Name: Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups torn sourdough bread; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons tahini; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped capers; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1-1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 2 scallions, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 23 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a salad that’s fresh, bold, and downright addictive, this Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe will become your new favorite go-to. It takes the classic Caesar salad up a notch by swapping in crisp, shredded Brussels sprouts, offering a wonderful crunch and subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy tahini-based dressing. Tossed with garlicky croutons, capers for a briny kick, and plenty of Parmesan cheese, this salad manages to be both hearty and refreshing, making it an ideal side or even a light main dish. Trust me, once you try this Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a flat lay of various raw ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Starting from the top left, there is a clear glass bowl filled with fresh, green Brussels sprouts, each with a tightly packed leaf texture. To the right, a whole yellow lemon with a slightly rough peel texture sits next to a small white bowl containing coarse salt and black pepper. Below the lemon is a transparent glass cup holding golden olive oil with a smooth surface. Moving downwards, a small white bowl contains light beige tahini sauce with a creamy texture. Near it, fresh green herbs including flat parsley and spring onions with long green stems rest on the surface. At the bottom left corner, a white bowl is filled with light brown toasted bread cubes that have a crunchy, rough texture. Finally, a smaller white bowl at the bottom center holds shredded pale yellow cheese with soft strands. The arrangement is clean, and the image is taken with an iPhone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role—from the crunchy croutons to the creamy dressing and the star of the show, the Brussels sprouts. These simple ingredients come together to create a salad that’s robust, bright, and bursting with texture.

1-½ cups torn sourdough bread: Sturdy and flavorful, perfect for making those crisp homemade croutons.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness when toasting the croutons, enhancing their golden crunch.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the flavors and draws out the natural sweetness of the sprouts and bread.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
Juice of 1 lemon: Brings bright acidity to the dressing, cutting through the richness.
2 tablespoons tahini: Gives the dressing its creamy, nutty foundation without any mayo.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and depth to the dressing.
2 garlic cloves, minced: The classic garlicky punch that Caesar dressings are known for.
1 tablespoon chopped capers: Imparts a briny pop that complements the richness perfectly.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Smooths out and emulsifies the dressing for a luscious finish.
1-½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded: The vibrant, crunchy heart of the salad, shredded thin for the best texture.
¼ cup chopped parsley: Adds freshness and a lovely green color burst.
2 scallions, thinly sliced: Offers a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
⅓ cup grated Parmesan (plus more for serving): The signature cheesy, salty component that makes this salad truly irresistible.

How to Make Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Croutons

First things first, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss those torn pieces of sourdough bread with a tablespoon of olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper right on a baking sheet. Spread them out evenly so every piece crisps up beautifully. Pop them into the oven and toast until they turn a gorgeous golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. Don’t forget to flip the croutons halfway through to ensure they crisp all around. Freshly toasted croutons bring an unbeatable nutty crunch that anchors the salad perfectly.

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

While the croutons toast away, focus on the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, creamy tahini, tangy Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped capers, kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil until everything blends into a smooth, creamy emulsion. This dressing packs acidity, saltiness, and a hint of nuttiness that lifts the humble Brussels sprouts onto a whole new level of flavor.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Grab a large bowl and combine your shredded Brussels sprouts, fresh parsley, sliced scallions, and grated Parmesan. Add the toasted croutons for that crucial crunch. Finally, drizzle the luscious dressing over the salad and toss everything together until every shredded sprout is coated with that flavorful, creamy goodness. Don’t be shy about sprinkling a little extra Parmesan right before serving—that touch makes all the difference.

How to Serve Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe

The image shows two clear glass bowls on a white marbled surface. The first bowl contains a smooth, light yellow sauce with small black specks, and a silver spoon resting inside. The second bowl holds a mix of finely chopped green vegetables with pieces of crumbled brown bread on top, and a silver spoon partly buried in the mix. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the salad’s look and taste, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese generously on top just before serving. For a bright pop of color and herbal freshness, add a few whole parsley leaves or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil. If you like a little heat, finely chopped chili flakes can add a playful kick as well.

Side Dishes

This Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe pairs incredibly well with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or your favorite roasted vegetables. It also makes a delightful companion to a hearty grain bowl or alongside comforting pasta dishes. The balance of crunchy, creamy, and tangy flavors makes it versatile enough to complement a variety of mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve the salad in individual mason jars or elegant glass bowls to let the vibrant greens and golden croutons shine. You can also use a large rustic wooden bowl for a cozy family-style feel. For a low-carb twist, pile the salad atop grilled polenta slices or crispy baked tofu to transform it into a light entree.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from the Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe, store the salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh. The salad itself can stay in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the croutons separate to retain their crispness or add fresh ones when serving again.

Freezing

Since this salad relies on fresh, crisp Brussels sprouts and crunchy croutons, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor of the salad components would not hold up well after being frozen and thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best served fresh or cold, so reheating is not necessary. If you’d like warmer elements, gently reheat any leftover roasted veggies or proteins you’re pairing it with separately, then toss with the room-temperature salad.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this salad?

It’s best to use fresh Brussels sprouts for this salad to achieve the ideal crunchy texture and vibrant flavor. Frozen sprouts can be watery and mushy once thawed, which won’t give you the same delightful result.

Is tahini essential in the dressing?

Yes, tahini is a key ingredient that adds creamy richness and a subtle nutty flavor to the dressing, differentiating this take on Caesar salad from the traditional version. You can’t really substitute it without changing the unique taste.

How thinly should I shred the Brussels sprouts?

Shredding them very thinly, almost like a slaw, works best to maximize tenderness and ensure the dressing coats every bite. A sharp knife or a food processor fitted with a shredding attachment works perfectly here.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with vegan Parmesan alternatives or nutritional yeast for that cheesy umami flavor, and ensure your bread for croutons is vegan-friendly.

What is the best way to store the dressing?

You can store any leftover dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using again.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe—its crunch, tang, and creamy dressing combine to make a salad that’s far from ordinary. Whether you’re looking to surprise your family or bring something fresh to your dinner table, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and watch this tasty, vibrant salad become a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need