Consigli per un menù natalizio più leggero e stagionale

The festive season is a time for connection and celebration around the table. And, although traditional Christmas meals bring joy, sometimes they can be a bit too abundant and overwhelming.

That’s why this year, our nutritionists share their tips and suggestions for a Christmas menu that’s lighter, more seasonal, and thoughtfully balanced!

Seasonal ingredients
Winter offers a wide range of ingredients that are naturally rich in flavour, colour and nutrients. So, putting together a menu based on seasonal products means not only better taste but also more nutrients. Food products are harvested locally and at their peak so they are full of flavour, colours, vitamins and minerals.

The perfect balance
Creating a lighter and seasonal Christmas menu is about finding the perfect balance for each dish in order to achieve maximum taste and wellbeing. For example, creamier dishes can be paired with less heavy vegetables to add a freshness to the dish.

Also, plant-based options can accompany traditional favourites to make them lighter but also more colourful, while desserts can be less sugary. By keeping these simple tips in mind, our Christmas menu can be easily digestible without scarifying flavour or variety

Our suggestions for a lighter and seasonal 2025 Christmas menu:

• ‘Crostoni’ with radicchio, gorgonzola and walnuts (vegetarian)
  A creamy and comforting starter featuring antioxidant-rich radicchio and crunchy, healthy walnuts.

 

• Shrimp salad with fennel, red onion, and Taggiasca olives
  A fresh and light appetizer where the shrimp pair beautifully with the crunchiness of the fennel, the sweetness of red onion, and the intense flavour of Taggiasca olives, all dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a touch of lemon.

• Pumpkin gnocchi with brown butter, sage and amaretti (vegetarian).
  Soft, delicate gnocchi balanced by the sweetness of pumpkin and the fragrance of sage and amaretti.
   

• Beetroot ‘spaghettoni’ with crispy speck and goat cheese cream.
  A vibrant, full of flavour dish, where the crispiness of speck contrasts with the smoothness of the goat cheese cream.
   
• Chickpea cream with braised radicchio and toasted almond crumble (vegetarian)
  A creamy and comforting dish where the chickpea-based cream is complemented by the slightly bitter taste of radicchio and the crunchy texture of toasted almonds.

• Potato, leek and pecorino flan (vegetarian)
  Velvety and rich in flavour, this vegetarian option is both comforting and elegant.

 

• Pork loin with orange and honey.
  Lean and tender, this main course features citrus and honey for a light, aromatic twist.

 

• Cannellini bean and Tuscan kale patties with yogurt sauce (vegetarian)
  A legume-based main course, where cannellini beans are combined with Tuscan kale for a dish rich in fibre and minerals. Served with a light yogurt sauce to complete the plate and add a touch of extra flavour.

• Baked artichokes with lemon, thyme and almonds (vegetarian)
  A crunchy, refreshing side that pairs perfectly with any main dish, rich in fibre and flavour.

 

• Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and parsley (vegetarian)
  A simple, earthy dish that complements both plant-based and meat-based mains.

 

• Braised red cabbage with apples and balsamic vinegar (vegetarian)
  A side dish rich in antioxidants and fibre, where red cabbage combines with the sweetness of apples and the intense flavour of balsamic vinegar, creating a seasonal dish that adds colour to your table.

• Light Chocolate Salami
  A classic favourite made with less sugar, offering a sweet yet balanced finish to the meal.

 

• Ricotta truffles
  Delicate bite-sized treats made with creamy ricotta, rich dark chocolate, and cocoa powder. Soft on the inside and lightly dusted with bitter cocoa on the outside, these truffles offer an elegant and satisfying finale to any meal.

Buon Appetito!