Christmas Dinner Recipes for the Mediterranean Diet

The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about what to serve for Christmas dinner. If you’re following a Mediterranean diet, you don’t have to compromise on festive flavors. Here are some easy yet detailed recipes that adhere to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

1. Olive Oil Roasted Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (about 12 pounds or 5.5kg)
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lemons, zested and juiced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Rinse the turkey and pat dry. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the olive oil mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin.
4. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cook for about 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.

2. Mediterranean-Style Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 eggplant, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine all the vegetables and garlic. Drizzle over the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano.
3. Toss until all the vegetables are well coated. Spread the vegetables out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned.

3. Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate and Feta

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer until quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes.
2. Let the quinoa cool, then transfer to a large bowl. Add pomegranate seeds, feta, mint, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the quinoa mixture and stir to combine.

4. Honey and Orange Glazed Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 oranges, zested and juiced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish. In a bowl, combine orange zest, orange juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the salmon. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

These Christmas dinner recipes underscore the essence of the Mediterranean diet, which is renowned for its health benefits. However, every individual’s body responds differently to diets based on their unique genetic makeup. With CircleDNA’s DNA test, you can gain insights into your optimal diet type, food sensitivities, nutrient needs, and more. By understanding your unique genetic predispositions, you can tailor your meals to better suit your body, potentially enhancing your health and wellbeing. So as you enjoy these Mediterranean-inspired Christmas recipes, consider the value of truly personalized nutrition, made possible by CircleDNA’s Premium DNA test. A perfect Christmas present for you and your loved ones to show how much you care during this cozy holiday season.

Happy cooking, merry eating, and to healthier living! Happy holidays from CircleDNA!