Warm Crispy Bacon Brussel Sprout Salad

I know what you are thinking… brussel sprouts bleh. I used to think that too but, just give these a try and I promise you will change your mind (except my husband, he is a lost cause haha). In the recent years I have learned how to cook things in new and different ways to make them more enjoyable. I don’t think I had even tried brussel sprouts until a couple of years ago because everyone immediately turns their nose up to a simple sprout. Funny story, I used to be an Assistant Produce Manager at Hy-Vee (midwestern grocery store chain) and I told my friend at the time, now husband, to eat a raw brussel sprout never thinking that he would do it but he did! Now years later he tells me he only did it to impress me, I was impressed and a little grossed out. Now he won’t eat another brussel sprout again, guess I ruined that one, but I eat them all the time. I make this a lot for lunch because it is so filling and it keeps me full until dinner, even with an afternoon workout and chasing a crazy two-year old around. I have made them several different ways, because there are so many different options of things you can add to the salad (I call it a salad because it is green and crunchy just like lettuce).

Brussel sprouts if cooked the right way can actually be really delicious, I am certainly not talking about boiling them, and eating them that way. They can be great grilled, roasted in the oven, and shredded to be sauteed on the stove top. When I did my first Whole 30 days, I decided I was going to like brussel sprouts. I saw so many recipes and they always looked so good. Now, much to my husband’s dismay, I eat them all the time. I roast them ahead of time to add to a dinner or for a quick-lunch. But, I have to say my favorite way to have them is my warm and crispy bacon brussel sprout salad, it’s so easy to make, which is great for a quick lunch or dinner.

Before you turn up your nose, give the salad a try and let me know what you think!

Warm Crispy Bacon Brussel Sprout Salad:

Ingredients:

~ 4 cups Brussel Sprouts shredded

~ 3 slices of crumbled extra crispy bacon

~1/3 cup of feta crumbles

~ 1/3 cup of dried cranberries

~ 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette (My favorite is Tessemae’s its so flavorful and Whole 30 approved)

Instructions:

1.) In a medium skillet set to medium high heat cook the bacon until it is extra crispy. While the bacon is cooking shredded the brussels sprouts. I use just a knife and thinly slice but a lot of grocery stores now sell preshredded brussel’s that would work as well. I buy whatever is cheapest.