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Imagine a vibrant plate filled with the crunchy goodness of Brussels sprouts, the sweet tartness of cranberries, and the delightful crunch of pecans. This Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad is not just another dish; it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that will make you rethink your salad game. Picture yourself at a festive dinner table, where the aroma of roasted nuts mingles with the fresh scent of Brussels sprouts, making your taste buds dance in anticipation. Seriously, if salads could sing, this one would be belting out show tunes.

Now, let me take you back to a family gathering where this salad first made its grand debut. We were all nestled around the table, half-heartedly pushing around limp greens when Aunt Edna arrived with her secret weapon: a bowl full of this colorful delight. Suddenly, everyone was raving about how a salad could taste like a party in their mouth. This Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad has since become our go-to for every holiday feast and casual get-together because who doesn’t want to impress their guests while keeping things deliciously simple?

Why You'll Love This Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad

This amazing Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad:

Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for bright green sprouts that are firm to the touch; they should feel like tiny cabbages ready to shine.
Dried Cranberries: Opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened cranberries for that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Pecans: Use raw pecans if you’re planning to toast them at home for an extra crunch; otherwise, pre-roasted works just as well.
Olive Oil: Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors in this salad; it’s worth it!
Balsamic Vinegar: A good balsamic adds a rich tanginess that perfectly complements the sweetness of cranberries.
Maple Syrup: Just a drizzle brings out the natural sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all other flavors; don’t skip these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad:

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Start by trimming the ends off the fresh Brussels sprouts and removing any wilted outer leaves. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Slice Them Thin

Using a sharp knife, slice each sprout thinly from top to bottom—this helps them cook evenly if you choose to roast them later.

Step 3: Toast the Pecans

In a skillet over medium heat, add your pecans without any oil. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re fragrant and golden brown; keep stirring so they don’t burn!

Step 4: Whisk Up Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Feel free to adjust according to your taste!

Step 5: Assemble Your Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Drizzle with your homemade dressing and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your beautiful salad onto a serving platter or individual plates. For an extra touch of flair (and flavor), sprinkle additional pecans on top before serving!

And voilà! You now have a stunning Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad ready to wow your friends and family. Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every crunchy bite while secretly reveling in how easy it was to make!

You Must Know About Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad

This amazing Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting Cooking Process

First, roast the Brussels sprouts until golden and tender. While they cook, toast the pecans for extra crunch and flavor. Once everything is ready, toss the Brussels sprouts with dried cranberries and your favorite dressing for a delightful finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the pecans for walnuts or add crumbled feta for a creamy twist. Experiment with different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette or a citrusy lemon dressing to match your mood.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If reheating, do so gently in the microwave to avoid overcooking the Brussels sprouts and losing their delightful texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad

This amazing Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Sometimes, I whip up this salad for potlucks, and it’s always a hit! One friend even asked if I could cater her wedding—who knew Brussels sprouts could win hearts?

FAQs

What is Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad?

Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad is a vibrant dish that combines the earthy flavors of shredded Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans. This salad often features a light dressing made from olive oil, vinegar, and honey, enhancing its taste while keeping it healthy. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as a refreshing side dish year-round. The combination of textures and flavors makes it not only delicious but also visually appealing.

How do you prepare Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad?

To prepare Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad, start by shredding fresh Brussels sprouts using a knife or food processor. Then, toast pecans in a skillet until fragrant. In a bowl, mix the shredded sprouts with dried cranberries and the toasted pecans. For the dressing, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to taste. Finally, drizzle the dressing over the salad before serving for a delightful flavor explosion.

Can I make Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad ahead of time! Preparing it a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, if you plan to store it for longer than that, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the freshness and crunchiness of the ingredients.

What are some variations for Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad?

There are many delicious variations for Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad. You can add crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess. Incorporating roasted sweet potatoes or apples can enhance sweetness and texture. Additionally, experimenting with different nuts like walnuts or almonds can give the salad an interesting twist. Feel free to customize according to your taste preferences!

Conclusion for Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad

In summary, Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprout Salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors that can elevate any meal. With its fresh ingredients and simple preparation steps, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether served during festive occasions or as part of your everyday meals, it offers versatility and appeal for everyone at the table. Enjoy making this delicious dish as part of your culinary repertoire!