Revitalize your summer gatherings with a fresh take on a beloved classic! This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing isn’t just a side dish; it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed experience, perfect for elevating your next BBQ, picnic, or weeknight dinner. Discover the irresistible blend of tender shaved Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, creamy hard-boiled eggs, and sweet caramelized red onion, all brought together by a delectable warm bacon vinaigrette.
Hello, fellow food enthusiasts! After a festive weekend, perhaps like me, you’re looking for a delicious yet wholesome way to reset and re-energize. Sometimes, that means embracing a healthier approach without sacrificing flavor or excitement. That’s where a truly exceptional salad comes into play – not just any salad, but one that genuinely excites the palate and satisfies the soul.
I believe salads should be more than just a light meal; they should be an adventure for your taste buds. They need to be brimming with interesting textures, bold flavors, and vibrant colors to truly capture your attention. And, of course, in our busy lives, they need to be relatively quick and easy to prepare. Today’s featured recipe, the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing, checks all these boxes and more, promising a gourmet experience in your own kitchen.
A Gourmet Twist on a Classic: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
The traditional spinach salad with warm bacon dressing has long been a beloved classic, cherished for its simplicity and the comforting, savory notes of its dressing. But what if we could elevate that experience, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor and intriguing texture? My personal love for Brussels sprouts inspired this delicious evolution. By swapping out spinach for thinly shaved Brussels sprouts and introducing the sweet, aromatic depth of caramelized red onion, we transform a familiar dish into something truly extraordinary.
This salad doesn’t just substitute ingredients; it creates a symphony of flavors. The slight peppery bite of raw Brussels sprouts, softened by the warmth of the dressing, offers a delightful contrast to the crispy, salty bacon and the creamy richness of hard-boiled eggs. The caramelized red onion adds a subtle sweetness and a tender texture, complementing the smoky, tangy, and subtly sweet warm bacon dressing. It’s a harmonious blend that is utterly SUPER delicious and surprisingly easy to achieve, making it a perfect candidate for your summer entertaining.
The Magic of Shaved Brussels Sprouts: Tips for Perfect Preparation
The secret to this salad’s appeal lies in the preparation of the Brussels sprouts. Shaving them thinly transforms their texture, making them tender yet still offering a satisfying crispness. This method also allows them to beautifully absorb the warm bacon dressing, infusing every bite with incredible flavor. Here are a few essential cook’s notes to help you achieve perfectly shaved Brussels sprouts for your salad:
- Choosing Your Tool: You have a few excellent options for shaving Brussels sprouts. A mandoline slicer is perhaps the quickest and most consistent for achieving uniform, paper-thin slices. Alternatively, a food processor fitted with a slicing blade can handle larger quantities efficiently. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, a sharp kitchen knife will also work beautifully, though it might require a bit more patience and precision.
- Mandoline Safety First: If you opt for a mandoline, always prioritize safety. Brussels sprouts are small and can be tricky to hold. To prevent accidental cuts, pierce the Brussels sprout with a fork before slicing. This provides a secure handle, allowing you to slice confidently and safely down to the last bit.
- Food Processor Efficiency: When using a food processor, a small amount of trimming around the stem is often sufficient. Ensure the sprouts fit comfortably into the feed tube. The slicing blade will make quick work of them, yielding beautiful, consistent shreds perfect for this salad.
- Knife Skills: For those comfortable with a chef’s knife, start by trimming the stem end and removing any loose outer leaves. Then, place the sprout flat side down and slice it as thinly as possible. You can also quarter them lengthwise and then slice across the quarters to create fine shreds.
- Visual Learner? If you find visual demonstrations helpful, resources like this guide from Sunset Magazine offer excellent step-by-step instructions on shaving Brussels sprouts.
Why This Salad is Your Go-To for Summer and Beyond
This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a versatile culinary asset. It’s robust enough to stand on its own as a light lunch, yet elegant enough to grace any dinner table. Its fresh, vibrant flavors make it an unparalleled addition to your summer menu, whether you’re planning a casual backyard BBQ, a festive picnic, or a family potluck. The warmth of the dressing adds a comforting element that also makes it suitable for cooler evenings, offering year-round appeal.
Beyond its incredible taste and versatility, this salad boasts significant nutritional benefits. Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of vitamins K and C, rich in fiber, and packed with antioxidants. Bacon, in moderation, provides satisfying savory notes and a delightful crunch, while hard-boiled eggs contribute a substantial boost of protein and essential nutrients. The simple yet flavorful warm bacon dressing, with its balanced acidity, ties all these elements together, enhancing the natural goodness of the vegetables.
Looking for other show-stopping salads or sides to complement your summer spread? Don’t miss out on these proven winners: my Super Veggie Chopped Salad with BBQ Ranch Dressing for a refreshing, hearty option; my Gram’s Easy Macaroni Salad, a timeless crowd-pleaser; or my Southwestern Quinoa Salad with Lime Dressing and Cotija Cheese for a vibrant, protein-packed choice. All are designed to impress and delight. Enjoy crafting these culinary masterpieces!
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, tough outer leaved removed and thinly shaved
- 4 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup red onion, chopped and caramelized
Warm Bacon Dressing
- 6 Tbsp. bacon fat, rendered from cooking the bacon
- 6 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1/8 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Carefully shave the Brussels sprouts using a mandoline, food processor, or a sharp knife. Place the thinly shaved sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Place the large eggs in a saucepan and cover them with water, ensuring the water level is about 1 inch above the eggs. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it, and let the eggs stand for exactly 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, drain the hot water and transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool completely. Once cooled, peel and roughly chop them, then add to the bowl with the shaved Brussels sprouts.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is deliciously crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, reserving the rendered bacon fat in the skillet. Measure out 6 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat and transfer it to a small saucepan. To this saucepan, whisk in the red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Warm the dressing gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Return the large skillet with the remaining bacon fat to medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and lightly caramelized, with a sweet, golden-brown hue. If the skillet seems too dry, you can add a small drizzle of olive oil.
- Add the crispy bacon and the caramelized red onion to the large bowl containing the shaved Brussels sprouts and chopped hard-boiled eggs. Pour your desired amount of the warm bacon dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything well to ensure all components are thoroughly coated with the flavorful dressing. Season with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing immediately to enjoy it at its best.