Description
Looking for a colorful, healthy side dish that’s both allergy-friendly and holiday-worthy? This Quinoa Green Bean & Mushroom Medley is a vibrant, dairy-free Thanksgiving side that fits beautifully into any festive menu. With tender green beans, golden-browned mushrooms, fluffy quinoa, and sweet cranberries, it’s the perfect blend of texture and flavor. Ideal as a quick dinner option, nutritious side, or plant-based dish, this recipe delivers big on flavor without the dairy — a brilliant idea for anyone in search of easy dinner sides, healthy snack recipes, or Thanksgiving dinner ideas.
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups water or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
10 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
Instructions
1. Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Bring 2 cups of water or broth to a boil, stir in quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it sit, then fluff with a fork.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, then drain and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms in batches. Sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes, then stir until golden. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. In a large bowl, mix quinoa, green beans, mushrooms, cranberries, lemon zest, and the remaining olive oil. Toss gently.
5. Finish with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
1. Prepare quinoa ahead of time to save cooking time on the day of your event.
2. Add cranberries at the end to avoid them bleeding color into the quinoa.
3. To elevate presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or toasted nuts just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: dairy free thanksgiving sides, vegan side dish, quinoa green bean salad, easy dinner sides, healthy plant-based recipe