Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad: A Nutritious and Flavor-Packed Dish

Introduction

If you’re looking for a salad that combines crunch, rich flavors, and nutrient-packed goodness, then look no further than Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad. This vibrant dish takes the humble Brussels sprout, a vegetable often associated with winter comfort food, and turns it into a sensational salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Roasting the Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and nuttiness, while a combination of tangy dressing, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese adds layers of texture and flavor that will make your taste buds sing.

This recipe is a fantastic choice for a hearty side salad at a holiday meal or as a refreshing dish for your weeknight dinner. It’s also the kind of salad that can be a main dish on its own, especially when paired with a protein like grilled chicken or roasted salmon. The contrast between the warm roasted sprouts and cool dressing creates a dynamic texture that makes every bite exciting.

I came across this recipe while experimenting with ways to make Brussels sprouts more appealing, and it quickly became one of my go-to dishes. If you’re hesitant about Brussels sprouts, I promise that this recipe will convert even the pickiest eaters into fans!

In this article, I’ll guide you through the reasons you’ll love this Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad, provide a step-by-step breakdown of how to prepare it, and share ways to customize the dish to your taste. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Packed with Flavor
   The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, tangy balsamic dressing, and a variety of toppings like toasted nuts and Parmesan cheese creates a salad that’s bursting with flavor. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and crunchy.
2. Hearty and Filling
   While most salads are light and refreshing, this Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad is hearty enough to be a standalone meal. The Brussels sprouts provide fiber, while the nuts and cheese add healthy fats and protein, making this salad both filling and nutritious.
3. Quick and Easy to Prepare
   With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad is incredibly easy to make. The Brussels sprouts do most of the work as they roast in the oven, making it a perfect dish for both beginners and experienced home cooks.
4. Customizable
   This recipe is highly versatile! You can swap out ingredients to suit your personal preferences. For instance, try adding cranberries for a pop of color and sweetness, or use a different cheese like goat cheese or feta instead of Parmesan. You can even make the salad gluten-free or vegan if needed.
5. Nutrient-Rich
   Brussels sprouts are a superfood! They’re rich in vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Roasting them adds a slightly caramelized flavor, making them even more enjoyable. Combined with other healthy ingredients like nuts and leafy greens, this salad is a great way to add essential nutrients to your diet.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 30 minutes (10 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking)
Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 as a side dish
Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 180
• Carbs: 15g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g

Ingredients

For Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts (fresh, trimmed, and halved)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, or baby kale)
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans (toasted, roughly chopped)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved)
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional for a sweet touch)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for drizzling)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy bite)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting Brussels sprouts, allowing them to become crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.

Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. If any of the leaves fall off during the trimming process, don’t worry—these roasted leaves become wonderfully crispy and are deliciously crunchy in the salad.

Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure they are evenly coated. Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. If you want to get the best caramelization and crunch, make sure the Brussels sprouts are not overcrowded. This will allow them to roast evenly and become crispy.

Roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. The aroma of roasting Brussels sprouts is irresistible!

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the salad base. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens of your choice. Feel free to use arugula for a peppery flavor, spinach for mildness, or kale for a bit of extra texture.

To keep things fresh and light, you can also add extra vegetables like cucumbers or cherry tomatoes if desired. These can complement the roasted Brussels sprouts perfectly, adding a bit of crunch and freshness.

Step 4: Toast the Nuts

While the Brussels sprouts roast, toast the walnuts or pecans. Place them in a dry pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until they become fragrant and lightly browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the nuts, giving them a deliciously roasted taste that pairs wonderfully with the Brussels sprouts.

Once toasted, remove the nuts from the pan and let them cool. Roughly chop them before adding them to the salad.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard (if using). This simple balsamic dressing is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, adding a bright flavor to the salad that contrasts beautifully with the roasted Brussels sprouts. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can substitute the balsamic vinaigrette with a Greek yogurt dressing or lemon tahini sauce.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting and have cooled slightly, add them to the bowl with the mixed greens. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together. Be sure to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing for the best flavor.

Top the salad with toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a salty, creamy element that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the Brussels sprouts and the tang of the dressing.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad immediately, either as a main dish or as a hearty side salad. The combination of warm roasted Brussels sprouts with the cool, tangy dressing and crunchy nuts makes this salad a unique and satisfying addition to any meal.

How to Serve

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

• As a Main Course: Add grilled chicken, salmon, or a protein like tofu to make this salad a more substantial main dish.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork, or steak for a balanced and flavorful meal.
• For Meal Prep: This salad can be prepped in advance, but I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the texture of the greens.

Additional Tips

1. Make it Vegan:
   To make this salad vegan, omit the Parmesan cheese and use a plant-based dressing or simply drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. You can also add a vegan cheese alternative for an extra creamy touch.
2. Change the Nuts:
   Feel free to use almonds, pistachios, or cashews in place of walnuts or pecans. Each nut brings a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose based on your preferences.
3. Add Fruit:
   For an extra burst of color and sweetness, try adding sliced apples, pomegranate seeds, or even fresh orange segments to the salad.
4. Leftovers:
   If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Roasted Brussels sprouts may lose a bit of their crispiness, but they will still taste great the next day. You can reheat them or enjoy them cold as part of a lunch bowl.

Conclusion

The Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad is a flavorful, vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving a hearty salad for lunch or dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

With its delightful combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, crunchy nuts, tangy dressing, and Parmesan cheese, this salad strikes a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats that make it as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.

Give it a try and enjoy this versatile, crowd-pleasing salad that everyone will love! Don’t forget to share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how you made this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

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