Crunchy Brussels Sprout, Kale, and Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar, Bacon, and Pecans
A delightful and colorful salad that combines Brussels sprouts, kale, apples, bacon, and sharp cheddar for a perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, shredded
- 4 cups kale, finely chopped (remove tough stems)
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shaved
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the greens: Shred the Brussels sprouts and finely chop the kale. Place them in a large mixing bowl, ensuring they are well combined.
- Dice the apple: Cut the apple into bite-sized pieces and set aside for the salad.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then crumble into small pieces.
- Combine ingredients: In the large bowl with the Brussels sprouts and kale, add the diced apple, crumbled bacon, and chopped pecans.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Finish with cheese: Top the salad with the shaved sharp cheddar cheese just before serving for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute the bacon with smoked tempeh or extra nuts for crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.