Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I remember gathering around the table with my family, the rich aroma of roasted veggies and savory dishes filling the air. But what truly elevates the meal are those vibrant vegan Thanksgiving side dishes! They not only add a splash of color to the table but also bring a burst of flavor and nutrition that everyone can enjoy—vegan or not! Trust me, these dishes are the perfect complement to any holiday feast, making your plate look beautiful while ensuring no one misses out on deliciousness. Plus, they’re so easy to make! I can’t wait for you to try them and see how they can transform your Thanksgiving spread into a vibrant, mouthwatering celebration of plant-based goodness!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up these scrumptious vegan Thanksgiving side dishes! Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on hand; you can always adjust based on what you love or have available. Trust me, this combination works beautifully together!
- 2 cups of fresh green beans, trimmed and washed
- 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup of vegetable broth for cooking quinoa
- 1 cup of cranberries, fresh or dried
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper, fresh is best!
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for that yummy flavor
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 cup of walnuts, roughly chopped for crunch
These ingredients come together to create a festive dish that’s not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor! Perfect for your Thanksgiving table.
How to Prepare Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Alright, let’s dive into the process of creating these delightful vegan Thanksgiving side dishes! It’s pretty straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary pro by the end. Here’s how to do it step-by-step, so grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures that your dish cooks evenly and thoroughly. While the oven is heating up, you’ll have a little time to prepare the other ingredients, so it’s a great multitasking moment!
Step 2: Prepare Quinoa
Next up, let’s get that quinoa ready! Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. Then, in a pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and 1 cup of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has absorbed—so satisfying!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
While the quinoa is cooking, it’s time to sauté our veggies! In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add in the green beans, along with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. You want that vibrant green color to shine through!
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Now it’s time to bring everything together! In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the sautéed green beans, cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Mix it all gently until combined. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes. This will let all those flavors meld beautifully. Wow, you’re almost there!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a handy breakdown of the nutritional values for each serving of these delicious vegan Thanksgiving side dishes. Please note that these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
With all that flavor and nutrition, you can enjoy this dish guilt-free while still celebrating the holiday!
FAQ About Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
I get a lot of questions about making vegan Thanksgiving side dishes, so let’s tackle a few common ones! First up, can I use frozen green beans instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before sautéing, as they might release extra moisture.
What if I don’t have quinoa? No problem! You can substitute it with rice or even couscous; just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare everything and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven to reheat when it’s time to eat. It’ll be just as delicious!
Lastly, how can I spice it up? Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost. You can also swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer. The beauty of these vegan Thanksgiving side dishes is in their flexibility!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, these vegan Thanksgiving side dishes are a total game changer! They’re not just delicious; they’re also incredibly practical for any holiday gathering. Here’s why I think you’ll adore making them:
- Quick and Easy: With only a few simple steps, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for busy holiday prep!
- Flavorful: The combination of sautéed green beans, quinoa, and cranberries creates a delightful medley of tastes that everyone will love.
- Healthy: Packed with nutrients, this dish is a guilt-free way to indulge during the holidays while still keeping it wholesome.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or nuts; it’s all about what you enjoy!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether your guests are vegan or not, this dish will be a hit at the table, adding color and vibrancy to your spread.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it a holiday staple!
Tips for Success
To make sure your vegan Thanksgiving side dishes turn out absolutely perfect, here are some little tips I’ve picked up along the way. First, don’t be shy with the seasonings! Taste as you go, and feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your palate. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
When it comes to storage, if you’ve got leftovers (which is rare because it’s so good!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again. And if you’re prepping ahead, you can make everything except the final bake the day before. It’ll save you time on the big day, and the flavors will meld beautifully overnight. You’ve got this!
Variations on Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up these vegan Thanksgiving side dishes! For a burst of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They’ll elevate the dish and make your kitchen smell heavenly! If you want a little sweetness, consider tossing in some diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash—just roast them alongside your green beans for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Feeling spicy? A pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder can add a delightful kick. You could also swap out the walnuts for pecans or even slivered almonds for a different crunch. And don’t forget about the greens! Adding a handful of spinach or kale can boost the nutrition factor while adding beautiful color. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
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Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dishes: 7 Deliciously Colorful Options
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A collection of delicious vegan side dishes perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of green beans
- 1 cup of quinoa
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of cranberries
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 cup of walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until quinoa is fluffy.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add green beans, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until beans are tender.
- Add cranberries and walnuts, cook for another 2 minutes.
- Combine the quinoa with the green bean mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan thanksgiving side dishes
