Looking for a way to fall in love with Brussels sprouts? This Brussels Sprout Salad is the perfect recipe to do just that. It combines the mild, tender taste of shaved Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of apples, the savory crunch of bacon, and the nutty richness of hazelnuts. Whether you’re a Brussels sprout enthusiast or someone who’s usually not a fan, this salad will win you over with its surprising depth of flavor and refreshing crunch.
Key Takeaways:
- Shaved Brussels sprouts provide a mild, tender base.
- Bacon and hazelnuts add a satisfying crunch and richness.
- The apple gives a burst of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Simple dressing enhances the fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
- Perfect for pairing with both light and hearty dishes.
A Brussels Sprout Salad That’s Anything but Ordinary
Brussels sprouts are often an acquired taste, but when prepared right, they can be the star of the show. This salad is a game-changer, especially for those who’ve never been fans of the vegetable. Shaving the Brussels sprouts finely helps mellow their strong flavor, creating a mild and slightly sweet taste. Paired with crisp apples, smoky bacon, and crunchy hazelnuts, it transforms into a flavor-packed dish that will surprise even the most die-hard Brussels sprout skeptics.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
In this Brussels Sprout Salad, we’ve carefully balanced the savory, sweet, and crunchy elements to make every bite a delightful experience:
- Apple: Adds a burst of freshness and sweetness, balancing the savory ingredients like bacon.
- Bacon: Brings a smoky and crispy element to the salad, which contrasts beautifully with the freshness of the Brussels sprouts and apples.
- Hazelnuts: Toasted for extra flavor, they add a rich, crunchy texture that complements the rest of the ingredients.
With each bite, you get a perfect harmony of flavors and textures, making this salad not only refreshing but also satisfying.
The Key Ingredient: Shaved Brussels Sprouts
What makes this Brussels sprout salad so unique is the way the Brussels sprouts are prepared. By shaving them finely, they become soft and mild, rather than tough and bitter. You can achieve this by using a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor. The finer the slices, the more tender and pleasant the texture.
A Simple Dressing to Tie it All Together
A heavy dressing would overpower the fresh ingredients of this salad. Instead, we’ve gone with a simple and light dressing made from:
- Olive oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Dijon mustard
- A pinch of salt and pepper
This dressing brings just enough tang and richness to enhance the flavors without stealing the spotlight from the main ingredients.
Perfect Pairings for Your Brussels Sprout Salad
This salad is versatile enough to complement a wide range of meals. Its light yet satisfying profile makes it a great side dish for everything from a simple grilled chicken breast to a hearty roasted lamb. It pairs perfectly with both light proteins like chicken or fish and more substantial meats like pork or beef.
In fact, I paired this salad with Self Saucing Oven Baked Barbecue Chicken, which added a smoky flavor to the meal, making it even more special.
Ingredients for the Brussels Sprout Salad
Salad Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hazelnuts (toasted) | 2 oz / 50g |
| Bacon (chopped) | 180g / 6oz |
| Red apple | 1 |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Brussels sprouts | 300g / 10oz |
Dressing Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 4 tbsp |
| Apple cider vinegar | 3 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Toast Hazelnuts: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the hazelnuts on a baking tray and toast for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool, then roughly chop. Set aside.
- Cook Bacon: You can either bake the bacon on the same tray as the hazelnuts until crispy, or cook it in a skillet. Once done, drain excess fat by placing it on paper towels.
- Prepare Apple: Slice the apple into matchsticks (keeping the skin on), then toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Shave Brussels Sprouts: Using a mandoline slicer, food processor, or sharp knife, shave the Brussels sprouts thinly. This will help mellow the flavor and create a more tender texture.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small jar, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake well to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, apple matchsticks, and hazelnuts. Toss gently with the dressing. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the Brussels sprouts to soften slightly before serving.
Recipe Notes
- Serving Suggestions: This Brussels sprout salad is a light and refreshing side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Serve it alongside grilled meats, seafood, or even a vegetarian main course.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance, but it’s best served fresh to preserve the crunchiness of the hazelnuts and the light texture of the Brussels sprouts.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, omit the bacon and substitute it with toasted chickpeas or roasted tempeh for a savory crunch.
Nutrition per Serving (Assuming 6 Servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 332 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10.7g |
| Protein | 13.7g |
| Fat | 27.2g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 21.5g |
| Cholesterol | 31mg |
| Sodium | 784mg |
| Fiber | 3.5g |
| Sugar | 4.7g |
FAQs About Brussels Sprout Salad
What makes this Brussels Sprout Salad so special?
The key to this salad’s deliciousness is the balance of textures and flavors. The shaved Brussels sprouts are tender and mild, the bacon adds a savory crunch, and the hazelnuts bring in a rich, nutty flavor. The fresh apple adds a burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the entire dish.
How do I get Brussels sprouts to taste less bitter?
Shaving the Brussels sprouts very thinly helps to soften their natural bitterness and makes them more tender. When paired with the sweetness of apple and the savoriness of bacon, the bitterness becomes a background note rather than the main flavor.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad and add the dressing just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunchiness of the ingredients.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! You can easily make this salad vegan by omitting the bacon and substituting it with crispy roasted chickpeas or tempeh for a savory, crunchy texture.