'Tis the season for entertaining. And with the holidays in full swing, things can feel a bit frantic.

The holidays are a time to gather, share, and connect with family and friends. Whether we're hosting a small group for giggles and apps, or feeding a gaggle of ten or more, we want to impress our guests with something delectable. But sometimes having over-the-top selections leads to over indulging.

So rather than having people leave your holiday gathering feeling lethargic, why not change up the holiday menu? Simply add a few more healthy and vegetarian items! Your loved ones and guests will feel better not only at the party, but into the New Year as well.

Listed below are healthy or vegetarian dishes (and a few that are kosher) from some fabulous food bloggers. Choose any one (or more) to add all the familiar flavors of the holiday without sacrificing taste.

Happy Holidays!

Appetizers:

1. Bake Your Day – BBQ Chicken Dip

http://www.bakeyourday.net/bbq-chicken-dip/ 

2. A Spoonful of Flavor - Cinnamon Spice Pepitas (Kosher)

http://www.spoonfulofflavor.com/2014/11/10/cinnamon-spice-pepitas/  

3. Climbing Grier Mountain: Acorn Squash Pita Nachos with Pomegranates (Kosher) 

http://www.climbinggriermountain.com/2014/11/autumn-acorn-squash-pita-nachos-with-pomegranates-blue-cheese.html    

Side Dish Veggies:

4. The Law Student's Wife: Balsamic Brussel Sprouts with Maple Syrup (Kosher)

http://www.thelawstudentswife.com/2014/11/balsamic-brussel-sprouts/

5. A Zesty Bite: Easy Butternut Squash with Rosemary & Pecans (Kosher)

http://www.azestybite.com/butternut-squash-with-rosemary-and-pecans/

6. Love Grows Wild: Cauliflower Gratin 

http://lovegrowswild.com/2014/11/cauliflower-gratin/

Side Dish Potatoes:

7. The Lemon Bowl: Maple Whipped Sweet Potatoes with Orange Zest

http://thelemonbowl.com/2014/11/maple-whipped-sweet-potatoes-with-orange-zest.html

8. Country Cleaver: Chantrelle Sage Sourdough Stuffing 

http://www.countrycleaver.com/2014/11/chantrelle-sage-sourdough-stuffing.html

9. Edible Perspective: Easy Vegan Gravy and Mashed Potatoes (Kosher)

http://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2014/10/31/easy-vegan-gravy-and-mashed-potatoes.html

Dessert:

13. Simply Scratch: Pecan Whole Wheat Pie Crust 

http://www.simplyscratch.com/2014/11/pecan-whole-wheat-pie-crust.html

14. Completely Delicious: Apple Pear Praline Pie 

http://www.completelydelicious.com/2014/11/apple-pear-praline-pie.html

15. Joyful Healthy Eats: Mini No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecakes 

http://www.joyfulhealthyeats.com/mini-bake-pumpkin-cheesecake-gingersnap-pecan-crust/

Lauren Grier is the author behind the  Climbing Grier Mountain  (CGM). CGM is all about embracing curiosity. She thinks of her kitchen as a playground full of endless opportunities to make dishes that reflect life's experiences and shenanigans. Her recipes are fresh, flavorful, and adventurous. 

Lauren is one of our food bloggers for  The Opener,  an exclusive, invite-only contributor network that will bring the best food, culture, and innovation writing to the pages of  Coca-Cola Journey.