Delicious and Festive Butternut Squash Brussels Sprouts Salad : Perfect for Your Holiday Dinner

When it comes to holiday dinner recipes, side dishes often take center stage. Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving feast or a festive meal with loved ones, a standout side dish can elevate the entire experience. One such dish that brings vibrant flavors and textures is a Butternut Squash Brussels Sprouts Salad, which combines sweet, savory, and earthy flavors in a healthy and refreshing way.

In this article, we’ll explore how to create a Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels sprouts salad, an ideal side dish for Thanksgiving or any holiday meal. We’ll also share tips on butternut squash recipes, the benefits of sprouting sweet potatoes, and other holiday dinner recipes you can incorporate into your celebration. Let’s dive into how this colorful and flavorful dish can become the star of your holiday spread.

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What Makes This Butternut Squash Brussels Sprouts Salad Special?

Butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are not only nutritious but also bring vibrant colors and textures to your plate, making them perfect ingredients for a holiday side dish. This salad combines the earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the crispy texture of Brussels sprouts. A tangy cranberry glaze adds a touch of sweetness, while a sprinkling of nuts provides a satisfying crunch.

This Butternut Squash Salad is versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature, making it easy to prepare ahead of time. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes, including turkey, ham, and roasted meats, and is an excellent addition to any Thanksgiving recipes side dishes menu.

Ingredients for Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash Brussels Sprouts Salad

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather the ingredients for this holiday dinner recipe:

• 1 small butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the cranberry glaze:
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

How to Make Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, and trim the Brussels sprouts, cutting them in half. Roasting these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a beautiful caramelization on their edges. Spread the butternut squash cubes and Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle them with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Roast the Vegetables

Place the vegetables in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. Be sure to toss the vegetables halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. While the vegetables are roasting, you can prepare the cranberry glaze.

Step 3: Make the Cranberry Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to break down and the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Once the vegetables are roasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and chopped nuts. Drizzle the cranberry glaze over the top and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Serve this butternut squash Brussels sprouts salad warm or at room temperature, making it a beautiful and nutritious addition to your holiday spread. It pairs wonderfully with Thanksgiving dishes or any festive meal. If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make alternative, check out our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for a tasty main to accompany your salad.

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Why You Should Add This Butternut Squash Brussels Sprouts Salad to Your Holiday Menu

This Butternut Squash Salad is not just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add more vegetables to their holiday meals. Here’s why it should be on your table this season:

• Rich in Nutrients: Butternut squash is high in vitamins A and C, while Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin K. Together, they provide a healthy dose of nutrients.
• Colorful and Festive: The vibrant orange of the butternut squash and the bright green of the Brussels sprouts create a visually stunning dish that looks beautiful on any table.
• Versatile: This salad works well for both casual dinners and formal holiday meals. It complements a wide variety of mains, from turkey to roasted meats to vegetarian options.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance, saving you time on the day of your celebration. Simply roast the vegetables, make the glaze, and toss everything together when ready to serve.

If you’re looking for more nutritious side dishes to complete your meal, consider making a batch of Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini or a rich Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin.

Other Butternut Squash Recipes to Try This Holiday Season

If you love the sweet, earthy flavors of butternut squash recipes, here are some other delicious ideas to consider for your holiday meals:

1. Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash: For an even simpler side dish, roast cubes of butternut squash with a cranberry glaze. You can make this at the same time as your turkey or other dishes for a hassle-free meal.
2. Butternut Squash Soup: A creamy, comforting soup made with roasted butternut squash, onions, garlic, and a touch of cream is an excellent starter for your Thanksgiving or holiday dinner. Try out this cozy Creamy Mushroom Soup as a perfect pairing!
3. Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Mash: Combine butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a hearty, flavorful mash that pairs perfectly with turkey or ham. Another delicious option could be this Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a sweet touch to your meal.

Sprouting Sweet Potatoes: A Fun Twist for Your Holiday Spread

Sweet potatoes are a holiday staple, and sprouting them can add a whole new layer of flavor. Sprouting sweet potatoes allows the natural sugars to develop, making them even sweeter. Here’s how you can incorporate sprouted sweet potatoes into your holiday side dishes:

• Roasted Sprouted Sweet Potatoes: Slice the sprouted sweet potatoes and roast them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or maple syrup for added flavor.
• Sweet Potato Salad: For a refreshing twist, mix roasted sprouted sweet potatoes with fresh herbs, onions, and a tangy vinaigrette for a unique holiday salad. If you’re in the mood for more sweet potato goodness, check out this Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for a dessert twist.

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Other Brussels Sprouts Recipes for Your Holiday Menu

If Brussels sprouts are a favorite in your household, here are some additional recipes you can consider for your holiday feast:

1. Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar before roasting for a sweet and savory flavor combination. For a savory addition, try Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks.
2. Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Skillet: A classic pairing of Brussels sprouts and bacon, sautéed together with garlic and shallots, makes for a flavorful and indulgent side dish.
3. Brussels Sprouts Gratin: For a cheesy, indulgent option, try Brussels sprouts au gratin with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy breadcrumbs.

Final Thoughts

A Butternut Squash Brussels Sprouts Salad is the perfect addition to your holiday dinner table. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and packed with nutrients—making it not just a great side dish but also a crowd-pleaser. The combination of Cranberry-Glazed Roasted Butternut Squash, Brussels sprouts, and various textures will surely impress your guests and bring holiday cheer to your meal.

Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving vegetables or looking for new holiday dinner recipes, this salad will be a hit. And with so many ways to incorporate butternut squash recipes, sprout recipes, and sweet potato sprouting, you’ll have plenty of options to make your celebration extra special.

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