Roasted Brussels Sprout and Warm Quinoa Power Bowl

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Seasonal Salad

Prepare to turn even the most adamant Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans with this show-stopping recipe! This warm quinoa salad has been a cherished favorite for years, and for good reason. Here’s what makes it truly exceptional:

• Explosion of Flavor: Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tastes. The perfectly caramelized notes of roasted squash are complemented by the earthy, nutty quinoa, the slightly bitter and refreshing shaved Brussels sprouts, and the burst of sweetness from dried cranberries. The tangy, sweet, and zesty homemade honey Dijon dressing ties all these incredible flavors together beautifully.
• Remarkably Versatile: While it stands proudly as a filling main course, this Brussels sprouts salad also makes a fantastic side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses like roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a simple lentil soup. Easily transform it into a more substantial meal by adding your favorite protein.
• Celebrates Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizing fresh, in-season vegetables like winter squash and Brussels sprouts not only ensures maximum flavor and nutritional value but also makes this recipe incredibly budget-friendly. Eating seasonally means you’re enjoying produce at its peak!
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients like quinoa (a complete protein), fiber-rich chickpeas, vitamin-packed squash and Brussels sprouts, and healthy fats from walnuts, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s a meal you can feel good about enjoying.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: The components of this salad can be prepared ahead of time, saving you valuable minutes during busy weeknights. Assemble it just before serving for a quick, wholesome, and delicious meal throughout the week. You’ll thank yourself later!

Understanding Your Key Ingredients

The success of this warm quinoa Brussels sprouts salad lies in the quality and preparation of its core ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital:

• Winter Squash: Choose from acorn, butternut, or delicata squash. Each variety offers a delightful sweetness and a creamy, tender texture when roasted, perfectly contrasting the other ingredients. When preparing, ensure you slice your chosen squash into equal-sized cubes (about 1-inch) to guarantee uniform roasting and tenderness. These squash types are rich in Vitamin A, C, and fiber, adding a healthy boost.
• Olive Oil: A staple in healthy cooking, olive oil serves multiple purposes here. It helps prevent the squash from drying out during roasting, encourages beautiful golden-brown caramelization on the edges, and carries the flavors of salt and pepper. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits.
• Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural sweetness of the squash and bringing out the overall flavors of the salad. Adjust quantities to your personal preference; a good coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper make a difference.
• Red Quinoa: Beyond its striking color that adds visual appeal, red quinoa boasts a slightly nuttier flavor and a firmer texture compared to white quinoa, making it ideal for salads. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, and is an excellent source of fiber, iron, and magnesium. While red is recommended for its beauty, white or black quinoa works just as well. Learn more about the health benefits of quinoa.
• Brussels Sprouts: For the best results, select large, vibrant green sprouts with tightly packed leaves and no signs of bruising or discoloration. When prepared correctly (thinly sliced and slightly softened), they contribute a wonderful crunch and a subtly earthy flavor that is far from the stereotypical bitter taste.
• Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans): These versatile legumes add a delightful creaminess, a boost of plant-based protein, and significant fiber content to the salad, making it more satisfying and nutritious. Ensure they are well-drained and rinsed before adding. Explore the many benefits of chickpeas in this informative Beans 101 post!
• Chopped Walnuts: Walnuts are an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the softer ingredients. Their earthy flavor also complements the squash and Brussels sprouts.
• Dried Cranberries: These chewy, sweet, and slightly tart gems are essential for balancing the richness and earthiness of the vegetables. They add a burst of fruity flavor and a pleasant textural contrast. If you don’t have cranberries, raisins or chopped dried cherries make a great substitute.
• Honey Dijon Dressing: The star of the show, this dressing brings everything together. I highly recommend using a batch of my homemade honey Dijon dressing. Its perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a subtle kick makes it the ideal companion for this salad.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Warm Quinoa Brussels Sprouts Salad

