Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad for a Cozy Autumn Feast Recipe
This Pear Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad is a delightful blend of crisp Brussels sprouts, sweet pears, and savory bacon, accented by crunchy pecans and creamy Gorgonzola cheese. Perfect for a cozy autumn feast, this salad combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with a tangy maple-lemon dressing for a refreshing yet hearty dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 cups Brussels Sprouts (shredded thinly)
- 2 cups Pears (sliced, any variety)
- 6 strips Bacon (cooked crispy)
- 1 medium Shallots (minced)
- 1 cup Pecans (chopped)
- 4 ounces Gorgonzola Cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped, optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons Maple Syrup (adjust to taste)
- 4 tablespoons Olive Oil (or any neutral oil)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Shred Brussels Sprouts: Thinly shred the Brussels sprouts with a knife or food processor until they resemble delicate ribbons, then set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels to remove excess fat. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the sliced pears, crumbled bacon, minced shallots, and chopped pecans to the shredded Brussels sprouts in the mixing bowl. Gently toss these together to distribute evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all components with the dressing.
- Add Cheese and Parsley: Sprinkle the crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and optional chopped parsley over the salad, giving a light final toss to incorporate the cheese.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Shredding Brussels sprouts finely ensures a tender texture and better ingredient integration.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the dressing according to your preferred balance of sweetness.
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- For added crunch, consider toasting the pecans lightly before adding them.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Keywords: Brussels sprout salad, pear salad, bacon salad, autumn salad, Gorgonzola salad, pecan salad, maple dressing
