I have been researching good fall recipes and I feel like there is a common theme. Fall has a “heavy” food theme. Creamy soups, pumpkin, pie, fancy Starbucks drinks, which are all delicious, but hard on six pack goals. I feel like most people just accept (except?) that they are going to gain weight over the holidays and that just isn’t the case. You can enjoy your life and still wear real pants (as opposed to leggings with no waistband). I wanted to make something that had the flavors of fall but was also a little on the lighter side. I love the colors in this salad, and although it took a little bit of prep work (mostly just chopping), it was well worth it. With the orange vinaigrette this salad does not disappoint!

Here is what you need:

Salad

-1lb Brussel Sprouts (rinse and trip the ends, then halved and thinly sliced)

-2 cups cooked quinoa (I used my pre-cooked frozen kind, which is exactly 2 cups per bag)

-1 cup dried cranberried

-2/3 cup toasted and chopped pecans

Vinaigrette

-¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice

-¼ cup olive oil

-1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

-Pinch of salt and pepper

What to do:

1. Toss all of the ingredients together in a big bowl

2. Whisk all of the ingredients together for the vinaigrette and pour over salad.

3. Once all mixed together, put in fridge and let chill and mix together for the best flavor.

Since it is the week of THANKSgiving and I am going to be posting recipes every day this week (because there is no other week more appropriate for food consumption), I also want to tell you something I am thankful for in my life. You all should know by now that I love to feel all the feels, so I might as well take advantage of the holiday appropriateness. I am thankful for my independence. Not in a female pop song kind of way, but it the “I’m thankful that I can work and support myself” kind of way. I see people every day that lose the ability to do every day tasks that we take for granted and don’t really think about. It makes me realize how lucky I am be able to drive places, go to the grocery store for myself, fix my own dinner, and clean my house. Stuff that we think is annoying are things that a lot of people would give anything to do. So, today I am giving things for the stuff I don’t usually like to do, because at least I can do them.

P.S. This recipe is naturally vegan and Gluten free!

With love and a happy tummy,

-B

Brussel Sprout, Cranberry and Quinoa Salad