skip to menu
Subscribe
& Save 15%
Get $20
Limited Offer!
Refer a Friend >

nourish / Articles

Festive Favorites for a Crowd

McKenzie Jones

November 3, 2025

McKenzie Jones

McKenzie Jones

McKenzie is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for nutribullet who aims to make the world a healthier, happier place. She believes that living a healthy lifestyle and eating for your health isn't meant to be complicated -- it's meant to be simple, enjoyable, and judgment-free (with room for dessert). When she’s not dishing out nutrition tidbits, you can find McKenzie visiting her local farmers market, hiking her favorite trails with her husband, and chasing after her daughters.

The holidays are made for togetherness — sharing laughter, stories, and of course, good food. 

But feeding a crowd can feel daunting, especially when you want your dishes to be both nourishing and delicious. Fortunately, festive meals don’t have to be complicated or heavy. With a little planning and the right recipes, you can serve dishes that feel indulgent and support your well-being — whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or a full-house feast.

Here are a few of my favorite festive crowd-pleasers that hit all the joyful, colorful, indulgent notes you want on your holiday table while also providing a wide range of nutritional benefits. 

Start with Something Warm: Pumpkin Cream Soup

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup to welcome guests in from the cold. This Pumpkin Cream Soup is velvety, lightly spiced, and naturally rich in fiber and beta-carotene — a nutrient that supports immune health all season long.

Make it a day ahead and gently reheat before serving. Top with a drizzle of olive oil or roasted pumpkin seeds for a festive touch.

Nutritionist Tip: Serve in small mugs or ramekins for an easy, elegant starter that’s perfect for mingling.

Bright & Balanced: Winter Salad with Pear Vinaigrette

Balance out the richness of the season with a crisp, colorful salad. Simply toss mixed greens, sliced pears, and toasted walnuts with this easy homemade Pear Vinaigrette, and voilà! You’ve got a light, fragrant salad that cuts through heavier dishes — and complements just about everything on the table.

Nutritionist Tip: Make the vinaigrette up to five days ahead and store it in a glass jar. When it’s time to serve, just shake and drizzle!

A Crowd-Favorite Appetizer: Feta and Roasted Cherry Tomato Dip

Warm, melty, and bursting with flavor, this Feta and Roasted Cherry Tomato Dip is the ultimate effortless appetizer. Set it on your table alongside toasted whole-grain baguette slices and/or veggie sticks for a flavorful, colorful, crowd-pleasing starter.

It looks impressive but comes together quickly — and it’s a perfect make-ahead option for busy hosts.

Comfort on the Side: Potatoes Au Gratin

No holiday spread is complete without a creamy, comforting side dish. These Potatoes Au Gratin are rich in flavor and a holiday favorite.

You can bake them earlier in the day and reheat just before dinner — they’ll still taste freshly made and perfectly creamy.

Culinary Tip: Our food processor slices the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.

The Grand Finale: Apple Crumble Pie

Finish the evening with a sweet treat that feels homemade in the best way possible — this Apple Crumble Pie. The warm cinnamon filling and oat-almond topping make it comforting without being overly sweet.

Pair it with a small scoop of vanilla yogurt or coconut whipped cream for a balanced dessert everyone can enjoy.

Toast to Togetherness: Holiday Cocktail

Raise a glass with this fruit-forward Holiday Cocktail, made with pear, blood orange, rum, Cointreau, agave, and a dash of cinnamon.

You can even make a big batch ahead of time and serve in a punch bowl for a beautiful holiday centerpiece. Just add the cranberry juice right before serving, and keep a bucket of ice on the side for your guests to add to their liking.

Final Thoughts from a nutribullet Dietitian 

Hosting doesn’t have to mean stress or excess. With these wholesome, flavorful dishes, you can feed a crowd and feel good about what’s on the table.

This season, focus on what really nourishes you — connection, community, and the joy of sharing food made with love. That’s the true heart of a festive feast.

Get inspired with these featured favorites.

Super Blue Smoothie
RECIPE

Super Blue Smoothie

Is there such a thing as a perfect smoothie? This sweet medley certainly makes a strong case. With a classic combination of blueberries, banana, and spinach, this superstar smoothie provides a powerful nutrient boost!

Clock icon representing preparation time 5 mins
Chef hat icon representing cooking time Easy
Fire icon representing calories or energy 310 cal
Essential Green Smoothie
RECIPE

Essential Green Smoothie

Consider this blend the little black dress of nutribullet smoothies: it never goes out of style. To help keep your energy stable throughout the day, aim to balance your meals and snacks with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber-filled carbs – like this combo of Greek yogurt, peanut butter, fruit, and veggies. There’s a reason this one is always on-trend.

Clock icon representing preparation time 5 mins
Chef hat icon representing cooking time Easy
Fire icon representing calories or energy 320 cal
Good Morning Green Smoothie
RECIPE

Good Morning Green Smoothie

Start your day on a high note with this nutritiously cheerful blend of greens, mango, banana, and chia seeds.  

Clock icon representing preparation time 5 mins
Chef hat icon representing cooking time Easy
Fire icon representing calories or energy 240 cal