by cooking expert Kylie Archer
When it comes to planning for a Christmas dinner, there are lots of things to consider. One of the key things is accommodating all the different dietary requirements of family members whilst also taking care of your own and your family’s health.
This three-course celebration meal is based around the planetary health diet–and there is something for everyone in it! Living in the southern hemisphere, one of the best ways to prepare an awesome Christmas meal is to use what is in season, and that’s exactly what I’ve done here when choosing the recipes for this meal. So, enjoy!
Have you heard of the planetary diet? It’s all about eating in a way that is healthy for you and the planet, so relying on seasonal fruit and vegetables for the most part.
With at least half a plate of fruit and veggies, you then make up the balance with:
- animal based proteins (small amounts)
- plant protein (beans, lentils, pulses, legumes and nuts)
- small amounts of dairy (think of it as a condiment)
- unsaturated plant oils (nut oils, olive oil, seed – like canola and sesame)
- some added sugars
- minimal starchy vegetables.
Take your time enjoying the day, with friends and family and make a menu that caters for everyone. This whole menu is dairy free and gluten free. That makes it perfect for when catering for multiple allergies or intolerances.
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1. Bruschetta quinoa
One way to make the table to look more festive is to embrace the colours of the season! In the case of this recipe, bright red tomatoes and green basil help this dish to feel more festive and fun.
Ingredients (serves 6-8)
3 cups uncooked quinoa (cook as per the packet instructions)
6 roma tomatoes, finely diced
30 leaves fresh basil, torn
3 teaspoons salt flakes
2 teaspoons ground pepper
3 tbsps. olive oil
3 tbsps. balsamic vinegar
4 cloves garlic, crushed
Method
Whilst the quinoa is cooking, add the tomatoes, and all other ingredients to a large bowl and allow to marinate.
When the quinoa is cooked, remove from the heat and allow to cool completely.
Stir through the tomato mix and serve immediately.
2. Roasted salmon side with greens
When it comes to festive food, a side of sustainably sourced salmon is a brilliant idea. Because it is a filling fish, high in omega 3, it works so well with a delicious mix of greens.
Ingredients (serves 6-8)
One salmon side (1.2-1.5kgs)
3 lemons
2 cups of shelled macadamia nuts
Fresh dill
16 stalks broccolini
600 grams green beans, topped and tailed
16 stalks asparagus
4 zucchinis, chopped into batons
1/2 cup macadamia oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius
Zest 1 of the lemons and juice it.
Combine the lemon juice and lemon zest with the macadamia oil and whisk.
Add all of the green veggies to a large roasting pan in a single layer.
Pour over half of the oil/lemon mix and mix through all the veggies.
Slice the remaining lemons into thin slices and place on top of the veggies.
Add the fresh dill on top of the lemons.
Place the salmon side on top of the veggies and drizzle over the remaining oil and lemon juice.
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes, or until salmon flakes.
In a sauce pan over medium heat dry roast the macadamia nuts until golden.
Crush lightly with a rolling pin and sprinkle over the salmon and veggies at the table.
3. Mango & strawberry nice cream
Nice cream is a great dessert for festive occasions, it does take a little preparation, but all of that gets done in advance and it is then super easy to serve up a delicious refined sugar free dessert!
Ingredients (serves 6-8)
3-4 fresh mangoes, peeled and chopped into chunks (or about 2.5 cups frozen mango chunks)
2 medium bananas, peeled and chopped into 1.5 cm rounds
125 grams strawberries, topped and chopped in half
1 cup coconut cream (refrigerated)
Method
Place the mangoes, bananas and strawberries onto a baking paper lined tray and freeze for a minimum of 4 hours.
Add the frozen fruit with the coconut cream to a blender or food processor and process until smooth.
Serve immediately.
Kylie is a mum to two kids and a recipe developer. You can find her creating delicious recipes on her wonderful kids and family foods blog Kidgredients. She loves to feed her family healthy and yummy food and lives in Sydney.
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