40+ Diabetic-Friendly Christmas Recipes

Read Time: 18 mins

40+ Diabetic-Friendly Christmas Recipes2/36 Horseradish-Encrusted Beef Tenderloin 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved JIM WIELAND FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 1 hour 20 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Wow your friends and family with this tender beef encased in a golden horseradish crust. Roasted garlic boosts the robust flavor even more. —Laura Bagozzi, Dublin, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked beef: 268 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 119mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 37g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 5 lean meat. 3/36 Hot Spinach Apple Salad 6 Reviews Test Kitchen

We serve this salad with homemade bread

Approved TASTE OF HOME Total Time 20 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch. 4/36 Rosemary Walnuts 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Rosemary Walnuts Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 2 cups Go to

Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us

Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My Aunt Mary started making this recipe years ago. Each time we visited, she would have a batch ready for us. The use of cayenne adds an unexpected zing to the savory combo of rosemary and walnuts. When you need a good housewarming or hostess gift, double the batch and save half for yourself. —Renee Ciancio, New Bern, North Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 166 calories, 17g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 118mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat. 5/36 Honey Garlic Green Beans 12 Reviews Test

Green beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own

Kitchen Approved Honey Garlic Green Beans Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 20 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Green beans are a reliable standby, but they can seem ordinary on their own. Just a couple of extra ingredients give them a sweet and salty attitude. This is definitely my family’s favorite way to enjoy them. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 72 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 225mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch. 6/36 Roasted Apple Salad

Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit

with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette 4 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Roasted Apple Salad with Spicy Maple-Cider Vinaigrette Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: We bought loads of apples and needed to use them. To help the flavors come alive, I roasted the apples and tossed them with a sweet dressing. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 191 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fruit. 7/36

What will no one guess?

Orange Pomegranate Salmon 3 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 35 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: A colorful, festive salmon dish makes an impressive addition to your holiday table—and it is as delicious as it is beautiful. What will no one guess? How easy it is to cook. I serve this with roasted baby potatoes and asparagus for a showstopping meal that is wonderful for special occasions. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey Nutrition Facts: 4 ounces cooked salmon: 307 calories, 19g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 274mg

sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein

sodium, 8g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 fruit. 8/36 Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip Test Kitchen Approved Fresh Artichokes with Lemon-Yogurt Dip Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 1 hour Servings 12 servings (1-1/2 cups dip) Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Artichokes are at their best when you prepare them simply, without a lot of fuss or seasonings to overdress them. Many people dip the petals in melted butter or mayonnaise, but I think you’ll love my tangy lemon-yogurt dip. —Jill Haapaniemi, Brooklyn, New York Nutrition

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat

Facts: 1/2 artichoke with 2 tablespoons dip: 81 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 99mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat. 9/36 Citrus Scallops 1 Review Test Kitchen Approved Citrus Scallops Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 15 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I like to eat seafood at least once a week. Oranges and lemon juice give scallops a refreshing burst of flavor. —Cheri Hawthorne, North Canton, Ohio Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without rice or pasta):

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 fruit

240 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 482mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 21g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 fruit. 10/36 Carrot and Kale Vegetable Saute 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Carrot and Kale Vegetable Saute Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 35 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Thanks to fresh veggie dishes like this one, I almost forget I’m wheat- and gluten-free. Bacon adds another layer of flavor and depth to this gorgeous side dish. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas Nutrition Facts:

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch

3/4 cup: 101 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch. 11/36 Cod with Sweet Peppers 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Cod with Sweet Peppers Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 25 min Servings 4 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: This quick and delicious recipe is a long-time family favorite. I like to use three or four different-colored peppers for an extra-pretty presentation. Then serve with couscous or brown rice to round out the meal. —Judy Grebetz,

Racine, Wisconsin

Racine, Wisconsin. Nutrition Facts: 1 fillet with 1/3 cup pepper mixture: 168 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 398mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable. 12/36 Blood Orange Avocado Salad 2 Reviews Contest Winner Test Kitchen Approved Blood Orange Avocado Salad Recipe photo by Taste of Home Total Time 30 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can’t find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work

well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too

well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 241 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 89mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 fruit, 1/2 starch. 13/36 Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Celery 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved Total Time 1 hour 15 min Servings 10 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: Stuffed with a succulent combination of wild rice, mushrooms and dried cranberries, these golden hens are sure to become a special-occasion entree in your home. They’re a

wonderful change of pace from traditional turkey

wonderful change of pace from traditional turkey. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario Nutrition Facts: 1/2 Cornish hen (calculated with skin removed before serving): 336 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat. 14/36 Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad 5 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved DAN ROBERTS FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 20 min Servings 6 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: The first time my friends tasted my new side dish, they said it was phenomenal. The longer you let it

chill in the fridge, the more tender the sprouts will be

chill in the fridge, the more tender the sprouts will be. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 156 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 79mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch. 15/36 Roasted Fall Vegetables 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved MARK DERSE FOR TASTE OF HOME Total Time 1 hour 10 min Servings 14 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: I love serving this tender veggie side dish as part of a comforting dinner on a chilly night. The cayenne pepper lends zippy

flavor that’s not overpowering

flavor that’s not overpowering. —Juli Meyers, Hinesville, Georgia Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 110 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch. 16/36 Pomegranate Splash Salad 2 Reviews Test Kitchen Approved TASTE OF HOME Total Time 15 min Servings 8 servings Go to Recipe From the Recipe Creator: The sparkling pomegranate gems make this salad irresistibly beautiful. My family loves it at holiday gatherings when pomegranates are in season. Even the children can’t get enough of this antioxidant-rich delight. —Emily Jamison, Champaign, Illinois

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Expert Tips

• Include seasonal or trendy variations to keep your meals exciting.

• Highlight prep shortcuts or time-saving techniques for busy cooks.

• Consider dietary restrictions and include substitution suggestions.

✅ Key Takeaways

• These dinner ideas are perfect for impressing guests or enjoying special occasions.

• Choose recipes that match your skill level and available kitchen tools.

• Presentation and taste both contribute to a memorable dining experience.

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