Description
This Fall Brussels Sprout Salad with apple, pecans, and blue cheese is a vibrant and crunchy side dish perfect for autumn. The combination of shredded Brussels sprouts, sweet honey crisp apple, toasted pecans, and tangy blue cheese dressed with a simple Dijon and balsamic vinaigrette makes a flavorful and festive salad that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as part of a holiday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 4 cups thinly shredded Brussels sprouts (12 oz total)
- 1 small honey crisp apple, cored and diced into matchsticks with skin on
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans (1 ounce)
- 3 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese or gorgonzola
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced shallots
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Pinch of salt and black pepper, plus 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of minced shallots, and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar along with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to create a balanced and tangy vinaigrette.
- Toss Brussels Sprouts with Dressing: Place the shredded Brussels sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the Brussels sprouts, then season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and additional black pepper to taste. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the sprouts are evenly coated and well-seasoned.
- Add Apples and Toppings: Gently mix in the diced honey crisp apple matchsticks, ensuring they distribute evenly throughout the salad. Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans and crumbled blue cheese over the top as a flavorful and crunchy garnish.
Notes
- This salad complements roasted chicken, pork, or traditional Thanksgiving turkey beautifully, offering a fresh and crunchy contrast to rich meats.
- Use any sweet apple variety if honey crisp is unavailable, such as Fuji or Gala, to maintain the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 202 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 154 mg
- Fat: 13.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 4.5 mg