Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table, sharing love, and enjoying delicious food, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our health! I’m so excited to share these healthy Thanksgiving sides with you—they’re not just good for you, they’re bursting with flavor! Imagine roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy and caramelized, paired with a nutty quinoa and cranberry mix that brings a delightful sweetness to every bite. These dishes are packed with nutrients, making them perfect for everyone at the table. Trust me, your guests won’t even miss the heavy stuff! Let’s dive in and make this holiday both scrumptious and nourishing!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key for these healthy Thanksgiving sides! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of Brussels sprouts: Halved for even roasting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to crisp them up beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that lovely, savory flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- 1 cup of quinoa: A nutritious and protein-packed base.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: To cook the quinoa with extra flavor.
- 1 cup cranberries: These add a tart sweetness that’s irresistible.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans: For a delightful crunch.
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory.
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Sides Healthy
Preparing these healthy Thanksgiving sides is super simple and oh-so-rewarding! First, let’s dive into the Brussels sprouts. You’ll start by rinsing them under cold water to get rid of any dirt. Then, cut each sprout in half to ensure they roast evenly. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until they’re well-coated. The seasoning is key for that mouthwatering flavor! Now, set them aside while we tackle the quinoa.
Prepping the Brussels Sprouts
To get those Brussels sprouts ready, make sure to wash them thoroughly under running water. After they’re clean, slice them in half from top to bottom. This not only helps them cook faster but also gives more surface area for that delicious caramelization. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl—don’t be shy with the seasoning! You want them to be flavorful and inviting.
Cooking the Quinoa
Next up is the quinoa! Rinse it under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer to get rid of any bitterness. In a medium pot, bring your vegetable broth to a boil—this adds lots of flavor! Once boiling, stir in the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, take it off the heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff it with a fork before mixing in the cranberries, pecans, and maple syrup.
Roasting and Combining
Now, let’s get those sprouts roasting! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once they’re done, combine the roasted Brussels sprouts with the fluffy quinoa mixture in a large bowl. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together. The crunch of the sprouts and the chewy quinoa create a delightful harmony of textures!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy side dish that comes together in just 45 minutes!
- Packed with flavor, thanks to the caramelized Brussels sprouts and sweet cranberries.
- Nutritious and hearty, making it a perfect healthy addition to your Thanksgiving table.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it without compromise.
- Versatile enough to pair with any main dish you choose!
Tips for Success
To ensure your healthy Thanksgiving sides shine, here are a few handy tips! First, feel free to adjust the seasonings to match your taste—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or more garlic powder if you love that flavor! If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts work beautifully as a substitute and add a nice crunch. You can also swap quinoa for farro or brown rice if you want a different grain. And don’t forget, these dishes can be made ahead of time; just reheat them in the oven to keep that delightful texture!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your healthy Thanksgiving sides is super easy! Just let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but I recommend the oven to keep those Brussels sprouts crispy. Trust me, you’ll want that crunch!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nourishing our bodies, knowing the nutritional values of our dishes is super important! For this healthy Thanksgiving sides recipe, each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 8g of protein, and 35g of carbohydrates. You’ll also get 6g of fiber to help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this guilt-free indulgence at your holiday table!
FAQ Section
Can I make these Thanksgiving sides ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare everything a day in advance and simply reheat before serving. It saves time on the big day!
How can I make this dish vegan? This recipe is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, just ensure your vegetable broth is plant-based and skip the maple syrup if you prefer. You can add a bit of agave instead!
Can I substitute other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like sweet potatoes or green beans—whatever you have on hand works great!
What can I serve these sides with? These healthy Thanksgiving sides pair wonderfully with roasted turkey, baked ham, or even a hearty veggie main dish. They’re versatile!
Are Brussels sprouts healthy? Yes! Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a fantastic addition to any healthy Thanksgiving spread!
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thanksgiving sides healthy: 5 Flavorful Recipes to Try
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Healthy side dishes for Thanksgiving that are flavorful and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil, add quinoa, and reduce heat to simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove quinoa from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Add cranberries, pecans, and maple syrup to quinoa and mix well.
- Serve roasted Brussels sprouts alongside quinoa mixture.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting and boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving sides healthy
