Name: Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Brussels sprouts – 1 pound, trimmed and halved; Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, freshly grated; Caesar dressing – 1/2 cup; Croutons – 1 cup; Lemon – Juice of 1 lemon; Red pepper flakes – 1/4 tsp (optional); Olive oil – 3 tbsp; Salt – To taste

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This brussels sprouts caesar salad transforms the classic Caesar into a nutritious powerhouse. Roasted brussels sprouts replace traditional romaine lettuce, creating a hearty dish packed with vitamins and fiber. Perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe costs around $12-15 to make and serves four people generously.

◆✨ What Makes This Special

Packed with vitamin K and fiber for better health
Ready in just 40 minutes with simple ingredients
Works as both side dish and main course

Why This Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe Works

Roasting brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness while eliminating bitterness. The high heat caramelizes the edges, creating crispy textures that pair perfectly with creamy Caesar dressing.

The combination of warm roasted vegetables and cool dressing creates temperature contrast. This makes every bite interesting and satisfying. Plus, brussels sprouts hold their shape better than lettuce, making leftovers more enjoyable.

This recipe works for meal prep too. You can roast the sprouts ahead of time and assemble when ready to serve.

What You’ll Need for Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity (approx)	Purpose / Notes
Brussels sprouts	1 pound, trimmed and halved	Main base, provides crunch and nutrients
Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup, freshly grated	Adds umami and saltiness
Caesar dressing	1/2 cup	Creamy coating and flavor base
Croutons	1 cup	Texture contrast and crunch
Lemon	Juice of 1 lemon	Brightens flavors and adds acidity
Red pepper flakes	1/4 tsp (optional)	Heat and spice element
Olive oil	3 tbsp	Roasting medium and flavor
Salt	To taste	Seasoning and flavor enhancement

Tools

Tool	Purpose
Baking sheet	Roasting brussels sprouts evenly
Parchment paper	Prevents sticking and easy cleanup
Large mixing bowl	Combining all ingredients together
Whisk	Mixing dressing ingredients
Sharp knife	Trimming and halving sprouts

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Step	Instructions
1. Prep and Preheat	Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper
2. Season Sprouts	Toss halved brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt until evenly coated
3. Roast	Spread on baking sheet and roast 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy
4. Prepare Dressing	While sprouts roast, whisk together Caesar dressing ingredients in bowl
5. Combine	Mix cooled sprouts with croutons and Parmesan cheese in large bowl
6. Finish	Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over salad

Let the brussels sprouts cool for 5-10 minutes before adding dressing. This prevents the dressing from becoming too warm and separating.

✓⚡ Cook Smarter

Choose firm, bright green brussels sprouts for best texture
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even browning
Add croutons just before serving to maintain crispiness

Serving and Storage Tips for Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Serving Tips

Serve this brussels sprouts caesar salad immediately after dressing for best texture. The warm sprouts and cool dressing create perfect temperature contrast.

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. It also works as a complete meal when topped with roasted chickpeas or nuts for extra protein.

For entertaining, prepare components separately and assemble just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and prevents soggy croutons.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate if possible to maintain texture. Like our ultimate chicken casserole, this dish tastes great as leftovers.

Mistakes to Avoid while making Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Don’t skip trimming the stem ends of brussels sprouts. Untrimmed sprouts won’t cook evenly and may taste bitter.

Avoid using pre-shredded Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides superior flavor. The pre-packaged versions often contain anti-caking agents that affect taste.

Never add dressing to hot brussels sprouts. This causes the dressing to separate and become oily. Always let the sprouts cool completely first.

Don’t overdress the salad. Start with less dressing than you think you need. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away.

! 🧭 Need to Know

Brussels sprouts should be golden brown and crispy on edges when done
Fresh lemon juice brightens flavors significantly more than bottled
Room temperature brussels sprouts work best for mixing with dressing

Suggestions for Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Try adding toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for extra crunch and healthy fats. These complement the earthy brussels sprouts perfectly.

For a protein boost, top with grilled chicken strips or hard-boiled eggs. This transforms the side dish into a complete meal.

Experiment with different cheese varieties. Pecorino Romano or aged Asiago work beautifully in place of Parmesan.

Make homemade croutons using day-old bread for superior flavor. Season them with garlic powder and herbs for extra taste. This brussels sprouts caesar variation offers more creative ideas.

For meal prep, store components separately. Combine roasted sprouts with our creamy garlic shrimp pasta for a complete dinner.

FAQs:

Can I use raw brussels sprouts instead of roasted?

Yes, you can shave raw brussels sprouts thinly for a traditional caesar texture. However, roasting adds sweetness and reduces bitterness significantly.

How long does brussels sprouts caesar salad last?

Dressed salad lasts 1-2 days refrigerated. Store components separately for up to 4 days for best quality and texture.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan caesar dressing and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The flavor remains delicious and satisfying.

What's the best way to reheat leftover roasted brussels sprouts?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy.

Can I prep this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Roast brussels sprouts up to 2 days ahead. Store separately and combine with dressing just before serving for best results.

Conclusion

This brussels sprouts caesar salad offers a nutritious twist on the beloved classic. With crispy roasted vegetables, creamy dressing, and satisfying textures, it’s perfect for any occasion.

The recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Each serving provides essential vitamins while delivering the comfort food satisfaction you crave.

Try this recipe for your next family dinner or holiday gathering. Your guests will be impressed by the creative presentation and delicious taste combination.