This bright and crunchy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is a party for your taste buds! With crispy bacon, rich Parmesan, and toasted walnuts, it’s super tasty and satisfying.
Honestly, who can resist those crispy bacon bits? I like to toss in some extra walnuts for a nice crunch. It’s the perfect side dish or a light meal that feels fancy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for this recipe. If you can’t find them, you can use kale or cabbage instead, but the texture will be different.
Bacon: Bacon provides a nice crunch and flavor. Turkey bacon or vegan bacon bits can be good substitutes for a lighter option or to cater to dietary needs.
Walnuts: Toasted walnuts add a great crunch. If walnuts aren’t your thing or if you have allergies, try almonds or pecans as a substitute.
Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for a delicious finish. If you prefer a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a zesty kick to the dressing. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard works as a substitute, but it will be milder.
How Do You Ensure Your Brussels Sprouts Are Shaved Perfectly?
Shaving Brussels sprouts correctly is important for getting the right texture. Here’s how to do it simply:
- First, trim off the stem end and remove any outer leaves that are discolored.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a food processor with a slicing attachment for quick shaving. Alternatively, slice thinly with a sharp knife.
- Be careful to keep the slices uniform for even mixing and a consistent bite!
This will help bring out the sprout’s mild, nutty flavor. Enjoy the fresh crunch in your salad!
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Crispy Bacon, Parmesan, and Toasted Walnuts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly shaved
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Time Needed:
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes for the flavors to meld if you choose to let it sit. So, in total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight side or a light lunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Bacon:
Start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked, remove the bacon slices and let them drain on a paper towel. When they’re cooled, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Don’t forget to save a bit of the bacon fat in the skillet!
2. Toasting the Walnuts:
In the same skillet with the leftover bacon fat, add the chopped walnuts. Toast them over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until they smell nice and nutty. Once they are golden, take them off the heat and let them cool.
3. Shaving the Brussels Sprouts:
While the walnuts are toasting, grab your Brussels sprouts. Use a sharp knife or a food processor and thinly shave them. It’s easy! Once they’re all shaved, put them into a large mixing bowl.
4. Making the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This is the tasty dressing that will bring everything together!
5. Combining It All:
Pour your lovely dressing over the shaved Brussels sprouts and toss gently to coat. Make sure they are all glistening with that delicious dressing.
6. Adding The Goodies:
Now, add in the crispy bacon pieces, toasted walnuts, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss again to mix everything together. You want all those flavors to combine perfectly!
7. Final Touches:
Give the salad a taste and feel free to add more salt and pepper if needed. It’s all about your preference!
8. Serving Up:
This salad is best enjoyed right away, but if you let it sit for 10-15 minutes, the flavors will deepen. Serve it as a crunchy side or savor it as a light meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Nuts Instead of Walnuts?
Absolutely! If you don’t have walnuts or prefer something different, try using almonds or pecans. Both will add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Dijon Mustard?
No problem! You can substitute yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand. It will still bring some tanginess, but it’ll be milder than Dijon mustard.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ahead of time! To best preserve its freshness, keep the dressing separate from the shaved Brussels sprouts until just before serving. Combine right before serving for maximum crunch.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad may lose some crunch, but it will still be delicious! If you prefer, you can add some fresh walnuts and Parmesan just before eating to boost the texture.