How to Make Seed Oil Free Holiday Condiments from Scratch

The holidays have always been about gathering around the table – with roasts in the oven, salads on the side, and warm bread spread with something special. But in the middle of these traditions, condiments are often an overlooked piece of the meal. Those small jars and bottles that we grab out of convenience carry a hidden cost: they’re almost always made with seed oils, preservatives, and fillers.

This year, I decided to take back that space in our meals by making three seed oil free holiday condiments from scratch: a rich pan gravy, a honey mustard dressing, and a garlic herb butter. Each one became not just a recipe, but a gesture of nourishment, rhythm, and celebration.

Why Seed Oil Free Holiday Condiments Matter

When I looked closer at the ingredient lists of store-bought condiments, I realized how many of them relied on canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. These seed oils are cheap for manufacturers, but they add an inflammatory burden to our bodies – something we don’t need when holiday stress, sugar, and late nights are already testing our energy and hormones.

By choosing to make seed oil free holiday condiments, I wasn’t just upgrading flavor. I was protecting my gut health, supporting hormone balance, and giving my family food that nourished instead of depleting.

And beyond health, there’s something deeply meaningful about the act of preparing accompaniments from scratch. They may seem small – just a sauce, a dressing, a spread, but they become a quiet way of saying: this meal was made for you, with care.

Making Gravy Without Seed Oils

The first condiment I tackled was gravy. For years, I had relied on the jars or powdered packets that were quick to whisk together, not realizing how many unnecessary oils and thickeners they contained.

This time, I used the drippings from a roast, melted a generous spoonful of butter in a saucepan, and whisked in flour until it formed a golden roux. Slowly, I poured in broth and pan juices, stirring until the mixture thickened and shone. Finely cut up preserved lemon brought a holiday fragrance that filled the kitchen.

As I spooned the gravy over roast meat and mashed vegetables, I noticed how silky and rich it felt compared to the packaged versions. Not only was it completely seed oil free, it was a source of minerals, collagen, and gut-soothing fats – especially when I used a homemade bone broth base. For an extra probiotic touch, I stirred in a splash of sauerkraut brine just before serving.

This small shift turned a basic sauce into one of the most nourishing parts of our meal.

Honey Mustard Dressing in a Jar

Next, I turned to salad dressing. The truth is, bottled vinaigrettes are one of the most common ways seed oils sneak onto our plates. Even when the front label promises “olive oil,” the fine print often reveals canola or soybean as the first ingredient.

I wanted something bright and fresh for our holiday greens, so I reached for a glass jar. Into it, I poured avocado oil, apple cider vinegar, a spoonful of Dijon mustard, wholegrain mustard, and raw honey. After adding a pinch of salt and black pepper, I twisted on the lid and shook the jar until the dressing turned golden and creamy.

The flavor was vibrant – tangy, sweet, and balanced, with none of the heaviness of store-bought dressings. To give it a gut-friendly boost, I added a spoonful of whey strained from yogurt, turning it into a lightly fermented dressing that would support digestion alongside the meal. Sometimes, I also grated in a little orange zest to make it feel especially festive.

Pouring this seed oil free holiday condiment over roasted vegetables and crisp salad leaves, I realized how easy it was to skip the bottle and create something more nourishing in less than two minutes.

Garlic Herb Butter as a Holiday Staple

The final condiment I made was garlic and herb butter – something I had always associated with the little tubs of garlic spread from the supermarket. But those tubs are usually based on margarine or a blend of oils that offer little real nourishment.

Instead, I softened a block of good-quality butter, then mashed in minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, and a pinch of sea salt. Rolling the butter into a log with parchment, I sliced it into rounds that could be stored in the fridge or freezer.

When I placed a slice onto warm bread, the butter melted into golden pools fragrant with garlic and herbs. On steamed vegetables, it added richness and encouraged my toddler to happily eat his greens. And over roast meat, it created a finishing touch that felt indulgent without being artificial.

This simple seed oil free holiday condiment reminded me how even the smallest parts of a meal can carry joy, tradition, and nourishment.

More Than Condiments: A Gesture of Care

Making these three condiments showed me that food is never just about recipes. It’s about intention. By removing seed oils, I lightened the inflammatory load on my body during the busiest season. By adding broth, whey, or sauerkraut juice, I brought more life to our gut health. And by taking the time to prepare these accompaniments from scratch, I gave my family a gift that carried meaning beyond flavor.

The holidays can feel rushed, busy, and overwhelming. But when I slow down enough to whisk gravy, shake a jar of dressing, or fold herbs into butter, I remember what truly matters. It’s not perfection, but presence. It’s not just feeding, but nourishing.

Bringing Seed Oil Free Condiments Into Your Rhythm

If you’re looking for a simple way to align your holiday meals with your values of health and family rhythm, start here. You don’t need to change every recipe or prepare a perfect spread. Just choose a few condiments to make from scratch – gravy, a vinaigrette, a flavored butter, and let them set the tone for your table.

These seed oil free holiday condiments show that we can honor tradition while also protecting our health. They remind us that the smallest details can carry the greatest love. And they bring us back to a rhythm where food is both celebration and nourishment.

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Want to see exactly how I made these condiments? You can watch the full step-by-step in my YouTube episode: 3 Seed Oil Free Holiday Condiments. Click to watch and subscribe for more seed oil free recipes and family rhythm inspiration. Don’t forget to check out my seed-oil free mayo recipe here.

Seed Oil Free Kitchen Starter Guide