25 Autoimmune Protocol Holiday Recipes
Holidays can be a tough time of year for a lot of reasons, and having to follow a restricted diet doesn’t help. But events like Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas don’t have to lose all their luster just because you or someone in your family is following the autoimmune protocol. With savory sides and tasty treats made with 100% AIP-friendly ingredients, these autoimmune protocol holiday recipes will help keep tradition alive without compromising anyone’s health. They’re simple to make, full of flavor, and won’t make anyone feel awful, so what’s not to love? Here are my favorites!
BREAKFAST
Gingerbread Latte
There’s nothing better than a warm drink on a cold day. There are a few different latte recipes to be found here, but this gingerbread one just screams “holiday”.
Crispy Squashbrowns
Want something a little crunchy and starchy with your breakfast? If hashbrowns are out, these crispy squashbrowns are in!
Apple Sausage Stir-Fry
This easy breakfast stir-fry is one of my all-time favorite recipes. It’s so simple to throw together, but balances savory and sweet for an incredibly satisfying dish.
Carrot Cake Smoothie
This luscious smoothie works best in a high-powered blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec so the carrot gets blitzed into a smooth puree. With warming spices and creamy banana, it’s a delicious treat!
Apple Sausage Patties
These simple sausage patties make for a great breakfast protein. The flavor feels indulgent and pairs well with any side, whether its leftovers, eggs, or a salad.
SOUPS & SALADS
Cran-Apple Fruit Salad
Apples and cranberries are both classic holiday staples, so why not pair them together? This easy fruit salad makes a good snack, appetizer, or light dessert.
Cranberry Avocado Salad
This salad is one of the earliest recipes I published when I started the autoimmune protocol, and it has stood the test of time. It’s still one of my favorites!
Pomegranate Salad
If you want something a little fancier than the last salad, or just don’t want onion breath, these pomegranate seeds sure feel festive!
Roasted Cauliflower Soup
This creamy soup comes together easily and makes for a hearty, warming side with dinner or simple lunch ahead of the big meal.
Celeriac Leek Soup
Don’t care for cauliflower? No problem! This Celeriac Leek Soup is also creamy and comforting and makes a great substitute for more traditional potato soups.
SIDE DISHES
Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Everything’s better with bacon, right? These Brussels sprouts are a staple at my house. In fact, this recipe is one of the only ways we enjoy them.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Candied yam lovers, I’m sorry. I prefer my sweet potatoes savory, and these mashed sweet potatoes are a lovely accompaniment to any entree.
Braised Collard Greens
If you’re skipping the Brussels sprouts or just a fan of Southern comfort, these collard greens with bacon are a wonderful choice.
Twice-Baked Squash
Swap the mashed sweet potatoes for this twice-baked squash if you want something with a bit more wow factor.
Easy Cranberry Sauce
Can’t have a holiday meal without cranberry sauce! This recipe comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time.
APPS & ENTREES
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pears
This recipe is one of my favorite snacks or appetizers. It’s easy to put together, but always makes an impression.
Chunky Avocado Salsa
Don’t confuse this one with guacamole. It’s got olives in it, for one. It pairs particularly well with plantain or sweet potato chips!
Cranberry-Braised Ribs
These ribs are some of the best I’ve ever had. They’re so tender and flavorful they’re a shoo-in for any gathering, especially with the cranberry flavor for the holidays.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Roast
If ribs are a little too casual for you, this pork roast is sure to impress. With a crispy coating of bacon, it packs tons of flavor.
Turkey & Apple Cider Gravy
If turkey’s more your style–and who doesn’t love a classic?–you can’t go wrong with this delicious apple cider gravy on the side!
DESSERTS
Bananas Foster Parfaits
With my sweet tooth, it’s hard to pick a favorite dessert. I love them all! But these parfaits are so cute, they just had to be on this list. Plus, tasty!
Cinnamon-Ginger Pears
This recipe can be made with apples too. And it’s delicious over ice cream for those of you that can eat it, or if you have an AIP favorite.
Maple Stuffed Apples
If that last recipe wasn’t presentable enough for your tastes, here’s the one for you. These steamy, soft apples are stuffed full of deliciousness, and look cute to boot.
Pumpkin Pie Pudding
For the pumpkin lovers, these little puddings make for a cute, easy, and light dessert reminiscent of pumpkin pie filling.
Carob Hot Chocolate
Some of my favorite holiday memories involve sitting by the Christmas tree with a mug of hot cocoa before bed. This carob version keeps hot cocoa on the menu even on the AIP.