Brussels Sprouts Bacon Caesar Salad

Think you don't like brussels sprouts? This Brussels Sprouts Bacon Caesar Salad will have you second guessing that notion. With salty bacon, lots of creamy caesar dressing, and a crispy panko topping, there's no way you won't love this salad!

Chances are, I'm relaxing on a beach right now. But I couldn't leave without a scheduling a blog post or two (OK, let's be honest, I'm always scrambling up until the last minute for trips, so probably just one) in between crying over the fact that I'm leaving my dog and trying to decide if 4 bathing suits are really necessary (answer: yes). Here on the blog, I'm trying to keep it healthy today... Which I'm not really sure what that says about me considering I'm likely sitting in a lounge chair eating nachos and drinking sugary piña coladas as we speak.

I'm aware that people always say that you'll love their recipe even if you don't like "fill in main ingredient here." And it probably is mostly never actually true. But I really and honestly mean it with this recipe. If you're dealing with someone in your life who doesn't like brussels sprouts, make this salad for them now. And force it on them. They'll probably resist. Because it's a lot of brussels sprouts and not a whole lot else. But just tell them that caesar dressing is magical and so is toasted panko and then pinky swear to them that they will love it. If that doesn't work, just mention the word "bacon." Brussels sprouts BACON salad. Now, how can they say no?

BRUSSELS SPROUTS BACON CAESAR SALAD RECIPE

OK, so there's a slight chance that someone who doesn't like brussels sprouts may also not appreciate anchovies in their caesar salad dressing. You can always leave the anchovies out (though I promise they add a ton of awesome flavor that isn't what you might typically think of as "anchovy-like"), but you cannot leave the brussels sprouts out. Then this would essentially just be a bowl of dressing with bacon mixed in and panko breadcrumbs on top. Still delicious, no doubt. But not quite a meal.

All you have to do for this easy brussels sprouts caesar salad is shred your brussels sprouts, cook your bacon, and whip up your Caesar dressing. Oh, and toast up some panko to top the salad with. Who doesn't love a salad with a little bit of crunch?
I truly believe that the key to true brussels sprouts love is to chop the sprouts up as much as you can. I used the shredding blade on my food processor. Brussels sprouts are a whole lot less intimidating when they're a bit more bite-sized. I promise.

And, I mean, a really, really tasty caesar dressing, bacon, and extra-crispy panko breadcrumbs generously sprinkled over the top will certainly help bring you closer to true salad bliss, too.

I've had many brussels sprouts dishes over the years where I've thought to myself, "how can anyone not love this??" (and especially brussels sprouts bacon dishes!) but I've never felt that so strongly as I have with this brussels sprouts caesar salad. I guess if you try it and you still truly insist that you don't want sprouts in your life, I'll have to officially give up my quest to convince the world brussels sprouts are a gift.

But first, just take one bite of this brussels sprouts caesar salad. Experience the umami of the caesar dressing and the bacon. Feel the crunch of the panko. And look at me and say the words, “finnne, you win!” Now, don’t you feel a lot better?

I do.

Are you a fan of brussels sprouts? Do you think you would be after trying this brussels sprouts bacon caesar salad?? (see above for answer).

If you like this Brussels Sprouts Bacon Caesar Salad, be sure to check out my Beer Battered Fried Brussels Sprouts and my Brussels Sprouts and Cranberry Relish Grilled Cheese. I also love this Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad with Grapes and Bacon Vinaigrette from Well-Fed Soul.

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Think you don't like brussels sprouts? This Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Caesar Salad will have you second guessing that notion. With salty bacon, lots of creamy caesar dressing, and a crispy panko topping, there's no way you won't love this salad!

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Entree, lunch, Side

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Brussels Sprouts and Bacon, Brussels Sprouts Salad, Caesar Salads

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Makes: 4 -6 servings

Author: Sues

Ingredients

• About 20 brussels sprouts
• 5 slices bacon, crumbled
• Caesar dressing (recipe below)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup panko
• Salt and pepper

Caesar Dressing

• 4 anchovy fillets, optional
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 1½ Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1½ Tbsp water
• ¼-½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup grated parmesan

Instructions

• Slice brussels sprouts finely. I recommend using the shredding blade on your food processor. Place shredded brussels sprouts in a large bowl.
• Add crumbled bacon and caesar dressing to bowl and toss well.
• In a medium-sized nonstick skillet, heat olive oil and add panko. Cook panko, stirring, until golden and crispy, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, to taste.
• Serve brussels sprouts in individual bowls and sprinkle toasted panko over the top.

Caesar Dressing

• Place anchovies (if using), garlic, egg yolk, dijon mustard, lemon juice, and water in a blender and process for about 30-40 seconds, until mixture is smooth.
• With the blender still running, pour extra virgin olive oil in slowly, starting with ¼ cup. Continue adding oil until you reach your desired consistency, using up to ½ cup of the oil.
• Remove dressing to bowl. Stir in the parmesan cheese and ground pepper.

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