Creating this flavorful salad is simpler than you might think. Follow these clear steps to achieve a perfectly balanced and comforting dish. Before you begin, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Perfectly Cook the Quinoa

• Rinse: Place ½ cup (100g) of red quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse it thoroughly under cold running water for a few minutes until the water runs clear. This step is crucial to remove any saponin, a natural coating that can give quinoa a bitter taste.
• Combine: Transfer the rinsed quinoa to a small saucepan. Add 1 cup of water and ¼ teaspoon of salt. The ratio of quinoa to water is typically 1:2, but here we’re using slightly less water for a fluffier texture, as the Brussels sprouts will add a little moisture later.
• Boil: Bring the water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
• Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Cook until all the water has been absorbed and the quinoa appears tender and fluffy, with tiny “tails” visible. Remove from heat and keep covered.

3. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

• Clean: Thoroughly wash 12 oz (350g) of Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry.
• Trim and Core: Trim the very ends of the Brussels sprouts. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise. Carefully cut out the tough, white core from each half. This ensures a more pleasant eating experience and allows for thinner slicing.
• Slice: Place the cored Brussels sprouts halves flat-side down and slice them as thinly as you possibly can. A mandoline slicer can make this task quick and easy, but a sharp knife works perfectly too. Thinly shaved sprouts are less chewy and integrate better into the salad’s texture.

4. Assemble and Serve the Salad

• Soften Sprouts: Once the quinoa is cooked and still warm, add the thinly shaved Brussels sprouts directly into the pot with the quinoa. Cover the pot and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. The residual heat from the quinoa will gently soften the raw Brussels sprouts, taking away any harsh bitterness and giving them a tender-crisp texture.
• Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened shaved Brussels sprouts and quinoa mixture, the roasted squash, 1 (15oz) can (425g) of drained and rinsed chickpeas, 1/3 cup (45g) of chopped walnuts, and 1/3 cup of dried cranberries.
• Dress and Toss: Just before serving, drizzle 1 cup of the homemade honey Dijon dressing over the ingredients in the bowl. Toss everything gently to ensure all components are thoroughly coated in the dressing.
• Serve Warm: This salad is best enjoyed warm, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Smart Meal Prep Tip

Double your batch of roasted squash and cooked quinoa! Store these components separately in the fridge to effortlessly create quick, healthy meals throughout the week. They’re perfect for adding to other salads, grain bowls, or as a simple side.

Expert Tips for a Flawless Salad

• Uniform Squash Cubes: Always chop your winter squash into uniform, roughly 1-inch pieces. This small detail ensures that every piece roasts evenly, resulting in perfect tenderness and consistent caramelization throughout.
• Thinly Slice Brussels Sprouts: The key to enjoyable Brussels sprouts in a salad is thin slicing. Aim for paper-thin slices to prevent them from being overly chewy and to allow them to soften beautifully with the quinoa’s residual heat. If time is tight, many grocery stores offer pre-shredded Brussels sprouts in the refrigerated produce section.
• Perfect Quinoa Every Time: Proper quinoa preparation is vital for a fluffy, flavorful result. Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove saponins that can cause a bitter taste. For more detailed guidance, follow my tips to cook the perfect quinoa. Once cooked, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains and release steam.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To maintain the best texture and prevent your salad from becoming soggy, wait until just before you’re ready to serve to add the honey Dijon dressing. This ensures every component remains fresh and vibrant.
• Season to Taste: Taste your salad after mixing the ingredients but before adding the dressing. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the dressing will add its own layer of seasoning.

