Get ready to be impressed because this balsamic brussel sprouts salad is beyond tasty! Every bite is full of crunch and refreshing flavor. Most brussels sprouts recipes I enjoy are either roasted or baked to perfection. And to be honest, I never thought I would enjoy a cold brussels sprout salad, but I was pleasantly surprised when I took my first bite and tasted the flavor combination with the balsamic dressing. This is a restaurant quality salad that you can make at home!

đź›’ Ingredients You’ll Need

For the salad, you’ll need about 6 cups of brussels sprouts. I trim the brussels sprouts as opposed to shaving them for this recipe. I also cut bacon and sautĂ© it with fresh minced garlic. You can use either pork or turkey bacon. I’ve used both and the flavor is amazing regardless of the type you choose to use. Top with freshly grated or shaved parmesan cheese. The homemade balsamic dressing is made with a light and simple flavored balsamic vinegar that is then mixed with extra-virgin olive oil. I also add dijon mustard because it pairs incredibly well with the balsamic and olive oil base. I also add salt and pepper as well as onion and garlic powder.

đź“‹ Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

This is a really easy recipe to make and I’m going to walk you through it step-by-step. First, you’re going to trim the ends off the brussels sprouts and discard. Then, peel off each leaf until you get to the heart. Do this to each brussel sprout and then rinse well in a colander. Fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring the water to a boil. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare an ice bath by getting out a big bowl and filling it with ice and water. Set aside. Once the water comes to a boil, add in the brussels sprouts leaves in small batches and blanch for 20-30 seconds in the boiling water. Expert Tip: 20-30 seconds is all you need for the color of the leaves to brighten, yet remain crisp. After the brussels sprouts blanch, immediately skim them out of the boiling water and put them in the ice bath. As they start to cool in the ice bath, the leaves will turn a bright green. Fresh and crisp brussels sprouts are exactly what you need for this salad! Remove them from the ice bath and place them in a salad spinner. Next, sautĂ© the bacon with the fresh minced garlic. When the bacon is done, cut it into bite-size pieces. SautĂ© the pieces with 2 cloves of minced garlic. While the brussels sprouts are drying and the bacon is cooling, combine the balsamic vinegar, EVOO, dijon mustard and seasonings in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well and set aside. Add the brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, and dried cranberries to a large bowl. Drizzle on the balsamic vinegarette dressing and mix well. Top with freshly shaved or grated parmesan cheese and fresh ground black pepper. Serve immediately with your favorite dinner recipe or enjoy on its own! It pairs amazingly well with this easy sesame chicken recipe. This salad also tastes incredible with a fancier dish like this marinated filet mignon recipe.

🙋🏼 Frequently Asked Questions

đź’­ Expert Tips

You can use a traditional style balsamic vinegar, but if you have a flavored one, use it! Balsamic reductions also work really well, like this Fig Balsamic Reduction and this Elderberry White Balsamic Vinegar.Both turkey and pork bacon work well and taste amazing in this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier version, turkey bacon is the better option. To make this recipe ahead of time, prepare all the ingredients according to the instructions, including the step for blanching. Store each ingredient in a separate container and place in the refrigerator. Combine the salad ingredients and drizzle on the dressing when you’re ready to serve. The salad and dressing ingredients can be combined, stored in the refrigerator, and enjoyed within 24 hours before the salad gets soggy.Do not freeze. It’s best fresh.

I’ve been known to serve this balsamic brussel sprouts salad during the holiday season with this delicious smoked turkey breast recipe. And I love the flavor combination when it’s served with this savory smoked spiral ham, especially when it’s paired with this easy to make cranberry orange relish.

🥗 Other Salad Recipes You’ll Love!

I’ve been know to come up with some creative salads like this crunchy and fresh cauliflower pea salad. The velvety texture of the dressing mixed with peas and cashews are incredibly tasty! And if you like egg salad, try my healthier version of this avocado egg salad. It’s packed with nutrition. It’s also great on a sandwich or used as a chip with your favorite cracker or vegetable! Recipe from Tyler Bain, Inspired By: White Chocolate Grille

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NOTE: This post was published in July of 2016, but was republished with an updated step-by-step instructions, pictures and tips in January 2022.