Unusual vegetables for Christmas dinner

As Christmas approaches, many of us are thinking about the traditional Christmas dinner — the turkey, the stuffing, and of course, the vegetables. But what if you’re looking to shake things up a bit this year? This guide will help you discover some unusual yet delicious vegetables to include in your Christmas feast this year.

What are the traditional Christmas veg?

When we think of Christmas vegetables, certain names always come to mind: Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, potatoes, broccoli. While these are delicious in their own right, they can often feel a bit predictable. But there’s no reason why your festive meal can’t be a little more adventurous, right? Choosing some new or unusual varieties for your Christmas dinner is a wonderful way to surprise your guests and give them something fresh to enjoy. And let’s be honest, we all want our Christmas meal to stand out.

How many vegetables get wasted at Christmas?

Unfortunately, Christmas is a time of excess — not just in the quantities of food but also in the amount that goes uneaten. According to a report from WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme), around 4.5 million Christmas dinners are wasted each year in the UK alone, with vegetables making up a significant portion.

The key to reducing this waste lies in choosing the right vegetables that your guests will actually enjoy. By opting for a selection of interesting and perhaps less commonly served vegetables, you not only reduce the chance of leftovers going to waste but also create a beautiful spread of colour, texture, and flavour. This can elevate your meal into something more memorable, and leave you with fewer unwanted leftovers.

Alternative to Cauliflower – Cauliflower Verde Di Macerata

Cauliflower Verde Di Macerata

Let’s start with an unusual but familiar vegetable: Cauliflower Verde Di Macerata. Often overshadowed by its white and purple cousins, Romanesco is a striking vegetable with its lime-green spiral florets and mild, nutty flavour. It’s essentially a cross between broccoli and cauliflower, but with an intriguing look that will add a pop of colour to your Christmas dinner.

How to Cook

Romanesco can be roasted, steamed, or even eaten raw in salads. For a festive roast, break it into florets, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 180°C for about 20-25 minutes until tender. You can even sprinkle it with grated cheese or toasted breadcrumbs for added texture and flavour.

Alternative to  Broccoli – Purple Sprouting Broccoli Rudolph

Purple Sprouting Broccoli Rudolph

Broccoli is a Christmas favourite, but why not switch it up this year with Purple Sprouting Broccoli Rudolph? This variety has long, delicate stems and deep purple florets that make it visually striking, while offering a slightly sweeter and nuttier taste than traditional broccoli. And naturally the name is just perfect for this time of year!

How to Cook

Purple sprouting broccoli is best when lightly steamed or sautéed to retain its delicate flavour. Simply steam for about 3-4 minutes or sauté in a pan with garlic and olive oil for a few minutes until tender. A sprinkle of lemon zest or parmesan will make it even more festive.

Alternative to Carrots –  Rainbow carrots

If you’re tired of the usual orange carrots, try growing or sourcing rainbow carrots. These heirloom varieties come in shades of purple, yellow, red, and white, adding a stunning burst of colour to your table. They also offer a richer, more complex flavour than standard carrots, with some varieties being slightly sweeter and others more earthy.

How to Cook

Roast your rainbow carrots whole with olive oil, thyme, and a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness. Roast at 180°C for 20-25 minutes until tender. Alternatively, you can steam or glaze them with butter and herbs for a simple but elegant dish.

Alternative to Parsnips –   Beetroot Golden Eye

Beetroot Golden Eye

Why not shake up your Christmas dinner this year by swapping parsnips for the stunning Beetroot Golden Eye? With its vibrant yellow rings and sweet, earthy flavour, it adds a touch of golden, festive flair to your plate while pairing beautifully with all your holiday classics. Roast it to perfection for a golden-hued twist that’s sure to wow your guests!

How to Cook

To prepare Beetroot Golden Eye for your Christmas dinner, start by peeling and slicing it into wedges or rounds. Toss it with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic vinegar, then roast at 200°C for 30-40 minutes until tender and caramelised. It’s perfect alongside your festive favourites!

Alternative to cabbage  – Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi Dyna

For an interesting twist on the classic cabbage, try kohlrabi. This vegetable looks a bit like a small cabbage with a bulbous, round root and can be a great addition to your Christmas dinner spread. It has a mild, sweet flavour that pairs well with other root vegetables.

How to Cook

Kohlrabi can be peeled and roasted or mashed. To roast, chop it into chunks, season with olive oil, and roast for 25-30 minutes at 180°C until golden. You can also slice it thinly and add it to a slaw for a fresh take.

Unusual Vegetable to  Sprouts – Artichokes

Artichoke Italian Purple

Brussels sprouts are a Christmas dinner classic, but why not try artichokes as a more unique alternative. These elegant, nutty-flavoured beauties add a touch of sophistication to any festive spread. Whether roasted with garlic and lemon, stuffed with breadcrumbs and herbs, or simply served as a decadent side, artichokes are a delicious alternative.

How to Cook

To prepare artichokes, start by trimming the tough outer leaves and snipping off the sharp tips. Steam or boil them in salted water with a splash of lemon juice for about 25–40 minutes, depending on their size, until the outer leaves pull away easily. For a festive twist, roast them with olive oil, garlic, and herbs after parboiling, or stuff the centers with breadcrumbs and Parmesan before baking until golden and tender.

Grow Your Own Christmas Dinner in 2025

Why not plan ahead for next year’s Christmas dinner by growing your own unusual vegetables? Many of the varieties mentioned above are surprisingly easy to grow at home, even for beginners. Ordering seeds for next year’s harvest now gives you plenty of time to plan, prepare, and enjoy the satisfaction of cooking with your own homegrown produce. Why not get a head start and grow your Christmas dinner in 2025?

Happy gardening and cooking!