The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy hearty, flavorful meals without overloading on sodium.
Cast iron skillets make cooking easy, efficient, and full of flavor, perfect for festive gatherings.
Low sodium recipes allow you to enjoy classic holiday flavors while prioritizing heart health and wellness.
From roasted vegetables and savory mains to skillet desserts, these recipes are versatile, delicious, and crowd-pleasing.
In this article, we’ve compiled 15 holiday low sodium cast iron skillet recipes that are simple, festive, and perfect for celebrating with family and friends.
15 Healthy Holiday Low Sodium Skillet Recipes Everyone Will Love
Low sodium holiday cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or tradition.
These 15 cast iron skillet recipes prove that you can create flavorful, festive dishes while keeping sodium in check.
From appetizers to main courses and desserts, there’s something for every occasion and palate.
Experiment with herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients to enhance flavor naturally.
Cooking in a cast iron skillet ensures even cooking and rich taste.
Enjoy a healthy, heart-conscious holiday season with these simple, delicious, and low sodium recipes.
Holiday Skillet Roasted Vegetable Medley
This festive dish is colorful, nutritious, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
It combines a variety of seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection in a cast iron skillet.
The vegetables retain their natural flavors and slightly caramelized edges without added sodium.
Every bite tastes fresh, wholesome, and naturally sweet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups carrots, sliced into rounds
- 2 cups parsnips, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place your cast iron skillet on the stovetop and preheat it slightly. - In a large bowl, combine all vegetables.
Drizzle olive oil over them and toss with black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. - Transfer the vegetables into the preheated cast iron skillet.
Spread them evenly for uniform roasting. - Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through for even caramelization.
Check for tenderness using a fork. - Remove from oven and allow vegetables to cool slightly before serving.
This roasted vegetable medley is vibrant, aromatic, and flavorful.
It tastes naturally sweet, earthy, and herbaceous.
It is perfect as a side dish for holiday dinners or festive gatherings.
A healthy, low-sodium dish that celebrates the natural flavors of seasonal vegetables.
Holiday Skillet Herb Chicken with Apples
This dish is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.
It combines boneless chicken thighs with apples and herbs, cooked in a cast iron skillet.
The dish is naturally savory without the need for added salt.
Every bite tastes juicy, sweet, and fragrant.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning with black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. - Place chicken in the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Reduce heat to medium-low once seared. - Add sliced apples around the chicken in the skillet.
Pour low-sodium chicken broth over the mixture to create a light glaze. - Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and apples are tender.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This herb chicken with apples is tender, juicy, and aromatic.
It tastes savory, subtly sweet, and comforting.
It is perfect for a festive holiday dinner or special family meal.
A low-sodium dish that balances protein, fruit, and herbs beautifully.
Holiday Skillet Sweet Potato and Brussels Sprout Hash
This dish is hearty, flavorful, and nutrient-rich.
It combines sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts cooked together in a cast iron skillet for a holiday-friendly side.
The natural sweetness of the vegetables shines without the need for added salt.
Every bite tastes earthy, sweet, and crisp.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add diced sweet potatoes first and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Add halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet.
Sprinkle with black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and thyme. - Stir and cook for another 10–12 minutes until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
Cover the skillet for 3–4 minutes to allow Brussels sprouts to steam slightly. - Remove from heat and serve immediately.
This sweet potato and Brussels sprout hash is flavorful, tender, and crisp.
It tastes naturally sweet, earthy, and savory.
It is perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or brunch.
A colorful, nutrient-packed, low-sodium holiday dish.
Holiday Skillet Mushroom and Spinach Sauté
This dish is light, flavorful, and perfect as a holiday side or vegetarian main.
It combines mushrooms and spinach with garlic and herbs, sautéed in a cast iron skillet.
The dish is naturally savory and low-sodium.
Every bite tastes earthy, aromatic, and wholesome.
Ingredients
- 3 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and stir occasionally for 5–6 minutes until tender and slightly browned.
- Add fresh spinach and sprinkle with black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes if using.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until spinach wilts. - Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish immediately.
This mushroom and spinach sauté is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.
It tastes earthy, lightly seasoned, and wholesome.
It is perfect as a side dish for holiday dinners or a light vegetarian meal.
A low-sodium, nutrient-rich dish bursting with natural flavors.
Holiday Skillet Butternut Squash and Sage Bake
This dish is sweet, savory, and festive.
It combines roasted butternut squash with fresh sage and olive oil in a cast iron skillet.
The natural sweetness of the squash is enhanced without any added salt.
