Kiwi Christmas recipes for a relaxed and fuss-free day

As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the joy of gathering with loved ones to share in the rich flavours and festive recipes that make a Kiwi Christmas so special. From crumbed christmas salmon to decadent strawberry trifle adorned with fresh summer fruits, our collection of recipes will help you create a holiday feast that’s both traditional and uniquely New Zealand.

Whether you’re hosting the family or bringing a plate to a friend’s, these recipes are sure to inspire and delight. Arrange them on your dining table among a selection of Christmas candles and watch your friends admire your work.

With each of these Kiwi Christmas recipes, you’ll celebrate the essence of summer and the warmth of togetherness. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make this holiday season unforgettable with a spread that’s as heartwarming as it is delicious.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a quick option to cover all bases, prepare a beautiful Christmas grazing platter to keep your guests happy all day long. All you’ll need to do is stock up the table with fresh produce and tasty nibbles, then relax with a glass of bubbles!

Quick and Easy

November 22, 2016

Sparkling berry punch

This refreshing sparkling berry punch recipe was made to be enjoyed in the summer sun! Make an alcohol free version by swapping wine for sparkling grape juice, lemonade or soda water

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Quick and Easy

April 5, 2018

Grilled mussels with pesto, sun-dried tomato and cheese

Take your next nibbles up a notch with Nici Wickes’ grilled mussels recipe. Topped with tasty goodies then cooked until bubbling, these little bites are perfect for sharing with friends and family over drinks

By Woman's Weekly Food

Quick and Easy

February 28, 2017

Barbecue prawns with avocado salsa

These tasty barbecue prawns are perfect accompanied with avocado salsa are enjoyed as a delicious starter.

By Woman's Weekly Food

Asparagus, chicken, egg and new potato salad with herb dressing

Lunch

November 2, 2018

Asparagus, chicken, egg and new potato salad with herb dressing

This light and fresh asparagus, chicken, egg and new potato salad is perfect for a quick workday lunch or on the side at a barbecue. Serve with our delicious herb dressing for extra zing.

By Nadia Lim

Green salad with shaved cucumber, peas, mint and raspberry dressing

Quick and Easy

November 22, 2016

Green salad with shaved cucumber, peas, mint and raspberry dressing

This delightfully fresh green salad recipe combines shaved cucumber, peas, mint and raspberry dressing to create a delicious side dish. Try serving as part of a summery alfresco meal. Delicious!

By Woman's Weekly Food

New potato salad with easy mint pesto dressing

Quick and Easy

November 2, 2017

New potato salad with easy mint pesto dressing

New season spuds are the star of this potato salad recipe. Homemade mint pesto dressing gives this side dish a delicious edge the whole family will love. Enjoy warm or cold with lunch or dinner

By Sophie Gray

Lunch

November 21, 2016

Barbecue salmon parcels

Cooking seafood on the bbq has never been easier than this delicious barbecue salmon parcel recipe! Quick, easy and fresh, this dish will be your go-to this summer

By Woman's Weekly Food

Healthy

December 8, 2022

Summer lamb and beetroot salad

Quickly seared lamb underpins this tasty dish, making it perfectly adequate for dinner. Pulled together in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy meal that everyone will love.

By Nici Wickes

Dinner

January 7, 2019

Herby drumsticks

Chicken drumsticks have never tasted better than they do lathered in these incredible Nici Wickes marinades. Go Moroccan-style or opt for a zingy and herby alternative – or why not give both a try?

By Nici Wickes

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Quick and Easy

November 27, 2018

Rosemary roast beef fillet

This rosemary roast beef fillet will look so good on your Christmas table – the red of the perfectly-cooked fillet matches beautifully with the roasted beetroot and onions!

By Jo Wilcox

Baked fish with a sesame, pistachio and harissa crust

Quick and Easy

March 19, 2018

Baked fish with a sesame, pistachio and harissa crust

Nadia Lim’s baked fish recipe may be the perfect entertaining meal. The oven does all the hard work to create this gluten-free dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Be sure to serve hot sprinkled with coriander

By Woman's Weekly Food

Barbecue lamb racks with pomegranate and quince glaze

Quick and Easy

November 21, 2016

Barbecue lamb racks with pomegranate and quince glaze

These deliciously tender barbecue lamb racks with pomegranate and quince glaze are a recipe that’s sophisticated enough to serve at Christmas but won’t take you hours to make

By Woman's Weekly Food

Rosemary, garlic and lemon marinated lamb chops

Gluten Free

February 19, 2019

Rosemary, garlic and lemon marinated lamb chops

Nadia Lim’s rosemary, garlic and lemon marinated lamb chops are so delicious, especially when served with grilled lemon halves and a generous lashing of homemade hummus.

By Nadia Lim

Quick and Easy

January 7, 2018

Crumbed Christmas salmon

Every so often, the family asks for something other than turkey for Christmas and with a third of the family non-meat eaters who will eat fish, this recipe of Nici Wickes is the answer.

By Nici Wickes

Dessert

November 29, 2018

Cherry and coconut tart

Fresh cherries burst with deliciousness in this tart. Covered with beautifully crispy shredded coconut, the flavours melt perfectly together to create a tasty festive dessert.

By Nici Wickes

Quick and Easy

November 14, 2016

Easy summer strawberry trifle

This showstopping strawberry trifle recipe is a must for any sweet summer occasion – especially Christmas! Easy and requiring just a few ingredients, this recipe is a winner

By Sophie Gray

Dessert

November 8, 2019

No-churn strawberry and white chocolate ice cream

Making a tub of creamy, homemade ice cream doesn’t come any easier than this! You don’t even need an ice cream maker for this recipe – simply combine all the divine ingredients and let the freezer do the rest of the work.

By Nici Wickes

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Dessert

November 29, 2018

Meringue and berry layer cake

This impressive dessert is the perfect centrepiece for your Christmas table. The best part is, the meringues and fruit can be made ahead of time, then it’s just a quick assemble on the day.

By Nici Wickes

Dessert

December 6, 2016

Modern Christmas cake

This wonderful recipe sees moist, fruity Christmas cake topped with cinnamon buttercream, fresh figs and pistachios! It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy with friends and family during the festive season

By Woman's Weekly Food

Quick and Easy

January 11, 2018

5-ingredient vegan dark chocolate and avocado truffles

Nadia Lim’s vegan truffle recipe makes getting your chocolate fix a not-so-naughty affair. Dairy and gluten-free, this easy five-ingredient recipe is perfect for enjoying at your next sweet occasion

By Nadia Lim

What is a typical Kiwi Christmas dinner?

Many Kiwi families love to gather around a big glazed ham and some fresh seafood on Christmas evening. Roasted veggies are a popular side dish, along with a hearty serving of pavlova, cake, trifle or anther similar dessert to finish.

However, traditions and beliefs vary between families, so what one family may consider a go-to Kiwi Christmas recipe, another may not. With this in mind, have a go at making a range of different recipes and see which work best for your family.

Happy cooking and a very merry Christmas!

Woman's Weekly Food

What is a typical Kiwi Christmas dinner?

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