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    Home » Recipe Collections

    Best Holiday Recipes: Main Dishes

    Published: Nov 20, 2022 by Shadi HasanzadeNemati · This post may contain affiliate links .

    16 shares
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    When it comes to holidays, food is everything! Here are our top holiday favorite dishes: from chicken and turkey to lamb and seafood, we've got you covered! Got a large gathering? Make the turkey! Looking for a main dish for a smaller group? Make Cornish hens or a side of salmon. Check out these delicious recipes for the holidays!

    When it comes to holidays, food is everything! Here are our top holiday favorite dishes, from chicken and turkey to lamb and seafood, we've got you covered! Got a large gathering? Make the turkey! Looking for a main dish for a smaller group? Make cornish hens or a side of salmon. Check out these delicious recipes for the holidays!
    Table Of Contents:
    • Fish recipes for the holidays
    • Chicken and turkey holiday recipes
    • Holiday recipes with lamb and beef
    • Frequently asked questions
    • More recipe collections
    • Step-by-Step Recipe
    • Best Holiday Recipes Main Dishes

    Fish recipes for the holidays

    Mediterranean Grilled Branzino Recipe

    Mediterranean Grilled Branzino Recipe
    This grilled branzino recipe with a Mediterranean twist is a must-try! The fish is marinated with a herb and lemon mixture, then grilled to perfection and topped with a bright tomato herb relish. Trust me, there's a feast of flavors in every bite.
    Check out this recipe
    This grilled branzino recipe with a Mediterranean twist is a must-try! The fish is marinated with a herb and lemon mixture, then grilled to perfection and topped with a bright tomato herb relish. Trust me, there's a feast of flavors in every bite.

    Stuffed Fish with Pomegranates and Walnuts - Persian Style

    Stuffed Fish with Pomegranates and Walnuts - Persian Style
    Persian style stuffed branzino is a keeper. Filled with a mixture of onions, peppers and walnuts, this fish will be the star of the table.
    Check out this recipe
    Stuffed fish a new way of serving fish that is very tasty! The filling includes pomegranates and walnuts!
    This stuffed fish is a new way to serve fish! It is stuffed with a delicious pomegranate and walnut mixture and is perfect for any occasion.

    Mediterranean marinated salmon

    Best Salmon Marinade Mediterranean Style
    This salmon marinade features bright flavors and doesn't require a long list of ingredients. You can use this marinade for baked or grilled salmon. 
    Check out this recipe
    This salmon marinade features bright flavors and doesn't require a long list of ingredients. You can use this marinade for baked or grilled salmon.

    Oven Baked Salmon with Olives and Capers

    Oven Baked Salmon with Olives and Capers
    The best ever oven baked salmon is here! Flaky and moist Alaska salmon with olives and capers on a bed of vegetables is a solid choice for dinner any day of the week.
    Check out this recipe
    The best ever oven baked salmon is here! Flaky and moist Alaska salmon with olives and capers on a bed of vegetables is the best weeknight dinner!

    Mediterranean Baked Dijon Salmon Recipe

    Mediterranean Baked Dijon Salmon Recipe
    An easy salmon recipe with so much flavor, this dijon salmon recipe is a family favorite. This baked salmon is juicy, tender and very easy to make. 

    Check out this recipe
    An easy salmon recipe with so much flavor, this dijon salmon recipe is a family favorite. This baked salmon is juicy, tender and very easy to make.

    Chicken and turkey holiday recipes

    Joojeh Kabab (Persian Saffron Chicken Kebab)

    Joojeh Kabab (Persian Saffron Chicken Kebab)
    Joojeh kabab is a classic chicken kebob recipe from Iran. Chicken pieces are smothered in a delicious saffron chicken kebob marinade and have such delicious flavor thanks to saffron and lemon. 
    Check out this recipe
    Joojeh kabab is a classic chicken kebob recipe from Iran. Chicken pieces are smothered in a delicious saffron chicken kebob marinade and have such delicious flavor thanks to saffron and lemon.

