As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of roasting Brussels sprouts filled the air, instantly transporting me to cozy autumn evenings. This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is a delightful twist on a classic, transforming humble veggies into a vibrant side dish that even the pickiest eaters will love. Not only is it packed with textures—from the crispy roasted sprouts to crunchy croutons—but it’s also a healthy choice that won’t leave you longing for a greasy takeout. With its creamy tahini dressing and the option to swap in an egg yolk for a traditional Caesar twist, this salad is truly versatile and can fit into any meal. Want to impress your guests or simply elevate your weeknight dinners? Let’s dive into this recipe together!

Why is this salad a must-try?

Flavorful Transformation: The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts and creamy tahini dressing will make you rethink vegetables forever!

Ultimate Versatility: Easily switch to an egg yolk for a traditional Caesar touch or keep it plant-based—your choice!

Crunchy Croutons: Homemade croutons bring an irresistible crunch to each bite. If you’re looking for more great salad ideas, check out our tasty Corn Salad Zesty.

Nutritious Delight: With fresh ingredients, this salad offers a health boost, perfect for satisfying those healthy eating goals.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even picky eaters will devour this dish—it’s that good! If you’re in the mood for more refreshing sides, try our delightful Peach Feta Salad.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Ingredients

• If you’re looking to create this vibrant salad, here’s what you’ll need!

For the Salad

Brussels sprouts – These are the star of the dish; trim and halve them for even roasting.
Extra-virgin olive oil – This adds richness and helps achieve that perfect roast.
Kosher salt and black pepper – Essential for enhancing the flavor of the veggies.
Whole-wheat bread – Use this for croutons; opt for gluten-free bread for a gluten-free option.
Roasted sunflower seeds – They add a delightful crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

For the Dressing

Anchovy fillets – They provide a deep umami flavor; can be swapped for anchovy paste if preferred.
Garlic – Offers aromatic intensity that complements the other flavors.
Tahini – This acts as a creamy base for the dressing; feel free to substitute with an egg yolk for a traditional Caesar flavor.
Fresh lemon juice – Adds the acidity and brightness that balances the creaminess of the dressing.
Dijon mustard – Contributes a tangy kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
Parmesan cheese – Gives a sharp and salty flavor; skip it for a vegan twist.

Enjoy making your Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad and delight in its unique flavors!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to a roaring 500°F (260°C). This high temperature is essential for achieving the crispy exterior of your Brussels sprouts. As the oven heats, you’ll create the ideal environment for roasting that adds a deliciously caramelized flavor to the veggies.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
While the oven reaches its peak, trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. In a large mixing bowl, toss the prepared sprouts with a generous drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This step ensures the sprouts are evenly coated for optimal roasting.

Step 3: Roast with Cover
Transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts onto a baking sheet, arranging them cut-side down for a perfect roast. To maximize their tenderness, cover the baking sheet tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the hot oven. Roast them for 15 minutes to allow steam to infuse into the sprouts.

Step 4: Uncover and Brown
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the foil to unveil your sprouts. Return them to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes, allowing them to roast until they become deeply browned and crispy on the outside. Check for a golden hue, which indicates their delicious doneness, and set aside.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Dressing
While the Brussels sprouts roast, it’s time to whip up the dressing. In a bowl, mash together the anchovy fillets and minced garlic with a pinch of salt until you have a smooth paste. Then, whisk in tahini, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a splash of extra-virgin olive oil. This creamy dressing will elevate your Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad.

Step 6: Toss It All Together
Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, combine them in a large serving bowl with your desired amount of whole-wheat croutons. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and gently toss until everything is thoroughly coated. The warm sprouts will absorb the flavors beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
To finish your Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad, sprinkle roasted sunflower seeds atop, adding a delightful crunch. If desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for added freshness. Serve immediately to savor the crispy texture and vibrant flavors of this wholesome dish.

