Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about gathering with family and friends, sharing laughter, and enjoying delicious food. One of my favorite dishes to whip up for these festive occasions is my Christmas Brussels Sprouts Salad. Seriously, it’s a showstopper! Imagine perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, their earthy flavor beautifully complemented by sweet pomegranate seeds and crunchy walnuts. It’s like a burst of holiday cheer on a plate! I remember the first time I made this salad for our annual family gathering; everyone raved about it, and it quickly became a staple on our holiday table. Trust me, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful balance of flavors that will have your guests asking for seconds. Let’s dive into how you can create this festive dish that will surely impress!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Christmas Brussels Sprouts Salad
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because roasting Brussels sprouts at a high temperature brings out their natural sweetness and helps them get that lovely caramelized exterior. Trust me, the difference is magical!
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Now, grab your trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts. In a large bowl, toss them with about 1/4 cup of olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and a few cracks of pepper. You want to make sure they’re nicely coated, so they roast evenly and soak up all that flavor. Don’t skimp on the olive oil—it really enhances the dish!
Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Spread your seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. This is key to getting that perfect roast! Pop them in the oven and let them roast for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re nice and tender with crispy edges. Oh, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking!
Combine Salad Ingredients
Once your Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, transfer them to a large bowl. Now it’s time to add the magic! Toss in the vibrant pomegranate seeds, crunchy walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese. The colors and textures are just stunning together!
Dress the Salad
Drizzle your salad with about 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. This adds a lovely tang that balances all the flavors beautifully. Gently toss everything together until well combined—be careful not to mush those delicate pomegranate seeds!
Serving Suggestions
This salad can be served immediately while it’s warm, or if you prefer a chilled dish, pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Either way, it’s going to be a hit at your holiday gathering. Enjoy every festive bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Appearance: The vibrant colors of the pomegranate seeds and the rich greens of the Brussels sprouts make this salad a true showstopper on your holiday table.
- Flavor Balance: The sweet crunch of pomegranate seeds combined with the nutty walnuts and creamy feta create a delightful balance that dances on your palate.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, this salad comes together quickly, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with nutrients, this salad not only tastes amazing but is also a guilt-free addition to your holiday spread.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize it! Add in some dried cranberries or apples for an extra twist that suits your taste.
- Great Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it a few hours in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Brussels Sprouts Salad turns out incredible every time, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can even sprinkle a little more salt over the salad just before serving for an extra flavor boost.
- Mix Up the Ingredients: If you want to get creative, try adding other festive ingredients like dried cranberries or diced apples for a touch of sweetness. You could also substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
- Experiment with Dressings: While balsamic vinegar is perfect for this salad, you can also try a citrus vinaigrette or a honey mustard dressing if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember to keep the balance of flavors in mind!
- Roast Extra Brussels Sprouts: If you have leftovers, roast a bit more and enjoy them as a side dish the next day. They’re just as delicious on their own!
- Chill for Flavor: If you have time, let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making every bite even more delightful.
- Fresh is Best: For optimal freshness, try to prepare your salad right before serving. If you need to make it ahead, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to avoid soggy sprouts.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one serving of my Christmas Brussels Sprouts Salad. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 10mg
This salad is not only delicious but also a nutritious option to include in your holiday spread, bringing good flavor and health to the table!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Christmas Brussels Sprouts Salad in advance?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a few hours ahead of time, but I recommend keeping the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, your Brussels sprouts stay crisp and fresh!
What if I don’t have pomegranate seeds?
No worries! If you can’t find pomegranate seeds, you can substitute them with dried cranberries or even diced apples for a sweet touch. Both options will still add that festive flair!
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are best for this recipe, you can use frozen if that’s all you have. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid excess moisture.
How spicy is this salad?
This Christmas Brussels Sprouts Salad is not spicy at all! It’s more about the balance of sweet, nutty, and creamy flavors. If you want a bit of a kick, you could add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within 2 days. Just remember, the longer they sit, the softer the Brussels sprouts will become.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! This Christmas Brussels Sprouts Salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for a variety of dietary needs. Just check your feta cheese label to confirm it’s gluten-free.
For more information on the health benefits of Brussels sprouts, check out this Healthline article.
Print
Christmas Brussels Sprouts Salad: 7 Festive Flavor Combos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive salad featuring Brussels sprouts, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and feta cheese.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss gently.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of feta cheese according to your taste.
- You can add other ingredients like cranberries or apples for more flavor.
- Best served fresh but can be made a few hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Christmas Brussels Sprouts Salad, holiday salad, festive salad, Brussels sprouts recipe