    Pomegranate chicken - Persian style (morgh nardooni)

    Pomegranate Chicken, Persian Style (Morgh Nardooni)
    This pomegranate chicken is tangy and savory with a lot of flavor. Juicy chicken cooked in pomegranate juice makes this Persian classic a family favorite!
    Check out this recipe
    This pomegranate chicken is tangy and savory with a lot of flavor. Juicy chicken cooked in pomegranate juice makes this Persian classic a family favorite!

    Herb roasted turkey breast

    Herb Roasted Turkey Breast
    This herb roasted turkey breast recipe is perfect for a family dinner or your Thanksgiving table. The combination of herbs, butter and lemon results in a delicious and moist turkey breast.
    This herb roasted turkey breast recipe is perfect for a family dinner or your Thanksgiving table. The combination of herbs, butter and lemon results in a delicious and moist turkey breast.

    Slow cooker turkey breast

    Slow Cooker Turkey Breast Recipe
    This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is a simple method that will always give you juicy and moist turkey breast with minimal preparation. It's perfect for Thanksgiving and the holidays!
    Check out this recipe
    This slow cooker turkey breast recipe is a simple method that will always give you juicy and moist turkey breast with minimal preparation. It's perfect for Thanksgiving and the holidays!

    Persian style roasted turkey (No brine)

    Persian Style Roasted Turkey (No Brine)
    Bring a new twist to your Thanksgiving table by making this delicious no-brine Spiced Persian Turkey. It's juicy, tasty and filled with aromatic spices that will take your Thanksgiving dinner to a whole new world! 
    Check out this recipe
    Bring a new twist to your Thanksgiving table by making this delicious no-brine Spiced Persian Turkey. It's juicy, tasty and filled with aromatic spices that will take your Thanksgiving dinner to a whole new world!

    Cranberry orange glazed cornish hen

    Cranberry Orange Glazed Cornish Hens
    These Cranberry Orange Glazed Cornish Hens are perfect for holiday family dinners. The flavors of cranberries and oranges make this festive dinner a winner!
    Check out this recipe
    These Cranberry Orange Glazed Cornish Hens are perfect for holiday family dinners. The flavors of cranberries and oranges make this festive dinner a winner!

    EASY BAKED GREEK CHICKEN RECIPE

    Easy Baked Greek Chicken Recipe
    This baked Greek chicken recipe is a weeknight favorite. Marinated in yogurt, lemon and garlic, this chicken is flavorful in every bite.
    Check out this recipe
    This baked Greek chicken recipe is a weeknight favorite. Marinated in yogurt, lemon and garlic, this chicken is flavorful in every bite.

    Garlic lemon cheese stuffed chicken breast

    Garlic Lemon Cheese Stuffed Chicken
    Cheese stuffed chicken breast makes a delicious dinner that's low carb and easy. Learn how to make these garlic lemon stuffed chicken breast at home with a few ingredients. 
    Check out this recipe
    Cheese stuffed chicken breast makes a delicious dinner that's low carb and easy. Learn how to make these garlic lemon stuffed chicken breast at home with a few ingredients.

    Caprese stuffed chicken breast

    Caprese Stuffed Chicken Breast
    Caprese stuffed chicken breast is easy and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken breast stuffed with cheese, tomatoes and basil makes a delicious meal. 
    Check out this recipe
    Caprese stuffed chicken breast is easy and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken breast stuffed with cheese, tomatoes and basil makes a delicious meal.

    Harissa chicken with saffron couscocus

    Harissa chicken with Couscous
    This delicious harissa chicken is the perfect weeknight meal served with saffron infused couscous. Learn how to make this spicy chicken recipe with a twist. 
    Check out this recipe
    This delicious harissa chicken is the perfect weeknight meal served with saffron infused couscous. Learn how to make this spicy chicken recipe with a twist.

