When life gives you Brussels sprouts, apples, and bacon, you make a salad that’s so good it should come with a warning label—because it’s dangerously delicious! Imagine the crispy bacon mingling with the sweet-tart apples and the earthy Brussels sprouts, all tossed together in a tangy dressing. Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad The aroma alone is enough to make you forget every other salad you’ve ever encountered. Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad Trust me; this Apple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad isn’t just food; it’s a fiesta for your taste buds!
I remember the first time I made this salad for friends during a casual dinner party. As I mixed everything together, laughter filled the room; little did they know they were about to experience a flavor explosion. Pumpkin Spice Buddies The looks on their faces when they took their first bites were priceless. It’s perfect for those fall gatherings, holiday feasts, or even just a Tuesday night when you’re feeling fancy (or hungry).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The delightful combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone asking for seconds
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, this salad is sure to impress at any gathering
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a side dish or a main meal!
There was that one time my cousin took a bite and exclaimed he’d never look at Brussels sprouts the same way again.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh and firm sprouts are key; trim the ends for maximum crispiness.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor. Slow Cooker Ham And Potato Casserole.
- Apples: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for a refreshing contrast to the savory bacon.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a punch of flavor and beautiful color.
- Walnuts: Toasted walnuts provide an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the salad beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard in the dressing elevates the taste profile significantly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This vinegar brings brightness and tanginess that balances out richness.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey rounds off the dressing with sweetness without being overpowering. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this vibrant salad.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by rinsing your Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim off any brown ends and slice them thinly so they cook evenly.
Crisp Up That Bacon: Cook your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove it from the pan but keep some grease for added flavor later.
Sauté Onions: In that glorious bacon fat, sauté thinly sliced red onions until softened and slightly caramelized—about 5 minutes should do it.
Add Apples and Walnuts: Toss in diced apples and chopped walnuts into the skillet; sauté until they’re warm but still crisp—around 3 minutes works wonderfully.
Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine sliced Brussels sprouts with sautéed mixture. Crumble crispy bacon over everything before drizzling on your dressing.
Create Your Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined; pour over salad just before serving for freshness.
Prepare yourself for an adventure of flavors! Enjoy every delightful bite of your Apple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad—a dish that’s bound to turn heads at any table! For more inspiration, check out this Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
You Must Know
- This Apple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures
- The vibrant colors and aromatic spices create an eye-catching dish that’s perfect for any meal
- Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while satisfying your cravings!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, cook the bacon first until crispy. Then toss in the Brussels sprouts, letting them caramelize before adding apples for a sweet crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bacon for turkey bacon or add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. A sprinkle of feta cheese can elevate the flavors too!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop to maintain the salad’s texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your salad shines, use fresh Brussels sprouts and avoid overcooking them
- Always taste before serving; adjusting seasoning can make a big difference
- Remember to let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavors!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone would compete over who could eat the most salad. It’s always fun when food sparks joy and laughter.
FAQ
Can I prepare this Apple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ingredients in advance but wait to mix them until serving.
What type of apples works best in this salad?
Crunchy apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith provide a refreshing contrast to savory elements.
Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the bacon and add extra nuts or seeds for protein.
Apple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Apple Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad, where crispy bacon meets sweet-tart apples and earthy Brussels sprouts, all drizzled with a zesty dressing. This salad is not just a side dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for fall gatherings, holiday feasts, or any occasion that calls for a delightful twist on traditional greens. With its stunning colors and delicious textures, be prepared to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Rinse and slice Brussels sprouts; set aside.
- 2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy; reserve some grease.
- 3. Sauté red onion in the bacon fat until softened (about 5 minutes).
- 4. Add diced apples and walnuts; sauté for another 3 minutes.
- 5. In a large bowl, combine Brussels sprouts with the sautéed mixture. Crumble bacon on top.
- 6. Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper; drizzle over salad just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - Feel free to substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option or add feta cheese for extra flavor. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.