Description
A fresh and crunchy Brussels Sprout Salad featuring shredded Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, apples, crispy bacon, green onions, and feta cheese, all tossed in a sweet and tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light, nutritious meal or vibrant side dish, with options to add protein for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, rinsed and tough outer leaves pulled away
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 large apple, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles
Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Shred Brussels Sprouts: Hold the core end of a Brussels sprout and, starting at the top, slice each Brussels sprout as thinly as possible. Discard any large pieces of core to ensure a tender salad base.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, place the shredded Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, chopped apples, cooked and chopped bacon, thinly sliced green onions, and feta cheese crumbles.
- Prepare Dressing: Add balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper into a jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients a little at a time, tossing to coat evenly. Use as much dressing as desired; you may not need to use all of it.
- Serve or Store: Serve the salad immediately or store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to several days. This salad can be made ahead by prepping ingredients individually and tossing just before serving.
Notes
- Make Ahead Instructions: Shred the Brussels sprouts and prepare the dressing up to 1 week in advance. Cook bacon and chop apples a few hours before serving; toss apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer tofu, or your favorite protein to make it a complete meal.
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: Use a mandoline or food processor for quicker and thinner shredding of Brussels sprouts.
- Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad: Substitute some Brussels sprouts with fresh chopped kale for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 393
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