    Holiday recipes with lamb and beef

    Lamb loin chops

    Lamb Loin Chops Recipe with Roasted Potatoes
    This easy lamb loin chops recipe will be your family's favorite. Lamb loin chops marinated in olive oil, lemon, paprika and garlic make a delicious dinner for everyone!
    Check out this recipe
    This easy lamb loin chops recipe will be your family's favorite. Lamb loin chops marinated in olive oil, lemon, paprika and garlic make a delicious dinner for everyone!

    Best braised lamb shanks

    Best Braised Lamb Shanks Recipe
    Try the best braised lamb shank recipe ever written! Lamb shanks are slow cooked in a rich spiced sauce until fall-off-the-bone-level fork tender! Serve this restaurant-quality dish with rice, potatoes or even risotto.
    Check out this recipe
    closeup shot of braised lamb shanks.

    Steak with garlic and herb sauce

    Steak with Garlic Herb Sauce
    This perfect grilled steak is easier than you think! With a simple seasoning and a flavorful garlic herb sauce, this steak will be the star of your dinner table.
    Check out this recipe
    This perfect grilled steak is easier than you think! With a simple seasoning and a flavorful garlic herb sauce, this steak will be the star of your dinner table.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I make these holiday recipes ahead of time?

    You can do some preparation for many of these recipes, however, it's best to make these dishes fresh so they taste their best.

    How should I store the leftovers?

    If you have a lot of leftovers, you can give some away to your guests! As for the rest of the leftovers, store them in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

    What sides can I serve with these dishes?

    You can serve these dishes with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes or oven roasted vegetables.

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    Did you make this recipe? I'd love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!

    Step-by-Step Recipe

    Best Holiday Recipes Main Dishes

    Shadi HasanzadeNemati
    When it comes to holidays, food is everything! Here are our top holiday favorite dishes, from chicken and turkey to lamb and seafood, we've got you covered! Got a large gathering? Make the turkey! Looking for a main dish for a smaller group? Make cornish hens or a side of salmon. Check out these delicious recipes for the holidays!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 1 hr 20 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 40 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mediterranean, middle eastern, Persian
    Servings 6
    Calories 429 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • Check out each recipe for a complete list of ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Make ahead: You can prepare parts of these recipes in advance, but it's best to make the dishes fresh on the day you're going to serve them.
    • Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat the leftovers in the oven, in a pan or using the microwave.

    Notes

    • Check out each recipe for full instructions and important tips. 
    • The recipes are perfect for large or small gatherings. Choose the recipes according to the size of your party. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 429kcal
    Did you make this recipe? Let us know how it was by leaving a comment and a 5-star review!
    « Kumpir (Turkish Stuffed Baked Potatoes)
    Revani Cake (Turkish Semolina Cake) »
    16 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ned

      December 15, 2022 at 9:30 pm

      5 stars
      What a great combo of recipes! Can't wait to try them out!

      Reply
    2. Jill

      December 15, 2022 at 8:02 pm

      5 stars
      Terrific round up. That salmon with the olives and capers is first on my list to make. Yum!

      Reply
    3. Caitlin

      December 15, 2022 at 4:35 pm

      5 stars
      This list has been so helpful in planning the holiday season, thank you!

      Reply
    4. Anjali

      December 15, 2022 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      I'm just about to plan our holiday dinner party menu and you have so many great recipes for inspiration!! I will definitely be using this guide to pick our main dishes for Christmas coming up!

      Reply
    5. kushigalu

      December 15, 2022 at 12:22 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing collection of recipes here. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    6. Luci Petlack

      December 15, 2022 at 12:18 pm

      5 stars
      I love this round up. There are so many great recipes. I can't wait to try them!!

      Reply
    7. Nathan

      December 15, 2022 at 12:18 pm

      5 stars
      What a fantastic collection of recipes! My only problem is trying to decide which one to try first! I'm especially intrigued by the Persian Style Pomegranate Chicken. Thanks for the ideas!

      Reply

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    16 shares