Name: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 3 Tablespoons lemon juice; 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup Parmesan, grated; 4 cups bread, cut into ¾ inch cubes; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; Black pepper, to taste; 2 pounds Brussels sprouts

Jump to Recipe·4 from 26 reviews

If you’re looking to elevate your salad game, this Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe is an absolute winner that combines crisp, fresh Brussels sprouts with the rich, tangy flavors of classic Caesar dressing. Forget the usual lettuce-based salad; thinly sliced Brussels sprouts bring a delightful crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with a creamy homemade dressing and crispy, seasoned croutons. It’s a fresh twist on a beloved classic that’s perfect for any season and sure to become a favorite at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl full of thinly sliced light green Brussels sprouts sits in the upper left of the image. Around it are multiple small clear glass bowls containing fine yellow parmesan cheese, white mayonnaise with a creamy texture, light tan garlic powder, dark green dried Italian seasoning, small light brown minced garlic pieces, and light beige bread cubes with a soft texture. To the left are two halves of fresh yellow lemons. In front, there are small white bowls with coarse white salt and dark black pepper. A tall glass bottle of golden olive oil is on the top right. The whole scene rests on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each add something special—from the bright acidity of lemon juice to the savory punch of parmesan and herbs. Every item plays a key role in balancing flavors, textures, and colors perfectly.

2 pounds Brussels sprouts: Provides the crunchy, vibrant base for this salad; choose fresh, firm sprouts for best texture.
1/3 cup mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base for the Caesar dressing, giving richness without overpowering.
3 Tablespoons lemon juice: Adds fresh, zesty acidity that brightens the dressing and balances the sprouts’ earthiness.
2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Enhances the dressing with lush, fruity undertones and silky texture.
2 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated): Infuses both the dressing and croutons with robust, savory depth.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dressing’s flavor profile.
1/4 cup grated parmesan: Brings salty, nutty richness to the dressing that’s quintessential Caesar.
4 cups bread cubes (about ¾ inch): Transforms into crunchy croutons that add golden texture and hearty substance.
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Used to coat the bread for perfectly crisp, golden croutons.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that livens up the croutons with herbal notes.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlicky flavor in the croutons without overpowering.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning both croutons and salad, bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper (to taste): Final seasoning touch for croutons, enhancing their savory crunch.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Whisking together the dressing is where the magic begins. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, finely minced garlic, black pepper, and freshly grated parmesan. This luscious dressing offers the perfect creamy, tangy, and savory balance that clings beautifully to the shredded Brussels sprouts, giving them a luscious coating full of flavor.

Step 2: Make the Croutons

Next, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss your bread cubes with olive oil until well coated, then sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast until golden and irresistibly crunchy—about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. These croutons add the perfect texture contrast your salad needs.

Step 3: Slice the Brussels Sprouts

Hold each Brussels sprout by the stem and thinly slice it until you reach within half an inch of the stem, discarding the toughest parts. Then, separate the slices by hand to create a light, fluffy base for your salad. This slicing method takes raw Brussels sprouts from dense and firm to tender but still satisfying in bite.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Combine the sliced Brussels sprouts with the prepared dressing and toss them well to ensure every bit is deliciously coated. Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes—this step is crucial as it softens the sprouts and allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly. Finally, fold in the fresh, crunchy croutons for a delightful burst of texture with every forkful.

How to Serve Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe

A clear glass bowl is filled with two layers of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, bright green and light yellow in color, arranged to cover the entire bowl. On top, there is a thick layer of creamy white sauce speckled with black pepper and small herbs, slightly spread out but mostly concentrated in the center. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with soft natural light highlighting the fresh textures and colors of the vegetables and sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, sprinkle extra grated parmesan or add lemon zest on top to brighten each bite. Toasted pine nuts or a few anchovy fillets can also be fantastic garnishes that deepen the flavor profile and surprise your guests in the best way.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a juicy steak for a fulfilling meal. It also complements pasta dishes and roasted fish, making it a versatile side that adds freshness and crunch to richer, heavier mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe in individual clear glass bowls layered with croutons on top to showcase its vibrant colors and textures. For a dinner party, consider plating it atop crisp romaine leaves or stuffing small Parmesan basket bowls to wow your guests with both flavor and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the croutons separately to keep them crunchy, then add just before serving.

Freezing

Since this salad relies on fresh texture, it is not ideal to freeze once combined. However, you can freeze leftover bread cubes before baking them into croutons or prepare the dressing ahead and refrigerate separately for up to 3 days.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If needed, warm the croutons briefly in the oven before mixing them in again to restore their crispy crunch, but avoid microwaving the salad to keep the sprouts crisp.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?

Fresh Brussels sprouts are highly recommended because they offer the best texture and flavor when sliced thin for this salad. Frozen sprouts tend to be softer and may become mushy when sliced raw.

Is there a vegan option for this Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Swap out the mayonnaise for a vegan alternative, use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan, and omit any anchovy additions if you choose to garnish traditionally. The dressing will still be creamy and tangy without dairy.

How do I prevent my Brussels sprouts from tasting bitter?

Selecting smaller, fresher Brussels sprouts usually means less bitterness. Tossing the sprouts with the tangy dressing and allowing them to sit softens any harsh flavors and enhances their natural sweetness.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, pan-seared shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas make excellent protein additions that blend perfectly with the textures and flavors of this salad.

How long does it take to prepare this Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe?

The entire process takes about 30 minutes, including prepping the dressing, roasting croutons, slicing the sprouts, and letting everything come together. It’s quick enough for a weekday dinner but fancy enough for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe enough if you want to reinvent a classic with fresh, bright ingredients and delightful textures. It’s a satisfying, flavorful salad that’s surprisingly simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try at your next meal—you might just find your new go-to salad obsession!

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need