Hey y'all! If you're on the hunt for a crisp, vibrant salad that's loaded with flavor and sure to steal the spotlight at any meal, this Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple is your new go-to. With crunchy sprouts, smoky bacon, juicy apples, and a tangy dressing, it's perfect for potlucks, cozy dinners, or even your holiday spread. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple
- It's loaded with fresh, crisp textures and savory-sweet flavors for a vibrant bite every time.
- Easy to prep ahead, making holiday meal planning a breeze.
- Pairs equally well as a side, lunch, or light main dish.
- Bacon and apples add irresistible smoky and juicy touches.
- Loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice.
Ingredients for Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple
- 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 large crisp apple (like Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans (toasted preferred)
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta (optional)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, then finely shred them using a food processor’s slicing blade or a sharp knife. Place in a large salad bowl.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon for 8-10 minutes until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, chop into bite-size pieces.
Step 3: Mix the Fall Salad Ingredients
Add the shredded sprouts, diced apple, red onion, dried cranberries, pecans, and crumbled bacon to the bowl. Sprinkle feta over the top if using.
Step 4: Make the Tangy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Pour over salad and toss well to combine.
Step 5: Let It Marinate
Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to soften and allow flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy cool or at room temperature.
Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple Notes
- If prepping ahead, add apples and dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess. Learn more about storing shredded Brussels sprouts.
- Toasted pecans enhance crunch and bring out buttery notes; toast in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes.
- Swap feta for goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free option.
Variations for Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple
- Vegan: Omit bacon and use maple syrup instead of honey; add roasted chickpeas for crunch.
- Nut-Free: Replace pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Extra Fruity: Add sliced pears or pomegranate arils for a sweeter, more colorful bite.
Equipment Needed for Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple
- Large mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife and cutting board or food processor
- Small whisk and bowl for dressing
- Skillet for bacon
Storage Instructions for Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, store undressed and add apples and dressing just before serving as leftovers can become soggy. More on safe food storage.
Suggested Pairings for Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple
- Perfect with roast chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon.
- Try alongside hearty soups or crusty bread for a cozy fall meal.
- Makes a stunning addition to your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving table.
Pro Tips for Best Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple
- Use a mandoline slicer or food processor for ultra-thin, even shreds.
- Swap in smoked turkey bacon for a lighter touch without losing the savory depth (see bacon cooking tips).
- Add the dressing gradually and toss well – Brussels sprouts absorb more than lettuces and can handle extra flavor.
FAQ: Fall Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon and Apple
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- Yes! Prep all ingredients and keep them separate. Add apples and dressing just before serving for the freshest flavor and crunch.
- What apples work best in this salad?
- Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples are all crisp and sweet, holding up well with the savory ingredients.
- Can I use pre-shredded Brussels sprouts?
- Absolutely! Store-bought shredded sprouts are a huge time-saver.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
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2In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, apple slices, toasted pecans, Parmesan cheese, and dried cranberries.
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3In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
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4Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until well combined.
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5Add the crumbled bacon to the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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