Are you ready to elevate your salad game to new heights? This Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Caramelized Onions is not just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that will leave your taste buds dancing! With the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this dish transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a gourmet delight. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into the world of deliciousness and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality salad right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: European
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and trim the ends. Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. Set aside.
- Peel the onion and slice it thinly into rings or half-moons. This will help it caramelize evenly.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sliced onions.
- Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes or until they become soft and golden brown. If the onions start to stick to the pan, you can add a splash of water to deglaze.
- While the onions are caramelizing, prepare a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the halved Brussels sprouts and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender.
- Drain the Brussels sprouts and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. After a few minutes, drain again and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Once the onions are caramelized, add the blanched Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir to combine.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the Brussels sprouts and onions, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the Brussels sprouts are warmed through and slightly caramelized.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the warm Brussels sprouts and caramelized onions to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad before serving. Enjoy your warm Brussels sprouts salad with caramelized onions!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts without any blemishes. Freshness is key to achieving the best flavor and texture.
- Perfectly Caramelized Onions: Patience is essential when caramelizing onions. Stir them occasionally and allow them to cook slowly over medium heat to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Blanching Technique: Blanching the Brussels sprouts not only enhances their color but also helps retain their crunch. Make sure to plunge them into ice water immediately after boiling to stop the cooking process.
- Flavor Boost: Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings like garlic or herbs to enhance the flavor profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick!
- Serving Suggestions: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be served as a hearty vegetarian main dish. Don’t forget to serve it warm for the best experience!
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the caramelized onions and blanch the Brussels sprouts in advance. Just combine them before serving to save time on busy days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 135kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 13mg
