This Warm Brussel Sprout Salad recipe is seriously delicious! It’s got brussels sprouts, creamy avocado, orzo pasta, a drizzle of maple syrup, a dash of cognac, and, the best part, candied bacon. These flavors come together so perfectly. Whether you want a side dish or a warm salad, this one’s a keeper!
This brussels sprout dish is seasoned to perfection! It’s so good that there’s no need for any salad dressing. The bacon, maple syrup, and cognac infuse everything with incredible flavor!
Brussels sprouts are all the rage now! I remember the first time I tried them at a friend’s place about 30 years ago!
I was like, “What are these mini cabbage-looking veggies?” They had such a strong taste, but I found a clever way to mellow it.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but that bitterness has eased up. Perhaps they developed a new variety with a smoother, less bitter taste.
Anyway, to enhance the Brussels flavor, I added a tiny bit of maple syrup, which works wonders! It’s like a perfect balance of flavors that makes them even more enjoyable!
Why you’re going to like these brussel sprouts
- Combining tender brussels sprouts, creamy avocado, and delectable orzo pasta creates delightful flavors and textures.
- The subtle sweetness of maple syrup perfectly balances the dish, adding a touch of magic to every bite.
- A dash of cognac infuses the salad with an alluring aroma and enhances the overall taste experience.
- You’ll love the candied bacon that adds a crispy, savory element, elevating the dish to new heights of deliciousness.
- This warm salad is a perfect side dish, complementing a wide range of main courses with its delightful blend of ingredients.
- The nutrients from brussels sprouts and avocado make it a wholesome and satisfying option for health-conscious foodies.
How to Make Warm Brussel Sprout Salad
Ingredients:
- Brussels sprouts: These petite veggies offer a unique, earthy flavor and a satisfying bite when roasted or sautéed.
- Cognac: The addition of cognac lends a delightful depth of flavor and a subtle warmth to the dish.
- Maple Syrup: A touch of this sweet elixir balances the brussels sprouts’ natural bitterness, infusing a pleasant hint of sweetness.
- Salt: The indispensable seasoning that enhances all the flavors, elevating the taste of every ingredient in the salad.
- Candied Bacon: The ultimate indulgence, the candied bacon brings a crispy, savory element that elevates the dish to a new level.
- Olive Oil: A versatile and healthy fat that not only aids in cooking but also adds richness and enhances the overall mouthfeel.
- Avocado: The creamy avocado adds a buttery texture and a mild, nutty taste, providing a burst of healthy fats.
- Pecans: These toasted nuts bring a delightful crunch and a subtle, sweet-nutty flavor that complements the salad perfectly.
- Orzo: The tiny rice-shaped pasta adds a delightful chewiness and becomes a wonderful canvas for absorbing flavors.
- Fresh Basil: Fragrant and aromatic, the basil infuses the salad with a fresh, herbaceous note, making it even more tantalizing.
How to Make This Salad
Step 1 – Make Orzo Pasta
Add salt to a pot of boiling water. Then add the orzo pasta. On a medium boil, cook for about 7 minutes. Drain and rinse and set aside for later.
Step 2 – Prep Vegetables
Avocado – Remove the skin and the avocado pit. Dice avocado into cubes.
Brussel Sprouts – Rinse and trim the brussel sprout stem and remove the outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half.
Basil – Wash and chop basil leaves.
Cherry Tomatoes – Wash and cut in half.
Step 3 – Make Candied Bacon
Preheat oven to 350°.
Line a baking tray with tin foil. Then place a baking rack on a tray. Next, in a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), and ground black pepper, until you have a smooth and thick paste.
Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, generously spread the brown sugar mixture over each bacon slice, coating them evenly.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy, caramelized and crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 4 – Cook Brussels
Clean and remove the end of the cores. Cut brussels sprouts in half. Place them in a medium size bowl and add cognac and maple syrup and mix well. Heat a frying pan and add olive oil. Fry up the brussel sprouts until tender. Remove and set aside.
Step 5 – Make Salad
You can either lay each ingredient on a platter and then mix it all together before serving. Or mix it all together and serve it in a large bowl. There is no need for salad dressing since the sauce from the brussel sprouts and the bacon coats everything nicely. Top the salad with pecans and chopped fresh basil.
Warm Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Pasta
- ¾ cup Orzo pasta
- water
- salt
Candied Bacon
- 8 ounces bacon
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar
Brussel Sprouts
- 3 tbsp cognac
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp light olive oil light olive oil is good for high-heat cooking
Other Ingredients
- 1½ lbs brussel sprouts Clean and remove the end of the cores
- ½ cup pecans
- ¼ cup fresh basil roughly chopped
- 1 avocado skinned, pitted, and cubed
- 1 basket cherry tomatoes cut in half
Instructions
Orzo Pasta
- Add salt to a pot of boiling water. Then add the orzo pasta. On a medium boil, cook for about 7 minutes. Drain and rinse and set aside for later.
Prep Vegetables
- Avocado – Remove the skin and the avocado pit. Dice avocado into cubes.Brussel Sprouts – Rinse and trim the brussel sprouts stems and remove the outer leaves. Cut the sprouts in half.Basil – Wash and chop basil leaves.Cherry Tomatoes – Wash and cut in half.
Make Candied Bacon
- Preheat oven to 350°.Line a baking tray with tin foil. Then place a baking rack on a tray. Next, in a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, maple syrup (or honey), and ground black pepper, until you have a smooth and thick paste.Lay the bacon slices on the prepared baking sheet. Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, generously spread the brown sugar mixture over each bacon slice, coating them evenly.Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the bacon becomes crispy, caramelized and crispy. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Cook Brussel Sprouts
- Clean and remove the end of the cores. Cut brussels sprouts in half. Place them in a medium-sized bowl, add cognac and maple syrup, salt, and pepper, and mix well. Heat a frying pan and add olive oil. Fry up the brussel sprouts until tender, about 15 minutes, on medium heat. Remove and set aside.
Make a Salad
- You can either lay each ingredient on a platter and then mix it all together before serving. Or mix it all together and serve it in a large bowl. There is no need for salad dressing since the sauce from the brussel sprouts and the bacon coats everything nicely. Top the salad with pecans and chopped fresh basil.
- Serve warm, cold, or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Customize this Brussels Sprout Recipe
- Get Creative with Proteins: Experiment with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to add a protein punch to the salad.
- Nuts for Crunch: Toss in some toasted almonds or pecans for a layer of crunch and nutty goodness. Add some sugared, glazed walnuts for a nice sweet taste. I love my recipe.
- Fruity Twist: Introduce a burst of sweetness with sliced apples, dried cranberries, or pomegranate seeds to complement the savory elements.
- Cheese, Please: Crumble some feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan on top for a creamy and tangy flavor boost.
- Zesty Citrus: Squeeze fresh lemon or orange juice over the salad for a refreshing and citrusy kick.
- Additional Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or cilantro to elevate the overall taste profile.
- Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: Finish it off with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to intensify the flavors and add a touch of sophistication.
I hadn’t heard of or made a warm brussel sprout salad until my husband’s sister mentioned it. She sent me her recipe and somehow I deleted it by accident. So, instead of asking for the recipe again, I made up my own version.
I hope you like this delicious dish! And if you like brussel sprouts and salads, check out these recipes:
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- The Best Caramelized Brussel Sprouts
- Thanksgiving Salad Recipe with Cranberries
I’m so glad you stopped by for a visit! Have a wonderful day, and see you tomorrow!
Cheers,
Photo Credits: MyPhotography.com
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