Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delightful combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. Crisp brussels sprouts and fresh apple slices are paired with savory bacon and creamy feta, all brought together by a zesty honey dressing with a hint of heat.

Ingredients

• Dressing:
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Salad:
• 16 ounces brussels sprouts, ends trimmed
• 1 small apple
• 4 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ¼ cup feta cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside to allow the red pepper flakes to rehydrate and infuse the dressing with flavor.
2. Step 2: Thinly slice the brussels sprouts and apple, then add them to a large bowl along with the cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced almonds, and feta cheese.
3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Step 4: Chill the salad until ready to serve. Just before serving, toss the salad again to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the almonds lightly before adding them to the salad.
• Substitute bacon with smoked turkey or omit for a vegetarian option; add extra almonds or pumpkin seeds for protein.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness with smoky notes.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes from the dressing.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it longer to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. When ready to eat, toss the salad again to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. To maintain freshness and texture, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving.

What type of apple works best for this salad?

Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to complement the sweetness of the honey and balance the flavors of the salad.

Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

This Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and crisp apple with savory bacon, crunchy almonds, and creamy feta cheese. Tossed in a tangy and slightly spicy honey mustard dressing, it offers a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and heat for a refreshing salad that’s great for any season.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Salad

• 16 ounces Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed
• 1 small apple
• 4 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• ¼ cup feta cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly and set aside to allow the red pepper flakes to infuse flavor into the dressing.
2. Slice the salad ingredients: Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts and the small apple. Collect them in a large mixing bowl along with the cooked and crumbled bacon, sliced almonds, and feta cheese.
3. Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad until ready to serve. Before serving, toss the salad one more time to redistribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom of the bowl, enhancing flavor throughout.

Notes

• This salad is best served chilled, which also helps the flavors meld together.
• You can substitute bacon with a vegetarian-friendly alternative to suit dietary preferences.
• For extra crunch, toast the sliced almonds lightly before adding.
• Use a crisp apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and acidity.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.

Keywords: Brussels sprouts salad, hot honey salad, bacon salad, healthy salad, spring salad, easy salad recipe