Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when families gather, laughter fills the air, and the aroma of delicious food wafts through every corner of the house. This year, I’m thrilled to share my favorite *thanksgiving fit* dish—a vibrant and healthy quinoa salad that’s not just delicious but also festive! It brings together the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the crunch of walnuts, and the tartness of cranberries, making it a delightful addition to your holiday table. I always make this dish to remind myself and my loved ones that we can enjoy a delicious feast while still being mindful of our health. Trust me, this dish is a hit, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate Thanksgiving in a wholesome way while still indulging in the holiday spirit!

Ingredients List

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup chopped kale, stems removed
• 1/2 cup cranberries, dried
• 1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

How to Prepare the Thanksgiving Fit

Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious *thanksgiving fit* dish! I promise it’s easier than it looks, and the flavors will make your taste buds dance with joy!

Preheat and Roast the Butternut Squash

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial because roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness. While the oven heats up, grab your diced butternut squash and toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Make sure every piece is coated so they roast beautifully! Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Let it roast for about 25 minutes, or until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells heavenly!

Cook the Quinoa

While your squash is roasting, let’s get that quinoa cooking! In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add in your rinsed quinoa, give it a quick stir, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, stir in your chopped kale and dried cranberries, and cook everything together for an additional 5 minutes. The kale should wilt nicely, and the cranberries will plump up, adding a pop of sweetness!

Combine and Serve

Now it’s time for the grand finale! In a large serving bowl, combine your cooked quinoa mixture with the roasted butternut squash and the chopped walnuts. Toss everything gently to mix so you don’t break up the lovely squash. I love serving this warm, but it’s also fantastic at room temperature if you’re preparing it ahead of time. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds of this vibrant dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, kale, and butternut squash, this dish is a guilt-free delight that keeps you feeling good during the holiday season.
• Festive Flavors: The combination of roasted squash, sweet cranberries, and crunchy walnuts creates a beautiful medley of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of Thanksgiving.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have this stunning dish ready to impress your family and friends without breaking a sweat.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Want to switch it up? You can easily substitute quinoa with farro or rice, or add your favorite nuts for extra crunch!
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes just as good cold as it does warm, making it ideal for Thanksgiving leftovers or as a tasty lunch the next day.
• Vegan-Friendly: It’s a fantastic option for everyone at the table, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a hearty main dish without any animal products.

Tips for Success

Before you dive into making this *thanksgiving fit* dish, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly! Trust me, these little pointers can make a big difference!

• Rinse the Quinoa: Always rinse your quinoa under cold water before cooking. This helps remove the natural coating called saponin, which can give it a bitter taste. A quick rinse makes all the difference!
• Roasting Variations: If you’re not a fan of butternut squash, feel free to swap it out for sweet potatoes or even carrots! They’ll roast up just as beautifully and add their own unique flavors.
• Nut Alternatives: Don’t have walnuts on hand? No problem! Pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can be great substitutes. Just choose your favorite for that extra crunch!
• Seasoning to Taste: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Feel free to sprinkle in some garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick. You can also experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavors.
• Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepared a day in advance! Just store it in the fridge and give it a gentle reheat before serving. It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld!
• Serving Suggestions: This *thanksgiving fit* dish pairs beautifully with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or a dollop of hummus on the side. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving for that wow factor!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a stunning dish that will wow your guests and bring a festive spirit to your Thanksgiving table!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! Knowing the nutritional content of our *thanksgiving fit* dish can help you enjoy it even more, especially when you’re aiming to keep things healthy during the holiday season. Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving (that’s about 1 cup):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But I think you’ll agree, it’s a pretty nutritious option for your Thanksgiving feast! Enjoy every bite knowing you’re feeding your body well while celebrating the season!

FAQ Section

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about this *thanksgiving fit* dish is that it can be made a day in advance. Just follow all the steps up to combining the ingredients, and then store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, simply give it a gentle reheat in the oven or on the stovetop. It tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together overnight!

What can I substitute for quinoa?

If quinoa isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can easily swap it out for farro, rice, or even barley. Each of these grains will offer a slightly different texture and flavor but will still provide that wholesome goodness we love in this dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times according to the grain you choose, as they can vary!

How should I store leftovers?

To keep your leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll hold up well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can eat them cold as a delicious salad or warm them up in the microwave or on the stovetop—just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist. You won’t believe how good this dish tastes even after a couple of days!

Personal Touch

Let me share a little story with you about my first time making this *thanksgiving fit* dish! It was a few years back, and I had decided to host Thanksgiving dinner for my family. I wanted to create a menu that was not only delicious but also healthy, and this quinoa salad immediately came to mind. I remember bustling around the kitchen, trying to juggle everything from the turkey to the stuffing. The sweet smell of roasting butternut squash filled the air, and I couldn’t help but sneak a few bites! When it was finally time to serve, I proudly placed this vibrant dish on the table.

To my surprise, it stole the spotlight! My relatives, who usually preferred the traditional heavy dishes, were raving about it. They loved the combination of flavors and how refreshing it felt among all the rich foods. That moment made my heart swell—it reminded me how food can bring people together and how a healthy option can still feel festive and indulgent. Now, this dish is a staple at every Thanksgiving gathering, and I cherish the smiles it brings to my family’s faces. So, I hope you give it a try and create your own special memories with it!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your stunning *thanksgiving fit* dish ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to create a truly memorable Thanksgiving feast! Trust me, these pairings will elevate your meal and delight your guests!

• Herb-Roasted Turkey: You can’t go wrong with a classic! A beautifully roasted turkey seasoned with fresh herbs complements the flavors in the quinoa salad perfectly. The savory juices from the turkey will mingle beautifully with the sweet and nutty notes of the dish.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic are a must-have at any Thanksgiving table. They’re rich and comforting, providing a lovely contrast to the lightness of the quinoa salad.
• Green Bean Almondine: For a touch of green, sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds add both crunch and color to your spread. This dish is fresh and light, making it a great companion to the heartiness of the butternut squash quinoa.
• Cranberry Sauce: Don’t forget a tangy cranberry sauce! Its bright acidity will enhance the sweetness of the cranberries in your quinoa dish while adding a festive touch to the plate.
• Stuffing: A savory stuffing filled with herbs, nuts, and perhaps some dried fruits brings in that comforting, warm flavor that complements our *thanksgiving fit* dish beautifully.
• Pumpkin Pie: And of course, no Thanksgiving is complete without dessert! Serve up a slice of classic pumpkin pie to finish off the meal on a sweet note. The spices will harmonize with the flavors of your main dishes, leaving everyone satisfied.

With these delicious pairings, your Thanksgiving table will not only look stunning but also offer a delightful variety of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Enjoy the feast and the company of your loved ones!

Thanksgiving Fit: 5 Ways to Celebrate with Healthy Joy

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A healthy and festive dish perfect for Thanksgiving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced butternut squash
• 1 cup chopped kale
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 1/4 cup walnuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast the squash for 25 minutes or until tender.
4. In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Stir in chopped kale and cranberries. Cook for 5 more minutes.
6. Combine quinoa mixture, roasted squash, and walnuts in a serving bowl.
7. Toss gently and serve warm.

Notes

• Can substitute quinoa with farro or rice.
• Add more nuts for extra crunch.
• Can be served cold as a salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking and Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: thanksgiving fit, healthy thanksgiving, vegan thanksgiving