Brussels Sprouts Salad

Discover the crunch of raw Brussels Sprouts Salad with a tangy Balsamic Dressing, a delightful blend of almonds, Parmesan, bacon, and dates.

Why Choose this Recipe?

Unbeatable Freshness: What sets this recipe apart is the use of raw Brussels sprouts. It’s a total game changer. You get this fresh, crunchy texture you wouldn’t find in your everyday lettuce-based salad.
Dressing to Impress: The creamy balsamic dressing is a real star in this dish. It’s tangy, it’s sweet, it’s savory – it’s everything you’d want in a dressing, making this salad an absolute standout.
Adventure in Every Bite: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill salad. We’re talking almonds, Parmesan, bacon, and dates. It’s this unexpected mix of ingredients that takes your taste buds on a flavorful journey and sets this salad apart from the rest.

I don’t have a mandolin slicer. Can I still make this salad?

Yes, you can still make the salad. If you don’t have a mandolin slicer, you can use a knife to thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. We suggest leaving the ends on the sprouts when using a mandolin slicer to have more to hold onto, but if you’re using a knife, it’s recommended to cut the ends off.

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Absolutely. In fact, the recipe suggests making the dressing first and then refrigerating it. This allows the flavors to meld together before you dress the salad.

Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts Salad

Brussels Sprouts: Go for the fresh ones that look vibrant and green. You know, the ones with the leaves all packed tight. Give the ones with yellow leaves or black spots a miss.
Almonds: You’ll need sliced almonds for this. You can buy ’em sliced or do it yourself. But here’s the thing, make sure they’re fresh and have that nice crunch. If you’re buying pre-sliced, check the pack is sealed and the best-by date hasn’t passed.
Parmesan Cheese: Treat yourself to a good-quality Parmesan. It really makes a difference. If you can, get a block and shave it yourself – it’ll taste so much fresher.
Bacon: Your choice, but I’m all about thick-cut bacon. Cook it up until it’s nice and crispy.
Dates: We’re talking dried dates here. They should feel soft and look plump. Skip any that are hard or too dry.

Variations for Brussels Sprouts Salad

Going Veggie: Feel free to ditch the bacon for a vegetarian twist. You could toss in some roasted chickpeas for a nice crunch, or maybe some avocado for a creamy touch. You could even roast up some butternut squash for a sweet surprise.
Vegan Vibes: Want to go full vegan? No problem! Skip the bacon, swap out the Parmesan for some vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, and use vegan mayo in your dressing.
Protein Power: If you’re looking to bulk this salad up a bit, think about adding some grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or tofu. It’ll make the salad more filling and give it an extra protein kick.
Nuts about Nuts (and Seeds): Not an almond fan or just fancy a change? Try using different types of nuts like walnuts or pecans. Or you could experiment with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. They’ll give the salad a different kind of crunch.
Fruit Fun: Fancy a little sweetness in your salad? How about adding some dried cranberries, raisins, or even fresh apple or pear slices? They’ll give your salad a sweet contrast to all those savory flavors.
Great Grains: If you want to make the salad even more hearty, add some cooked grains. Quinoa, farro, or bulgur would all be great additions.
Dress to Impress: If balsamic’s not your thing, why not try a zesty lemon vinaigrette, a sweet honey mustard dressing, or even a creamy tahini-based dressing? The dressing can really change up the flavor of the salad.

What to serve with this Recipe

Grilled Chicken: You can’t beat a classic, right? The smoky vibes from the chicken are just dreamy with the crunch of this salad. It’s a match made in heaven!
Pan-Seared Salmon: Fancy something a bit rich and special? The salmon’s luscious flavors are just too good with the tangy kick of the salad. Pure yumminess!
Roasted Pork Tenderloin: Love a good roast? The savory goodness of pork tenderloin is just the ticket with this salad. It’s a combo that’s sure to impress!
Steak: Big fan of steak? A juicy steak with this fresh and crunchy salad on the side is a win-win. Trust me on this one!
Quiche or Frittata: Thinking about brunch or a light dinner? Pair this salad with a quiche or frittata, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and light.
Pasta dishes: Creamy pasta got you drooling? Balance it out with this salad. Whether it’s Alfredo or Carbonara, this salad can hold its own and add a refreshing twist!

Tips and Tricks for this Recipe

Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: For the best taste, always go for fresh Brussels sprouts. They should be bright green with tight, firm leaves. Avoid any that have yellow or brown spots. Fresh is definitely best for this salad!
Shred It Right: Don’t have a mandolin slicer? No worries! You can use a sharp knife to thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. Just take your time, watch your fingers, and aim for consistency.
Dressing Prep: I love making the dressing first. It lets the flavors mingle and get to know each other while you’re prepping the rest of the salad. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Taste and Adjust: Taste as you go! Maybe you like it a bit more tangy, or perhaps you’re a fan of a sweeter dressing. Don’t be afraid to adjust the dressing to your liking.
Pairing Perfection: Pair this salad with your favorite main dish. Whether it’s grilled chicken, seared salmon, or a hearty steak, this salad is flexible and complements a variety of flavors.
Make Ahead: Need to prep in advance? You can shred the Brussels sprouts and make the dressing a day ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge, then toss everything together when you’re ready to serve. This salad is a total time-saver!

Want some more Salad Recipes?

Japanese Cucumber Salad
Ultimate Wedge Salad
Citrus Honey Grilled Chicken Cobb

Brussel Sprouts Salad

This Brussel sprouts salad with creamy balsamic dressing is the right recipe for your next lunch or side dish at dinner.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:20

Total Time:20

Ingredients

1 lb fresh brussel sprouts
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
6 slices of bacon crumbled
1/2 chopped dried dates

Dressing

3 TBSP balsamic vingaer
3 TBSP mayo
3 TBSP olive oil
1 TBSP honey
2 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 TSP Dijon mustard
1/2 TSP basil
1/2 TSP oregano
pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

Add all dressing ingredients in a jar and whisk together and refrigerate
Wash brussel sprouts and take off first layer then shred with a mandolin shredder or knife. Leave the ends off
Add all salad ingredients to a bowl and add dressing and mix together
Serve right away or refrigerate to let the flavors soak

Nutrition

Course: Salad

Cuisine: side item

Keyword: brussels sprouts, lunch, salad

Servings:

Calories: 635kcal

Author: Glitter and Graze