Thanksgiving is such a magical time of year, isn’t it? The air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and the kitchen is filled with the mouthwatering aromas of roasting turkey and baking pies. But let’s be honest for a moment—while I love a classic feast, I’ve found that *non-traditional Thanksgiving side dishes* can really steal the show! They add a burst of creativity and excitement to the table, breaking away from the same old green bean casserole and stuffing. My personal favorite is a delightful quinoa dish with roasted Brussels sprouts and cranberries. Trust me, it’s a game changer! Not only does it bring unique flavors to your plate, but it also adds a pop of color and texture that’s simply irresistible. So, if you’re ready to wow your guests this holiday season, let’s dive into some amazing side dishes that will elevate your Thanksgiving meal to new heights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a refreshing twist on traditional Thanksgiving flavors that will surprise and delight your guests.
• The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of textures and tastes.
• This dish is super easy to whip up—perfect for busy holiday cooking!
• Quinoa packs a nutritious punch with its high protein and fiber content, making it a wholesome addition to your meal.
• It can be served warm or cold, giving you flexibility depending on your Thanksgiving timeline.
• Feel free to customize it! Add your favorite vegetables or swap the feta for goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients for Non Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes

• 1 cup quinoa: Rinse the quinoa under cold water before cooking to remove any bitterness. This tiny grain is packed with protein and adds a lovely nuttiness to the dish.
• 2 cups vegetable broth: Using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the quinoa, making it rich and savory.
• 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts: You can either roast them yourself or buy them pre-roasted. The caramelization brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful crunch.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries: These little gems add a burst of sweetness and a pop of color. You can use sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference.
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans: Toasted pecans add a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor. You can also swap them for walnuts or almonds if you like!
• 1/4 cup feta cheese: Crumbled feta lends a tangy creaminess that balances the sweetness of the cranberries. If you prefer a milder flavor, goat cheese is a great alternative.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil helps to bring all the flavors together and adds richness.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: This adds a lovely acidity that brightens the dish and complements the sweetness of the cranberries.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! A little salt and pepper will elevate all the flavors in this dish.

How to Prepare Non Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First, rinse the quinoa under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This step is crucial as it removes the bitter coating called saponin that can affect the flavor.
2. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen!
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This allows the quinoa to absorb the broth and become fluffy.
4. After 15 minutes, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting time lets the quinoa finish cooking perfectly—trust me, it makes a difference!
5. Fluff the quinoa gently with a fork, separating the grains. It should be light and airy, just how we want it!
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed quinoa with the roasted Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Give it a good toss to mix everything evenly.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. This dressing adds a burst of flavor that ties the dish together.
8. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss everything until it’s well coated. You’ll want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
9. Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving. This adds a delightful creamy texture that balances all the flavors beautifully.

Tips for Success

To really nail this dish, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, make sure to rinse the quinoa thoroughly—this is key to avoiding any bitterness. If you want to save time, feel free to buy pre-roasted Brussels sprouts; they’re just as delicious and can cut down on prep time! For a little extra flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the mix; it really enhances their nuttiness.

Don’t hesitate to get creative! If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can work wonders. And if you want to incorporate a little more protein, adding some shredded chicken or chickpeas can turn this into a heartier dish. Just remember to taste as you go—your palate will guide you to the perfect balance of flavors!

Variations on Non Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes

One of the best parts about this quinoa dish is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste! If you’re looking for a bit of spice, try adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a kick. For a Mediterranean twist, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes and olives—yummy! If you’re aiming for a fall vibe, why not add diced roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes? They’ll bring in that comforting sweetness we all love.

If you’re catering to different dietary preferences, feel free to make this dish vegan by omitting the feta or using a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also swap out the cranberries for chopped apples or pears for a fresh, fruity taste. Whatever direction you choose to go, just remember to keep it fun and reflect your own flavor preferences. Your guests will appreciate the creativity!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I’ve provided some general estimates, these numbers are approximate and may not reflect the exact nutritional content of your dish. Always feel free to adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs, and enjoy your delicious creations without any stress!

FAQ Section

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the quinoa and mix it with the Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and pecans a day in advance. Just wait to add the dressing and feta until you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh!

Is this quinoa dish gluten-free? Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making this a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your broth to ensure it’s also gluten-free.

What’s a good substitute for vegetable broth? If you don’t have vegetable broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or even water in a pinch. However, using broth definitely enhances the flavor!

Can I make this dish vegan? Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative, and you’ve got a delicious vegan side dish that everyone can enjoy.

How do I store any leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving again!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this delightful quinoa dish, the options are endless! It pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, elevating your Thanksgiving spread. If you’re serving turkey, the earthy notes of the roasted Brussels sprouts and the sweetness from the cranberries create a perfect balance with the savory turkey flavors. You might also consider serving it alongside glazed ham; the slight tanginess from the feta complements the sweetness of the glaze wonderfully.

For a vegetarian option, this quinoa dish is fantastic alongside stuffed acorn squash or a hearty vegetable lasagna. You can also add a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to refresh the palate. And don’t forget about a warm slice of crusty bread to soak up all those delicious flavors! Whatever you choose, this unique side will surely impress and satisfy your guests, making your Thanksgiving meal unforgettable.

Non Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Delight 7 Guests

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A collection of unique side dishes for Thanksgiving that break away from the traditional menu.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff quinoa with a fork.
6. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and pecans.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
8. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture and toss to coat.
9. Top with feta cheese before serving.

Notes

• Can be served warm or cold.
• Add cooked chicken for a heartier dish.
• Substitute feta with goat cheese for a different flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: non traditional thanksgiving side dishes, unique thanksgiving recipes, quinoa side dish