Elevate Your Holiday Feast: The Ultimate Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Step aside, traditional steamed vegetables! This Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a vibrant, exciting, and utterly delicious accompaniment that promises to be the star side dish at your Thanksgiving dinner table, or any festive meal. Bursting with an incredible array of textures and flavors, from crisp, raw Brussels sprouts to savory bacon, tart cranberries, and a delightful nutty crunch, all brought together by an easy, zesty citrus dressing that’s truly to die for. This salad offers a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday fare and is guaranteed to win over even the most skeptical palates.
Confession time: I’m not typically a “salad person.” For years, salads felt more like a duty than a delight – something you ate when you felt particularly guilty about your recent indulgences. My idea of a “good” salad often involved generous amounts of bread, like a hearty avocado caprese panzanella salad or a refreshing avocado fennel salad. But then, a revelation struck: salads don’t have to be a boring obligation. They can be incredibly creative, flavorful, and, dare I say, exciting additions to any meal, particularly when crafted with thoughtfulness and a mix of incredible ingredients.
This Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is precisely that kind of game-changer. It’s not just a side; it’s a statement. It’s the salad that will make even the most dedicated meat-and-potatoes lover reach for a second helping. And it’s the salad that belongs on your Thanksgiving table this year, offering a much-needed burst of freshness and zing amidst the rich, comforting dishes.
Why This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a Must-Try
You might be wondering, with all the traditional holiday sides available, what makes this Brussels sprouts salad so special? Let me count the ways:
A Fresh Take on Brussels Sprouts
Forget the boiled, roasted, or steamed Brussels sprouts you’re used to. This recipe introduces you to the delightful world of shaved Brussels sprouts. When thinly sliced, these miniature cabbages transform into tender, crisp ribbons with a much milder, sweeter flavor profile. This raw preparation not only offers a unique texture but also retains maximum nutritional benefits, making your side dish both delicious and incredibly healthy. It’s a wonderful way to introduce Brussels sprouts to those who might typically shy away from them.
Effortless Preparation and Time-Saving
Thanksgiving and holiday cooking often involve juggling multiple dishes and oven space. This salad is a lifesaver in that regard. By shaving the Brussels sprouts, you eliminate any cooking time for them, freeing up your oven and stovetop for other components of your meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option! You can shave the sprouts, cook the bacon, and prepare the dressing the day before. Simply store the components separately and toss everything together just before serving. This clever prep strategy drastically reduces last-minute holiday stress, allowing you more time to enjoy with family and friends.
A Symphony of Textures and Flavors
This salad is a masterclass in contrasting elements that create a truly harmonious dish. Imagine:
- **The Crispness:** Delightful crunch from the thinly shaved raw Brussels sprouts and the toasted sliced almonds.
- **The Savory:** Irresistible salty, smoky goodness from perfectly cooked, crumbled bacon.
- **The Tart & Sweet:** Chewy, vibrant dried cranberries offering a burst of tartness that beautifully complements the other ingredients.
- **The Nutty:** Delicate, earthy notes from the sliced almonds, adding depth and a satisfying mouthfeel.
- **The Umami:** A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese provides a lovely salty, savory tang that ties everything together.
Every bite is an exciting journey for your taste buds, ensuring this salad is anything but dull.
The Bright and Zesty Citrus Dressing
The secret weapon of this salad is its incredibly easy yet impactful citrus dressing. Made with fresh lemon and orange juices, minced garlic, a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick, and high-quality olive oil, this dressing is a game-changer. Its vibrant, tangy profile cuts through the richness of the bacon and the earthy notes of the sprouts, adding an unparalleled brightness and zest. The acidity tenderizes the raw Brussels sprouts slightly, allowing them to absorb the dressing beautifully. This simple emulsion truly elevates the entire dish, making it feel light and refreshing even alongside the heaviest holiday roasts.
