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Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe

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4 from 26 reviews

A vibrant and crunchy Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad that combines thinly sliced Brussels sprouts with a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing, homemade seasoned croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan. Perfect as a healthy side dish or a light main course, this salad provides a delightful twist on the classic Caesar with fresh, crisp greens and flavorful elements.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Dressing

  • 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

Croutons

  • 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

Salad

  • 2 pounds Brussels sprouts

Instructions

  1. Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and grated Parmesan. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well emulsified and creamy.
  2. Prepare the Croutons: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  3. Season the Bread Cubes: Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with 1/3 cup of olive oil. Toss them well to coat evenly. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the cubes and toss again to ensure full coverage of the seasoning.
  4. Bake the Croutons: Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through to brown evenly, until the croutons are golden and crisp. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  5. Cool the Croutons: Remove the croutons from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet or a wire rack.
  6. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Hold each Brussels sprout by its stem and thinly slice downwards until you reach about ½ inch from the stem. Discard the stems and place the sliced Brussels sprouts in a large bowl, breaking apart any larger clumps and discarding any tough or damaged pieces.
  7. Toss the Salad: Add the prepared Caesar dressing to the Brussels sprouts and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes to allow the Brussels sprouts to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
  8. Season to Taste: After resting, taste your salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired for brightness and balance.
  9. Add Croutons and Serve: Just before serving, toss the cooled croutons into the salad to maintain their crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, crispy textures and flavorful combination.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor.
  • Allowing the salad to rest after tossing with dressing helps soften the sprouts, making them more palatable.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing version.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread to make the croutons.
  • Store leftover dressing separately to keep croutons crunchy if you plan to serve the salad later.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian