Prepare to revolutionize your salad game with this mouthwatering Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad that turns ordinary vegetables into a culinary masterpiece. Imagine crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts dancing with smoky bacon, crunchy pecans, and sweet dried cranberries - all brought together by a tangy vinaigrette that will make your taste buds sing. This isn't just a salad; it's a gourmet experience that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing Brussels sprouts thoroughly and trimming off the stem ends. Slice the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
- In a large skillet, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, approximately 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving bacon fat in the pan.
- In the same skillet with remaining bacon fat, add halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Cook without stirring for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown caramelization, creating a crispy exterior.
- Gently toss Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking and continue sautéing for an additional 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still retain a slight crunch.
- Remove Brussels sprouts from heat and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add crispy bacon pieces, thinly sliced red onion, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while Brussels sprouts are still warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts without yellowing leaves for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon Fat is Flavor Gold: Don't discard the bacon fat - it's the secret weapon that adds incredible depth to your Brussels sprouts' caramelization.
- Cut Evenly: Ensure all Brussels sprouts are halved to the same size for uniform cooking and beautiful presentation.
- High Heat is Key: Use medium-high heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown caramelization without burning.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed warm, right after preparation, to maintain the crispy texture of the bacon and Brussels sprouts.
- Customize Your Crunch: Feel free to swap pecans with almonds or walnuts if you prefer, or add extra nuts for more texture.
- Make It Your Own: Experiment with additional mix-ins like crumbled goat cheese or toasted pumpkin seeds for extra complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
