Thanksgiving is one of those magical times of year where we gather around the table, share stories, and, of course, indulge in delicious food. But let’s not forget the importance of including vegetarian options! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen friends and family light up when they see a beautiful, hearty vegetarian dish on the table. These vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes aren’t just for our plant-based friends; they’re a delightful addition that everyone can enjoy. Imagine the vibrant colors of roasted butternut squash, the crunch of fresh green beans, and the nutty flavor of walnuts all mingling together! Trust me, these dishes can steal the show and cater to all tastes, making your Thanksgiving feast inclusive and unforgettable. Let’s dive into these recipes that will surely impress your guests!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of quinoa, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup of vegetable broth, for cooking the quinoa
- 1 cup of chopped butternut squash, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup of cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1/4 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, for roasting the squash
- 1 teaspoon of salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper, to taste
How to Prepare Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! I promise, this dish is as colorful as it is delicious, and it’s surprisingly simple to whip up. The first thing you’ll want to do is preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your butternut squash will roast beautifully, bringing out all its natural sweetness. While that’s warming up, go ahead and cook your quinoa in vegetable broth according to the package instructions. This infuses the quinoa with that lovely savory flavor.
Once the quinoa is cooking, toss your chopped butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Spread it out on a baking sheet in a single layer—this helps it roast evenly. Pop it in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. Meanwhile, blanch your green beans: just throw them in boiling water for 3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to ice water to keep that vibrant green color. When everything is ready, combine your quinoa, roasted squash, green beans, cranberries, and walnuts in a large bowl. Toss gently and serve warm. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, combine chopped butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until tender.
- Blanch green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then shock in ice water.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked quinoa, roasted squash, green beans, cranberries, and walnuts.
- Toss gently and serve warm.
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Just a heads up though—nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider this an estimate! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for one serving of this delicious vegetarian dish:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This dish is not only hearty and satisfying, but it’s also packed with nutrients that will fuel your Thanksgiving celebrations! Enjoy every bite knowing it’s good for you too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just about 50 minutes!
- Simple cooking methods that anyone can master.
- Colorful, vibrant ingredients that make a stunning presentation.
- Nutritious and hearty, perfect for a filling meal.
- Great for leftovers—tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Success
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa before cooking; it removes the natural coating that can make it taste bitter.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the butternut squash before roasting.
- If you want a bit of a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over your dish before serving.
- Don’t skip the ice water bath for the green beans! It locks in that beautiful green color and keeps them crisp.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite seasonal vegetables, like roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes, to make it even more festive!
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized! If you’re looking to mix it up, consider adding roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for an extra layer of flavor. You could also swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty crunch. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some cooked lentils for added protein and texture. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some feta cheese and olives! The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and make it your own this Thanksgiving!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with a refreshing mixed greens salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the quinoa dish.
- Serve alongside some roasted garlic mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty touch.
- Complement the meal with a traditional stuffing—perhaps a wild rice stuffing with herbs and mushrooms.
- A side of cranberry sauce adds a delightful tartness that enhances the flavors of this dish.
- Don’t forget some crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up all those delicious flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from this delicious vegetarian dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or warm it up gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
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vegetarian thanksgiving recipes that will impress everyone
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A collection of delicious vegetarian recipes perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of quinoa
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of chopped butternut squash
- 1 cup of green beans
- 1/2 cup of cranberries
- 1/4 cup of walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for 25 minutes or until tender.
- Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 minutes, then shock in ice water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted squash, green beans, cranberries, and walnuts.
- Toss gently and serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegetarian thanksgiving recipes
