Description
A warm and flavorful Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad featuring oven-roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing, topped with toasted breadcrumbs or croutons, Parmesan cheese, and optional crispy bacon or pancetta for an extra savory touch. This easy-to-make salad combines roasted vegetable goodness with classic Caesar flavors, perfect as a side dish or light main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Brussels Sprouts and Toppings
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs or croutons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: crispy bacon or pancetta for extra flavor
Caesar Dressing (Homemade)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even roasting until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare the Caesar Dressing (if making homemade): In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste and mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Salad: Transfer the warm roasted Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the sprouts while still warm and toss well to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or croutons and extra grated Parmesan cheese over the salad. Add crispy bacon or pancetta if desired for an additional burst of flavor.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best combination of warm, crispy textures and creamy dressing.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or pancetta.
- The salad is best served warm to enjoy the contrast between the roasted sprouts and creamy dressing.
- You can use store-bought Caesar dressing to save time if preferred.
- To make breadcrumbs, toast day-old bread crumbs in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until crispy.
- Adding lemon juice brightens the flavors and balances the creaminess of the dressing.
