Looking for a delicious and easy salad recipe to impress your guests or enjoy on a cozy night in? This Italian Brussels Sprouts Salad is the perfect combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main course, making it a must-try recipe for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Great Flavors: The Italian dressing paired with the fresh Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, salami, and cheeses creates a burst of savory and tangy flavors in every bite.
- Quick Prep Time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this salad in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep or bringing to work for a satisfying and healthy lunch.
Ingredient Notes:
Italian Dressing:
- Olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar or honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper come together to create a flavorful dressing.
Salad: - Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, Genoa salami, cherry tomatoes, olives, pepperoncinis, red onion, provolone cheese, and parmesan cheese add crunch, protein, and a variety of textures to the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar or honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to make the Italian dressing.
- Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts and combine them in a large bowl with chickpeas, salami, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncinis, red onion, provolone cheese, and parmesan cheese.
- Pour the Italian dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Helpful Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, omit the salami and add more vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers.
- To make this salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.
- Customize the salad by adding your favorite toppings like roasted nuts, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Massaging the Brussels sprouts with a bit of olive oil and salt before slicing them can help tenderize the leaves and enhance their flavor.
- Using high-quality cheeses like aged provolone and Parmigiano-Reggiano will elevate the taste of the salad.
- Letting the salad sit in the fridge for a few hours before serving will allow the flavors to develop even more.
Serving Suggestions:
This Italian Brussels Sprouts Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, seafood, or a crusty baguette. Serve it alongside a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the salad’s freshness, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. When ready to enjoy, give the salad a quick toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Can I use a different type of cheese in this salad? Feel free to swap out the provolone and parmesan for your favorite cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese.
- How can I make this salad more filling? Adding protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or tofu can make this salad a more substantial meal option.
Conclusion:
This Italian Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out for you. Enjoy!
Italian Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe is a flavorful and hearty dish perfect for a light lunch or side dish. The combination of Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, salami, and a variety of cheeses creates a satisfying and delicious salad.
Ingredients
Italian Dressing
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar or honey, depending on sweetness preference
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Salad
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and outer leaves removed
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 4–6 oz thinly sliced Genoa salami, cut in half or julienned
- 1 ½ cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup pitted sliced kalamata or sliced black olives
- ¼ cup sliced pepperoncinis
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup cubed provolone cheese
- ¼ cup shaved or shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Italian Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar or honey, garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Prepare Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, salami, tomatoes, olives, pepperoncinis, red onion, provolone cheese, and parmesan cheese.
- Assemble Salad: Pour the prepared Italian dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the salami and add more vegetables or a meat alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
