5 Best New Year's Eve Recipes to Ring in the New Year Right

5 Best New Year's Eve Recipes to Ring in the New Year Right

The New Year is just around the corner, and it's time to start planning your celebration. While the festivities often involve indulging in rich foods and drinks, it's possible to enjoy a delicious and healthy New Year's Eve. Here are 5 fantastic recipes that will impress your guests and keep you on track with your fitness goals.

1. Grilled Salmon with Lemon Herb Sauce

• Why it's healthy: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. Grilling is a healthy cooking method that minimizes the addition of unhealthy fats.
• Ingredients:
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.  
  3. Brush both sides of the salmon fillets with the marinade.
  4. Grill salmon for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
  5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges and your favorite side dishes.

2. Roasted Vegetable Platter with Hummus

• Why it's healthy: This colorful platter is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Hummus is a high-protein dip that is also a good source of iron and folate.
• Ingredients:
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup store-bought hummus
  • Fresh herbs and vegetables for garnish (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and onion with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
  5. Serve warm with hummus and your favorite garnishes.

3. Quinoa Salad with Grilled Chicken

• Why it's healthy: Quinoa is a complete protein that is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants. Grilled chicken is a lean protein source that is low in fat.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 2 cups chopped mixed greens
  • 1 cup diced grilled chicken
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, greens, chicken, cucumber, onion, parsley, and mint.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil.
  3. Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Shrimp Skewers with Mango Salsa

• Why it's healthy: Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein food that is also a good source of selenium and vitamin B12. Mango salsa adds a burst of flavor and sweetness.
• Ingredients:
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder  
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
  3. Grill skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until shrimp are cooked through.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine mango, onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
  5. Serve shrimp skewers with mango salsa.

5. Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Avocado Dip

• Why it's healthy: Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. Avocado dip is a creamy and healthy alternative to traditional dips.
• Ingredients:
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fries are