If you’re on the hunt for a salad that’s bursting with flavor, warmth, and just the right amount of indulgence, this Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining the crispy, caramelized goodness of roasted Brussels sprouts with a vibrant and creamy Caesar dressing, it transforms a classic salad into a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light main, this salad brings together fresh, tangy, and savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a key role in making this salad sing with flavor, texture, and color. Fresh Brussels sprouts provide earthiness and crunch, while the creamy Caesar dressing adds a zesty, savory punch. Toasted breadcrumbs introduce a delightful crispness, and optional bacon brings in a smoky depth.
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: The star of the dish, boasting a natural nuttiness and crisp texture when roasted.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps roast the sprouts to golden perfection, enhancing their flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory richness that’s classic to Caesar salads.
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade): Creamy and tangy, binding all the flavors together.
- 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs or croutons: Provides a crunchy texture contrast that’s irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the salad with fresh acidity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sprouts with aromatic, savory notes.
- Optional: crispy bacon or pancetta: For those who love a smoky, meaty addition to their salad.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Base for the homemade Caesar dressing, offering creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Enhances the dressing’s brightness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory umami hit typical of Caesar flavors.
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced: Critical for authentic Caesar dressing punch.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Integral for that cheesy, salty backbone.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To balance and finish your dressing perfectly.
How to Make Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet so they roast properly and don’t steam. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure every sprout gets beautifully golden and crispy along the edges. This roasting step transforms the Brussels sprouts from bitter to sweet and nutty, bringing out depth of flavor you’ll love.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Caesar Dressing
While your Brussels sprouts are roasting, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. This homemade Caesar dressing is incredibly flavorful and creamy with just the right amount of zing. If you prefer, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing to save time, but making it yourself adds a personal touch that’s worth the effort.
Step 3: Toss the Salad Warm
Once the Brussels sprouts come out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl immediately while still warm. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the sprouts and toss everything thoroughly, allowing the warm sprouts to meld with the creamy dressing. This warmth slightly softens the dressing and helps it cling beautifully to each sprout, creating a luscious texture and flavor throughout the salad.
Step 4: Add Crunch and Finish Strong
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or croutons on top to bring a satisfying crunch with every bite. If you’re going for extra indulgence, add crispy bacon or pancetta for smoky, savory notes. Finish with a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese for that final layer of creaminess and umami. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its best, with the perfect balance of warm, crisp, creamy, and tangy sensations.
How to Serve Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A few thoughtful garnishes can elevate this salad to next-level deliciousness. Freshly cracked black pepper and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese add a burst of flavor. For a pop of color and freshness, add thin lemon slices or a handful of fresh parsley. If you like some heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
This Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or steak, making a complete and satisfying meal. For a vegetarian approach, serve alongside warm garlic bread or roasted sweet potatoes. The salad’s bold flavors and diverse textures make it a versatile side that complements many protein and starch dishes with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this salad in individual glass jars or rustic wooden bowls for a charming presentation. You can also layer the roasted Brussels sprouts and dressing just before serving to keep each bite crisp and fresh. Adding edible flowers or microgreens on top is a stunning and unexpected touch that brightens the plate visually and texturally.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be hard to resist!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the roasted Brussels sprouts might lose some of their crispness after being chilled, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh whenever possible.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the texture of roasted Brussels sprouts and the creamy dressing will not hold up well after thawing. The salad may become soggy and lose its distinctive fresh flavors.
Reheating
If you want to warm up leftovers, gently reheat the Brussels sprouts alone in a skillet over medium heat to regain some crispiness before tossing with a fresh scoop of Caesar dressing. Avoid microwaving with dressing as it can separate and change the texture negatively.
FAQs
Can I use a different vegetable instead of Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! While Brussels sprouts are fantastic in this recipe for their unique flavor, you can substitute with roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or even kale for a different twist. Just adjust roasting times to suit the vegetable you choose.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it can be. Simply omit the bacon or pancetta, and ensure you use vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce or substitute it with soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The homemade Caesar dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before tossing with the salad to recombine the ingredients.
What’s the best way to toast breadcrumbs for this recipe?
For perfect toasted breadcrumbs, sauté them in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until golden and crisp, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This enhances their flavor and crunchy texture, adding a lovely contrast to the salad.
Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Yes, using store-bought Caesar dressing is a convenient option that works well if you’re short on time. Just choose a high-quality dressing with fresh ingredients to keep the salad tasting vibrant and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful spin on a classic, perfect for cozy dinners or elegant gatherings. The combination of roasted sprouts with creamy Caesar dressing is truly irresistible, and honestly, once you try it, this salad is likely to become one of your favorites too. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive in—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad combines roasted Brussels sprouts with a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a flavorful side dish or a light meal, it balances crisp roasted veggies with a classic Caesar twist, optionally enhanced with crispy bacon or pancetta.
Ingredients
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (divided: 1 tablespoon for dressing, 1 tablespoon for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade, to drizzle on roasted sprouts)
- 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs or croutons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: crispy bacon or pancetta for extra flavor
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Roast Brussels Sprouts: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare Caesar Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss with Dressing: Transfer the warm roasted Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. Drizzle with 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or the prepared dressing) and toss to coat evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or croutons and extra grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Add crispy bacon or pancetta if using for extra savory flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the salad right away to enjoy the best balance of warm roasted sprouts and crunchy toppings.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or pancetta.
- The Caesar dressing can be homemade as described or store-bought for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the dressing to your preference for intensity.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Serving immediately preserves the crispy texture of the sprouts and breadcrumbs.
