Festive and Healthy Hanukkah Recipes for 8 Delicious Nights

Hanukkah is a holiday filled with traditions and family, and of course, food. From golden latkes to tender brisket and sweet treats, Hanukkah recipes play a central role in celebrating each of the eight nights of the Festival of Lights. And at Health eCooks, our chefs and dietitians have created delicious and healthy Hanukkah recipes that are every bit as flavorful and joyful as classic holiday favorites, but with a lighter twist. These dishes let you share the warmth and tradition of the season while nourishing your body and delighting your guests.

Classic Hanukkah foods often include fried latkes, rich brisket, sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and cookies that are shared with family and friends. While these dishes are loved for their comfort and tradition, they typically contain a lot of oil, salt, sugar, and calories. That’s where our healthier Hanukkah recipes come in. By combining wholesome ingredients with creative preparation, we’ve put together a collection of lighter Hanukkah dishes that prove you don’t have to give up flavor to celebrate in a meaningful, festive, and healthier way.

Hanukkah Chicken Recipes

Chicken is a versatile and lean protein that makes a great centerpiece for a Hanukkah meal. Healthier Hanukkah chicken recipes often feature chicken that’s baked or roasted with garlic, herbs, spices, or citrus to boost flavor without adding unnecessary fat.

Orange Roasted Chicken

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

120 mins

This citrus-infused roasted chicken is a healthy Hanukkah recipe that feels celebratory as a classic holiday centerpiece. The bright orange flavor adds a festive twist while keeping the dish light and wholesome.

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Herb-Roasted Chicken

Photo Credit: Jessica Kielman, Baldwin Publishing

120 mins

Fragrant herbs give this roasted chicken the comforting, traditional feel of Hanukkah while keeping it heart-healthy. It’s a simple yet festive dish that brings everyone to the table.

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Rosemary Chicken Dijon

Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

45 mins

This flavorful chicken dish combines rosemary and Dijon to create a savory, festive taste that makes it perfect for a Hanukkah gathering. It’s a lighter take on a comforting dish.

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Chicken and Brandy

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

45 mins

With its rich, elegant flavor, this chicken and brandy entrée is a healthy Hanukkah recipe that delivers the celebratory flair of a special holiday meal, while also being good for you.

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Hanukkah Brisket Recipes

Brisket is often the star of the Hanukkah table. Slow-cooked until tender and rich in flavor, traditional versions can be high in fat and sodium, but there are ways to keep it healthier. If you’re making your favorite recipe for beef brisket for Hanukkah, trimming excess fat and using low-sodium broth are simple steps to make it better for you. Our Hanukkah brisket recipe adds plenty of vegetables and fresh herbs and cooks it in a slow cooker to make it flavorful and heart-healthy.

Beef Brisket and Vegetables

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

240 mins

This tender brisket with hearty vegetables is a classic Hanukkah meal that’s made in a healthier way. It’s a comforting main dish that honors holiday tradition with less fat, sodium, and calories while still retaining all the taste you love.

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Hanukkah Vegetarian Recipes

From hearty vegetable stews to vibrant salads and indulgent dips, vegetarian Hanukkah recipes can help balance heavier dishes and give guests healthier options without losing tradition. They can also typically be prepared in advance, making them perfect make-ahead Hanukkah recipes when you’re hosting a crowd.

Eggplant Chickpea Stew

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

105 mins

This hearty stew is a healthy Hanukkah dish that captures the warm, comforting spirit of the holiday. Packed with vegetables and spices, it feels celebratory and even a bit indulgent.

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Veggie Pot Pie

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

60 mins

This golden-topped pot pie offers cozy, traditional comfort in a lighter, heart-healthy way. Filled with vegetables, it’s a wholesome twist on a classic that may soon become a new holiday favorite.

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Warm Roasted Sweet Potato, Farro and Greens Salad

Photo Credit: Kara Foran Photography, Baldwin Publishing

45 mins

Colorful and full of flavor, this roasted sweet potato and farro salad adds a festive touch to any Hanukkah table. It’s a healthy holiday side that’s vibrant and satisfying.

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Garlic Hummus

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

15 mins

Creamy and flavorful, this hummus is perfect for sharing with family and friends. Serve it as an appetizer, add it to a snack board, or simply enjoy it along with latkes and other Hanukkah favorites.

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Hanukkah Latkes Recipes

Latkes are a mainstay of the holiday, symbolizing the miracle of the oil. Traditional recipes are fried and can be high in calories, but there are healthier ways to enjoy them. Baking latkes instead of frying, or using vegetables like zucchini or sweet potato, creates lighter versions that still taste indulgent. Latkes recipes for Hanukkah can also be paired with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and less fat.

Zucchini Latkes

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

30 mins

A lighter spin on a beloved Hanukkah favorite, these zucchini latkes deliver crispy, festive flavor without all the fat and calories in traditional potato latkes. They keep the tradition alive while being heart-healthy and wholesome.

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Hanukkah Cookie Recipes

The Festival of Lights wouldn’t be complete without something sweet. Instead of doughnuts, which are a holiday tradition since they’re fried in oil, consider trying Hanukkah cookie recipes that use less sugar and fat. In addition to these recipes for Hanukkah cookies, we also have plenty of other healthy cookie recipes to choose from.

Pecan Lace Cookies

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

45 mins

These delicate pecan lace cookies are a festive way to indulge during the holiday. They’re light and sweet, keeping dessert celebratory while also being better for your health than most Hanukkah desserts.

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Almond Snow Cookies

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

45 mins

Dusted with snowy sweetness, these almond cookies bring a festive sparkle to Hanukkah while staying on the lighter side. They’re a healthier way to enjoy holiday baking traditions.

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Coconut Macaroons

Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer

30 mins

Although macaroons are typically enjoyed during Passover, these treats are delicious, so it’s natural that they also have a place in Hanukkah celebrations. They capture tradition in every bite with a lighter twist.

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Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Photo Credit: iStock

45 mins

These cookies offer rich, fudgy flavor with a festive crackled top. This makes them feel a bit special, which is perfect when you’re putting out a holiday spread or sharing Hanukkah treats with loved ones.

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Healthier Hanukkah Recipes for a Festive Holiday

Hanukkah is a holiday marked by tradition and food that brings people together. By choosing healthier versions of beloved dishes, you can keep the celebration meaningful while supporting the health and well-being of everyone at the table. From lighter brisket and herby chicken dishes to better-for-you latkes and festive cookies, these Hanukkah recipes prove that holiday meals can be delicious while also being nutritious. This year, try a mix of traditional favorites and new, lighter dishes. You may just find that these healthy Hanukkah recipes become part of your family’s traditions for years to come.

Festive and Healthy Hanukkah Recipes