The holiday season is all about indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice health or flavor! If you're looking for vegan Christmas dinner ideas that are both delicious and nourishing, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’re sharing two plant-based recipes that will take center stage at your holiday table: Cauliflower Rice with Walnuts and Mashed Potatoes with Pecans. Both are festive, nutrient-packed, and feature the added richness of nuts to elevate these dishes into something truly special.
And if you're planning to use high-quality nuts in your holiday cooking, be sure to check out Camel Nuts' exclusive Christmas Promotion for premium, fresh nuts at unbeatable prices. Whether you’re cooking these dishes or making your own festive creations, Camel Nuts is the perfect place to stock up for your plant-based holiday feast.
Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Recipe 1: Cauliflower Rice with Walnuts
Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated into rice-sized pieces (or 4 cups pre-grated cauliflower rice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional for a festive color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: If you’re using a whole head of cauliflower, cut it into florets and grate it using a box grater or food processor. Set aside.
- Toast the Walnuts: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped walnuts and toast them for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. If using turmeric, add it at this stage for a pop of color and an earthy flavor.
- Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Add the grated cauliflower to the pan and stir well. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cauliflower is tender but still has some texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Dish: Stir in the toasted walnuts and fresh parsley. Serve immediately, garnished with a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
Why This Dish Works for Christmas:
Cauliflower rice is a light and healthy alternative to traditional rice, and the addition of walnuts brings a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor. The vibrant color from the turmeric and the fresh herbs make it a festive addition to any holiday spread. This dish pairs beautifully with other holiday fare and adds a delightful texture contrast to heavier side dishes.
Recipe 2: Mashed Potatoes with Pecans
Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 6 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions:
- Cook the Potatoes: In a large pot, cover the cubed potatoes with water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Use a potato masher to mash the potatoes until smooth. For creamier potatoes, add the almond milk and vegan butter, and continue mashing until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Toast the Pecans: In a small skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and rosemary, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the pecans are golden and fragrant. Set aside.
- Season the Mashed Potatoes: Stir the toasted pecans into the mashed potatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the mashed potatoes and top with a few more toasted pecans for garnish. Serve warm!
Why This Dish Works for Christmas:
Mashed potatoes are a classic holiday dish, and adding roasted pecans and rosemary infuses this vegan version with a warm, festive flavor. The richness of the pecans complements the creamy potatoes beautifully, making it a comforting, satisfying side dish that still feels light and healthy. The roasted nuts add texture and an extra layer of flavor that makes this dish truly special.
Why Nuts Make These Dishes Special
Nuts aren’t just a fun addition to these plant-based Christmas dinner recipes—they add texture, flavor, and nutrients that make these dishes even more satisfying. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health, while pecans provide healthy fats and antioxidants. Both nuts add a delightful crunch and a hint of natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the cauliflower rice and mashed potatoes.
Incorporating nuts into your holiday dishes is an easy way to elevate simple vegan recipes and bring a gourmet touch to your Christmas dinner. Plus, they’re a great source of protein, which makes these plant-based dishes even more filling and satisfying.
This Christmas, why not treat yourself and your guests to a plant-based feast that’s both healthy and indulgent? These Cauliflower Rice with Walnuts and Mashed Potatoes with Pecans are the perfect pair to round out your holiday dinner. Nutty, festive, and full of flavor, these dishes will not only impress your guests but also make you feel great after enjoying them. Whether you're vegan or simply looking to add healthier dishes to your Christmas spread, these recipes are a must-try!
Make sure to stock up on Camel Nuts’ premium walnuts and pecans—they’re perfect for these recipes and all your holiday cooking needs. Add them to your cart today and get ready to create a festive, nut-filled holiday feast!
