Description
This Brussels Sprout, Kale + Apple Salad with Sharp Cheddar + Bacon is the ultimate fall salad—fresh, flavorful, and perfect for Thanksgiving. Shaved Brussels sprouts and tender kale are tossed with crisp apples, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, toasted pecans, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette for the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent.
Ingredients
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shaved
1 large bunch kale, any variety
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 Granny Smith apple, diced or julienned (peeling optional)
⅓ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries
6 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, diced
5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (reserve the bacon fat)
1 small shallot, minced
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat, warmed to liquefy if solid
Instructions
Clean and trim Brussels sprouts, removing any brown leaves. Shave thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife and add to a large bowl.
Remove tough stems from kale, stack leaves, and slice into thin ribbons. Add to the bowl with Brussels sprouts.
Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Massage the greens with your hands until softened and slightly reduced in volume.
Add apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, cheddar, and crumbled bacon.
In a small bowl, whisk together shallot, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly stream in remaining olive oil and bacon fat while whisking until emulsified.
Pour vinaigrette over the salad and toss well. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For the best texture, shave Brussels sprouts with a mandoline.
Don’t slice the apple until just before serving to keep it crisp.
To make vegetarian, omit bacon and replace bacon fat with a neutral oil.
You can prep ingredients up to 3 days ahead—just store separately and toss before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Tossed / No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 413 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 385 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg