The annual Christmas dinner is usually a very hearty feast, which tastes delicious but is often quite low in vitamins. Of course we don't want to miss out on tasty treats during the festive season but the culinary classics can easily be enjoyed with a fruitier twist. Pears, berries and the like can add a vitamin boost, making for a healthier Christmas dinner.

Potato salad with sweet mandarins or pineapple

Potato salad is often served at Christmas. A few fruity ingredients will go down particularly well with the mix of potatoes, mayonnaise and vegetables to create deliciously fresh sweet and savoury flavours. Mandarins are an ideal addition, as they will also bring vitamin C, potassium and magnesium to the party! Pineapple is another good choice; bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, even has anti-inflammatory properties.

Raclette with peach and pear

A sociable raclette is a Christmas custom for many families. In this dish, cheese-coated meat and vegetables are traditionally cooked in little pans. But did you know that fruit can also be served with raclette, adding a healthy touch to your Christmas dinner? Simply place the sliced peach on the grill. This juicy fruit contains vitamins A, B, C and E. Pears provide fibre, vitamin C and minerals, such as iron. It's a no-brainer – this delicious fruit also goes with healthier meals at Christmas time.

Berrylicious Christmas dessert

Whether it's a mousse, creamy dessert, tart or ice cream – anyone with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed at Christmas! If you would like to give your dessert a flavoursome yet healthy twist, you can't go wrong with berries. Simply add raspberries or blueberries as a topping to any dessert. These berries are rich in phytochemicals, vitamin C, iron and calcium. Berry Christmas!

By the way, there are of course an infinite number of ways you can incorporate fresh fruit into your Christmas menus. Sweet cakes, colourful fruit plates, salads or refreshing drinks with fruit add a colourful and healthy touch to the dinner table.

Enjoy a thoroughly fruity Christmas!

Your Dole Team