This one is a hit at any holiday party - plus, no reason to feel bad about indulging!
As we get into the thick of the holiday season, I want to share one of my favorite sweet and savory recipes with you: Turkey Bacon Wrapped Dates! I’ve been serving them for years at my Christmas dinner table and they always deliver. Their unique texture, paired with the sweetness of the dates and the salty taste of bacon, make for a truly exceptional healthy side dish or appetizer. And there’s more: thanks to the lean protein of turkey meat, these mini wraps are one of my favorite healthy side dishes for weight loss. There are many turkey bacon recipes you can find out there, but this one wins for me!
If you’re looking for an original healthy recipe to add to your sweet and savory menu, or even if you’re trying to find some inspiration for a new dish, you’re in the right place. You can use this as a bacon and dates appetizer recipe, or turn it into an actual dish if paired with the right foods (I’ll give you more info on this at the end of this article).
Unlike its traditional counterpart, turkey bacon represents a leaner choice: it contains fewer saturated fats and calories than traditional pork bacon, making it an excellent option if you’re looking for a healthy, low-calorie recipe. Moreover, being rich in selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron, turkey is a great ally in helping thyroid function, bone health, and the immune system.
Beyond their captivating flavor, dates boast many important health benefits. This naturally sweet fruit is a powerhouse of nutrients, thanks to an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and fiber which are crucial to digestive health and offer a natural boost of energy. Their rich antioxidant content champions cellular health, aligning with the values of a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle. Did you know that, thanks to their high dietary fiber index, dates have a low glycemic index despite containing lots of sugar?
Let’s get into the recipe.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
These turkey bacon-wrapped dates are a great appetizer or side dish for your holiday menus, and as such they can be paired with several other dishes. For example, I love serving them together with a charcuterie board and some goat cheese: believe me when I say that this pairing option brings out every single flavor perfectly! Another great idea is to pair these mini-wraps with salmon canapés and spiced roasted veggies.
Not sure how to sign off your holiday dinner party? Try my healthy and nourishing spiced apple cider recipe! And if you’re traveling for the holidays, make sure you stay on track with your workout routine with my infallible travel tips.