Christmas Dinner Ideas: 3 Holiday Menus Without Turkey

If you're looking for a classic holiday menu, check out our Thanksgiving Cooking Essentials. If you want something a little less traditional (no turkey, no problem), we've got you covered.

Sophisticated Holiday Supper

• Starter: Cumin Carrot Soup
• Entrée: Maple Glazed Salmon
• Sides: Spicy Orange & Watercress Salad and Sage & Roasted Squash Risotto or Cheesy Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash
• Dessert: Mulling Spiced Panna Cotta with Caramelized Apples
• Drink: Chai Cranberry Fizz

We're skipping the appetizer for a more elevated soup course. This cozy autumn soup is a great way to set the stage for your sophisticated holiday supper. Serve your salmon with a refreshing citrusy salad and a hearty side of risotto or quinoa. Finish with a chai spiced drink and dessert combo.

Vibrant Vegetarian

• Appetizer: Charcuterie board with Mulled Cranberry Sauce, Garam Masala Spiced Cashews,  and assorted cheeses and crackers
• Entrée: Mushroom Shepherd's Pie with Carrot Mash
• Sides: Capitol Hill Green Beans and Smoky Kale Salad
• Dessert: Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars or Spiced Apple Bake
• Drink: Mulled Wine or Mulled Apple Cider

This vegetarian feast is hearty, filling, cozy and comforting...everything you could possibly want from a holiday meal. (And it's easy to make non-dairy ingredient swaps if you need to go vegan.) Start with a charcuterie board that features Cranberry-Ginger Relish for a bit of holiday flair. Mushroom Shepherd's Pie is the star of the show and is topped with a carrot and potato mash. Serve with Smoky Kale Salad for a complementary crispy crunch. Finish with a twist on traditional pumpkin pie, in the form of cheesecake bars. For a vegan alternative, make Spiced Apple Bake with a vegan butter.

Dinner for One, Two, or Three

• Appetizer: Seven Onion Dip Spice ‘n Easy with chips or veggies.
• Entrée: Easiest Ever Slow Cooker “Roast” Chicken
• Sides: Cherry Almond Haricot Verts and Spiced Skillet Potatoes
• Dessert: Pumpkin Spice Bread
• Drink: Vanilla Bean Hot Toddy

Even if you aren’t feeding a crowd, you can still have awesome food! Enjoy an easy “roast” chicken seasoned with your favorite spice blend. Traditional vegetable and potato sides get a fresh (and flavorful) new spin. Finish with Pumpkin Spice Bread and save the leftover dessert for a Black Friday breakfast, with a cup of coffee, of course.

No matter what spread you set up, make sure to snap a picture and tag #savoryspiceshop on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. We can't wait to see your Savory holiday creations!