Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving food? I’m not sure I could pick just one. If truly pressed, I might say mashed potatoes, but there are SO many other tasty options: green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and more. (And let’s not even START on desserts.)
Fortunately, this healthy Thanksgiving Grain Bowl offers the flavors of several turkey day favorites all in one! This easily modifiable recipe works well for throwing together a bowl full of leftovers–or for when you just want something a little lighter. Roasted brussels sprouts and butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and feta come together with high-fiber, protein-packed quinoa and a sweet-and-tangy olive oil dressing.
Sounds just about right for the day after Thanksgiving, yes?
And while we’re talking Thanksgiving, let me pull out my nutritionist hat with a little dietary advice. It’s all too easy to overdo it at Thanksgiving dinner, but this year, try to remember that how much you eat is up to YOU. Just because it’s a tradition to down every single item in the family buffet, it’s not actually required. You can enjoy a great meal without getting to the end of it feeling like you’re about to burst. Choose what you really want to eat and let the rest go. And just say no to food pushers! If Grandma or Aunt Carla says you absolutely must eat her marshmallow-sweet potato concoction, indulge her with a bite, not a giant scoop. It’s your body, your meal, your decision.
Here’s to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! And check out my post on 10 Ways to Have a Healthy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Grain Bowl
Ingredients
For the grain bowl:
- 1 c. brussels sprouts, sliced in half
- 2 1/2 c. butternut squash, diced into small pieces
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 c. quinoa
- 3 c. vegetable broth
- 1/2 c. dried cranberries
- 1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese
- 1/3 c. pepitas
For the dressing:
- 1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp. fresh thyme
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 c. olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a large baking sheet, spread brussels sprouts and butternut squash in two separate groups. Drizzle both with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sprinkle butternut squash with nutmeg and thyme. Roast about 30 minutes, stirring once.
- While veggies roast, cook the quinoa. In a medium pot, bring quinoa and veggie broth to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.
- Make the dressing: In a small measuring cup, whisk together all ingredients, or blend with an immersion blender.
- Assemble the whole thing: In a large bowl, combine roasted vegetables, cooked quinoa, cranberries, feta, and pepitas. Stir in dressing and toss to combine.
Notes
