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
Scale
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.