Creative Variations for Your Quinoa Brussels Sprouts Salad

This Brussels sprouts salad recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to personalize it to your taste preferences or to utilize ingredients you already have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Add a Cheesy Twist: Introduce a soft, creamy texture and a salty, tangy kick with your favorite crumbled cheese. Feta cheese, goat cheese, gorgonzola, or even a mild blue cheese would all be excellent additions.
• Nutty Substitutions: While walnuts are fantastic, feel free to swap them out or add other roasted nuts and seeds. Toasted sunflower seeds, slivered almonds, pecans, or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) would provide similar healthy fats and satisfying crunch.
• Fruity Additions: Elevate the sweetness and texture by adding to or replacing the dried cranberries. Consider golden raisins, dried cherries, finely diced apple pieces, or even pomegranate arils for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
• Alternate Dressings: If honey Dijon isn’t your preference, or you’re looking for something different, this salad is delicious with a variety of dressings. Any store-bought or homemade vinaigrette you love will work. My savory tahini dressing would make a unique and equally delicious substitute.
• Boost with Protein: Transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal by incorporating extra protein. Shredded leftover roasted chicken, slices of turkey, crispy tofu, or even hard-boiled eggs would be fantastic.
• Incorporate Fresh Greens: To bulk up your salad and add more freshness, mix in a generous handful of your favorite leafy greens. Arugula, spinach, finely chopped kale, or crisp romaine lettuce would all complement the existing flavors beautifully.

Smart Make-Ahead and Storage Solutions

One of the best features of this warm quinoa Brussels sprouts salad is how well its components can be prepared in advance, making meal prep a breeze. This allows you to quickly assemble a fresh, wholesome meal when you’re ready to serve.

• Roast the Squash: Roast the squash until tender, then allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Prepare Chickpeas and Brussels Sprouts: Drain and rinse the chickpeas, and thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. Store these prepared ingredients in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Cook the Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to instructions, let it cool completely, and then store it on its own in a third airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together your honey Dijon dressing (or chosen alternative) in advance and keep it refrigerated in a sealed airtight jar or container for up to a week. Shake well before use.
• Assemble for Serving: When you’re ready to enjoy, gently warm the quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop. Combine all the prepped ingredients in a large bowl, add the walnuts and cranberries, drizzle with dressing, toss, and savor immediately!

Storing Tips for Leftovers

This quinoa Brussels sprouts salad is undeniably at its best when served fresh and warm. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, it can still be enjoyed the next day with a few considerations:

• Undressed Storage (Recommended): For optimal freshness and texture, it’s best to mix everything except the walnuts and dressing. Store this undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To serve, warm the salad up slightly in the microwave or on the stovetop, then toss with fresh walnuts and the dressing.
• Dressed Salad Storage: If you have leftover salad that has already been dressed, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The Brussels sprouts might soften a bit more, and the quinoa may absorb more dressing, potentially making it a little soggier. Give it a good toss before serving. While the texture might change slightly, the flavors will still be delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I make this salad gluten-free? Yes, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, and all other ingredients in this recipe are typically gluten-free. Always check labels on packaged items like dressing ingredients or chickpeas to ensure no hidden gluten.
• What if I don’t like Brussels sprouts? Many people are surprised by how much they enjoy Brussels sprouts when they are thinly sliced and lightly softened by warm quinoa, rather than boiled or steamed. The roasting process for the squash also adds a sweetness that mellows any bitterness. Give it a try! If you’re still hesitant, you could try substituting with finely shredded cabbage or kale.
• Can I serve this salad cold? While the “warm” aspect is part of its charm, this salad can certainly be enjoyed at room temperature or even cold. If serving cold, you might find that the flavors have melded even further.
• How can I add more protein to this salad? Easily! Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, crispy tofu, tempeh, roasted salmon, or even a hard-boiled egg for an extra protein boost.
• Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet? This recipe is vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your honey Dijon dressing uses a vegan honey alternative or substitute with maple syrup, and verify that all other ingredients are plant-based (which they typically are).

Explore More Delicious Salad Recipes

If you loved this warm quinoa and Brussels sprouts salad, be sure to check out these other fantastic and flavorful salad recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Sweet Potato Salad
• Chicken Caesar Salad
• Chicken Quinoa Salad Boats
• Falafel Salad