Ah, Thanksgiving! A time for family, gratitude, and… delicious food! But let’s be honest, it can also feel like a challenge to keep things on the healthier side. That’s where my *thanksgiving healthy* recipe comes in! This delightful quinoa dish is the perfect balance of flavors and nutrition, making it a standout at any holiday table. I remember the first time I made this for my family; they were pleasantly surprised that healthy could taste this good! With a mix of roasted sweet potatoes, vibrant kale, and a sprinkle of cranberries, it’s not just good for you—it’s a feast for the senses! Trust me, everyone will want seconds!
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this tasty and healthy Thanksgiving dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup quinoa – this little seed is packed with protein and adds a lovely nutty flavor.
- 2 cups vegetable broth – for that rich, savory base that ties everything together.
- 1 cup chopped kale – a powerhouse of nutrients and a splash of green goodness.
- 1 cup diced sweet potatoes – they bring a natural sweetness and creamy texture when roasted.
- 1/2 cup cranberries – for a pop of tartness that brightens every bite.
- 1/4 cup walnuts – these add a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – to help roast those sweet potatoes to perfection.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – it’s not just for dessert! It adds warmth and depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste – because seasoning is everything!
With these ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s not only healthy but also bursting with flavor!
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Healthy
Getting this *thanksgiving healthy* dish ready is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love every step! Let’s dive right into the deliciousness.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial because we want our sweet potatoes to roast beautifully! While that’s heating up, rinse your quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. This simple step makes a world of difference in flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cover. Let it cook for about 15 minutes until all that broth is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy and ready for action. This is where the magic starts!
Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Now, let’s turn our attention to those sweet potatoes! Toss your diced sweet potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven to roast for about 25 minutes. You want them tender and caramelized—the aroma will be heavenly!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Once everything is cooked and smelling divine, it’s time to bring it all together! In a large bowl, combine your fluffy quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, chopped kale, cranberries, and walnuts. Toss gently to mix everything, making sure not to break those lovely sweet potato pieces. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *thanksgiving healthy* dish is not just a great addition to your holiday table; it has plenty of benefits that make it a must-try! Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely love it:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time.
- Flavorful: The combination of sweet potatoes, kale, and cranberries creates a delicious blend of tastes.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a guilt-free indulgence.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a side, it fits into any meal.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance and reheat, making holiday cooking a breeze!
Trust me, this recipe will not only nourish your body but also delight your taste buds!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *thanksgiving healthy* dish turns out perfectly, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning; taste as you go and make it your own! If you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to swap them out for pecans or almonds—whatever you have on hand! Also, if you want to amp up the flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a refreshing zing. And if you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked quinoa or even frozen sweet potatoes to speed things up. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note: the nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s not an exact science! However, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 6g
Feel free to adjust as needed, but this dish is already a wholesome choice for your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this *thanksgiving healthy* recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use other grains instead of quinoa? Absolutely! Brown rice or farro would work great, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and just reheat before serving. It tastes even better the next day!
What if I don’t like kale? No problem! Spinach or Swiss chard are excellent substitutes that will still provide that lovely green boost!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your *thanksgiving healthy* dish is super simple! Just transfer any remaining quinoa mixture into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick lunches! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in a microwave-safe bowl. Just add a splash of water to keep it moist, cover it, and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This way, you’ll retain all those wonderful flavors and textures! Enjoy every last bite!
Print
Thanksgiving Healthy: 7 Wholesome Recipes for Joyful Feasts
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A healthy Thanksgiving meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
- While quinoa cooks, toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast sweet potatoes for 25 minutes until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, kale, cranberries, and walnuts.
- Toss gently and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Substitute other nuts if desired.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking and Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving healthy
