Description
This roasted vegetable and bacon dish is a nutrient-dense, flavor-packed meal perfect for anyone following an anti-inflammatory diet while still craving comfort food. Featuring roasted squash, Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, feta cheese, and fresh herbs, this dish balances healthy fats, antioxidants, fiber, and protein.
It’s ideal for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or holiday side dishes, and can be easily adapted for Mediterranean, gluten-free, or low-carb lifestyles.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
Vegetables
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2 cups butternut squash, diced
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2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
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1 small red onion, chopped
Protein & Flavor
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4 slices nitrate-free bacon, diced
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⅓ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened preferred)
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⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
Anti-Inflammatory Seasoning
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3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 tsp turmeric
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp black pepper (activates curcumin)
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Sea salt to taste
Garnish
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2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
👩🍳 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or sheet pan.
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Add squash, Brussels sprouts, and red onion to the dish.
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Toss with olive oil, turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
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Sprinkle bacon evenly over the vegetables.
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Roast for 35–40 minutes, stirring halfway, until veggies are tender and bacon is crispy.
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Remove from oven and immediately fold in cranberries.
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Top with feta and fresh herbs before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a healthy side dish with grilled salmon or chicken
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Enjoy as a stand-alone anti-inflammatory meal bowl
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Add quinoa or wild rice for a balanced Mediterranean dinner
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Top with a poached egg for a nutrient-dense brunch
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
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Dairy-Free: Swap feta for toasted pine nuts or avocado
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Vegetarian: Replace bacon with smoked mushrooms or tempeh
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Low-Carb / Keto: Skip cranberries; add walnuts instead
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Vegan Anti-Inflammatory: Use coconut oil + chickpeas
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Spicy: Add chili flakes or harissa
🧠 Why It’s Anti-Inflammatory
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Olive oil → rich in oleocanthal
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Turmeric + black pepper → natural inflammation fighters
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Brussels sprouts & squash → antioxidants + fiber
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Herbs → polyphenols that support gut health
(Tip: using nitrate-free bacon keeps this dish more inflammation-friendly)
📊 Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)
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Calories: ~390
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Protein: 14g
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Fat: 26g (healthy fats emphasized)
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Carbohydrates: 28g
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Fiber: 6g
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Sugar: 9g
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Gluten-Free | Mediterranean-Friendly
❓ Related Questions (SEO-Friendly)
Is bacon anti-inflammatory?
In moderation, nitrate-free bacon can fit into an anti-inflammatory diet when paired with antioxidant-rich vegetables.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
What vegetables are best for anti-inflammatory recipes?
Cruciferous veggies, squash, leafy greens, onions, and herbs.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This roasted veggie and bacon anti-inflammatory recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s rich, satisfying, visually stunning, and adaptable to nearly any lifestyle—making it perfect for anyone searching for easy healthy recipes, anti-inflammatory comfort food, or nutrient-dense oven meals.
