Kidney-Friendly Holiday Recipe Ideas

Delicious, thoughtful recipes for people on their kidney journey.

The holiday season is a time for connection, gratitude, and really good food. If you’re living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or on dialysis (ESRD), planning a celebratory meal can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re trying to manage sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

The good news: a renal-friendly holiday meal can still be festive and delicious. A few simple strategies go a long way—choose fresh ingredients when you can, build flavor with herbs, spices, citrus, garlic, and onion instead of extra salt, and make sides from scratch so you can better control what’s in them.

To help you feel confident at the table, we’ve gathered a festive menu from trusted kidney-friendly resources—plus practical tips and smart swaps—so you can relax, share, and savor every bite.

Why This Recipe Collection Works

  • Kidney-conscious, not bland: These recipes help manage sodium, potassium, and phosphorus while still delivering big holiday flavor with herbs, citrus, and smart swaps.

  • Flexible for different stages: Options can work for early CKD through ESRD/dialysis (with ingredient choices and portions adjusted as needed).

  • Real variety: More than the usual “turkey and potatoes” lineup—so everyone can find something they’ll actually want to eat.

  • Family-friendly and doable: Practical recipes that are easier to plan and prep, making holiday cooking feel less stressful and more enjoyable.

Sliced roasted turkey breast garnished with herbs on a wooden cutting board.

Holiday Menu Ideas

Click on photos for links to each recipe!

A plate of mashed potatoes topped with roasted cauliflower, a sprig of parsley, and herbs, on a dark table with a fork and knife beside it.
Close-up of a bowl of homemade stuffing with celery, sage leaves, and bread cubes.
Green beans garnished with sliced almonds and lemon wedges on a white plate
A homemade apple galette with sliced apples arranged in a circular pattern, garnished with almond slices, on parchment paper. Two apples are positioned beside the galette, and a silver knife with a wooden handle is placed on the right side.
A wooden bowl filled with creamy cucumber and sour cream dip garnished with fresh dill and chopped herbs, with cucumber slices and lime halves in the background.
A seasoned, cooked roast pork with herbs and spices on a grill.
Braised Beef Brisket
Traditional Mince Pies
Cranberry Mint Mocktail (Photo credit: Evan Wise on Unsplash)
Cranberry Brown Sugar Roast Pork
Sweet Cornbread Muffins With Citrus Honey Butter
Honey Spiced-Rubbed Salmon
Swedish Meatballs
Chocolate Zucchini Brownies
Hot Mulled Punch
Pomegranate Brûlée
artichoke dip on a wooden platter with sliced baguette
Baked cinnamon donuts on parchment paper
Plate of Glazed Carrots
slice of lemon meringue pie
Whole roasted chicken with rosemary

Kidney-Smart Holiday Meal Tips

  • Rinse canned foods to cut sodium by up to 40%.

  • Season with herbs, citrus, garlic, and onion instead of salt.

  • Double-boil potatoes to lower potassium.

  • Stay hydrated (as directed) and walk after meals to support digestion.

  • Use vinegar + lemon/lime to brighten flavor so you don’t miss the salt.

  • Flavor boosters that feel “salty” without salt: smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, chili flakes, rosemary.

  • Choose fresh meats over deli meats—processed meats tend to be higher in sodium and phosphorus additives.

  • Limit dark colas if phosphorus is a concern; choose water, flavored seltzer, or lemonade-style options instead.

You deserve a seat at the table—full of joy, flavor, and good company.
Celebrate the holidays knowing that kidney-friendly meals can be absolutely delicious.

Happy Holidays from ReMend!