If you are looking for a fresh, comforting dish that combines the crispiness of roasted vegetables with the zesty creaminess of Caesar dressing, this Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers bold flavors that feel both indulgent and wholesome. The magic lies in how the warm, golden Brussels sprouts soak up the rich, garlicky dressing, creating a perfect harmony that elevates any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to bringing out the best in this Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe. Each component plays an important role—from the slight bitterness and char of the sprouts to the tangy, savory dressing that ties everything together.
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: Freshness matters here for that perfect caramelized crunch after roasting.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the sprouts brown evenly and adds a fruity depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances natural flavors.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty and salty richness.
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade): The creamy, tangy heart of the salad.
- 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs or croutons: Introduces a crunchy texture contrast.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens up the entire dish with acidity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that irresistible savory kick.
- Optional: crispy bacon or pancetta: Adds smoky, salty flair if you want to go big on flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Base for making your own Caesar dressing creamy and luscious.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang that complements the lemon.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Deepens umami notes in the dressing.
How to Make Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the Brussels sprouts to get them perfectly golden and crispy without drying out.
Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts
In a large mixing bowl, toss your halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet so they get roasted uniformly. Place in the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through. You want those edges beautifully browned and crisp, which adds incredible texture and flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Caesar Dressing
While the sprouts are roasting, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. This homemade Caesar dressing enriches the salad with bold, savory creaminess that feels luxurious but familiar.
Step 4: Combine Warm Brussels Sprouts with Dressing
Once the Brussels sprouts are out of the oven and still warm, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the prepared Caesar dressing over them, then toss gently to coat each sprout evenly in that luscious sauce. The warmth helps the dressing absorb nicely into the sprouts and softens their edges, making every bite a delight.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs or crunchy croutons on top for a wonderful textural pop. Add a little extra grated Parmesan for an extra layer of umami. If you are feeling indulgent, crumbled crispy bacon or pancetta will take the salad to a whole new level of savory goodness. Serve immediately to enjoy the full effect of warm, creamy, crispy homemade magic.
How to Serve Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your salad with fresh lemon zest or a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley can be a lovely touch to brighten up the plate visually and add a fresh, herbal note that complements the creamy dressing beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe is a perfect side for grilled chicken, seared salmon, or even a juicy steak. Its balanced flavors and satisfying textures also work well alongside a simple pasta or grain bowl meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in crispy Parmesan cups or atop toasted baguette slices as a warm bruschetta snack. You could also layer it with some roasted nuts and dried cranberries for a festive salad variant that’s perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture changes a bit as the sprouts cool and the breading softens, but the flavors remain delicious.
Freezing
Due to the delicate nature of the Brussels sprouts and dressing, freezing leftovers is not recommended. The texture and freshness suffer significantly once thawed.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy this salad warm again, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the sprouts soggy and the dressing separate.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade dressing adds a personal touch, a high-quality store-bought Caesar dressing works wonderfully and makes this recipe even quicker to prepare.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs if I’m gluten-free?
Try using toasted chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch. Alternatively, gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers work perfectly fine.
Is it necessary to cook the Brussels sprouts warm or can I serve this cold?
The warmth from the roasted Brussels sprouts is a key element that helps the dressing meld beautifully with the sprouts’ texture and flavor, making it especially tasty. Though you can chill leftovers, serving it warm is highly recommended.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can make vegan substitutions by replacing mayonnaise with vegan mayo, Parmesan with a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast, and omitting bacon. The salad will still be flavorful and satisfying.
How do I get Brussels sprouts crispy?
Ensure they’re well coated with oil, spread out on the baking sheet so they aren’t overcrowded, and roast at a high temperature until golden brown, turning once midway. Patience and good heat are the secrets to that perfect crisp!
Final Thoughts
This Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It offers a wonderful way to enjoy Brussels sprouts in a vibrant, satisfying format that feels special yet completely approachable. I encourage you to give it a try and see how this simple combination of ingredients can brighten up your dinner table and surprise your taste buds with every bite.
Print
Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A savory Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad featuring roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing, topped with toasted breadcrumbs or croutons, Parmesan cheese, and optional crispy bacon or pancetta for added flavor. A perfect blend of roasted veggies and classic Caesar taste served warm.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup toasted breadcrumbs or croutons
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: crispy bacon or pancetta for extra flavor
Caesar Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Roast Brussels Sprouts: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare Caesar Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Season the dressing with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Toss Salad: Transfer the warm roasted Brussels sprouts to a large bowl. Drizzle with the prepared Caesar dressing and toss thoroughly to coat all the sprouts evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs or croutons and extra grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Add crispy bacon or pancetta if you desire extra flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best flavor and maintain the warm, crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts.
Notes
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts and ensure they are trimmed and halved evenly for uniform cooking.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or pancetta.
- Store leftover Caesar dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make your own croutons, toast cubed bread in the oven or a skillet with olive oil until golden brown.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
