Description
A fresh and flavorful Brussels Salad featuring a combination of sautéed and raw Brussels sprouts, sweet red pear, crunchy toasted pecans, crisp celery, and savory Pecorino Romano, all tossed in a tangy whole-grain mustard dressing. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a holiday side dish or a light, nutritious meal.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 Tbsp. minced shallots
- 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- 1 Tbsp. whole-grain mustard
- 2 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salad
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped
- 1 red pear, cored and diced (such as Red Anjou pears)
- 1 rib celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shaved or grated Pecorino Romano (or Parmigiano Reggiano)
- 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a glass jar or liquid measuring cup, combine minced shallots, sherry vinegar, whole-grain mustard, honey, 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk together well. Gradually pour in 1/4 cup olive oil in a steady stream while whisking constantly until the dressing is smooth. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Prep Brussels Sprouts: Trim the Brussels sprouts and slice half of them lengthwise for sautéing. Shave the remaining half very thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife; these will remain raw. Place the shaved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
- Toast Pecans: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the pecan halves. Toast them, stirring or tossing frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove pecans from pan and set aside in a bowl.
- Sauté Brussels Sprouts: Using the same skillet, warm 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Add the halved Brussels sprouts cut side down and cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Toss and continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Season with the remaining 1/4 tsp. kosher salt.
- Combine Brussels Sprouts: Add the sautéed Brussels sprouts to the mixing bowl with the raw shaved Brussels sprouts and toss together. The warmth from the cooked sprouts will gently soften the raw ones.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: To the bowl, add the diced pear, toasted pecans, thinly sliced celery, and shaved Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt if needed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: The salad can be assembled 1 to 2 hours ahead, but wait to add the dressing until just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- Storage: Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Pecorino Romano can be substituted with Parmigiano Reggiano. Sherry vinegar may be replaced with white wine vinegar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American