Description
Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad is a modern take on the traditional Caesar salad. Instead of the usual Romaine lettuce, this recipe swaps in thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, providing a crunchy texture and slightly bitter flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy Caesar dressing. The addition of crispy bacon and homemade croutons adds extra crunch and savory depth to the dish, while the tangy dressing made from anchovies, garlic, mustard, and mayonnaise ties everything together. The result is a salad that combines the best of both worlds: a classic Caesar salad with a unique, vegetable-forward twist.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
- ½ baguette, cut into cubes (for croutons)
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Dressing:
- 2 anchovy fillets, mashed
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 lemons, juiced
- ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Croutons: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss baguette cubes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown.
- Cook the Bacon: Place bacon slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake until crispy. Let cool, then chop into small pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a large bowl, mash anchovy fillets with garlic and mustard. Add mayonnaise, ½ cup of the Parmigiano-Reggiano, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice Brussels sprouts and place them in a large bowl.
- Assemble the Salad: Toss Brussels sprouts with dressing, ½ of the bacon, and croutons until well coated.
- Serve: Top with remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano, croutons, and bacon. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra crunch and flavor, try topping your salad with toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts. You can also add grilled chicken or crispy chickpeas to make it a heartier meal. This salad keeps well for a few hours, making it great for meal prep or potlucks!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad