I’m so excited for the holidays.
I’ve been mildly homesick ever since fall break, which is a little unnatural for me, and I’ve attributed it to my longing for the holidays and all the festive baking, decorating, and music I love at home.
Plus, you can’t light candles in dorms at college, and it’s truly a tragedy. How am I supposed to experience fall and winter without a ton of spice-scented candles???
I’ve already started planning my Thanksgiving prep list, and I’m weirdly excited for Christmas baking.
I also may or may not have listened to All I Want For Christmas Is You on the elliptical last week.
It’s bad.
This salad is a perfect holiday side or appetizer. Celebrating winter produce, this grain salad combines caramelized brussels sprouts and red onions with quinoa and is topped with a seedy pistachio gremolata! It’s unusual, delicious, and super easy to throw together. Enjoy!
- ¼ cup pistachios, shelled
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp flaxseed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 0.3 lb brussels sprouts, chopped (about 1 cup)
- ½ a red onion, sliced
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- salt and pepper to taste
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss Brussels sprouts and red onion with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, until veggies are carmelizing. Remove from oven and set aside on a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse together pistachios, breadcrumbs, and garlic powder until finely chopped and combined. Stir in chia and flax seeds.
- In a large bowl, toss quinoa, roasted Brussels sprouts and red onion with salt and pepper to taste.
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
Medha, this Brussels Sprouts salad doesn’t only sound delicious, it is so packed with healthy ingredients – what a fantastic addition to the Thanksgiving table! Fingers crossed the next few weeks pass quick so you can get home to enjoy all the baked goodies AND candles 🙂
Medha says
Thanks so much!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
I could eat brussels sprouts every single day of my life, so I am freakin out over these, Medha!! That pistachio gremolata is GENIUS! I am SOOOOO making this sometime this week! GIMME! Cheers!
Medha says
Thanks, Cheyanne!
Bethany @ athletic avocado says
This is the salad of my dreams! Seriously LOVE everything in here, especially the BRUSSELS! I also can’t wait for the holidays! They can’t come soon enough 😉
Medha says
Thank you!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I never used to like brussels sprouts, but now I’m a huge fan! Especially when they’re roasted and in a quinoa salad. Looks fantastic!
Medha says
Thanks!
Julia Mueller says
Everything about this dish looks absolutely perfect to me! I’m all about brussels sprouts and am digging this pistachio infusion you’ve got going on. Definitely perfect to enjoy any night of the week 😀
Medha says
Thanks so much 🙂
Michelle | A Latte Food says
I was a little late to the whole quinoa thing, but I am obsessing over it now! I love this recipe–it seriously looks fantastic!
Medha says
Quinoa is the best- thanks 🙂
marcie says
I’m beyond excited for the holidays too, and this dish is completely holiday-worthy! What a beautiful dish and I love that gremolata!
Medha says
Thanks!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
I can’t believe you’re not allowed to light candles! I understand why but that’s kind of lame.
Anyway, I can see why you’re such a fan of this salad. Roasted brussels sprouts are the best and this looks amazing!
Medha says
Haha thanks, Sarah!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
I love roasted Brussels. This quinoa salad is the perfect combo for them and you had me at pistachio!
Medha says
Thank you 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
This looks so beyond delicious! I love brussels and the pistachio gremolata on top looks fabulous.
Medha says
Thank you! 🙂
David @ Spiced says
Totally wrong that you can’t light spiced candles in dorm rooms! I get it though. Although when I was in college, I totally broke that rule and lit candles while typing papers. It somehow kept me in a good mood while writing what seemed like endless pages and pages and pages. 🙂 I wonder if you can get one of those plug-in spiced scents instead? Anyways, this salad sounds awesome! Love the roasted Brussels and the pistachios in there. Yum!!
Medha says
That sounds wonderful! And thanks 🙂
Monica says
I love how much you adore the holidays. I feel the same way! Also love this dish, the pistachio gremolata totally takes it over the top.
Medha says
Thanks!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
It’s early, but I’m already itching to watch a Christmas movie! And these brussels sprouts look absolutely amazing…must try that gremolata!
Medha says
Thanks!
Manali@CookWithManali says
I love all the flavors that you have mixed in this salad Medha! 🙂
Medha says
Thank you so much 🙂
Ashley says
I totally remember that no candle rule in college too! No fun! But I get it haha
ANYWAY this salad!! I love brussels but I am so digging what you did with the pistachios!
Medha says
Thanks!
Shikha @ Shikha la mode says
Mmm loving the chia seeds in this recipe!
Medha says
Thanks!