Kale and Butternut Squash Quinoa Stuffing (The BEST Gluten-Free Stuffing!)

Kale and Butternut Squash Quinoa Stuffing is a fantastic vegetarian and gluten-free stuffing recipe loaded with tons of veggies. This butternut squash stuffing can be made ahead of time, making your Thanksgiving day a little simpler. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how good this healthy stuffing recipe tastes!

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Gluten-Free Quinoa Stuffing Recipe

A few years ago I wanted to do something a little different with my Thanksgiving stuffing recipe.

My sister was living with me at the time and is super health conscious, so that gave me a good excuse to work on a new recipe, this time something healthy.

I still kept some of the favorite flavors of many Thanksgiving recipes in this new gluten-free stuffing recipe — leeks, cranberries, butternut squash, sage, and thyme. But, I significantly lighted up the recipe for a healthy makeover.

In addition to those favorite Thanksgiving flavors, I also added chopped kale. I’m obsessed with kale, as I mentioned when I shared the recipe for Baked Mac and Cheese with Kale.

And if we’re trying to give stuffing a healthy makeover, I thought that including the health benefits of kale would be a great way to start.

What I Love About this Gluten Free Butternut Squash Stuffing

Since Thanksgiving is always a huge stuff-your-face-carb-overload-fest I thought substituting protein-rich quinoa for the usual dried bread in stuffing would be a great way to balance the menu out.

One cup of the grain has 9 grams of protein. And it contains all 8 of the essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein.

Additionally, quinoa is rich in fiber and has a low glycemic index. That means it will help balance out any post-meal blood-sugar spike after you’ve indulged in everything else on your Thanksgiving menu.

So, now that we’ve completely lightened up our stuffing recipe I bet you are wondering how it tasted.

We all thought that this Kale and Butternut Squash Quinoa Stuffing was a great side dish and it has officially been added to our Thanksgiving menu this year.

Tools Needed to Make this Quinoa Stuffing

You’ll need a few different kitchen tools to prepare this Thanksgiving stuffing recipe. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before beginning this stuffing:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – to measure the ingredients to make this recipe.
• Vegetable Peeler – to peel the butternut squash.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – to cut the vegetables.
• Large Skillet – to sauté the celery, leeks, and garlic.
• Baking Sheet – to make the roasted butternut squash.
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper – to line the baking sheet with.
• Large Pot with Lid or Instant Pot – to cook the quinoa for the stuffing mixture.
• Large Mixing Bowl – to stir all the homemade stuffing ingredients together
• Casserole Dish – to serve the stuffing in for your holiday dinner.

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Quinoa Stuffing Ingredients

To make this vegetarian and gluten-free stuffing recipe, you’ll need:

• Quinoa
• Vegetable Stock (or Chicken stock if not vegetarian)
• Bay leaf
• Butternut squash
• Coconut oil
• Organic cane sugar
• Olive oil
• Celery
• Leeks
• Garlic
• Curly kale
• Cranberries
• Fresh parsley and sage or thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Chopped walnuts

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

Ingredient Substitutes in this Butternut Squash Stuffing

This gluten-free stuffing recipe is extremely flexible. You’re welcome to switch up the produce used in this easy stuffing recipe to suit whatever you have on hand. A few substitutions you could make are:

• Sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash
• Swiss chard or spinach instead of kale
• Yellow or red onion instead of leeks 
• Dried cherries, golden raisins, apricot, or diced apples (dried or fresh) instead of cranberries
• Wild rice blend or couscous instead of quinoa
• Chopped pecans instead of walnuts

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How to Make Quinoa Stuffing

This really is the best Thanksgiving stuffing, gluten-free or not. Here’s how I like to make this quinoa stuffing recipe:

1. First, make the quinoa according to package directions. Cook the quinoa in broth (either chicken broth or vegetable broth) and add a bay leaf to the pot as well.
2. Toss the cubed butternut squash in cane sugar, coconut oil, and salt. Roast until fork tender.
3. Meanwhile, sauté the celery, leeks, kale, and garlic in a skillet until softened.
4. In a large bowl, stir together the cooked quinoa, roasted squash, sautéed vegetables, cranberries, and fresh herbs.
5. Garnish the quinoa mixture with with chopped walnuts just before serving.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making the Best Thanksgiving Stuffing

Quinoa and Butternut Squash Stuffing FAQ

Got questions about how to make this butternut squash stuffing recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Can I Prep This Quinoa Stuffing in Advance?

Yes, this gluten-free stuffing recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance and then reheated the day you’re going to serve it.

Reheat the Thanksgiving stuffing in a covered baking dish to preserve moisture.

Can this Quinoa Stuffing Be Cooked in a Turkey?

Yes, but I don’t recommend stuffing a turkey with this quinoa stuffing recipe. The risk of bacteria makes me nervous and I don’t like the end result in the consistency.

Here’s why I don’t stuff a roasted turkey:

• This quinoa stuffing may not reach a high enough temperature to kill any bacteria.
• An unstuffed turkey cooks faster.

You can always cook the stuffing separately first and then put it inside the cooked turkey if you like.

What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Stuffing?

Leftover quinoa stuffing should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator within about 2 hours of serving.

How Long Is Leftover Stuffing Good For?

This butternut squash quinoa stuffing should be eaten within 3 – 4 days for best results.

Try this Butternut Squash Quinoa Stuffing!

Next time you’re looking for a a fresh take on traditional stuffing for your Thanksgiving meal, give this Quinoa and Butternut Squash Stuffing a try!

Did you think combination of dried cranberries, roasted squash, and quinoa was perfect for the holiday season? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this healthy stuffing recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me @goodlifeeats #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this savory quinoa stuffing!

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More Easy Thanksgiving Sides:

If you’re looking for additional inspiration for your Thanksgiving Menu this year along with this recipe, be sure to check out the whole Thanksgiving Recipes Archive right here if you need help building the rest of your menu.

If you have someone at your table who insists on being a traditionalist when it comes this classic Thanksgiving side dish, check out Herbed Stuffing with Bacon and Leeks.

Garlic Bacon Sautéed Green Beans with Roasted Mushrooms make a great Thanksgiving side dish, loaded with flavor, and a lot more fresh tasting than the traditional green bean casserole.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic are a fantastic side dish that is full of delicious flavor – caramelized, roasted brussels sprouts, savory bacon, and tangy balsamic vinegar.

Classic buttery russet potato mashed potatoes are elevated thanks to the addition of plenty of browned butter and fresh grated parmesan in this Browned Butter Parmesan Mashed Potatoes.

In this recipe for Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate, sliced Sweet Potatoes are baked in a spiced orange maple glaze and sprinkled with juicy, bright pomegranate arils.

Take your traditional side dish of roasted broccoli to the next level with this recipe of Lemon Roasted Broccolini with Pancetta and Breadcrumbs. Roasted Broccoli is sprinkled with a delicious and crunchy lemon, thyme, and pancetta breadcrumb mixture.

If you like cranberry sauce better than gravy, try my recipe for  Cranberry Orange Walnut Relish or Red Wine Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce.

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Have you ever made stuffing with quinoa?