What to prepare for Christmas dinner? The easiest recipes

This year, Christmas will be celebrated in small groups, so having easy, short recipes packed with the flavors of the season will be a great option if we don't want to prepare a large turkey for this occasion.Plan your Christmas dinner menu with our ideas, as here you will find side dishes, salads, pastas, and delicious alternatives for main courses without turkey.What to prepare for Christmas dinner?If you still don't know what to prepare for Christmas dinner, we suggest a menu with some appetizers, a salad, a side dish, and a main course so you have the easiest recipes available and surprise everyone with their flavor.No-bake appetizersAppetizers also serve as small starters and keep us entertained while we wait for dinner time. For these no-bake appetizer options for Christmas dinner, sandwich bread, cheese, ham, or smoked salmon can be your best friends.For example, you can make a spinach dip with cheese and nuts in less than 30 minutes, or you can prepare a tuna salad served on apple slices, or some Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil.SaladIf you are a fan of the classic apple salad, for this Christmas we suggest a light version with Greek yogurt. But if you're looking for something that deviates from the classic, you can prepare a Christmas potato salad with bacon and a dressing made with sour cream, yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.Main CourseFor a smaller version of turkey, we suggest delicious and varied options with chicken or pork loin. If you like the classic, chicken a la vizcaína could be your ideal main dish, as it has that Christmas flavor with olives and stew. You could also opt for chicken in creamy apple sauce, which can be ready in less than an hour.If you prefer loin, a simple way to prepare it is to roast it seasoned simply with salt and garlic, then serve it bathed in a peanut sauce. This main dish is not only different, but it is also a very Mexican version of the classic loin.Side DishesTo accompany your chicken or loin, you can make a simple pasta or some baked gratin potatoes. To give it a more festive touch, use tricolor pasta, such as rotini with dried fruits, served with goat cheese and ready in half an hour.If you prefer vegetables, making a baked potato side dish is easier than you thought, as this classic dish is made in just 3 steps, or you can also choose a potato gratin with broccoli, with cream and manchego cheese.DessertAs we can't skip dessert and gelatin never disappoints when we want something tasty, eye-catching, and easy, these Christmas gelatin cups will be the sweet finish that everyone will love.Plan your menu in advance, and if you need more options, don't forget to check our Christmas section.