Warm Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad
Give your salad routine a modern upgrade with this warm Caesar featuring shaved Brussels sprouts instead of romaine. Gently sautéed and tossed with a rich, garlic-anchovy dressing, toasted croutons, and plenty of Parmesan cheese, the sprouts offer a wonderful nutty crunch. It is a hearty, flavorful salad that is perfect as a starter or side dish.
Serves: 6 to 8 | Total Time: 30 minutes till it's ready
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 24 Brussels sprouts, outer leaves removed, stemmed, and shaved, about 4 cups (you can shave the sprouts using a mandolin, food processor or just buy them already shaved in a bag!)
Dressing Base
- 3 to 4 anchovies packed in oil (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
- 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced, about 1 tablespoon
- Juice of 1 lemon, about 3 tablespoons
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
Oil and Seasoning
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
Breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 slices bread, processed into crumbs
Salad
Instructions
Make the dressing
- Blanch or steam the shaved Brussels sprouts until they are softened. In a small bowl, whisk together the anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and garlic to make a paste. You can do this using a mortar and pestle or in a blender or mini food processor if you prefer a very smooth dressing.
- Stir in the lemon juice and vinegar. Slowly whisk (or blend) in the olive oil. Taste and season with some of the salt and pepper.
- Set the dressing aside.
Toast the breadcrumbs
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Spread the bread crumbs into the skillet.
- Toast the crumbs until they are golden, stirring them around to make sure they don't burn, for about 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape the toasted breadcrumbs into a bowl and set aside.
Warm the sprouts and assemble
- In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to the pan and toss several times to warm through. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour enough dressing over the sprouts to just wet the leaves.
- Sprinkle the toasted bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese into the pan.
- Toss all the ingredients together. If the salad is too dry, add additional dressing.
- Mound a handful of the salad onto a small plate.
- Sprinkle with coarse black pepper. Lay an anchovy or two atop the salad for garnish.
You can blanch Brussels sprouts (and any hard veggie) in a microwave oven or in boiling water. After you cook them to the crisp-tender stage, place the sprouts into cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain and thoroughly dry the tender leaves using either a salad spinner or by using clean dry dish towels or paper toweling. You can do this hours in advance of preparing the salad. Place dry leaves in the refrigerator to store and bring to room temperature when ready to use.
The full recipe lives in the Vault
Ingredients, step-by-step method, and every chef-tested detail are reserved for members of the Estate Registry.
Join the Estate RegistryThe Heart of the Table
This warm, savory salad brings a cozy, comforting energy to the start of the meal, filling the room with the inviting scent of toasted garlic and Parmesan. Plated family-style, it invites everyone to dig in and enjoy a modern, delicious twist on a classic favorite.
The Art of the Host
- a heavy-gauge tri-ply stainless steel shallow sauté pan
- a pair of professional-grade stainless steel locking kitchen tongs
- a pair of hand-carved olivewood serving tongs with a polished finish
- a heavy-duty die-cast aluminum lemon squeezer with an enamel finish
- a set of heavy-gauge, satin-finished stainless steel mixing bowls
- a flexible stainless steel slotted turner with a walnut handle
Neighborly Grace
- THE PRESENTATION: Present the warm salad on a large, shallow ceramic bowl, tossing the shaved sprouts with the dressing and croutons. Top with a generous shaving of fresh Parmesan cheese and a few whole anchovy fillets for a classic Caesar look.
- THE POUR: Pair the rich, garlicky flavors of this salad with a crisp, high-acidity Sauvignon Blanc served at 48°F. For a non-alcoholic option, offer a chilled sparkling water with a splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprig of rosemary.
- THE VIBE: Evening Dining Room. gentle illumination and the rich aroma of roasted garlic set a cozy, inviting mood for dinner.