Amazing Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Okay, friends, let me tell you about this salad that has seriously become my go-to. We’re talking about the Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. Forget those boring, wilted greens; this one is vibrant, packed with flavor, and has this amazing sweet-and-salty punch from the candied bacon. I first threw this together on a whim one busy Tuesday, needing something quick but still special, and wow, did it deliver! It’s got that perfect balance of fresh crunch from the sprouts and that irresistible, smoky-sweet crunch from the bacon. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone ask, “What *is* in this?”
Why You’ll Love This Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Seriously, this salad is a winner for so many reasons. It’s the perfect mix of everything you want:
Quick and Easy Preparation
You won’t believe how fast this comes together. Most of the work is just shredding sprouts and cooking bacon. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time!
Bursting with Flavor and Texture
It’s a party in your mouth! You get the crisp, fresh Brussels sprouts, the amazing sweet and salty candied bacon, crunchy nuts, and chewy cranberries. So much goodness in every bite!
Perfect for Any Occasion
This isn’t just for weeknights. It’s fancy enough for holidays, Thanksgiving, or any gathering. It’s the kind of dish that makes people happy.
Ingredients for Your Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this amazing salad. It’s pretty straightforward, but paying attention to the little details makes all the difference!
For the Salad Base
- 4 cups finely shredded Brussels sprouts (I like to use a mandoline or the shredding disk on my food processor for this!)
- 6 slices of your favorite bacon, cooked until nice and crisp, then crumbled up
- 1/4 cup candied nuts – pecans or walnuts are totally my jam here, but use what you love!
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries for that little pop of chewiness and tartness
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, if you’re feeling fancy (totally optional, but oh-so-good!)
For the Candied Bacon
This is where the magic really happens! I usually just bake my bacon brushed with a little brown sugar and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. It gives it that perfect sweet and slightly spicy kick that just makes the whole salad sing.
For the Simple Dressing
- 3 tablespoons good quality olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a little zip
- 1/2 teaspoon honey to round out the sweetness
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, just to taste
How to Prepare Your Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Putting this salad together is super simple, and honestly, half the fun is in the cooking part! Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a gorgeous, delicious salad ready in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
First things first, let’s get that bacon ready. If you’re going for the candied version (and I highly recommend it!), preheat your oven to about 375°F (190°C). Lay your bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now, mix up a little something for that sweet and spicy kick: about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar with a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper. Brush this mixture all over the bacon slices. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s nice and crispy. Keep an eye on it, because bacon can go from perfect to burnt in a flash! Once it’s done, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool a bit. Then, just crumble it up into little pieces. That smoky, sweet, spicy goodness is going to be amazing in the salad!
Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base
Grab yourself a nice big salad bowl – you want plenty of room to toss everything around. Add all your shredded Brussels sprouts right into the bowl. Then, sprinkle in that wonderfully crumbled candied bacon. Next, toss in the candied nuts and the dried cranberries. These guys add so much texture and little bursts of flavor. Just give everything a gentle stir to get it all mixed up.
Step 3: Add Optional Cheese
If you’re using feta cheese, now’s the time to add it! Just sprinkle that lovely crumbled cheese over the top of your sprouts, bacon, nuts, and cranberries. It adds a nice creamy, salty element that really rounds out the flavors. I sometimes skip it if I’m making it for a crowd and want to keep it simpler, but honestly, it’s delicious either way!
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
Time for the dressing! In a small bowl or a jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Give it a good whisk until everything is blended together really well. Then, just season it with a pinch of salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Taste it and adjust if you need to – maybe a little more honey for sweetness or a splash more vinegar for tang. It should be light and bright!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Now for the grand finale! Pour that delicious dressing all over the salad ingredients in your big bowl. Grab some salad tongs and toss everything gently but thoroughly. You want to make sure all those lovely sprouts and bits of bacon and nuts get coated in that yummy dressing. It’s best to serve this salad right away so the Brussels sprouts stay nice and crisp. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success with Your Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Want to make sure your salad is absolutely perfect every single time? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve that I swear by. It’s all about those small details that make a big difference!
Achieving Perfect Candied Bacon
The key to amazing candied bacon is really watching it closely in the oven. That brown sugar mixture can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt super fast! I like to lay the bacon flat on parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Once it’s out and cooled a bit, crumble it up – the crunch is everything!
Dressing Ahead of Time
This is a lifesaver for busy days! You can totally make the dressing for this salad a day or two in advance. Just whisk everything together in a jar, seal it tight, and pop it in the fridge. Give it a good shake or whisk again before you toss it with the salad. It’s just one less thing to worry about when you’re ready to serve!
Adding Extra Flavor and Texture
Don’t be afraid to play around with this salad! I sometimes add thinly sliced red onion for a little bite, or maybe some crisp apple slices for another layer of sweetness and crunch. A handful of toasted pumpkin seeds would also be amazing. It’s a really forgiving recipe, so feel free to add your own favorite things!
Frequently Asked Questions about Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Got questions about this amazing salad? I’m happy to help! This shredded Brussels sprout salad is so versatile, and I get asked about it a lot.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can definitely make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The candied bacon can also be cooked and crumbled a day in advance. However, for the freshest crunch, I recommend shredding your Brussels sprouts and tossing everything together right before serving. The sprouts can get a little soft if they sit in the dressing too long, but if you’re in a pinch, just toss it all together and it will still be delicious!
What are good substitutions for candied nuts?
Oh, absolutely! If you don’t have candied nuts or want to switch things up, toasted regular pecans or walnuts are fantastic. Toasted slivered almonds or even some sunflower seeds would also add a lovely crunch. The key is just getting a nice toasty flavor into whatever you choose for that nutty texture in your bacon salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
This particular recipe, as written with the candied bacon, is not suitable for a vegetarian diet because of the bacon. However, it’s super easy to adapt! You can simply leave out the bacon entirely, and the salad is still incredibly flavorful with the sprouts, nuts, and cranberries. Or, you could try some crispy smoked tofu or tempeh for a similar savory crunch. It’s a great base for a vegetarian meal!
Nutritional Information for Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can change depending on the exact ingredients you use, especially the bacon and nuts. But for a typical serving, you’re looking at about 350 calories, 25g of fat (8g saturated), 12g of protein, and 20g of carbohydrates with 5g of fiber and 15g of sugar. Sodium is around 400mg. It’s a flavorful dish, so we’re not counting calories too closely here!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this vibrant salad are still pretty darn good, but it’s best to store the dressing separately to keep everything crisp. If you’ve got extra dressing, that’s easy peasy to save too! Honestly, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have some left, here’s how to handle it.
Storing the Salad
If you have any salad left, try to keep the dressing separate. You can store the undressed sprouts, bacon, nuts, and cranberries in an airtight container in the fridge for about a day. The sprouts will start to soften a bit once dressed, so it’s really ideal to just dress what you plan to eat immediately. If you do dress it all, it’s still edible the next day, just a bit less crisp.
Storing the Dressing
The dressing is super easy to store! Just pour any leftover dressing into a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. It’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before you use it again!
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Amazing Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant salad featuring shredded Brussels sprouts and sweet candied bacon, tossed in a light dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup candied nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded Brussels sprouts, crumbled bacon, candied nuts, and dried cranberries.
- If using, add crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For candied bacon, bake bacon slices brushed with a mixture of brown sugar and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- You can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Add other vegetables like thinly sliced red onion or apple for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Salad Preparation
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Shredded Brussels Sprout Candied Bacon Salad, Brussels sprouts salad, bacon salad, candied bacon, fall salad, Thanksgiving salad, holiday salad, easy salad recipe
