Thanksgiving is such a magical time, isn’t it? While the turkey takes center stage, I absolutely adore the idea of bringing *non traditional Thanksgiving side dishes* to the table. They can truly elevate your holiday experience and surprise your guests in the best way! I remember the first time I introduced a vibrant quinoa salad to my family’s Thanksgiving feast—let’s just say it was met with raised eyebrows but ended in empty bowls and delighted smiles! It’s those unexpected flavors and textures that make the meal feel fresh and exciting. So, let’s dive into some unique side dishes that will have everyone raving this holiday season!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup quinoa – Rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove the natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
- 2 cups vegetable broth – This will add a lovely depth of flavor to your quinoa. Feel free to use homemade or store-bought, just make sure it’s low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake!
- 1 cup cranberries, dried – These little gems will bring a sweet-tart burst to the dish. I love using unsweetened ones for a more natural flavor, but sweetened works too!
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped – Toast them lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes to enhance their nutty flavor—trust me, it’s worth it!
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced – These add a fresh, mild oniony bite. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – A drizzle of good quality olive oil will bring everything together beautifully.
- Salt to taste – I usually start with a pinch and adjust as needed! Remember, the broth may already have some salt, so taste as you go.
- Pepper to taste – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick, but don’t go overboard unless you love it spicy!
How to Prepare Non Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Preparing these non traditional Thanksgiving side dishes is a breeze! First, you’ll want to rinse your quinoa under cold water to get rid of any bitterness. Then, bring your vegetable broth to a rolling boil in a pot. Once it’s boiling, add the quinoa, give it a little stir, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, let it sit off the heat for another 5 minutes—this step is key for fluffy quinoa! Fluff it up with a fork, and you’re ready to mix in those delicious add-ins. It’s really that simple!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by rinsing the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water for about a minute. This step is so important to avoid any bitterness!
- In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil over high heat. This should take just a few minutes.
- Once boiling, add the rinsed quinoa and give it a gentle stir. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow it to simmer for 15 minutes. You’ll want to check it occasionally to ensure it’s not boiling over.
- After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered. Let it sit for 5 minutes to finish cooking in the steam.
- Now comes the fun part! Remove the lid and fluff the quinoa with a fork to separate the grains.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the fluffed quinoa with the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and sliced green onions. It’s starting to look gorgeous, right?
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss everything together gently until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want those beautiful ingredients to shine!
- Serve warm and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic Thanksgiving side!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads up! The nutritional values for these non traditional Thanksgiving side dishes can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. While I’ve provided some general estimates, they may not be precisely accurate. It’s always a good idea to check the labels on your products for the most accurate information, especially if you’re keeping an eye on certain nutrients. Enjoy the cooking, and remember, the joy of the meal is what really counts!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to make sure your non traditional Thanksgiving side dishes shine! First, don’t skip rinsing the quinoa—it’s essential for that perfect flavor. If you want a bit more sweetness, consider drizzling in a touch of honey or maple syrup; it really enhances the cranberries! Also, feel free to swap the quinoa for farro or barley if you’re feeling adventurous. And remember, tasting as you go is key! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, and if you want a bit of zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten everything up beautifully. You’ve got this!
Variations of Non Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes
There are so many fun ways to mix things up with this dish! For a heartier option, try swapping the quinoa for farro or barley—both add a wonderful chewiness. You can also play around with the dried fruits; chopped apples or apricots would bring a lovely sweetness. If you’re a herb lover, fresh parsley or thyme can elevate the flavors even more. And don’t shy away from spices! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, festive twist. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got this delightful non traditional Thanksgiving side dish ready, let’s talk about what to serve it with! I love pairing this quinoa salad with a succulent herb-roasted turkey—those flavors just dance together! It also pairs beautifully with a zesty citrus-glazed ham, adding a refreshing contrast. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside stuffed acorn squash or a vibrant roasted vegetable medley. And don’t forget about the bread! A warm, crusty baguette or some fluffy dinner rolls can round out the meal perfectly. Trust me, your guests will be raving about these delicious combinations!
FAQ Section
What are some examples of non traditional Thanksgiving side dishes?
There are so many exciting options! Think beyond the usual and try dishes like roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, sweet potato and black bean salad, or even a savory wild rice pilaf. These unique flavors can really elevate your Thanksgiving feast!
Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Many non traditional Thanksgiving side dishes can be prepared a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge and reheat before serving. This way, you can enjoy more time with your family on the big day!
How can I make my side dishes vegan?
It’s easy! Stick to plant-based ingredients like vegetable broth, nuts, and fresh veggies. Many recipes can be easily adapted by swapping dairy for coconut milk or using olive oil instead of butter. Your guests will love these flavorful vegan options!
Non Traditional Thanksgiving Side Dishes to Delight Guests
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Vegan
Description
Unique side dishes to complement your Thanksgiving meal.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup cranberries, dried
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, bring vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add quinoa and reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and green onions.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together and serve warm.
Notes
- Quinoa can be substituted with farro or barley.
- Adjust sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 6g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: non traditional thanksgiving side dishes
