Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetable Salad Recipe (2024)

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A great Thanksgiving roasted vegetable salad highlighting the best of fall produce. Roasted butternut squash, beets and Brussels sprouts are piled up high on a bed of nutritious heirloom black rice dressed in a citrusy blood orange vinaigrette!

Jump to Recipe| Food style by: Florentina | Food Photo by: MihaMatei.com |

Roasted Vegetable Salad

Great Thanksgiving sides are pure gold. Not that there’s anything wrong with a dairy-free green bean casserole but If I were to choose one show stopping fall dish that is perfectly balanced on the sweet, savory and citrusy spectrum, it would be this Italian roasted vegetable salad! The earthiness of the heirloom black rice stands up beautifully to the textures of the roasted vegetables and the zesty vinaigrette. Served hot or cold, this autumn salad is not to be missed!

There’s still room to build on the concept and make it your own with the addition of some of these balsamic roasted figs, crispy roasted broccoli or heirloom rainbow carrots. The trick is in timing everything just right so the veggies are al done at about the same time.

The Citrus Vinaigrette

The vinaigrette is simple but divine! This is the time of year when I pull out my special bottle of blood orange olive oil. I first season the cooked plain rice with just a drizzle then shake up my vinaigrette to pour all over the salad. It’s just infused olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice with just a pinch of salt. It’s perfect, but if you fancy a touch of dijon that won’t hurt, or you can be a little extra with a couple of teaspoons of poppy seeds.

About the Black Rice

I’m really fond of this heirloom whole grain rice. It cooks beautifully adding both texture and nuttiness to your dish. Make sure to rinse it well before cooking to obtain a nice fluffy separation of the grains. Alternatively a wild rice mix could be used with mild variations in the flavor profile, I just really love the color contrast between the black grains and the colorful veggies. In lieu of rice, black Puy lentils and even quinoa would make a great protein packed canvas here. Go wild!

Make Ahead Tips

Since this salad is absolutely delicious served hot or cold it can be made a head and the components stored individually. The vegetables could be reheated and crisped up again at 450″F for 5 minutes or so. The recipe could simply be brought to room temperature or heated through in a skillet or microwave oven.

Thanksgiving Recipes

  • Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf
  • Vegetable Pot Pie
  • Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
  • Dairy Free Scalloped Potatoes
  • Vegan Mac and Cheese <–the Best!
  • Oven Roasted Baby Potatoes
  • Mushroom Bourguignon Stew
  • Italian Almond Cookies
  • Ultimate Vegetarian Stuffing
  • Roasted Spaghetti Squash
  • Wild Mushrooms and Potatoes
  • Roasted Butternut Squash Apple Soup
  • Sweet Potato Rounds
  • Crusty Bread.

Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetable Salad Recipe (5)

4.93 from 13 votes

Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetable Salad

A great Thanksgiving roasted vegetable salad highlighting the best of fall produce. Roasted butternut squash, beets and Brussels sprouts are piled up high on a bed of heirloom black rice dressed in a citrusy blood orange vinaigrette!

Print Recipe

Prep Time:20 minutes mins

Cook Time:1 hour hr

Total Time:1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 butternut squash (medium size)
  • 1 lb brussel sprouts (trimmed + halved lengthwise)
  • 2 red beets (medium size)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp sea salt + more to taste
  • 1 orange zested
  • 3 sprigs fresh basil for garnish
  • 2 tbsp edible flowers (optional for garnish)

Black Rice

  • 1.5 cups black rice
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1 leaf bay
  • 2 strips orange peel

Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Instructions

  • Roast the Beets: Preheat your oven to 400”F with a large cast iron skillet on the bottom rack. Rinse and scrub the beets well and wrap them loosely in aluminum foil, making sure to leave a little opening for the steam to escape. Place them on a rimmed tray in the preheated oven for 45 mins to 1 hour until softened. When cool enough to handle peel the skin off of the beets and cut them into small squares. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use. (Note - the beets can be roasted in advance or replaced with store-bought roasted beets)

    2 red beets

  • Roast the Butternut Squash - Peel the butternut and discard the seeds. Cut it in into 1 inch cubes and transfer to a large baking sheet. Drizzle with a lug of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Spread them on the baking sheets preferably without touching each other.Roast in the preheated 400"F oven for about 35 to 45 minutes until soft and it starts to caramelize around the edges.

