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If you’re searching for a salad that bursts with flavor, texture, and a little surprise in every bite, the Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Goat Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. This vibrant dish combines crispy bacon, tangy cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy walnuts all nestled in a bed of paper-thin shaved Brussels sprouts. Each ingredient shines while coming together to form a harmonious salad that’s perfect as a light lunch, a stunning side, or a conversation-starting dish at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential. Each adds a unique layer of taste, texture, or color that makes this salad unforgettable. Together, they create a well-balanced, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s as pleasing to the eyes as to the palate.
- Thick-cut bacon (8 slices): Provides smoky crispiness and depth of flavor, plus bacon grease for the dressing.
- Fresh Brussels sprouts (1 pound): The star ingredient, shaved thin for a tender but crunchy base.
- Red onion (1/4, thinly sliced): Adds a subtle sharpness that brightens the salad.
- Dried cranberries (1/4 cup): Bring a sweet-tart pop that contrasts beautifully with savory notes.
- Crumbled goat cheese (1/4 cup): Adds creamy tang and richness.
- Chopped walnuts (2 tablespoons): Offer crunchy texture and a toasty nuttiness.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses the dressing with aromatic warmth.
- Apple cider vinegar (6 tablespoons): Lends a bright acidity to balance the richness.
- Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Softens the vinegar’s sharpness for a perfectly rounded dressing.
- Whole grain mustard (4 teaspoons): Adds subtle heat and complexity to the vinaigrette.
- Kosher salt and pepper: To season to taste and bring all flavors into harmony.
How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Goat Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon and Shave the Brussels Sprouts
Start by cooking the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy—this trick delivers that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor every bite needs. While the bacon sizzles, prep your Brussels sprouts by trimming the stems and shaving them thinly with a sharp knife or mandolin. The thin shavings not only soften the usual bitterness but also provide a refreshing crunch that’s essential for this salad.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the shaved Brussels sprouts, paper-thin red onion slices, dried cranberries, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped walnuts. Once your bacon is ready and cooled slightly, chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it right into the mix. This layering ensures every forkful gets a taste of all these incredible textures and flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Flavor-Packed Vinaigrette
Use the bacon grease left in the pan as the foundation for your dressing—it’s pure flavor gold! Warm the grease over medium-low heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about one minute. Remove from heat and whisk in apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and whole grain mustard until silky and well combined. This vinaigrette perfectly ties the ingredients together with tangy, sweet, and savory notes.
Step 4: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour half of the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bit. Taste it and add salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavors further. Serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side so everyone can customize their salad’s zing. This step makes sure the salad is bright, balanced, and absolutely crave-worthy.
How to Serve Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Goat Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few extra walnuts or a little more goat cheese on top. You can also add thin curls of fresh Parmesan or a handful of pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like burst of color and freshness that will wow your guests every time.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with rustic bread or a simple grilled chicken breast. It also shines alongside roasted pork or salmon, adding a fresh, tangy counterpoint to richer mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in beautiful glass bowls or colorful ceramic dishes to highlight the vibrant greens and reds. For parties, consider layering it in individual mason jars or wrapping it up in delicate endive leaves for delightful handheld bites that impress visually and flavorwise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days to keep the Brussels sprouts crisp and the bacon crunchy.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well because of its fresh ingredients and textures. To enjoy it at its best, avoid freezing and instead make fresh batches as needed.
Reheating
The salad is intended to be eaten chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want to warm parts of it, serve the cooked bacon separately or add freshly warm bacon on top just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use another cheese instead of goat cheese?
Absolutely! Feta or blue cheese work well as substitutes, offering similar creaminess and a touch of tang to complement the other flavors.
How thin should I shave the Brussels sprouts?
The thinner, the better—aim for paper-thin slices that are easy to eat and allow the dressing to penetrate evenly, making the salad more tender and flavorful.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and goat cheese. Swap bacon for smoked tempeh or walnuts for extra crunch and use a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for that creamy richness.
Is it necessary to use bacon grease in the vinaigrette?
Using bacon grease adds incredible smoky depth to the dressing, but if you prefer, substitute with olive oil for a lighter option without sacrificing vinaigrette texture.
How long does this salad keep its best texture?
Best enjoyed within 24 hours as the shaved Brussels sprouts tend to lose their crispness after sitting too long dressed. For peak freshness, toss with dressing just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon, Cranberries, and Goat Cheese Recipe is a wonderful celebration of flavors and textures that’s surprisingly easy to put together. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself, this salad will quickly become a favorite you’ll return to again and again. I hope you enjoy making it as much as you enjoy eating it!
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