If you’re looking for a salad that tastes amazing and looks appealing, “Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing” is the perfect choice. This salad is especially perfect with dishes like roast pork, beef, or chicken, and its warm, slightly tangy bacon dressing elevates the entire dish to a whole new level. The combination of fresh shaved Brussels sprouts, green onions, dried cherries, and toasted pecans is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
The Magic of Bacon Dressing – A Unique Combination of Warmth and Depth
The highlight of this recipe is its warm bacon dressing. This recipe, featured in author Rebecca Lindamood’s book “The Ultimate Guide To Vegetable Side Dishes,” is truly heartwarming. The bacon dressing uses simple yet effective ingredients—bacon fat, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, water, and black pepper.
When simmered, the hot temperature softens and crisps the Brussels sprouts. The flavor is so rich that every bite offers a wonderful balance of sweet, sour, and smoky flavors.
The Sweet Surprise of Dried Cherries and the Nutty Crunch of Pecans
Both the dried cherries and pecans add depth of flavor and texture to this salad. When drizzled with the warm dressing, the cherries slightly rehydrate and become even juicier. Their sweet flavor complements the slightly earthy aroma of the Brussels sprouts. The crunch of the pecans adds a new dimension of flavor to every bite.
Essential Ingredients
For this delicious Brussels sprout salad, you’ll need:
- Bacon – to provide crunch and fat for the dressing.
- Fresh Brussels sprouts – not frozen or canned, but fresh.
- Kosher salt – to balance the flavor.
- Dried cherries – to add sweetness and color.
- Green onions – for a slight pungency and freshness.
- Pecans – for crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar – for tang.
- Light brown sugar – for sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Water – for the right consistency of the dressing.
- Black pepper – for a slight pungent aroma.
(Note: Do not use frozen or canned Brussels sprouts, as they may spoil the crispness and freshness of the salad.)
How to Prepare Warm Bacon Dressing
First, preheat the oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and arrange the bacon strips on it. Bake for 12 to 20 minutes, until golden and crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain off any excess oil.
Carefully lift the foil and pour about two tablespoons of bacon fat into a measuring cup and set aside. Finely chop the remaining bacon and keep it ready to add to the salad.
Preparing the Brussels Sprouts – Thin, Crispy, and Full of Flavor
Fix the thin-slicing blade in a food processor and add the Brussels sprouts. This will make them very finely “shaved.” If you don’t have a food processor, cut them into thin slices with a knife.
After chopping, place them in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with about 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Toss gently to coat evenly. Then add the green onions, dried cherries, pecans, and chopped bacon.
Finishing the Salad – A Warm Dressing Adds Flavor
Take the remaining bacon fat and add apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, water, and black pepper. Place this dressing in a small saucepan and simmer over low heat until slightly thickened.
When the dressing is ready, immediately pour it over the Brussels sprout mixture and toss gently. The warm dressing will soften the sprouts slightly and make the cherries slightly juicy.
Now this salad is ready to serve—it’s delicious either warm or at room temperature.
What Makes This Salad Special
The beauty of this recipe is its sophistication hidden in simplicity. Made with simple kitchen ingredients, this salad delivers restaurant-level flavor. The warmth of the sweet and sour dressing, the softness of the cherries, the crunch of the pecans, and the freshness of the Brussels sprouts create a balance that creates a unique experience in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is an ideal side dish with any main course. Whether it’s roast pork, grilled beef, or oven-baked chicken – its warm bacon dressing enhances the flavor of each dish.
If you’d like to make it vegetarian, you can also use toasted pecans or smoked tofu in place of the bacon.
Final Words: Fit for every season, a hit on every table
“Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing” is a dish that warms even cold winter evenings and adds a refreshing touch to summer feasts. Its flavor will be loved by everyone in the household – whether health-conscious or flavor-obsessed.
Every time you make it, you’llYou’ll realize how simple ingredients and a little creativity can make any meal memorable.