Every bite tastes tender, aromatic, and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 3 cups butternut squash, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried sage
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat a cast iron skillet on the stovetop with olive oil for 1–2 minutes. - Add diced butternut squash to the skillet.
Sprinkle with black pepper, garlic powder, dried sage, and paprika.
Toss to coat evenly. - Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through until squash is tender and slightly caramelized. - Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
This butternut squash and sage bake is tender, aromatic, and naturally sweet.
It tastes earthy, lightly spiced, and satisfying.
It is perfect as a side dish for holiday meals or festive gatherings.
A colorful, low-sodium, cast iron skillet recipe for a healthy holiday celebration.
Holiday Skillet Garlic Herb Turkey Breast
This dish is juicy, tender, and bursting with holiday flavor.
It combines a turkey breast with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and olive oil cooked in a cast iron skillet.
The recipe is low in sodium yet full of aromatic taste.
Every bite tastes savory, fragrant, and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2–3 lb boneless turkey breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. - Pat the turkey breast dry and rub with minced garlic, black pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
Sear turkey in the skillet for 3–4 minutes per side until lightly browned. - Pour low-sodium chicken broth and lemon juice into the skillet around the turkey.
Cover the skillet with a lid or foil. - Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes.
Check internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C). - Remove from oven and allow turkey to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
This garlic herb turkey is tender, juicy, and aromatic.
It tastes savory, lightly herbed, and comforting.
It is perfect for holiday dinners or festive family meals.
A low-sodium, flavorful centerpiece for any celebration.
Holiday Skillet Maple Glazed Carrots and Parsnips
This dish is naturally sweet, colorful, and festive.
It combines carrots and parsnips with olive oil and a touch of maple syrup in a cast iron skillet.
The vegetables caramelize beautifully without any added salt.
Every bite tastes sweet, tender, and naturally flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups parsnips, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat a cast iron skillet slightly on the stovetop. - Toss sliced carrots and parsnips with olive oil, maple syrup, black pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
Ensure vegetables are evenly coated. - Spread vegetables evenly in the skillet.
Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through for even caramelization. - Check for tenderness using a fork.
Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
These maple-glazed vegetables are tender, colorful, and aromatic.
They taste naturally sweet, earthy, and lightly herbed.
They are perfect as a side dish for holiday feasts.
A low-sodium, festive, and visually appealing dish for celebrations.
Holiday Skillet Garlic Lemon Salmon
This dish is light, flavorful, and healthy for the holidays.
It combines fresh salmon fillets with garlic, lemon, and olive oil in a cast iron skillet.
The fish is tender and aromatic without added salt.
Every bite tastes savory, zesty, and moist.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried dill
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Pat salmon fillets dry and season with black pepper and dried dill. - Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. - Cook for 4–5 minutes until skin is crispy.
Flip salmon fillets carefully and cook for another 3–4 minutes. - Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon before removing from heat.
Allow fillets to rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
This garlic lemon salmon is tender, flavorful, and aromatic.
It tastes zesty, savory, and naturally moist.
It is perfect for holiday dinners or a healthy festive option.
A low-sodium, nutrient-rich, and elegant seafood dish.
Holiday Skillet Mushroom and Sweet Potato Gratin
This dish is creamy, hearty, and naturally flavorful.
It combines mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and a dairy-free cream sauce in a cast iron skillet.
The dish is low in sodium but rich in texture and taste.
Every bite tastes creamy, earthy, and comforting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional for cheesy flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. - Add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 5–6 minutes until tender.
Remove mushrooms and set aside. - Layer sweet potatoes in the skillet.
Return mushrooms on top and sprinkle with garlic powder, black pepper, thyme, and nutritional yeast if using. - Pour almond milk evenly over the mixture.
Cover the skillet with foil. - Bake for 35–40 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender.
Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes to lightly brown the top.
This mushroom and sweet potato gratin is creamy, tender, and flavorful.
It tastes earthy, slightly sweet, and aromatic.
It is perfect as a festive holiday side dish or vegetarian main.
A low-sodium, wholesome, and visually appealing skillet dish.
Holiday Skillet Cranberry Apple Chicken
This dish is festive, fruity, and savory.
It combines chicken thighs with fresh cranberries, apples, and herbs in a cast iron skillet.
The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the savory flavors without any added salt.
Every bite tastes juicy, tangy, and aromatic.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Season chicken thighs with black pepper, thyme, and cinnamon. - Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
Reduce heat to medium-low. - Add chopped apple and fresh cranberries around the chicken.
