Keep your holidays healthful with these diabetic-friendly Christmas recipes. We have festive ideas for main dishes, sides, appetizers and more.
40+ Diabetic-Friendly Christmas Recipes
Updated on Dec. 08, 2023
German Red Cabbage
Sunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
1/36
2/36
Horseradish-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wow your friends and family with this tender beef encased in a golden horseradish crust. Roasted garlic boosts the robust flavor even more. —Laura Bagozzi, Dublin, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 268 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat.
3/36
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
4/36
Rosemary Walnuts
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago. Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 166 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat.
5/36
Honey Garlic Green Beans
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Green beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family's favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 72 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
6/36
Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 191 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit.
7/36
Orange Pomegranate Salmon
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked salmon: 307 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit.
8/36
Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
Artichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you'll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. —Jill Haapaniemi, Brooklyn, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 artichoke with 2 tablespoons dip: 81 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
9/36
Citrus Scallops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I like to eat seafood at least once a week. Oranges and lemon juice give scallops a refreshing burst of flavor. —Cheri Hawthorne, North Canton, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving (calculated without rice or pasta): 240 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 fruit.
10/36
Carrot and Kale Vegetable Saute
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to fresh veggie dishes like this one, I almost forget I'm wheat- and gluten-free. Bacon adds another layer of flavor and depth to this gorgeous side dish. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 101 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
11/36
Cod with Sweet Peppers
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick and delicious recipe is a long-time family favorite. I like to use three or four different-colored peppers for an extra-pretty presentation. Then serve with couscous or brown rice to round out the meal. —Judy Grebetz, Racine, Wisconsin.
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/3 cup pepper mixture: 168 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
12/36
Blood Orange Avocado Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 241 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
13/36
Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Celery
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Stuffed with a succulent combination of wild rice, mushrooms and dried cranberries, these golden hens are sure to become a special-occasion entree in your home. They're a wonderful change of pace from traditional turkey. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 Cornish hen (calculated with skin removed before serving): 336 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
14/36
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time my friends tasted my new side dish, they said it was phenomenal. The longer you let it chill in the fridge, the more tender the sprouts will be. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 156 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
15/36
Roasted Fall Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love serving this tender veggie side dish as part of a comforting dinner on a chilly night. The cayenne pepper lends zippy flavor that's not overpowering. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 110 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
16/36
Pomegranate Splash Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can't get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight. —Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup with about 4-1/2 teaspoons vinaigrette: 164 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 140mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch.
17/36
Hazelnut Almond Biscotti
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Pour a cup of coffee and indulge! Crisp, crunchy biscotti cookies are perfect for dunking. Hazelnuts and almonds make my favorite version even better. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 biscotti: 89 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 57mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/36
Beef Tenderloin Roast
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love the simplicity of this easy beef tenderloin recipe. Olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper—just add the tenderloin and pop it in the oven. In an hour or so you’ve got an impressive main dish to feed a crowd. This leaves you with more time to visit with family and less time fussing in the kitchen. —Mary Kandell, Huron, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked beef: 294 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 82mg cholesterol, 394mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
19/36
Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes with Pancetta
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Classic American mashed potatoes take a trip to Italy with the flavors of olive oil, garlic, and pancetta. —Bryan Kennedy, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 206 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 313mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
20/36
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I like Brussels sprouts, so I'm always looking for new ways to use them. I most often serve this colorful salad with roast pork or duck. —Nancy Korondan, Yorkville, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 171 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 192mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 vegetable.
21/36
Honey-Butter Peas and Carrots
Total Time
5 hours 35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This classic combination of peas and carrots is enriched with a handful of flavor enhancers. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld for maximum richness. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 106 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
22/36
Green Beans in Red Pepper Sauce
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For easy veggies, I make a simple sauce of sweet red peppers, almonds and parsley. We also like this sauce with zucchini or roasted cauliflower. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 95 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 276mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
23/36
Brussels Sprouts & Kale Saute
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In an effort to add more greens to our meals, I created this dish—and my kids eat it up. The crispy salami is the "hook." —Jennifer Mcnabb, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 126 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 341mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
24/36
Spinach Salad with Raspberries & Candied Walnuts
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created a bright spinach salad with raspberries for a big family dinner. Even those who don't normally like spinach change their minds after the first bite. —Robert Aucelluzzo, Simi Valley, California
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 171 calories, 13g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
25/36
Orange-Glazed Pork Loin
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the best pork recipes I've ever tried. My family looks forward to this roast for dinner, and guests always want the recipe. The flavorful rub, and the glaze brightened with orange juice, are also outstanding on pork chops. —Lynnette Miete, Alna, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork with 1 tablespoon glaze: 199 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
26/36
Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash
Total Time
30 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This golden, honey-sweetened squash is just as hearty and comforting as your favorite potato dish. With its bright color, it makes an attractive side for special autumn meals. —Bianca Noiseux, Bristol, Connecticut
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 145 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1 fat.
27/36
Italian Pork Loin
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to change things up during the holidays with pork loin recipes that incorporate my favorite herbs and veggies. This showpiece dish really dazzles my family. —Kim Palmer, Kingston, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork with 2 carrot halves and 1 onion quarter: 295 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
28/36
Wilted Spinach Salad with Butternut Squash
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make quick work of peeling butternut squash. First, prick it with a fork and give it 45 seconds in the microwave. Then, trim an inch from the base of the squash, making it stand up straight and tall while you run the peeler from top to bottom. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 228 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
29/36
Orange Pomegranate Salad with Honey
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I discovered this fragrant salad in a cooking class. If you can, try to find orange flower water (also called orange blossom water), which perks up the orange segments. But orange juice adds a nice zip, too! —Carol Richardson Marty, Lynwood, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 62 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 2mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit.
30/36
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Oven temps vary, so keep an eye on them to make sure they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
31/36
Thyme-Roasted Vegetables
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
The smell of our house as this is baking calls everyone to dinner. Normally, it serves eight, but my husband's been known to have more than just one serving at a time. It's that good..—Jasmine Rose, Crystal Lake, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 151 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 274mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
32/36
Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Sure, it’s simple and healthy but, oh, this roasted broccoli is also delicious. Cutting the stalks into tall trees turns the ordinary veggie into a standout side dish. —Holly Sander, Lake Mary, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
2 broccoli pieces: 144 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 378mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
33/36
Cranberry Stuffed Apples
Total Time
3 hours 10 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon, nutmeg and walnuts add a homey autumn flavor to these stuffed apples, while the slow cooker does most of the work. —Graciela Sandvigen, Rochester, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed apple: 136 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 6mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fruit.
34/36
Sunday Pot Roast
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
14 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With the help of a slow cooker, you can prepare a down-home dinner any day of the week, not just on Sundays. The roast turns out tender and savory every time. —Brandy Schaefer, Glen Carbon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 217 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 230mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
35/36
Glazed Rosemary Pork
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A honey-rosemary glaze delicately seasons pork tenderloin in this delightful entree. As elegant as it is easy, the main course is ideal for weekend dinner parties and weeknight suppers alike. —Barbara Sistrunk, Fultondale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 255 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 4 lean meat, 1 fat.
36/36
Cranberry and Roasted Beet Salad
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this as a healthy, tasty side dish to complement Christmas dinner. This enticing substitute for cranberry relish is excellent with turkey. Even the children loved it! Serve the beet blend alone or on a bed of salad greens. —Brianna St. Clair, Worland, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 212 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 278mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