    1 butternut squash, 3 tbsp olive oil

  • Brussel Sprouts - Meanwhile rinse and dry the sprouts and trim the ends. Half them lengthwise and transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a good pinch of sea salt. Toss to coat and carefully transfer them to the preheated cast iron skillet you have in the oven. Do your best to have them cut side down for a nice golden brown sear. After about 15 minutes in the oven give them a gentle toss so they brown all over. Cook another 10 minutes or so until done to your liking. If your timing is right both the squash + the sprouts should be done at about the same time.

    1 lb brussel sprouts

Make the Rice

  • Combine the black rice, water, orange peel, sea salt and bay leaf in a medium size pot ( I used an 8-inch wide pot). Bring to a simmer and cover with a tight lid. Cook for 30 to 35 minutes until all water has been absorbed. Remove the pot from heat and allow it to sit tightly covered for 10 to 15 minutes, the rice will finish cooking in its own steam.

    1.5 cups black rice, 2.5 cups water, 1 leaf bay, 1 pinch sea salt, 2 strips orange peel

  • Transfer the cooked rice to a mixing bowl and discard the bay and orange peel. Drizzle with a couple of teaspoons of the blood orange olive oil and squeeze half of the orange over the top. Fluff with a fork. Transfer the rice to a large serving tray and top with the roasted butternut squash, red beets and Brussel sprouts.

Make the Blood Orange Citrus Vinaigrette

  • In a small jar combine 3 tablespoons of blood orange olive oil, the lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt. Shake to combine, taste and adjust seasonings with more lemon or salt until you are happy.

    4 tbsp blood orange olive oil, 2 tsp lemon juice, 1 pinch sea salt

  • Drizzle the blood orange vinaigrette all over the black rice and roasted vegetable salad. Garnish with the fresh basil, orange zest and edible flowers.

    1 orange, 3 sprigs fresh basil, 2 tbsp edible flowers

Nutrition

Calories: 428kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Sodium: 836mg | Potassium: 980mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 14067IU | Vitamin C: 106mg | Calcium: 124mg | Iron: 3mg

Course: Sides

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: roasted vegetable salad

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 428kcal

Author: Florentina

Thanksgiving Roasted Vegetable Salad Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What's a good dressing for roasted vegetables? ›

Combine Ingredients in a Jar: Start by placing balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and lemon juice into a small lidded jar. These ingredients create the best dressing for roasted vegetables. It's a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and smooth flavors that enhance any vegetable dish.

Can I roast vegetables the day before Thanksgiving? ›

You can prepare these veggies a couple of days ahead, and it actually saves room in your fridge to pack them in ziptop bags. Cut them all the same size so they all roast at the same time. This recipe will serve a large number of people and ideal for a Thanksgiving feast or Christmas dinner.

How do you make roasted vegetables not soggy? ›

Vegetables need to roast in a single layer without overlapping one another on the baking sheet. This will allow the air to circulate and crisp the outsides (otherwise, the veggies will steam and not crisp).

Should I season vegetables before or after roasting? ›

Additional tips on roasting vegetables. Heavy duty pans are ideal since they allow for even heat distribution and circulation. Because salt draws moisture out of the food, season veggies just before roasting.

What to pair with roasted vegetables? ›

I often serve them next to my Italian baked chicken, Garlic Dijon Chicken, or even next to Boneless Lamb, Roast Turkey Breast, or even Slow Roasted Salmon. But don't discount these gorgeous vegetables as a light vegetarian main with farro risotto, or on top of lemon rice or even quinoa!

How do you prep roast vegetables in advance? ›

Make Ahead and Storage Options

You can also roast the vegetables ahead of time, cool, and refrigerate them in a lidded container, where they will be tasty for up to four days. Keep in mind, they will lose that crispiness, but the flavor will be there, and they are tasty reheated in the oven or microwave.

