Ultimate Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: A Fresh & Festive Thanksgiving Side Dish
Prepare to transform your holiday table with a side dish that’s as vibrant and refreshing as it is flavorful: the **Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad**. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a carefully crafted medley of textures and tastes, designed to complement even the heartiest of holiday feasts. Forget the same old roasted vegetables – this no-cook salad brings a bright, crisp counterpoint to your Thanksgiving dinner, or any special meal you’re planning.
For those who might typically shy away from salads, or perhaps only consider them when a health kick is desperately needed, this recipe is a game-changer. It redefines what a side salad can be, proving that green dishes can be just as exciting and satisfying as their more indulgent counterparts. Unlike salads that rely heavily on bread or rich ingredients to win you over – like a delicious avocado caprese panzanella salad or a refreshing avocado fennel salad – this Brussels sprouts creation delivers pure, unadulterated freshness and a burst of flavor that truly stands out.
This particular salad is a revelation, especially when served alongside a grand, epic meal. It’s not intended to be a standalone entree, but rather a perfect supporting act, designed to enhance your main course without overpowering it. This is precisely why it’s the ideal choice for your Thanksgiving spread this year.
Why This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Is Your Thanksgiving Essential
You might be wondering what makes this salad so special for the holidays. Let’s delve into why this Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad deserves a prime spot on your festive table:
1. A Fresh Take on Brussels Sprouts – No Cooking Required!
For starters, it offers a wonderfully fresh and innovative way to enjoy Brussels sprouts. Instead of the usual steaming, roasting, or pan-frying, these “bad boys” are served raw and shaved thinly. This simple technique completely transforms their texture, turning them into delicate, tender ribbons that are far removed from their often-maligned cooked counterparts. The best part? No cooking means significant time savings in an already busy kitchen!
2. An Irresistible Blend of Flavors and Textures
This salad is an absolutely divine combination of a multitude of different textures and flavors that dance on your palate. Each ingredient plays a crucial role:
- Savory, Crispy Bacon: Adds a delightful saltiness and crunch, providing a rich, smoky foundation.
- Tart Dried Cranberries: Infuse a burst of festive color and a perfectly balanced sweet-tart chewiness, echoing holiday traditions.
- Crunchy Shaved Sprouts: Offer a fresh, slightly peppery base that’s surprisingly mild and tender.
- Thinly Sliced Almonds: Contribute a delicate nuttiness and an extra layer of satisfying crunch.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Lends a savory, umami depth that beautifully ties all the components together.
It all comes together in a bowl of incredible, harmonious flavors that will truly win everyone over.
3. The Brightening Power of Citrus Dressing
The true star that elevates this salad is its easy-to-make, zesty citrus dressing. Crafted with lemon juice, orange juice, minced garlic, a pinch of cayenne, and olive oil, this vibrant dressing doesn’t just bind the ingredients; it brings an unparalleled brightness and acidity. This tanginess cuts through the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the cranberries, creating a perfectly balanced profile that leaves a refreshing aftertaste. It’s an essential element that makes this salad feel light yet deeply satisfying.
4. The Perfect Counterbalance for Heavy Holiday Meals
All in all, this salad serves as the perfect complement to a plate full of heavy Thanksgiving staples like turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Its lightness, crispness, and refreshing flavors offer a much-needed contrast, preventing your meal from feeling overly rich or monotonous. It’s a smart addition that brightens the entire dining experience, ensuring your guests leave feeling satisfied but not overly stuffed.
5. Fantastic Make-Ahead Potential
Another incredible advantage, especially during the hectic holiday season, is its make-ahead capability. You can easily prepare all the salad components (shave the sprouts, cook the bacon, measure out cranberries and almonds) the day before Thanksgiving. Simply store them separately, and then assemble and toss with the dressing just before serving. This flexibility frees up valuable kitchen time on the big day, allowing you to focus on other dishes or, more importantly, enjoy time with your loved ones.
Tips for Perfectly Shaved Brussels Sprouts
The key to this salad’s success lies in the finely shaved Brussels sprouts. Here’s how to achieve that perfect slaw-like texture:
- Mandoline Slicer: This is arguably the easiest and most efficient tool. Simply remove the tough ends of the Brussels sprouts, halve them if they’re very large, and carefully run them across the mandoline blade on a thin setting. Always use the safety guard to protect your fingers!
- Food Processor: If you have a food processor with a slicing disc attachment, it can quickly process a large batch of sprouts. Again, remove the stem ends, and feed them through the chute.
- Sharp Knife: For a smaller batch, a very sharp chef’s knife works wonderfully. Slice the sprouts as thinly as possible, aiming for uniform ribbons.
Regardless of your method, ensure your Brussels sprouts are fresh and firm for the best results.
Serving This Versatile Side Dish
While this Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is undeniably a Thanksgiving superstar, its versatility extends far beyond the holiday table. It makes a fantastic side for a variety of meals, adding a touch of gourmet freshness. Consider pairing it with a comforting family meal like marry me chicken meatballs, grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or even a simple weeknight steak. Its bright flavors will elevate any plate.
So, are you ready to impress your family and friends with this outstanding side dish? Anyone else ready for Thanksgiving already?!
table of contents
Toggle
This Recipe’s Must Haves
- OXO SteeL Chef’s Mandoline Slicer for shaving down all those Brussels sprouts!
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowlsand a KitchenAid Stainless Steel Utility Whisk to make that easy peasy citrus dressing that’s oh-so YUM.
Don’t forget to Pin this Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe for later to make your holiday meal prep a breeze!
Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp orange juice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 dozen brussels sprouts stems removed
- 4 slices bacon cooked and chopped
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Prepare the Citrus Dressing: In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, orange juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. While continuously whisking, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream to create a smooth emulsion. Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.
-
Shave the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the tough stem ends from the Brussels sprouts. Using a mandoline slicer (with caution and a safety guard), a food processor with a slicing disc, or a very sharp knife, carefully shave the Brussels sprouts into thin, delicate slices, aiming for a slaw-like texture. Once all sprouts are shaved, rinse them gently under cold water and thoroughly dry them using a salad spinner or paper towels.
-
Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the dried cranberries, sliced almonds, grated parmesan cheese, and the cooked and chopped bacon. Add the freshly shaved and dried Brussels sprouts to the bowl. Toss all the ingredients together gently until they are well mixed and evenly distributed.
-
Serve: Just before serving, pour the prepared citrus dressing over the salad. Toss again thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and crispest textures.