Ah, the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad – it’s a dish that takes me back to my Nonna’s kitchen in the heart of Italy. I can still smell the aroma of the sautéed garlic and the tangy balsamic dressing wafting through the air. It was a staple in our family, and every time I make this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad, it’s like I’m transported back to those cozy Sunday dinners, surrounded by loved ones and the comfort of home.
Growing up, my Nonna would spend hours meticulously prepping the Brussels sprouts, chopping them to the perfect bite-size pieces. She’d toss them with a rainbow of fresh veggies, like juicy tomatoes, crisp red onions, and fragrant basil. The dressing was a simple yet divine combination of fruity olive oil, tangy balsamic, and a touch of Dijon mustard. It was the perfect balance of flavors, and I always went back for seconds (or thirds!).
Nonna would laugh and say, “Mangia, mangia!” as she’d heap more of the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad onto my plate. And you know what? I never got tired of it. It was a dish that brought our family together, a way to celebrate the simple pleasures in life and connect over a shared love of good food.
Why This Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
When it comes to the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad, the secret lies in the details. It’s not just about tossing a few ingredients together – it’s about creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more. The key is in the chopping technique, the freshness of the ingredients, and the perfect blend of the dressing.
I’ll let you in on a little trick my Nonna taught me: the key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture is to chop the Brussels sprouts into bite-sized pieces, almost shredding them. This way, they absorb all the delicious flavors of the dressing and pair perfectly with the other veggies. And trust me, the homemade balsamic vinaigrette is what really takes this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad, you’ll need:
– Fresh Brussels sprouts: The star of the show! Make sure to choose firm, vibrant sprouts.
– Cherry tomatoes: These add a pop of juicy sweetness to the salad.
– Red onion: For a crisp, pungent flavor that balances the other ingredients.
– Fresh basil: Fragrant, aromatic, and the perfect complement to the Italian flavors.
– Olive oil: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the dressing.
– Balsamic vinegar: The tangy, slightly sweet vinegar ties everything together.
– Dijon mustard: This emulsifies the dressing and adds a subtle creaminess.
– Salt and pepper: To season the salad to perfection.
Step-by-Step Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
This Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is a breeze to put together, with a total prep and cooking time of just 30 minutes. You’ll need a sharp knife, a large mixing bowl, and a small bowl for the dressing. Let’s get started!
1- Start by thoroughly washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts. Slice them in half, then thinly slice them crosswise to create a shredded, chopped texture.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped Brussels sprouts, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss gently to mix.
3- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4- Pour the dressing over the chopped salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. You want the dressing to lightly dress the salad, not drown it.
5- Tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top of the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad.
6- Give the salad one final toss, then transfer it to a serving bowl or plate. Enjoy this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad at room temperature or chilled.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is a hit every time, here are a few pro tips:
– Slice the Brussels sprouts as thin as possible for the best texture. You want them to be bite-sized and easy to eat.
– Use a sharp knife or a food processor with a slicing blade to get the Brussels sprouts uniformly chopped.
– Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes after tossing with the dressing to allow the flavors to meld.
– Feel free to add other veggies, like diced cucumber or shredded carrots, for extra crunch and color.
– Adjust the amount of dressing to your personal preference. Some people like their salads more heavily dressed.
Serving and Storing Your Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
Perfect Pairings for Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
This Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is the perfect side dish for a variety of main courses. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or even roasted pork tenderloin. The fresh, vibrant flavors also make it a great accompaniment to hearty pastas or crusty bread.
For a light and refreshing meal, serve the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad alongside a crisp glass of white wine or a tangy balsamic vinaigrette-dressed salad. It’s also a fantastic option for al fresco dining, picnics, or potlucks – the portability and bold flavors make it a crowd-pleasing choice.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is that it holds up incredibly well in the fridge. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and it will still taste fresh and delicious.
To store, simply place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle toss to re-incorporate the dressing. The Brussels sprouts will stay crisp and the flavors will continue to meld.
If you’re meal prepping, you can even pack individual servings of the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad for easy grab-and-go lunches or side dishes throughout the week. Just be sure to store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before serving.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
Creative Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad Variations
While the classic Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is a real crowd-pleaser, there are so many ways to switch it up and make it your own. Try adding toasted nuts, like sliced almonds or pine nuts, for a delightful crunch. Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan cheese also make fantastic additions.
For a heartier meal, you can toss in some cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled chicken. And in the fall, swap out the cherry tomatoes for diced apples or pears for a seasonal twist.
Making Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad Diet-Friendly
This Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for other dietary needs. For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese (if using) and swap the honey in the dressing for maple syrup or agave.
To make it keto-friendly, reduce the amount of balsamic vinegar in the dressing and add a bit more olive oil. You can also try swapping the Brussels sprouts for shredded kale or spinach for a low-carb option.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delicious and versatile dish that’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
A: While fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before chopping and adding to the salad.
Q: How long does the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad keep?
A: This salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The Brussels sprouts may soften slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The dressing can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored separately from the salad. Just give it a quick whisk before tossing it with the chopped veggies.
Q: How do I scale this recipe up or down?
A: This recipe is very flexible and easy to scale. For a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredient amounts. For a smaller portion, cut the quantities in half. The ratios of the dressing ingredients can also be adjusted to taste.
Q: My Brussels sprouts are still a bit tough. What can I do?
A: If the Brussels sprouts aren’t as tender as you’d like, try blanching them briefly in boiling water for 1-2 minutes before shocking them in an ice bath. This will help soften them up without overcooking.
Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Total Time: 20
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delightful and nutritious meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors. Crisp Brussels sprouts, tangy Italian dressing, and crunchy toppings make this salad a satisfying and wholesome choice.
Ingredients
– 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup sliced red onion
– 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red onion, and toasted pine nuts.
2. – In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
3. – Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.
4. – Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing can be prepared separately and added just before serving to keep the Brussels sprouts crisp.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Healthy Meals
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad. It’s a dish that reminds me of my childhood, of those Sunday dinners with my Nonna where we’d gather around the table and savor every bite. And now, I’m excited for you to experience the joy of this recipe for yourself.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a new family favorite. I promise, once you taste the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe arsenal. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it, too. I can’t wait to hear all about how you enjoyed this delicious dish. Buon appetito!
