Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans is not just a dish; it’s a delightful explosion of flavors that transforms ordinary greens into a vibrant feast. Imagine the crunch of fresh Brussels sprouts mingling with sweet, juicy pears, all crowned with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans. It’s like a party in your mouth where every bite invites you to dance!
This salad isn’t just for fancy soirées; it’s perfect for cozy family dinners or spontaneous summer picnics. I remember whipping up this salad one afternoon when my friends dropped by unexpectedly. Their eyes widened in disbelief as I tossed together this simple yet show-stopping salad. Who knew greens could be so glamorous? The combination of textures and flavors will leave everyone clamoring for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans is quick and easy to prepare while still being packed with flavor.
- It’s visually stunning, showcasing vibrant greens, golden pears, and toasted pecans that make your plate pop.
- This dish is as versatile as a Swiss Army knife—serve it as a side or enjoy it as a light meal.
- Perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to elegant dinners!
Ingredients for Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts without any blemishes; they are the star of this crunchy salad.
- Ripe Pears: Opt for sweet varieties like Bartlett or Anjou for the best flavor contrast against the sprouts.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans add a lovely crunch; buy them pre-toasted or toast them lightly yourself in a skillet.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors and adds richness to the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy vinegar balances out the sweetness of the pears beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the ends off each Brussels sprout and remove any discolored outer leaves. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. You want those lovely ribbons!
Step 2: Chop the Pears
Core and slice the ripe pears into thin wedges. No need to peel—let those beautiful colors shine through!
Step 3: Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toss your pecans for about 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt faster than you can say “pecan pie.”
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste; this dressing is like magic—it brings everything together!
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine sliced Brussels sprouts, pear wedges, and toasted pecans. Drizzle the dressing over everything and toss gently until well coated.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your colorful salad to a serving platter or individual plates. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some additional pecans on top before serving.
Now you have your gorgeous Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans ready to impress! Enjoy it on its own as a light lunch or serve alongside grilled chicken or turkey for dinner. You might just find yourself making this salad on repeat!
You Must Know
- This vibrant Brussels salad with pear and pecans is not only a feast for the eyes but also a simple, delicious addition to your culinary repertoire.
- The fresh ingredients and crunch add a delightful twist to any meal, making it perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing and shredding the Brussels sprouts. While you prepare the dressing, let them soak up the flavors. Toss in the pears and pecans just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or add crumbled feta if you’re feeling adventurous. Drizzling some balsamic glaze can elevate the flavors even further and give it a gourmet touch without breaking a sweat.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating as Brussels sprouts lose their crispness; instead, enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for better flavor; frozen ones might lack that satisfying crunch.
- Always taste your dressing before adding it to ensure it’s just right.
- Lastly, don’t skip toasting your nuts; it enhances their flavor dramatically.
Sharing this salad recipe with my friends was a game changer; they couldn’t believe how easy it was to make such a flavorful dish! It quickly became our go-to side for potlucks.
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans?
To create a delicious Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans, you will need fresh Brussels sprouts, ripe pears, chopped pecans, mixed greens, and a tangy vinaigrette made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. You can also add grated cheese like feta or goat cheese for extra flavor. This combination of ingredients provides a delightful mix of textures and flavors that highlight the sweetness of the pears and the nuttiness of the pecans.
How do I prepare Brussels sprouts for the salad?
Preparing Brussels sprouts for your salad is easy. Start by trimming the ends of the sprouts and removing any damaged outer leaves. Rinse them under cold water to clean. For this salad, you can either shred the Brussels sprouts finely using a food processor or slice them thinly with a sharp knife. Lightly steaming them for just a couple of minutes can enhance their flavor while keeping them crisp. Cool them before mixing into your salad to maintain their texture.
Can I make Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans ahead of time but keep some components separate until serving. Wash and cut the Brussels sprouts and pears in advance, but store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Prepare the vinaigrette ahead as well. Just before serving, toss everything together to ensure maximum freshness and crunchiness.
What variations can I try for this salad?
There are numerous variations you can try with Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans. Consider adding crumbled feta or goat cheese for creaminess or incorporating dried cranberries for an added tartness. You could also swap pecans for walnuts or almonds to change up the nutty flavor profile. Adding cooked chicken or turkey can turn it into a heartier meal. Experimenting with different dressings like balsamic vinaigrette could also provide new taste experiences.
Conclusion for Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans :
In conclusion, Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients to create a flavorful experience. Using fresh Brussels sprouts adds crunch, while sweet pears provide natural sweetness. The addition of pecans enhances both texture and nutrition. This salad is versatile enough to serve as a side dish or main course when combined with proteins like chicken or turkey. Enjoy making this nutritious salad that is sure to impress at any gathering!
Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans
Brussels Salad with Pear and Pecans is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the crunch of Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of ripe pears and the richness of toasted pecans. Drizzled with a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to summer picnics. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, it promises to impress your guests while delivering a delightful explosion of flavors.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, shredded
- 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any discolored leaves. Shred them thinly with a knife or mandoline.
- Core and slice the pears into thin wedges without peeling.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded Brussels sprouts, pear slices, and toasted pecans. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently.
- Serve immediately on a platter or individual plates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: - Swap pecans for walnuts or add crumbled feta for creaminess. - For added sweetness, toss in dried cranberries or drizzle balsamic glaze over the top. - Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; enjoy cold or at room temperature.
