Nothing beats the indulgence and comfort of our favorite go-to holiday meals, but those dishes you once loved may not fit with your current dietary needs or preferences. That’s why we’ve curated a list of five easy, delicious holiday recipes for seniors that will satisfy your taste buds while considering the common nutritional needs and dietary restrictions of older adults.
1. Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a creamy, scrumptious hot meal in season for winter. This is top of our list when considering healthy meals for seniors because it’s easy to digest, packed with vitamins and fiber, and tastes like buttery goodness. Butternut squash contains beta-carotene (an antioxidant) and vitamins A, C, and E, all of which boost the immune system — especially important during cold and flu season.
This butternut squash soup by Love and Lemons is one of our favorite holiday recipes for seniors. It’s chock full of healthy immune boosters like olive oil, garlic, sage, rosemary, ginger, and vegetable broth, combined into a mouthwatering powerhouse dish.
If you’re a fan of soups and chilis, you’ll also love these five easy dinner ideas. And don’t forget — you can make your cooking easier by using GoGoGroceries to have all your ingredients delivered straight to your door.
2. Cranberry and Walnut Salad
A light, refreshing salad filled with seasonal winter produce perfectly accompanies heavy holiday meals. A cranberry and walnut salad combines the sweet tartness of cranberries with the crunchy texture of walnuts for a dish that packs a nutritious punch.
Cranberries are 90% water, which helps prevent winter dehydration. They’re rich in vitamins C, E, and K, along with manganese — a mix of antioxidants that support digestive and heart health.
Walnuts are the perfect healthy fat to add crunch and nutrients. They support bone health, wound healing, and collagen production, while improving gut, heart, and brain health — making them one of the healthiest additions to your holiday recipes for seniors.
The best part? This salad is easy to make. Add lettuce, apples, and feta for an irresistible winter meal. Check out this recipe here.
The key to a good cranberry walnut salad is fresh produce. For the freshest ingredients, use GoGoGrandparent’s Grocery Delivery to have seasonal produce delivered right to your door. You’ll spend more time cooking (and eating) your favorite holiday meals — and less time in busy stores.
Explore more salad and lunch holiday recipes for seniors here.
3. Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes are a classic side dish for holiday meals — easy to eat, easy to digest, and even easier to enjoy. Sweet potatoes are among the most nutritious healthy meals for seniors, full of vitamins A, B, and C, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They also contain carotenoids, antioxidants that protect your cells from damage and help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Sweet potato mash recipes can be customized for any diet. Add milk or cream if you need more calories, or stick to grass-fed butter and cinnamon for a heart-healthy twist. For savory versions, try rosemary and garlic.
Stuffed sweet potatoes are another crowd favorite — baked, split open, and filled with your favorite toppings. These stuffed sweet potato ideas can inspire new holiday meals for seniors this season.
Need help getting all your ingredients? Try GoGoGroceries for convenient delivery before your next big cooking day.
4. Green Bean Casserole
Green bean casserole is one of the most beloved holiday meals, but traditional versions aren’t always healthy. Luckily, fresh ingredients make it both delicious and nutritious. Green beans are chock full of vitamin C, beta-carotene, folate, and potassium — which fight inflammation and help regulate blood pressure.
Try this healthy green bean casserole by Ambitious Kitchen, which combines tender green beans, creamy mushroom sauce, and baked onions for all the comfort without the excess.
To make your holiday prep easier, use GoGoGroceries for same-day delivery of fresh ingredients or even try GoGoGourmet for prepared meals when you’d rather skip the cooking.
5. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Finish off your holiday meal with something sweet and elegant. Strawberries are high in vitamin C and antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Dark chocolate provides flavonoids that support heart and brain health. Together, they make a perfect guilt-free treat.
Chocolate-covered strawberries are surprisingly easy to make. Melt dark chocolate, dip washed strawberries, and sprinkle with crushed nuts, toasted coconut, or crushed candy canes. Learn how to make chocolate-covered strawberries here.
Don’t Feel Like Cooking?
The holidays can be busy and stressful. If you’d rather skip the kitchen, consider ordering through GoGoGourmet. Just call one of our friendly operators, and we’ll help you order from your favorite local restaurant — no app or smartphone needed.
Our GoGoGuardians communicate your dietary needs to restaurants and monitor your order from start to finish, so your food arrives hot, fresh, and exactly as requested.
The Joy of Holiday Meals Made Easy
The holidays are about joy, connection, and delicious food. With a little creativity, you can enjoy healthy holiday recipes for seniors that are both comforting and nourishing.
And thanks to GoGoGrandparent, you don’t have to do it all yourself. From Grocery Delivery to Meal Delivery and Prescription Pickup, GoGo makes independent living easier year-round.
Want to stay active this holiday season? Check out our free Chair Yoga and Functional Fitness classes on YouTube, part of our Grow With GoGo program designed to help seniors live healthier, happier lives.
Ready to simplify your holidays? Register for GoGoGrandparent today to get grocery, meal, and pharmacy delivery — all in one easy call.
