Here’s a guide to what to eat in the week before Christmas—simple, delicious ideas to keep meals stress-free while still feeling special.
This busy week calls for flavorful dinners and plenty of options for leftovers and easy meals after the holiday. Below are balanced, tasty choices that are quick to prepare, make great leftovers, and can be dressed up for celebrations.
What to eat this week:
Start the week with a crispy chickpea chopped salad. It’s packed with texture and bright flavors, making it a satisfying yet light meal before the heavier holiday fare.
For Taco Tuesday, try a turkey taco nacho skillet. It’s quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and versatile—serve with chips, tortillas, or over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
On Wednesday, keep it simple with a broccoli-cheddar stuffed spaghetti squash. It’s comforting, makes excellent leftovers, and is perfect for an easy lunch the next day.
If you celebrate Christmas Eve, consider an espresso-rubbed filet paired with a creamy truffle risotto for a luxurious, warming dinner. If not, it still makes a wonderful special-weeknight meal.
For Christmas Day, enjoy a crab-topped salmon for an elegant main course that feels festive without being fussy. Pair it with broiled wedge salads for bright, crunchy contrast—those wedges add big flavor and textural interest to the meal.
Throughout the rest of the week, keep smoked salmon on hand for quick snacks and small meals: mini smoked-salmon platters, open-faced sandwiches, bagels, or a smoked salmon tart for something a little more celebratory. These are great for grazing or assembling in minutes.
Also consider making a large batch of tortellini salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette—it’s great for sides, lunches, or potlucks and holds up well in the fridge.
For an easy breakfast or treat, try one-hour orange cinnamon rolls. They’re simple to make and wonderfully aromatic—perfect for holiday mornings or casual gatherings.
Pack lunches with a pecan-crusted chicken salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette for a crunchy, flavorful option. Keep a smashed chickpea salad ready in the fridge too; it’s excellent for speedy sandwiches or as a protein-rich salad topper.
These ideas strike a balance between comforting holiday favorites and practical, make-ahead meals. They’re adaptable to leftovers, easy to scale, and designed to reduce kitchen stress while keeping flavor front and center.
What’s on your menu this week?