Low-carb holiday and Christmas recipes

Cookie trays, cocktail parties, day-long feasts—the holidays can be a minefield if you’re trying to eat low carb. But with some go-to recipes in your pocket and strategies for sticking to your food boundaries, you can feel empowered and relaxed this holiday season.

Start with these picks from Virta’s low-carb recipe library, which offer all the warm, familiar flavors of your favorite holiday dinners. Then read on for tips from our expert health coaches on how to navigate holiday gatherings gracefully, while staying true to your nutrition goals.

Low-carb holiday dinner mains

Build your holiday or Christmas dinner around a show-stopping meat dish. These recipes burst with flavor from garlic and rosemary, mustard and apple cider vinegar, thyme and onion, or a creamy, cheesy topping.

• Low-carb roast chicken with garlic and rosemary: 1g carbs per serving
• Low-carb glazed ham: 8g carbs per serving
• Low-carb roast beef with onion pan juices: 4g carbs per serving
• Low-carb shepherd’s pie: 11g carbs per serving

For a low-carb vegetarian main dish that’s just as hearty and comforting, try lasagna or risotto with extra veggies in place of the pasta or rice:

• Low-carb zucchini lasagna: 11g carbs per serving
• Low-carb cheesy mushroom risotto: 13g carbs per serving

Low-carb holiday side dishes & appetizers

Old-school holiday appetizers like meatballs and stuffed mushrooms are easy to make low carb. Just skip the usual breadcrumbs in either dish and swap in savory sausage and cheese. 

For side dishes, substitute cauliflower in your classic latkes or mashed potatoes for a low-carb version that’s even easier to prep than the original (no peeling potatoes!). Round out your dinner with your green veggie of choice roasted until crispy—Brussels sprouts are one of our favorites.

• Low-carb cauliflower latkes: 2.5g carbs per serving
• Classic low-carb mashed cauliflower: 11g carbs per serving
• Low-carb stuffed mushrooms: 6g carbs per serving
• Low-carb anytime meatballs: 2g carbs per serving
• Low-carb roasted brussels sprouts: 8g carbs per serving

Low-carb Christmas cookies & desserts

If eating low carb has made you miss your favorite Christmas cookies, we’re here to change that. Whether you love chocolate mint, pecan, or gingerbread flavors, these low-carb holiday desserts are ready for your next cookie swap, or just enjoying at home with a cup of tea. 

• Low-carb dark chocolate peppermint cookies: 9g carbs per serving
• Low-carb pecan snowballs: 9g carbs per serving
• Gingerbread fat bombs: 2g carbs per serving
• Fresh mint chocolate truffles: 3g carbs per serving

Low-carb holiday cocktails

Cocktails are one of the easiest parts of your holiday meal to make low carb. Start with your favorite hard alcohol or a dry wine, then combine with low-sugar mixers and herbs or spices for a festive cocktail or punch.

• Low-carb cranberry Moscow mule: 3g carbs per serving
• Low-carb rosemary berry punch: 5g carbs per serving
• Low-carb hot toddy: 2g carbs per serving
• Low-carb eggnog: 8g carbs per serving

Tips for holiday meals when you’re eating low carb

Bring something you’ll enjoy eating

If you’re invited to a holiday dinner, ask the host ahead of time if you can bring a low-carb dish. Having at least 1 dish you know you’ll want to eat gives you confidence going into the meal, even if you indulge a bit once you get there.

Don’t arrive hungry

Have a snack at home before heading out to a dinner or party. That way, you avoid getting tempted as you walk in the door by food you otherwise wouldn’t choose to eat.

Socialize instead of snacking 

Holiday gatherings often mean constant grazing. It can be hard to avoid eating mindlessly, especially when people tend to hang out where the food is. Focus on the company and conversation, and don’t be shy about moving to a different room if you need to. 

Say “no thank you” with confidence

Loved ones may try to pressure you by saying ”take just one bite” or “a little bit won’t hurt you,” but don’t feel bad sticking to your food boundaries. Make it a habit to say “no, thank you” confidently and casually. 

Don’t forget—your own mindset matters, too. Instead of saying “I can’t have that,” try reframing it as “I’d rather not have that,” which puts you in control. 

The bottom line

Eating low carb can still work with your favorite traditional holiday foods. Just focus your holiday meal on a star protein, and make your classic appetizers and sides with low-carb-friendly substitutions for the usual starches. Even Christmas cookies are doable with the right recipe! 

After the holidays, if you need a little support to get your health goals back on track, Virta is here to help. Get 1:1 coaching, meal plans, and tools to build healthy habits that stand up to real life—through busy weeks, restaurant meals, travel, stress, family dinners, and beyond. Find out how you can lose weight and reverse type 2 diabetes with Virta today.