Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette

This Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette is a delicious fusion of flavors that will make your taste buds sing! Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as a healthy meal prep option, this salad combines the crunch of fresh Brussels sprouts with sweet apples and crispy turkey bacon. The homemade apple vinaigrette adds a delightful tang, making it a standout dish that caters to various dietary preferences, including paleo and Whole30 options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor: The combination of crispy turkey bacon, crunchy hazelnuts, and sweet apples creates a taste sensation.
• Versatile: This salad works perfectly as a side dish for any occasion or as a light lunch.
• Health-Conscious: It’s paleo-friendly, dairy-free, and has a Whole30 option without sacrificing taste.
• Quick to Prepare: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this tasty salad in no time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for meal prep; this salad stays fresh and flavorful when stored properly.

Tools and Preparation

To create this flavorful Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette, having the right tools will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Immersion blender or whisk
• Chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking turkey bacon and toasting nuts evenly.
• Slotted spoon: Helps drain excess fat from cooked turkey bacon without losing any crispy bits.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl makes it easy to toss all ingredients together without spilling.
• Immersion blender: An efficient tool for blending the dressing quickly and smoothly.

Ingredients

This shredded Brussels sprouts salad is loaded with so many delicious things! Sweet chopped apples, crispy Turkey Bacon, toasted hazelnuts and a sweet tangy apple vinaigrette. It’s paleo, dairy-free, with a Whole30 option and perfect for a crowd or as a make-ahead lunch.

For the Dressing

• 3 Tbsp apple juice
• 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 Tbsp mustard (brown or dijon)
• 1 1/2 tbsp date paste (or syrup, or pure maple syrup or honey; use date paste for Whole30)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 cup light olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salad

• 1 lb brussels sprouts (raw, shredded or pre-shredded)
• 8 slices nitrate free Turkey Bacon (sugar free for Whole30, cut into pieces)
• 1 tbsp rendered Turkey Bacon fat
• 2/3 cup hazelnuts (chopped or nuts of choice)
• Sea salt (for nuts)
• 1 med apple (chopped)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (fruit-sweetened for Whole30)

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Have all ingredients prepped and ready to go before beginning. This will streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey bacon pieces:
1. Cook until crisp, stirring occasionally to brown evenly.
2. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Save the rendered turkey bacon fat.

Step 3: Toss Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon Fat

Place shredded Brussels sprouts in a large bowl:
– Toss them with cooked turkey bacon pieces along with 1 tablespoon of rendered turkey bacon fat.

Step 4: Toast the Hazelnuts

In the same skillet over medium heat:
– Add chopped hazelnuts and sprinkle lightly with sea salt.
– Cook for about 3-5 minutes while stirring until they are golden brown. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 5: Combine All Salad Ingredients

Add toasted hazelnuts to the bowl containing Brussels sprouts and turkey bacon:
– Next, fold in chopped apples and sprinkle lemon juice over everything.
– Finally, add dried cranberries and toss gently to combine.

Step 6: Make the Dressing

For the dressing:
1. Place all dressing ingredients except salt and pepper into a tall jar or container.
2. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth.
3. Taste the dressing then add sea salt and black pepper as desired.

Step 7: Assemble Your Salad

Toss half of your dressing with the salad mixture:
– Leave the remaining dressing aside to serve on the side.
– Serve chilled or at room temperature—enjoy!

With these steps complete, you’re ready to delight your guests or enjoy this nourishing salad yourself!

How to Serve Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette

This Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve it that will please your guests or family.

As a Standalone Lunch

• This salad can be a satisfying lunch option on its own, packed with protein and healthy fats.

Pairing with Grilled Chicken

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken for a heartier meal, enhancing the flavors of both dishes.

With Quinoa or Rice

• Add a scoop of quinoa or rice to your serving for extra texture and nutrition, making it even more filling.

On a Bed of Greens

• For an elegant presentation, serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens to add color and freshness.

As a Picnic Dish

• This salad is perfect for picnics; it’s easy to transport and tastes great chilled or at room temperature.

this …

How to Perfect Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette

To elevate your Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh Brussels sprouts instead of pre-shredded for better flavor and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sweetness by adjusting the amount of apple juice or date paste based on your taste preference.
• Crisp the Turkey Bacon Well: Ensure the turkey bacon is crispy for added crunch in every bite, which enhances the overall texture of the salad.
• Customize Nuts: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts or pecans to add unique flavors that complement the salad.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the salad ahead of time but keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.
• Add Cheese (Optional): For those who aren’t following strict dietary guidelines, crumbled feta or goat cheese can add creaminess that balances the flavors beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for delicious side dishes to complement your Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette, here are some great options:

1. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs well with the tangy vinaigrette in the salad.
2. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy, low-carb alternative that adds richness without overpowering flavors.
3. Grilled Asparagus: The slight char from grilling enhances the earthy notes of Brussels sprouts.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: A light grain dish loaded with herbs, making it a nutritious companion.
5. Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots drizzled with balsamic vinegar bring out similar sweet-tart notes found in the salad.
6. Crispy Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch that complements the freshness of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the prep: Not prepping all ingredients beforehand can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Make sure everything is chopped and ready before you start cooking.
• Overcooking the bacon: Cooking Turkey Bacon too long can make it chewy instead of crispy. Keep an eye on it while frying and remove it as soon as it’s golden brown.
• Forgetting the seasoning: Neglecting to season your salad can result in bland flavors. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper during preparation.
• Using old Brussels sprouts: Using wilted or old Brussels sprouts can ruin your salad’s freshness. Choose bright green, firm sprouts for the best flavor.
• Not balancing flavors: Failing to balance sweet and savory elements can lead to an unappealing dish. Ensure you have enough apples, nuts, and vinaigrette for a well-rounded taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for best flavor.

Freezing Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the texture of the Brussels sprouts may become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place salad in a baking dish; cover with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds on medium power, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette:

Can I make Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad up to a day in advance. Just store the dressing separately to keep the salad fresh.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep as it’s versatile and stays fresh for several days when stored properly.

Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Yes, you can substitute regular bacon if preferred. However, it will change the nutritional profile of the dish.

What other nuts can I use in this recipe?

Feel free to substitute hazelnuts with walnuts or pecans based on your preference or availability.

How do I customize this Brussels Sprouts Salad?

You can add other ingredients like cranberries, feta cheese (if not dairy-free), or different fruits according to your taste!

Final Thoughts

This Brussels Sprouts Salad with Turkey Bacon and Apple Vinaigrette is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for gatherings or as a healthy lunch option, you can easily customize it by adding your favorite nuts or fruits. Give this refreshing recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!