Toss with butter, salt, and pepper until coated.
- Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition Tip: Keeping the skins on baby potatoes boosts fibre content, which supports digestion and blood sugar control.
Cooking Hack: Instead of boiling, steam your potatoes to retain more nutrients and natural flavour while keeping them light and fluffy.
Dessert: Dark Chocolate Pots with Sea Salt
A rich, make-ahead dessert that satisfies a sweet tooth with healthy fats and antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao), chopped
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
- Heat evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat until just steaming (do not boil). Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate until smooth.
- Whisk egg yolk, maple syrup, and vanilla in a bowl. Slowly add warm chocolate mixture while whisking continuously.
- Strain and pour into small ramekins or cups. Chill for 1-2 hours.
- Sprinkle with sea salt and pomegranate seeds (if desired) before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Tip: Dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher) is rich in flavonoids, which can support brain function and heart health—a joyful bonus to such a widely loved ingredient.
Cooking Hack: To avoid scrambling the egg yolk when adding warm cream, temper the eggs by whisking in a small amount of warm liquid first before fully combining.
This holiday season, embrace simple, flavourful, and stress-free cooking with a menu designed for small but meaningful celebrations. Choosing local ingredients, like fresh Alberta Chicken means supporting local farmers while savouring a meal that’s both nourishing and festive. It’s about good food, great company, and making the most of the season—without the overwhelm.
Wishing you a holiday filled with warmth, good food, and joyful moments!
Joyfully,
Emily
Emily Mardell is a Registered Dietitian, busy mama of three and proud Alberta foodie. Emily is passionate about quality ingredients and creating delicious, nourishing recipes that bring families together. Follow her on social media @GetJoyfull or GetJoyfull.com for nutrition advice and tips to grow food joy and fill up on family time.
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Alberta Chicken Producers, an organization that supports family chicken farms across Alberta, and promotes the health and nutrition benefits of chicken.