Festive Holiday Meals

    Festive Holiday Meals

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, RD, MBA

    The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and enjoy delicious meals that warm both the heart and the soul. Festive holiday meals go beyond food—they’re about creating memories around the table with recipes that bring joy and togetherness.

    Classic holiday dishes often feature rich flavors and seasonal ingredients. From a perfectly roasted chicken or turkey with savory stuffing to creamy mashed potatoes and golden dinner rolls, these staples remind us of tradition and comfort.

    Side dishes bring variety and color to the table. Think roasted root vegetables, cranberry relish, or a bright citrus salad to balance the richness of the main course. And, of course, no holiday meal is complete without desserts like a traditional apple pie, spiced gingerbread, or decadent chocolates.

    Holiday meals are also a chance to accommodate everyone at the table. Vegetarian and gluten-free options like stuffed acorn squash or wild rice pilaf ensure all guests feel included.

    This season, let your meals reflect the love and care you put into the holidays. Share your favorite traditions and recipes, and savor every bite!

    Garlic-Ginger Chicken with Cilantro

    cilanto chicken

    Prep: 15 minutes

    Marinate: 2 hours

    Cook: 10 minutes

    Makes: 4 Servings

    Ingredients:

    • 10 garlic cloves, finely chopped
    • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
    • 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
    • 3 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped cilantro leaves
    • 1 Tbsp. ground coriander (freshly ground is best)
    • 1 tsp. ground turmeric
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ tsp. red chili powder
    • 2 lbs. Perdue skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into cutlets

    Directions:

    1. In a small bowl combine garlic, lemon juice, ginger, olive oil, soy sauce and cilantro, mix well to combine.
    2. Now add additional spices, coriander, turmeric, salt and chili powder and mix well to combine.
    3. Place chicken breast in a resealable bag or glass bowl and power marinade over chicken, massage marinade onto chicken ensuring it is well coated. Refrigerate for about 2 hours.
    4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Drizzle with olive oil and add chicken breast, cook for about 5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
    5. Transfer to a platter and top with additional chopped cilantro.

    Serving suggestion: Serve over jasmine rice!