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? ›

Can Roasted Vegetables Be Made The Day Before? Actually, they can! You can roast them till they are almost all soft, then reheat and they will be cooked perfectly and not go too soft.

How do you make roasted vegetables not soggy? ›

Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch per pound of vegetables. Toss the vegetables evenly to coat. Spread the veggies in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast until fork-tender and crispy, 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the vegetable.

What roasted vegetables can you eat cold? ›

Cold roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are all great on salads. Fried okra also makes for great croutons. Roast broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes all roast really conveniently in an air fryer, and can all be eaten cold.

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 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.

Can roasted vegetables be made ahead and reheated? ›

Roasted vegetables go well with any meal, whether it's just family at the table or you're expecting company. Aside from prep time, this recipe is super easy and can even be made ahead and reheated before serving. Colorful, tasty, and full of flavor, these caramelized roasted veggies deserve a place on your plate.

What is the secret to extra crispy roasted vegetables? ›

After a few weeks of adding cornstarch to roasted chunks of various plant bits, I can confirm that it absolutely makes them crispier, and it's just as simple as it sounds.

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

The One Ingredient You Need For The Crispiest Roasted Veggies. If your roasted veggies lack crisp, add a bit of cornstarch. Cornstarch's ability to suck up moisture helps vegetables maintain their crispiness in the oven.

What are two tips to remember when roasting vegetables? ›

You want to see a bit of space around the veggies — don't be afraid to split them between two baking sheets if you need to. Crowding will make the vegetables steam instead of roast, and that's the opposite of what we're going for. Also, make sure your oven is good and hot before you put the vegetables in to roast.

What cooked vegetables taste good cold? ›

Charred broccoli is absolutely incredible when it's tossed with a citrus-y vinaigrette, some toasted nuts, and some chopped herbs. Hell, basically any vegetable is. Toss them with pesto or a creamy nuoc cham dressing. You can also use them to top some lightly dressed greens or shaved raw vegetables for some contrast.

Are frozen vegetables good for roasting? ›

Indeed! And you don't need to worry about thawing them either. In fact, you shouldn't thaw frozen vegetables before roasting them. The high heat of the oven will cause the moisture from the frozen vegetables to evaporate rapidly, giving you a crispier result than if you were to pre-thaw your frozen vegetables.

Should I cover roasted vegetables? ›

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 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

Should roasted vegetables be covered? ›

Generally, you don't cover vegetables when roasting them in the oven. Covering vegetables will steam them instead of browning them. However, covering with foil is a tried-and-true method for roasting garlic. To make tender (but not crispy) baked vegetables, season them and place them on the dull side of an 18×12-in.

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.

What are some ways you can finish roasted vegetables to enhance flavor and texture? ›

8 Small Ways to Make Roasted Vegetables Taste Even Better
  1. Use a flavored oil. ...
  2. Toss with citrus. ...
  3. Add some cheese. ...
  4. Raid the spice cabinet. ...
  5. Toss with mustard. ...
  6. Add a glaze. ...
  7. Roast with bacon. ...
  8. Drizzle with dressings.

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