Dietitian Dishes: Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Squash

December 6, 2021

Need a healthy side dish to accompany your holiday meal? Here’s a recipe from the Skyland Trail adult dietitian, Isabel Alvarez, RD, LD.

A key component of taking care of one’s mental health is to also take care of one’s physical health. Cooking and eating nutritious, balanced meals is a simple and effective way to practice self-care and mindfulness while keeping inflammation and other physical ailments like heart disease and diabetes at bay, which have been proven to be connected to mental health diagnoses.

An overhead view of roasted brussel sprouts and squash on a white plate, white table cloth with greenery for decoration
Roasted Brussel sprouts and squash from Isabel Alvarez, RD, LD, adult dietitian at Skyland Trail.

Ingredients (Makes About 4 Servings)

  • 1 lb. of Brussel sprouts
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Dash of garlic powder
  • A sprinkle of cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper
  • Handful of dried fruit like cranberries and/or raisins
  • Drizzle of balsamic vinegar or glaze

Cooking Directions

First, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and set the rack to the middle of the oven.

Rinse and pat dry all produce. Chop squash into bite-sized pieces and cut Brussel sprouts in half lengthwise. Toss veggies in olive oil then mix in cinnamon, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread veggies evenly on a baking sheet and bake on the center oven rack for about 30 minutes or until the veggies reach desired crispiness.

After baking, mix in your favorite dried fruit (something tart and sweet like craisins is a great option) and drizzle with a balsamic vinegar glaze.

Serve as a side dish alongside your favorite holiday meal, take it to a potluck, or simply enjoy as a healthy snack option throughout the day.

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Isabel Alvarez, RD, LD, Adult Dietitian
Isabel Alvarez, RD, LD
Adult Dietitian

Isabel Alvarez, RD, LD, is a registered and licensed dietitian who works with adult and adolescent clients in residential and day treatment programs at Skyland Trail to help individuals foster a healthier relationship with food, nutrition, meal planning, and grocery shopping. Alvarez earned her BS in Nutrition Science from Cornell University and completed a dietitian internship at Emory University prior to joining Skyland Trail in 2020.

Follow her on Instagram at @nutrition_isabelalv to see her latest kitchen creations.