What to Serve with Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Imagine a table adorned with vibrant delights that perfectly complement each bite of crispy, roasted goodness.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These velvety potatoes enhance the meal with their rich texture, creating a comforting contrast to the salad’s crunch.
Grilled Salmon: The light, flakey fish adds a burst of flavor and pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing, making your meal feel gourmet.
Crispy Baked Chicken: Juicy chicken with a crispy skin provides a savory pairing, enhancing the robust texture of the Brussels sprouts.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty and warm, quinoa pilaf brings even more texture to the table while adding protein for a wholesome meal.
Garlic Bread: Slices of toasted garlic bread are perfect for soaking up any extra dressing, making every bite a delectable experience.
Warm Ciabatta Rolls: Soft and chewy, these rolls are delightful for mopping up leftover dressing, creating a satisfying finish to the meal.
Classic Lemonade: A refreshing glass of lemonade brightens the palate and adds a sweet and tangy note, balancing the salad’s flavors.
Spiced Apple Crisp: For a comforting dessert, spiced apple crisp offers a warm contrast to the savory salad, sealing the meal with sweet satisfaction.
Pineapple Ginger Mocktail: This zesty mocktail adds a tropical twist, perfectly complementing the creamy richness of the salad while refreshing your taste buds.

Expert Tips for Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Avoid Frozen Sprouts: Using fresh Brussels sprouts is key; frozen varieties can turn mushy and detract from the salad’s texture.

High Heat is Essential: Roasting at 500°F not only crisps the sprouts but also enhances their natural sweetness. Don’t skimp on the temperature!

Cut Size Matters: Make sure to trim and halve Brussels sprouts evenly to ensure they roast uniformly. This will prevent some from being overcooked while others are underdone.

Toss Once for Coating: When combining the roasted sprouts with the creamy dressing, toss gently to prevent bruising; this keeps the texture delightful in your Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad.

Customization is Key: Feel free to swap tahini for an egg yolk if you prefer a traditional Caesar dressing. Experiment with your dressing to find your perfect balance!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Variations

Get ready to explore endless possibilities with this delightful salad, making it even more personal to your taste!

Dairy-Free: Omit Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative to make this salad completely dairy-free while preserving the indulgent taste.
Gluten-Free: Swap whole-wheat bread for gluten-free bread to create croutons without sacrificing crunch. This way, everyone can enjoy it!
Egg Yolk Twist: Use an egg yolk instead of tahini for a classic Caesar dressing that’s rich and creamy—perfect for those who enjoy tradition.
Vinegar Swap: Replace lemon juice with a splash of white wine or apple cider vinegar for a different zing that opens up new flavor avenues.
Nutty Add-In: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. They complement the roasted sprouts wonderfully!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle heat that warms every bite. It’s a simple way to spice things up!
Herb Infusion: Include fresh herbs like basil or parsley in your dressing for a burst of freshness that brightens the entire dish.
Cheese Options: Try different cheeses, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique twist that adds its own character to your Caesar salad.

If you’re interested in more vibrant salads, give our Street Corn Salad or Greek Potato Salad a try! Each offers its own distinct flavor profile while keeping your meals exciting and fresh.

Make Ahead Options

Preparing your Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad ahead of time is a fantastic way to save on busy weeknights! You can roast the Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain their delicious crispness. The tahini dressing can also be made ahead; just store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the chilled roasted sprouts with the dressing and croutons, adding some sunflower seeds for crunch right before serving. This method ensures you’ll have a vibrant and tasty salad ready to enjoy, making meal prep a breeze!

How to Store and Freeze Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Airtight Container: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. This helps maintain the freshness of the Brussels sprouts and prevents sogginess.

Crunchy Toppings: Keep crunchy toppings like croutons and sunflower seeds separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their texture.

Freezer Tips: While freezing isn’t recommended for the salad itself, you can freeze individual components like croutons for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven before serving.

Reheating: If you’ve assembled the salad earlier, gently reheat the Brussels sprouts in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes before tossing with dressing again in your Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe FAQs

What’s the best way to select Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green without dark spots or yellowing. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender than their larger counterparts. When you cut into them, they should be crisp, not mushy.

How long can I store the roasted Brussels sprouts salad?
You can store your Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, I recommend keeping the fresh croutons and sunflower seeds separate until ready to serve to maintain their delightful crunch.

Can I freeze the salad or its ingredients?
While freezing the assembled salad isn’t recommended since it compromises texture and flavor, you can freeze the homemade croutons. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to revive that crunch!

What if my dressing is too thick?
If your tahini dressing turns out thicker than you’d like, simply whisk in a little water or additional lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency. This will also enhance the brightness of the flavor.

Are there any dietary considerations I should know about?
Definitely! This recipe can easily be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese. If you’re serving to someone with a fish allergy, simply skip the anchovies and use a dash of soy sauce or nutritional yeast for umami flavor instead.