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–+ servings

Brussels Sprout, Kale, and Apple Salad with Bacon

This Brussels sprout, kale, and apple salad combines crispy bacon, crunchy greens, and sweet apples in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a healthy lunch or as a flavorful side dish!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts Cleaned and thinly sliced.
  • 1 large bunch Kale Any variety, tough stems removed.
  • 4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil Divided.
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • 1 Granny Smith apple Diced or julienned; peeling optional.
  • ⅓ cup Pecans Toasted and roughly chopped.
  • ¼ cup Dried cranberries
  • 6 ounces Extra sharp cheddar cheese Diced.
  • 5 strips Bacon Cooked and crumbled; reserve bacon fat.
For the Dressing
  • 1 small Shallot Minced.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Honey
  • 1 tablespoon Reserved bacon fat Liquified if solid.

Equipment

  • Mandoline Slicer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small whisk

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
  1. Clean and remove any brown or yellow leaves from the Brussels sprouts, then slice or shave them as thin as possible. Add to a large bowl.
Step 2: Prep the Kale
  1. Remove the tough stems from the kale, then stack the leaves. Roll them tightly and slice into thin ribbons. Add to the bowl with the sprouts.
Step 3: Massage the Greens
  1. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the greens and sprinkle with salt. Massage gently until softened.
Step 4: Combine Key Ingredients
  1. Add the diced apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon to the greens.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
  1. Whisk together the shallot, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and seasoning in a small bowl. Gradually stream in remaining olive oil and bacon fat, whisking until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
  1. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until combined. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 340mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 320IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 165mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This vibrant salad is perfect for holiday gatherings or a nutritious meal. For best results, taste the dressing before adding and massage the greens for enhanced texture. Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on serving sizes.

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