Pour low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet. - Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and fruit is tender.
- Remove from heat and allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This cranberry apple chicken is juicy, tender, and festive.
It tastes savory, subtly sweet, and aromatic.
It is perfect for holiday dinners or celebratory meals.
A low-sodium, holiday-friendly dish that balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully
Holiday Skillet Stuffed Bell Peppers
This dish is colorful, festive, and nutrient-rich.
It combines bell peppers stuffed with quinoa, vegetables, and herbs, cooked in a cast iron skillet.
The recipe is low in sodium yet full of natural flavor.
Every bite tastes savory, wholesome, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup diced zucchini
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. - Sauté onion, garlic, zucchini, and mushrooms for 5–6 minutes until softened.
Stir in black pepper, oregano, and thyme. - Remove from heat and mix the sautéed vegetables with cooked quinoa.
Stir until evenly combined. - Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa-vegetable mixture.
Place peppers upright in the cast iron skillet. - Pour low-sodium vegetable broth around the peppers to keep them moist.
Cover skillet with foil and bake for 30–35 minutes. - Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until tops of peppers are lightly browned.
These stuffed bell peppers are tender, colorful, and flavorful.
They taste savory, wholesome, and lightly herbed.
They are perfect as a festive holiday side or main dish.
A low-sodium, nutrient-rich dish ideal for celebrations.
Holiday Skillet Roasted Cauliflower with Herbs
This dish is aromatic, crisp, and naturally flavorful.
It combines cauliflower florets with olive oil and holiday herbs in a cast iron skillet.
The natural flavors of cauliflower shine without added salt.
Every bite tastes earthy, aromatic, and slightly caramelized.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat the cast iron skillet slightly on the stovetop. - Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, black pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, and paprika.
Ensure the florets are evenly coated. - Spread the cauliflower evenly in the skillet.
Roast in the oven for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through for even caramelization. - Remove from oven when florets are golden and tender.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
This roasted cauliflower is crisp, aromatic, and flavorful.
It tastes earthy, slightly smoky, and naturally savory.
It is perfect as a holiday side dish or vegetarian option.
A low-sodium, wholesome, and festive recipe.
Holiday Skillet Lemon Garlic Green Beans
This dish is vibrant, crisp, and aromatic.
It combines fresh green beans with garlic, olive oil, and lemon zest in a cast iron skillet.
The natural flavors shine with no added sodium.
Every bite tastes fresh, zesty, and lightly seasoned.
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Add green beans to the skillet and stir to coat evenly.
Sprinkle with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. - Sauté green beans for 6–8 minutes until tender but still crisp.
Stir occasionally for even cooking. - Remove from heat and sprinkle lemon zest over the beans.
Toss lightly before serving.
These lemon garlic green beans are crisp, fresh, and aromatic.
They taste zesty, savory, and naturally flavorful.
They are perfect as a festive holiday side dish.
A low-sodium, healthy, and visually appealing option.
Skillet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts
This dish is tangy, slightly sweet, and savory.
It combines Brussels sprouts with fresh cranberries, olive oil, and spices in a cast iron skillet.
The cranberries provide a natural holiday sweetness with no added salt.
Every bite tastes earthy, tangy, and slightly sweet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- ½ cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add Brussels sprouts and stir to coat evenly with oil. - Cook for 5–6 minutes until edges start to brown.
Sprinkle with black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. - Add fresh cranberries to the skillet and stir gently.
Cook for another 5 minutes until cranberries soften slightly. - Remove from heat and drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.
Toss gently before serving.
These cranberry Brussels sprouts are colorful, flavorful, and festive.
They taste earthy, tangy, and lightly sweet.
They are perfect as a holiday side dish or healthy appetizer.
A low-sodium, nutritious, and holiday-appropriate recipe.
Holiday Skillet Apple Cinnamon Sweet Potato
This dish is naturally sweet, warm, and comforting.
It combines sweet potatoes and apples with cinnamon and olive oil in a cast iron skillet.
The natural flavors of fruit and vegetable shine without added salt.
Every bite tastes sweet, aromatic, and tender.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet on medium heat. - Add diced sweet potatoes and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Sprinkle with black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg. - Add diced apples and toss gently with sweet potatoes.
Roast in the oven for 15–20 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and apples are slightly caramelized. - Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
This apple cinnamon sweet potato dish is tender, aromatic, and naturally sweet.
It tastes warm, earthy, and lightly spiced.
It is perfect as a holiday side dish or healthy dessert alternative.
A low-sodium, festive, and wholesome skillet recipe.