What can I make 3 day before Thanksgiving? ›

Mashed Potatoes
  1. Classic Make-Ahead Macaroni And Cheese.
  2. Easy Cauliflower Casserole.
  3. Double-Crust Pie Pastry.
  4. Savory Sweet Potato Casserole.
  5. Homemade Cranberry Sauce.
  6. Lacey's Cornbread Dressing.
  7. Can You Leave A Turkey Out To Thaw Overnight?
  8. 5-Ingredient Thanksgiving Recipes To Make The Holiday Just A Bit Easier.

How do you prep vegetables for Thanksgiving? ›

You can blanch and shock your vegetables by putting them in boiling water for a few minutes to cook, then plunging them into an ice bath. Once they're cool, you can keep them in the fridge until you need them. Try not to use salt — it'll break down the vegetables and make them mushy.

What is the single ingredient you need for the crispiest roasted vegetables? ›

The next time you roast vegetables, add some cornstarch. Yes, cornstarch—that box in your pantry is the secret to a super-crispy exterior on veggies, from potatoes to cauliflower. Cornstarch is commonly used to coat proteins like chicken or beef to achieve a crispy exterior, so why not use it with vegetables?

What are two tips to remember when roasting vegetables? ›

Tips for Success

Group veggies by cooking time– root vegetables generally take longer than cruciferous ones (40 minutes vs 25 minutes). Group on separate pans so that they finish baking at the same time. Avoid overcrowding the pan(s)– arrange the veggies on enough baking sheets to allow them to sit in a single layer.

What is the best oil for roasting vegetables in the oven? ›

For vegetables, chicken, and just about everything else, olive oil and ghee are our first choices for roasting at temperatures over 400°F. Not only do they help food cook up with the crispiness you crave, but each one also imparts its own unique flavor that you just don't get from neutral oils like grapeseed or canola.

Which vegetable is best suited for roasting? ›

Many vegetables can be roasted. Obvious choices are root veg like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips. But crucifers like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower roast well, too. More delicate veggies like cabbage, tomatoes, onions, and squash roast spectacularly well.

Do you roast vegetables covered or uncovered? ›

There is no need to cover vegetables when roasting. Covering them creates steam, so they won't get as crispy and caramelized. Don't forget to stir once or twice while cooking so the vegetables get nicely browned on all sides. Other than that, you can't really go wrong.

Why do you use parchment paper when roasting vegetables? ›

The paper's waxy surface keeps food from sticking. "We can replicate a pan-fried finish by roasting anything on parchment," says Steve Pernetti, executive chef at Cal-a-Vie in Vista, California. Pernetti's Parchment-Roasted Vegetables offer C, A, folate, potassium, and calcium.

What sauces are good on vegetables? ›

8 Irresistible Sauces for Boring Vegetables
  • Copycat Zupas Poppyseed Dressing from The Food Charlatan. ...
  • Easy Peanut Sauce by Zested Lemon. ...
  • Jalapeno Ranch by Natasha's Kitchen. ...
  • 5-Minute Sunshine Sauce by Pinch of Yum. ...
  • Creamy Mango Jalapeno Dressing by Fed and Fit. ...
  • Roasted Red Pepper Pesto by Drizzle and Dip.
Mar 4, 2020

How do you dress up vegetables? ›

Vinegar—and vinaigrettes—brightens veggies even out of the salad bowl. Try our Roasted Beet Wedges with Champagne Vinegar to see how. I also like tossing our Mustard-Shallot Vinaigrette with grilled or roasted veggies. Spices – Simply adding a new spice to a basic dish elevates it to a whole new level.

Should roasted vegetables be covered? ›

There is no need to cover vegetables when roasting. Covering them creates steam, so they won't get as crispy and caramelized. Don't forget to stir once or twice while cooking so the vegetables get nicely browned on all sides. Other than that, you can't really go wrong.

What is a mixture of raw vegetables with a dressing called? ›

Merriam Webster Dictionary tells us that a salad is any of the various “usually cold dishes” including raw greens, vegetables and toppings. It is served with dressing or small pieces of food, or usually mixed with a dressing or set in gelatin.

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