If you’re looking for a vibrant and delicious dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall, this Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon is a must-try! It’s one of those recipes that brings together wholesome ingredients in a way that’s both satisfying and indulgent. With its crunchy Brussels sprouts, tender kale, sweet apples, and the rich flavor of sharp cheddar, this salad makes for an excellent side at Thanksgiving dinners or a refreshing lunch on busy weekdays.
What I love most about this salad is how it balances healthiness with just enough indulgence to satisfy your cravings. It’s perfect for family gatherings, and believe me when I say it’s a crowd-pleaser across the United States and beyond!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals or unexpected guests.
- Flavorful Fusion: The combination of sweet apples, sharp cheese, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Loaded with fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats from nuts, this salad not only tastes fantastic but is good for you too!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week — it stays fresh in the fridge!
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs wonderfully with various main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled fish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry or can easily find at your local grocery store. Here’s what you need to whip up this delightful salad:
For the Salad
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 1 large bunch kale (any variety)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 Granny Smith apple (diced or julienned – peeling optional)
- ⅓ cup pecans (toasted and roughly chopped)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese (diced)
- 5 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
For the Vinaigrette
- 1 small shallot (minced)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat (warmed up to liquify if solid)
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some delightful variations to consider:
- Go Vegan: Swap out bacon for crispy chickpeas or roasted sunflower seeds for a plant-based twist!
- Add More Crunch: Toss in some sliced radishes or thinly sliced carrots for extra texture.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, try crumbled feta or creamy goat cheese instead.
- Dried Fruit Swap: Use raisins or even chopped dates instead of cranberries for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
Start by cleaning the Brussels sprouts – remove any brown leaves and slice them as thin as possible. A mandoline slicer works wonders here! Add them to a large mixing bowl. Next, remove the tough stems from the kale. Stack the leaves and roll them like a cigar before slicing into thin ribbons. This technique ensures every bite has a lovely texture.
Step 2: Massage the Greens
Drizzle one tablespoon of olive oil over the greens and sprinkle with salt. Now comes the fun part — use your hands to massage the greens! This step softens them while enhancing their flavor. You’ll notice they wilt slightly; that’s exactly what we want.
Step 3: Toss in Sweetness and Crunch
Add in your diced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Each ingredient adds its unique charm, creating a beautiful medley of colors and flavors.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette
In a separate small bowl, combine minced shallot, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the remaining olive oil along with reserved bacon fat while whisking until everything is well emulsified. Taste your dressing — adjust seasoning as needed to suit your preferences!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Pour that luscious vinaigrette over your salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until every ingredient is well-coated. Serve immediately for maximum freshness!
Enjoy every bite of this delightful Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon — it’s sure to become a new favorite at your table!
Pro Tips for Making Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon
To ensure your salad turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind!
- Use a mandoline slicer: This tool allows you to slice the Brussels sprouts and kale uniformly thin, enhancing their texture and making the salad easier to eat.
- Massage the greens: Don’t skip this step! Massaging the kale and Brussels sprouts with olive oil helps to tenderize them, making the salad more palatable and flavorful.
- Toast your pecans: Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and crunch. It’s a simple step that adds a delightful depth to your salad.
- Taste as you go: When making the vinaigrette, adjust the seasoning gradually. This helps you achieve a balance that suits your palate perfectly.
- Serve fresh: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after tossing. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon
This salad is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully.
Garnishes
- Crumbled feta cheese: A sprinkle of feta can add a salty creaminess that complements the sharp cheddar nicely.
- Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or chives can brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
Side Dishes
- Roasted sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the tangy flavors of the salad, creating a harmonious balance on your plate.
- Quinoa pilaf: A nutty quinoa side dish adds protein and texture while keeping your meal healthy and satisfying.
- Grilled chicken: Lean grilled chicken breast provides a hearty protein addition that complements the freshness of the salad without overwhelming it.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Brussels sprout, kale + apple salad with sharp cheddar + bacon is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It’s best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- If possible, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the salad’s crispness.
Freezing
- Freezing this salad is not recommended due to the texture changes in the vegetables and cheese when thawed.
- Instead, consider preparing individual components (like shredded Brussels sprouts or chopped kale) for easy assembly later.
Reheating
- This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
- If you prefer a warm dish, gently heat individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds, but avoid overheating to maintain freshness.
FAQs
Can I make Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Just be sure to store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for bacon in Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon?
If you’re looking for a non-pork alternative, consider using turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon substitute. Both options will add a smoky flavor without compromising on taste!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad will stay fresh for about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. Just remember to keep the dressing separate if possible!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This salad is great for meal prep. You can chop all your ingredients ahead of time and assemble them quickly whenever you need a healthy meal.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delicious Brussels sprout, kale + apple salad with sharp cheddar + bacon! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try variations that suit your taste—cooking should always be fun and personal! Enjoy every bite!
Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Turkey
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Discover the vibrant flavors of fall with this refreshing Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad featuring sharp cheddar and turkey bacon. This wholesome salad combines crunchy Brussels sprouts, nutrient-rich kale, and sweet apples, all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect as a side dish for Thanksgiving dinner or a quick lunch during busy weekdays, it balances healthiness with delicious indulgence. Each bite offers a delightful crunch and a medley of flavors, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this salad fresh for maximum flavor or prepare it ahead of time to savor throughout the week!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 1 large bunch kale
- 1 Granny Smith apple
- ⅓ cup pecans (toasted)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small shallot
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Greens: Clean and slice Brussels sprouts thinly; remove stems from kale and slice into ribbons.
- Massage the Greens: Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle salt; massage until wilted.
- Add Sweetness and Crunch: Toss in diced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled turkey bacon.
- Whisk Together Vinaigrette: In a separate bowl, combine minced shallot, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and remaining olive oil; whisk until emulsified.
- Combine Everything: Pour vinaigrette over salad mixture; toss gently to coat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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