Forget everything you know about traditional salads! This Shredded Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is about to turn your culinary world upside down. Imagine crispy, golden croutons dancing with delicate Brussels sprout ribbons, all embraced by a creamy, dairy-free dressing that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a veggie lover, or just someone looking to shake up their meal routine, this recipe is your ticket to a flavor explosion that's both nutritious and utterly irresistible!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded Brussels sprouts
- 1 cup homemade croutons
- 1/4 cup dairy-free Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the Brussels sprouts. If you haven't purchased pre-shredded Brussels sprouts, take fresh Brussels sprouts and trim the ends. Cut them in half and then thinly slice them using a sharp knife or a mandoline to achieve uniform shreds.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will help to soften the Brussels sprouts slightly while you prepare the other components of the salad.
- Next, prepare the homemade croutons. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut your favorite bread (such as sourdough or whole grain) into small cubes, about 1-inch in size.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the bread cubes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings (like garlic powder or Italian herbs) until the cubes are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through to ensure even browning. Once done, remove from the oven and let cool.
- While the croutons are baking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, measure out 1/4 cup of dairy-free Caesar dressing and mix in 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast. This will add a cheesy flavor to the dressing without using dairy.
- Once the croutons are ready and cooled, add them to the bowl with the Brussels sprouts. Pour the dressing mixture over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the Brussels sprouts and croutons are well coated.
- Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper to taste, if necessary. You can also add extra nutritional yeast for a more pronounced flavor.
- Serve the Shredded Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad immediately, garnished with additional croutons or nutritional yeast on top if desired. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad!
Tips
- Shredding Secrets: For the most uniform Brussels sprout shreds, use a sharp knife or mandoline. Consistent thickness ensures even dressing distribution and a perfect texture.
- Crouton Crafting: The key to amazing croutons is even coating and spacing. Don't overcrowd your baking sheet, and stir midway through baking for that perfect golden crunch.
- Flavor Boost: Experiment with different seasonings for your croutons. Try smoked paprika, dried herbs, or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra depth.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prep your components in advance. Shred Brussels sprouts and make croutons earlier in the day to save time when assembling the salad.
- Dressing Tip: If the dressing seems too thick, thin it out with a little lemon juice or water to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Storage Hack: Keep croutons separate from the dressed salad to maintain their crispiness. Add them just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 93kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
