10 Healthy Raw Vegan Dishes for Holiday Eating
10 Healthy Raw Vegan Dishes for Holiday Eating
Let’s face it - the ‘holiday diet’ is a thing.
People go out of their way to binge on every kind of food imaginable and make no attempt to restrict the calories. Everyone is in a festive mood, and holiday brunches, lunches, high teas, dinners, and afternoon snacking sessions are commonplace. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if some of us were actually invited to all of these occasions on a single day!
It’s safe to say that holiday season appeals to our more gluttonous side, urging us to stuff ourselves at every meal. Aside from the discomfort this causes, it’s downright detrimental to our state of physical and mental health.
And if you’re vegan, some of these celebratory meals can be a bit… discomfiting. Often, tables aren’t laid out with too many plant-based options and this can be uncomfortable for the host as well as the other guests.
But it’s not like plant-based food is always healthy or less fattening, and you shouldnt be surprised to find yourself a few kilos heavier by the end of the holidays.
So this holiday season, why not stick to healthier food and try out these raw vegan recipes? They’re easy to make and you can enjoy the dishes by yourself at home or take them along for everyone else to try out.
This walnut pâté is a great source of protein, iron, and fiber. But most importantly, it’s creamy, delicious and works well as a dip or a paste that can be slathered onto almost any base.
Source: onegreenplanet.org
Everyone enjoys a good PB & J from time to time and it’s safe to say that it’s been a comfort food for many of us growing up.
Source: onegreenplanet.org
To switch things up, you’ll be using almond butter here, and apple slices instead of bread.
And if you’re making your own almond butter then you’ll be avoiding both refined sugar and gluten!
When most people hear the term ‘raw vegan’ they instantly think of salads, green juices, and lots of other conventional ‘health food’ recipes.
Source: greenevi.com
Well, here’s a light, refreshing lasagna that’s sure to open up your horizons on what’s possible with raw foods.
This is for those times when you’re kicking back with the family and watching one of those classic holiday movies, like ‘The Grinch’ or ‘Home Alone’. It’s crunchy, salty, and cheesy just like regular popcorn, but without all the processed junk.
Source: onegreenplanet.org
Taco Tuesdays just got a lot more interesting and a lot less heavy with this light, crunchy taco recipe. The best part? There’s barely any work that goes into making these!
Source: minimalistbaker.com
But don’t be fooled by its simplicity and the ingredients that go into making it; this dish is every bit as delicious as regular tacos.
The holidays would feel incomplete without the winter seasons favourite dessert - brownies! And luckily there’s a way to ensure that the brownies you’re eating are free from all that refined sugar and artificial colouring that goes into regular brownies.
Source: lovingitvegan.com
This recipe uses dates instead, and while regular dates will work just fine, for tastier brownies, try getting your hands on some medjool dates.
Another dessert dish that’s perfect for those crowded family dinners where everyone is craving some pie at the end of the meal.
Source: blissfulbritt.com
Of course, there’s always the option of baking a whole pie and setting it aside for those evenings where you’re on the couch and simply craving something sweet to munch on.
This dish makes for a crunchy yet light appetizer prior to all those heavy holiday meals. The best part about this recipe is that you can use portobello, button, or shitake mushrooms, depending on the kind of texture you’re going for.
There’s nothing like a classic pesto pasta made with vermicelli, and now you can recreate the dish with this raw version using zucchini noodles!
Source: eatyourselfskinny.com
Aside from the fact that it’s healthier and lighter, the zucchini also absorbs the pesto more effectively, deepening the flavour of the noodles.
Sure, it’s holiday season and it’s chilly outside. But sometimes you need something cold and creamy to satisfy that sweet craving. Well, this raw vegan version of the classic ice cream stick is perfect for the occasion, and it's incredibly easy to make!
Source: dorastable.com
Have A Holiday Feast!
And there you have it - a list of healthy, light, raw vegan recipes to try out this holiday season.
While the holidays can tempt us to be excessive in every way imaginable, there’s no reason the excess eating needs to be unhealthy.
So eat as much of these dishes as you like, and as many times as you like throughout the day. And hopefully by the end of the season, you’ll have eaten your way to bett
