Think can never belong in the same sentence? Think again. This curation of dishes celebrate summer's bounty while keeping things light and bright - from zesty seafood starters to seafood mains and a rainbow of salads, and classic desserts are re-imagined with wholesome twists.
Whether you're hosting the whole family or planning an intimate gathering, or even bringing a dish, these healthy Christmas food recipes prove that tasty festive fare doesn't have to weigh you down - so you'll have plenty of energy for those post-lunch games, entertaining and relaxing.
Snacks and starters
Kick off any get-together with these fresh oysters doused in a light and lively sauce. The combination of fish sauce, lime and peanuts brings a sweet-and-salty kick to each mouthful.
Oysters with green peanut nahm jim. Credit: Everyday Gourmet with Justine Schofield
Fresh zucchini rounds are a light, crunchy and healthy alternative to blinis or crackers. Topped with a trio of tapenade and feta, avocado smashed with seeds and a quick hummus, these little bites are quick to make and offer something for all tastes.
Credit: Credit: The Fast 800
Made with six different types of nutritious seeds – and no flour – these crisp crackers are packed with a nutty flavour and ideal for dips, sturdy enough to hold any topping, and are great on their own.
Credit: My Market Kitchen
Native Australian finger limes bring their characteristic citrus pop to this impressive ceviche. Buttery salmon is quickly pickled in the dressing to lightly cure it, then mixed with the lime pearls, mango, avocado, chilli, red onion and coriander.
Snapper crudo with watermelon, caper and chilli Credit: Benito Martin
Native Australian finger limes bring their characteristic citrus pop to this impressive ceviche. Buttery salmon is quickly pickled in the dressing to lightly cure it, then mixed with the lime pearls, mango, avocado, chilli, red onion and coriander.
Credit: Adam Liaw
The main spread
For a festive touch to a barbecue, try this tender river trout. The mixture of charred, sweet, nutty and anise flavours is destined to impress.
Credit: Sharyn Cairns
This showstopper of a cooking technique involves rubbing the fish with salt to create a crust, sealing in moisture to create a delicate and succulent result. Served with a tamarind dipping sauce, it’s a centrepiece for any festive occasion.
Credit: Alan Benson
For a spin on serving a traditional whole roast chicken, this version dishes up portioned pieces intermingled with comforting Italian flavours like olives, tomatoes and capsicum.
Italian roast chicken with peppers and olives. © BBC Source: BBC
Sometimes the simplest dishes are the best. These prawns need little more than fresh oregano, lime and quality olive oil to shine. Cooked on the barbecue in a matter of minutes, they’re summer on a plate.
Grilled prawns with oregano and lime Credit: The Great Australian Cookbook
This vibrant Malaysian-style salad combines rare beef with a bounty of fresh herbs and a spicy dressing. It's a refreshing take on traditional Christmas meat that's perfect for hot summer days.
Credit: Chris Middleton
Jewel-like pomegranate seeds add not only bursts of sweetness against the elegant bitterness of radicchio but a dazzling festive touch. This stunning purple-and-red salad brings both drama and freshness to your festive spread.
Credit: Ben Fogarty
A roast dish ideal for southern hemisphere festivities. This bright and rich side offers up sweet and tender sautéed broccolini with crunchy almonds, anchovies for subtle depth and a hint of chilli to kick things up a notch.
Credit: Sharyn Cairns
To get their rich red colour and deep flavour, pears are poached in a combination of red wine, port and sherry with nutmeg and cloves. Their spiced flavour profile is a perfect match for creamy goats cheese and fresh bitter greens. A sophisticated salad for special occasions.
Credit: Curtis Stone's Travel, Cook, Repeat
Farro is an ancient grain quite easy to find in supermarkets. It has a nutty flavour and chewy texture that works well with toasted and ribbons of fresh zucchini. This dish works wonders as a side for a festive spread, and also when you’re on bring-a-plate duty for a gathering.
Credit: Alan Benson
Kerabu is a Malay term for salad, which – as in this case – often refers to a vibrant dish of fresh vegetables and herbs tossed with a tangy and spicy dressing. It brings a refreshing flavour punch to any banquet. To make it vegan, replace the shrimp paste with salt.
Credit: Louise Hagger
To get the right balance of sweetness and crunch in this innovative take on a classic roasted side, pumpkin is roasted in sesame seeds then topped with a walnut crumb to serve.
Credit: Savannah van der Niet
This zero-waste dish transforms the whole carrot – roots and tops – into something special. The sweetness of honey and the complex umami of black garlic elevate humble carrots to a flavourful side.
Credit: Greg Elms
Desserts
Tea lovers, this crumble is for you! The topping is infused with the spiced notes of chai tea, and the custard (made with oat milk) has the bergamot flavour of earl grey tea. It's a lighter alternative to traditional crumbles that doesn’t cut back on flavour.
Spiced chai apple and rhubarb crumble with earl grey custard. Credit: Freshly Picked with Simon Toohey
An easily shareable and highly snackable sweet treat, these little balls are brimming with tropical flavours that are sure to make them a family favourite.
Credit: Benito Martin
Set in the freezer rather than baked, this torte is a refreshing dessert option in warm weather, and is filled with plenty of decadent but nutritious goodies like nuts, berries and raw cacao powder.
Raw berry and chocolate torte Credit: Steve Brown
This dessert has a lot going for it – aside from just being a healthy alternative to conventional chocolate mousse, it's ready in just 5 minutes, is ideal for prepping ahead of time, and can be adapted to be vegan.
Chocolate avocado mousse Credit: Kitti Gould
