Vegan Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Quinoa Salad

This vegan roasted brussels sprouts and quinoa salad is the perfect meal for any time of day. It’s packed with healthy ingredients and is so easy to make. The best part is that it can be made ahead of time and is just as good, if not better, the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Method

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. In a large saucepan, bring quinoa and water to a boil. Add salt, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Set aside.
3. In a large roasting pan, toss brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, stirring once, until tender and slightly browned. Remove from oven.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, roasted brussels sprouts, cranberries, red onion, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Toss to combine. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Potential changes & improvements

There are so many potential changes and improvements that can be made to this recipe. Here are just a few ideas:

• Add in some chopped kale or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Swap out the dried cranberries for raisins, dried cherries, or chopped fresh fruit.
• Try using different types of quinoa, such as red or black quinoa.
• Add in some toasted nuts or seeds for a bit of crunch.

What other food it works well with

This salad is great on its own, but can also be served alongside grilled chicken or fish, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Common Mistakes

When making this salad, be sure to cook the quinoa properly. If it is not cooked properly, it will be mushy and not have the desired texture. Also, be sure to let the quinoa cool completely before adding it to the salad. If it is still warm, it will wilt the other ingredients.

Nutritional Information

This salad is packed with nutrients and is a great option for those looking for a healthy meal. Here is the nutritional information for one serving:

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Protein: 10 g

Allergens

This recipe is vegan and does not contain any common allergens.