Turkey has become the predictable centerpiece of holiday dinners, but it doesn’t have to be. There are so many ways to create a meal that feels festive and memorable without relying on the same thing for dinner. These holiday recipes bring bold flavors, effortless elegance, and a sense of variety that keeps things interesting. They’re perfect for making the table feel a little more exciting this year.
Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb
A festive cranberry pesto made with basil, mint, garlic, and pine nuts makes this stuffed lamb a standout dish. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings when you want something flavorful and visually stunning.
Get the Recipe: Cranberry Pesto Stuffed Lamb
Flank Steak Pinwheels
Stuffed with pesto, parmesan, prosciutto, and spinach, these flank steak pinwheels are flavorful and easy to make. They’re great for holiday gatherings or as a standout main dish for smaller dinners.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak Pinwheels
Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, these air fryer lamb chops are ready in under 10 minutes. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for a no-fuss holiday dinner that still feels special.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Lamb Chops
Apple Butter Roasted Chicken
This apple butter roasted chicken combines sweet and savory flavors with a crispy skin and tender meat. It’s a great alternative to turkey and works perfectly as a cozy centerpiece for a holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Apple Butter Roasted Chicken
Lamb Bolognese
This lamb bolognese is slow-simmered with carrots, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and herbs for a rich, flavorful sauce. Serve it over tagliatelle for a cozy holiday meal that’s packed with comforting flavors.
Get the Recipe: Lamb Bolognese
Lasagna Rollups
These butternut squash lasagna rollups are filled with chicken, spinach, and a creamy butternut sauce. They’re easy to portion and serve, making them a great choice for a stress-free holiday dinner.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Rollups
Instant Pot Venison Roast
This venison roast is pressure-cooked with potatoes, carrots, and mushrooms in a red wine balsamic sauce for a tender, flavorful meal. Perfect for a winter holiday dinner when you want something hearty and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Venison Roast
Butterflied Leg of Lamb
Stuffed with cranberry goat cheese, this butterflied leg of lamb is easy to prep and cooks in under 30 minutes. It’s a great centerpiece for a holiday table when you want something elegant without the stress.
Get the Recipe: Butterflied Leg of Lamb
Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks
Braised in apple cider, these lamb shanks turn out tender and full of flavor, with sweet caramelized apples and onions. This dish is perfect for holiday dinners when you want something hearty and impressive without dealing with turkey.
Get the Recipe: Apple Cider Braised Lamb Shanks
Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye salmon is baked with an herbed garlic caper citrus crust for a light yet flavorful holiday dinner. With a quick bake time of 10-12 minutes, it’s a stunning seafood dish that’s great for festive gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Baked Wild Sockeye Salmon
Citrus Braised Lamb Shanks
These lamb shanks are braised with sweet and tangy citrus, then paired with a bold green harissa. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and a great way to elevate your holiday dinner without roasting a turkey.
Get the Recipe: Citrus Braised Lamb Shanks
Easiest Braised Leg of Lamb
A slow braise transforms a leg of lamb into tender, juicy meat that’s easy to shred and use in a variety of dishes. It’s simple, flavorful, and a great alternative to the traditional holiday bird.
Get the Recipe: Easiest Braised Leg of Lamb
Tart Cherry Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade
Skip the whole bird and go for this turkey roulade stuffed with tart cherries, chestnuts, and herbs. Topped with a cherry red wine sauce, it’s an elegant and easy-to-serve dish that outshines the traditional roast turkey.
Get the Recipe: Tart Cherry Chestnut Stuffed Turkey Roulade
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
This dairy-free mushroom risotto is rich, creamy, and packed with umami flavors. It’s perfect for a vegetarian holiday main or as a comforting side dish that can stand on its own.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin
A balsamic dijon glaze makes this beef tenderloin roast rich and flavorful. Topped with a Meyer lemon gremolata, it’s an impressive dish that’s perfect for special holiday dinners.
Get the Recipe: Balsamic Dijon Beef Tenderloin
Instant Pot Bolognese
This Instant Pot bolognese packs all the depth of flavor of a traditional meat sauce but in a fraction of the time. Serve it with pasta and parmesan for a comforting holiday meal that’s quick to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bolognese
Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
This roasted lamb dish comes together on a single sheet pan in just 20 minutes. With bold Mediterranean flavors and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for a holiday dinner that looks fancy but keeps things easy.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Mediterranean Roasted Lamb
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
