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Our favorite holiday and summer salad! Shaved Brussels sprouts & shallots grilled in bacon drippings mixed with toasted pecans, and cranberries then drizzled with a maple dijon vinaigrette.
My Favorite Warm Salad
It was maybe in the 90s when I was introduced to grilled romaine. I thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Ever since then, I’ve been a huge fan of grilled salads.
Now is this technically grilled? I mean it’s made on the grill (but in a cast iron pan) so yes and no. However, if you don’t have a grill, you can make this on the stovetop. The only difference is you won’t quite get that same “grill” smokiness flavor.
Grab Your Ingredients
This salad is stuff I’m sure you have on hand right now. If not most local markets carry it all
- Brussels Sprouts
- Shallot
- Bacon
- Cheese
- Toasted Pecans
- Dried Cranberries
- Maple Dijon Vinaigrette (recipe below)
Shave or Slice – Anyway You Cut It
So if you watch the video (and I highly recommend you do!), I use a knife to thinly cut. If you’re not comfortable with that, you can use a mandoline. You want the slices to be about 1/4″ thick.
It’s Time To Grill
As I mentioned above, you don’t have to use a grill as you can use a stovetop but honestly, if you have a grill, definitely make it on that. You can’t replicate that ‘grill’ taste and flavor on the stovetop. And no, liquid smoke is not the answer.
- Preheat the Big Green Egg to 425-450F with a 10-10.5” cast iron pan on the grate.
- When hot, add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from the pan, leaving the bacon drippings.
- Add in the shallots and Brussels sprouts, stirring to coat & cook for 8-12 minutes or until softened and some parts are caramelized. Stir often to prevent sticking.
The Finishing Touches
Remove the pan from the grill and add in the cheese, giving it a good stir.
The cheese will melt into the salad – which is perfect!
The last step is to drizzle on the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette, give it a good stir then dig in!
Recipe Additions and Substitutions
I so love this part!
- Nuts – omit or go with slivered almonds, pistachios, or macadamia nuts
- Cheese – crumbled feta or goat cheese works
- Meat – try pancetta instead of bacon
- Veggies – add in raw bell peppers right before serving for a great textural and taste element
What To Serve With This Dish
Ultimate Ground Chicken Bacon Ranch Burger
Say hello to your new favorite burger! Ground bacon & seasonings are mixed with ground chicken to make this the ultimate grilled burger! Top with melted cheese, arugula, crispy bacon, and parmesan ranch for absolute deliciousness!
The Best Smoked Spatchcock Thanksgiving Turkey
One of the most tender, juiciest, flavorful turkeys you’ll ever eat! Spatchcock-style smoked Garlic herb butter-infused turkey meat smoked to perfection!
Instant Pot Mexican Pulled Chicken
Seriously the most tender pulled chicken in a blend of spices that is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a Flavor Fiesta perfect for your favorite Mexican night meal. Plus it’s so easy for meal prep and freezer meals!
Ultimate Grilled Brussels Sprouts Salad With Bacon Pecans and Cranberries
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Category: salad, grilled salad, side dish, thanksgiving side dish, christmas side dish, summer salad, warm salad
- Method: Grill or Stove top
- Cuisine: salad, grilled salad, side dish, thanksgiving side dish, christmas side dish, summer salad, warm salad
Our favorite holiday and summer salad! Shaved Brussels sprouts & shallots grilled in bacon drippings mixed with toasted pecans, and cranberries then drizzled with a maple dijon vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound shaved or finely sliced Brussels sprouts
- 1 large shallot, sliced
- 4 slices for thick cut bacon, cut up
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup freshly shredded Parmesan
Maple Dijon Vinaigrette
- 1/4-1/3 cup Maple Dijon Vinaigrette (recipe below)
Instructions
Make The Vinaigrette
- To prepare the vinaigrette, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon, and maple syrup.
- Drizzle in olive oil and whisk until combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside
Grill The Salad
- Preheat the Big Green Egg to 425-450F with a 10-10.5” cast iron pan on the grate.
- When hot, add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove from the pan, leaving the bacon drippings.
- Add in the shallots and Brussels sprouts, stirring to coat & cook for 8-12 minutes or until softened and some parts are caramelized. Stir often to prevent sticking.
Assemble The Salad
- Remove from the heat and add in the pecans, cranberries, & bacon. Stir to combine. Add the grated cheese, and stir to mix in.
- Drizzle over the vinaigrette and stir. Serve warm.
Keywords: Ultimate Grilled Brussels Sprouts Salad With Bacon Pecans and Cranberries, big green egg salad, maple dijon vinaigrette, grilled salad, warm salad, thanskgiving side dish, christmas side dish, summer salad, bacon and brussels sprouts salad
Absolutely the best way to eat sprouts! What a great idea.
Thank you so much Mary
Best Kitchen Wishes!
My family doesn’t love brussels sprouts, but I tried this anyway, and they actually liked it! So do I! Thanks so much.
★★★★★
That’s so awesome to hear Erin; thank you!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
I am so excited to make this recipe for Thanksgiving! Brussels sprouts are my absolute favorite, so I know that I will love this salad.
★★★★★
This salad is so good and many times I’ve made it a main dish by adding grilled chicken to it!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
I am blown away! This was the best way to eat brussels….ever. This salad will be going on my table for every holiday this season. Thanks!!
That’s so awesome to hear; thank you!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Oh my, such a lovely salad recipe! It looks amazingly delicious and very appealing too! Plus it’s a healthy meal that everybody will love and enjoy!
★★★★★
Thank you so much!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
We are big fans of warm salads, and addingvthat grilled flavor sounds fabulous. This is such a great side to any main, and would be a super healthy lunch dish for us! Thanks for sharing! ❤️
★★★★★
This is one of our absolute favorites! Thank you so much!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
OMG Lori this salad is incredible! I made this today and it’s every bit of delicious as you described! Seriously, we ate the entire thing! I sent my hubby to Costco to get more Brussels Sprouts so I can make it again tomorrow!
Everyone, make this salad! It’s absolutely perfect!
★★★★★
That is so awesome to hear! I love that you sent him out to get more! Thank you so much!
Best Kitchen Wishes!
Oh I already love this! Look at those greenies! I love delicious and healthy foods!
★★★★★
This recipe is on every holiday table of ours.
Best Kitchen Wishes!