A Perfect Complement to Any Meal
While this salad is undeniably ideal for Thanksgiving, serving as a much-needed fresh counterpoint to plates piled high with turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy, its versatility extends far beyond the holiday season. It pairs beautifully with everyday family meals, like succulent marry me chicken meatballs, grilled fish, pork chops, or even as a substantial, healthy lunch on its own. Its robust flavors hold up well, making it an excellent option for potlucks, meal prep, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Tips for Success and Customization
Choosing and Preparing Brussels Sprouts
Look for firm, tightly packed Brussels sprouts that are bright green. Avoid any with yellowing leaves or soft spots. To shave them, a mandoline slicer is your best friend. It creates consistently thin, uniform slices quickly and efficiently. If you don’t have one, a sharp chef’s knife can be used, though it will require a bit more patience and precision. Simply trim the tough ends and slice the sprouts as thinly as possible. Once shaved, give them a quick rinse and pat them thoroughly dry to ensure the dressing adheres well.
Crispy Bacon Perfection
For the best texture, cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. You can do this in a skillet on the stovetop, in the oven, or even in an air fryer. Drain any excess grease and crumble it finely once cooled. The small pieces ensure that every bite of salad gets a touch of that irresistible salty, savory crunch.
Dressing Techniques
When making the citrus dressing, slowly pouring in the olive oil while continuously whisking is key to achieving a beautifully emulsified, cohesive dressing. This process helps the oil and juices combine into a creamy, stable mixture that coats the salad ingredients perfectly. Using quality stainless steel mixing bowls and a sturdy KitchenAid Stainless Steel Utility Whisk will make this step a breeze.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to customize this salad to your liking:
- **Nuts:** Swap sliced almonds for toasted pecans, walnuts, or even pistachios for a different nutty flavor.
- **Cheese:** Goat cheese or crumbled feta can replace Parmesan for a creamier, tangier element.
- **Fruit:** Add thinly sliced apple or pear for extra sweetness and crunch. Pomegranate seeds also add a beautiful jewel-like appearance and burst of flavor.
- **Herbs:** Fresh parsley or chives could be a lovely addition.
- **Sweetness:** A drizzle of maple syrup or honey in the dressing can mellow the tartness of the cranberries if you prefer a sweeter profile.
Make-Ahead Magic for the Holidays
One of the standout features of this recipe, especially during busy holiday preparations, is its make-ahead potential. The Brussels sprouts can be shaved a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bacon can be cooked, crumbled, and stored similarly. The citrus dressing can also be whisked together and kept chilled. This means on the day of your celebration, all you need to do is combine the prepared ingredients and toss with the dressing right before serving. This flexibility makes it a truly stress-free side dish, allowing you to focus on other culinary tasks or, better yet, spend more quality time with your loved ones.
Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its incredible taste and convenience, this Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is also packed with nutrients. Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of vitamins K and C, and dietary fiber. Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, while almonds offer protein and vitamin E. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants. This salad is a delicious way to incorporate more wholesome goodness into your holiday spread, providing a lighter option that still feels indulgent.
So, if you’re searching for a side dish that is fresh, vibrant, easy to prepare, and undeniably delicious, look no further. This Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is poised to become your new holiday tradition. Get ready to impress your guests and maybe even convert a few anti-salad skeptics along the way!
Anyone else ready for Thanksgiving already?!
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This Recipe’s Must-Haves
- OXO SteeL Chef’s Mandoline Slicer for effortlessly shaving those Brussels sprouts into perfect, thin ribbons. This tool is a game-changer for consistency and speed!
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowlsand a KitchenAid Stainless Steel Utility Whisk are essential for creating that perfectly emulsified and oh-so-flavorful citrus dressing.
Pin this Bacon Cranberry Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe for later!
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
- 2 dozen brussel 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
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In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. While continuing to whisk, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream to create a smooth, emulsified dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then set aside in the refrigerator.
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Prepare the Brussels sprouts by removing their tough outer leaves and trimming the stems. Using a mandoline slicer (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 thoroughly under cold water and pat them completely dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
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Transfer the shaved and dried Brussels sprouts to a large serving bowl. Add the cooked and chopped bacon, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss all the ingredients gently but thoroughly to ensure an even distribution. When you are ready to serve the salad, pour the chilled citrus dressing over the mixture and toss once more until everything is lightly coated. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.