Orange Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

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I’ve been dreaming about this recipe for orange balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts with toasted pecans and pomegranates seeds for our a side for Thanksgiving dinner and for my Christmas menu for a few weeks now.

Have you thought about your Thanksgiving and Christmas menus yet? Every year, my mom and I furiously email each other back and forth with recipe ideas for our holiday menus (breakfast and dinner, mind you). Most years, we have our menu nailed down before we even start Christmas shopping! Priorities, right?

Since this week has been all about festive foods, starting with these black bean and spinach enchiladas followed by this holiday sangria, I thought we might as well continue the trend right on into the holidays. Sound like a plan? I don’t know about you, but I can never have too many recipes stored up to use over these next few weeks.

After making this sautéed Brussels sprouts tossed in an orange balsamic glaze with toasted pecans and pomegranates seeds recipe earlier in the week for a test run (just to make sure it tasted as I imagined), I knew I had to share the it with you. It is so good I was eating it by the spoonful out of the pan and the best part is, it is so simple to make!

When you think of holiday foods you probably think of rich and decadent dishes that will stuff yourself into a food coma. But not everything has to make you feel like you need to unbutton your pants at the dinner table. When putting together a festive dinner menu, I like to have at least half of the items fall into the “light and healthy, yet still delicious” category.

With that said, let’s talk about the nutritional benefits of Brussels sprouts!

Nutritional Spotlight: Brussels Sprouts

Many kids (and some adults) turn up their noses to the mention of Brussels sprouts. I get it. I did too at one time. Until I first roasted them and my life was changed forever. I’m so glad I gave these green gems a chance because they are packed with nutrients!

sauteed brussels sprouts

Did you know that Brussels sprouts have a surprisingly high amount of protein and meet your daily needs for vitamin C and K in just one serving? Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional breakdown:

  • One cup of raw Brussels sprouts contains 3 grams of protein
  • In the same serving, you will also get 195% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin K (improves bone health) and 125% of vitamin C (maintains healthy vision and can have antiaging effects).

Now that I’ve convinced you of why you should eat Brussels sprouts, let’s talk about how to make them so that even the most skeptical might actually try them (and like them!).

Related Post: How to Roast Brussels Sprouts

Orange Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

First, we are going to sauté the Brussels sprouts. Cut the Brussel sprouts in half (or quarters if they are extra large) and sauté in a skillet over medium heat with 2 Tablespoons olive oil. Cook until fork tender, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even cooking.

*You could also roast the Brussels sprouts and add them to the glaze. To roast, cut the Brussels sprouts in half and and coat with 2 Tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. Bake at 375 degrees for about 20 minutes

balsamic glazed brussels sprouts

Next, let’s make the glaze! If you sautéed the Brussels sprouts, take them out of the pan and add a minced shallot and ½ cup fresh squeeze orange juice. Simmer on medium heat until the orange juice is reduced by half and thickened up. Add 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar and mix to combine.

Add back in the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat. Spoon into your serving bowl and toss with 1 cup of toasted, chopped pecans and ½ cup of pomegranate seeds. Garnish with a little orange zest for a pop of color and brightness in flavor!

orange balsamic glazed brussels sprouts
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Orange Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

★★★★★ 4.8 from 6 reviews
  • Author: FitLiving Eats by Carly Paige
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Side
  • Method: Stove
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This sautéed Brussels sprouts tossed in an orange balsamic glaze with toasted pecans and pomegranates seeds recipe is so good, you can eat it by the spoonful out of the pan. And the best part is, it’s so simple to make!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 16 ounces Brussels sprouts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small shallot, minced
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

  1. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half (or quarters if large).
  2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté Brussels sprouts in 2 T. olive oil until fork tender, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and spoon onto a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the shallot and orange juice. Simmer on medium heat until the orange juice is reduced by half and thickened up. Add the balsamic vinegar and stir to combine.
  4. Add back in the Brussels sprouts and coat with orange balsamic glaze.
  5. Spoon into a serving bowl and toss with toasted pecans and pomegranate seeds.
  6. Garnish with a little orange zest for a pop of color and brightness in flavor!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 159
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 195mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

What is on your Thanksgiving menu or Christmas breakfast menu? Share with me in the comment section below!

This post is also part of the Foodie Friday Link Up hosted by Fairy Burger, Hello to Fit, Fit Foodie Mama and Chocolate Runner Girl.

-Carly Paige

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75 Responses

    1. Thanks, Jill! My go to is usually roasting them with a little bit of maple syrup, but this recipe fancies them up a bit without much added work!

      Reply

  2. I keep wondering if I’ll ever get sick of brussel sprouts. They’re SO good! My husband likes to call them “the comeback food of the century.” He’s totally right, they had such a bad rep when we were younger!

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Christina! I love brussel sprouts. Usually I roast them with a little bit of maple syrup, but I like the addition of pecans and pomegranate seeds in this dish!

      Reply

    1. Me too, Deborah! I think it helps that I work from home now so I can avoid the holiday sweets and treats a little bit easier, but they are still inevitable!

      Reply

  6. These recipes look so yummy! I always love looking at anything you make! My fiance’s favorite veggie is Brussels sproutsso I’m sure he would love this.

    ★★★★

    Reply

  14. My mom made these for my dad’s birthday dinner and they were so yummy! I’ve been craving them ever since! Thank you for sharing the recipe! I’ll be making them soon.

    Reply

  18. Oh, if my mom only had this recipe when I was growing up! (I never liked her Brussel sprouts, consequently I have avoided them my whole life!) I pinned this for later. I gotta try it!

    Reply

  28. Darn, wish I would have had this recipe for our holiday dinner in Panama with friends before we left. I will definitely make this in the future, assuming I can find brussel sprouts there. Looks delicious! Love that it has pecans AND pomegranates.

    Reply

  30. Brussel Sprouts are definitely on my list as i’m obsessed with them haha. These look soooo darn good! Minus the pecans I’m definitely going to try this out!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

  34. What a beautiful dish!! I’m a huge brussels fan and am always on the lookout for new delicious flavor combos to try out!
    I will most definietly be adding this one to my Christmas party menu, though maybe brussels don’t pair well with lasagna? Oh who cares, I’ve never been much of a rule follower anyway 😉

    Reply

  37. Never tried brussel sprouts, but my sister loves them. Totally pinned them to her so that she can make them. Might be inclined to try them because they look so good in the pictures.

    Reply
Carly Paige of FitLiving Eats by Carly Paige

Hi! I’m Carly Paige, a culinary nutrition expert and chef who believes that healthy doesn’t have to be frustrating, boring or restrictive. I’m here to show you how through my Simply Swapped Method so that you can feel more energized and confident from within. You’ll find tips for focusing on nutrition in the kitchen, along with plant-powered, gluten-free recipes that proves healthy can be delicious.