Oh my gosh, I have to tell you about this Brussels Sprouts Caesar I just whipped up! The very first bite was everything I wanted and more—imagine that perfect combo of nutty roasted Brussels sprouts with the tangy, creamy Caesar dressing hugging every leaf. It’s like that wickedly good crunch from the sprouts meets the salty, savory punch of a classic Caesar, but way fresher and way more fun.
This Brussels Sprouts Caesar hit my flavor receptors like a savory-sweet umami bomb. The charred bits from roasting gave it this smoky richness, while the Caesar dressing added that familiar punch of garlic, anchovy (hello, umami), and a little zing from lemon. What made it unforgettable was how balanced it felt—not too heavy but outrageously satisfying. I ended up craving it on repeat.
I originally saw a drool-worthy Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad pop up on social media that made me pause everything. It looked vibrant and packed with flavor—bright greens tossed with golden roasted Brussels sprouts, then coated in a velvety Caesar dressing. I knew I’d have to make my own Brussels Sprouts Caesar version at home. The best part? This recipe nailed it without feeling like a heavy, meat-laden salad. It’s a healthy Caesar salad upgrade that’s perfect for any time you want something filling but fresh.
If you are into veggie-forward dishes but don’t want to sacrifice that indulgent Caesar dressing vibe, this Brussels Sprouts Caesar is a total must-try. I’m buzzing just thinking about the crispy sprouts and that rich dressing combo that brings it all together. Fellow foodies, trust me—you have to give this Brussels Sprouts Caesar a spot in your dinner lineup this week. You won’t regret it, promise!
Before we dive into the flavorful weeds, if you want more silky good vibes, check out this Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad recipe from the New York Times – it inspired me big time! And for a twist on cozy warm salads, here’s a Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad that’s insanely good for chilly nights. I also love how Stephanie’s Dish crafts a Roasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad loaded with crunch and flavor.
What You Need
Here’s the lineup of ingredients that make this Brussels Sprouts Caesar absolutely crave-worthy! Grab these from your local market, and I promise this salad will sing.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (for that perfect roast and crunch)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (splurge on good quality extra virgin for a richer flavor)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (balances the natural bitterness of the sprouts)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Caesar dressing (homemade or your fave store-bought one—this Brussels Sprouts Caesar gets even better when you use a dressing with anchovies for that authentic punch)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated, please! It melts into the salad like a dream)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (a bright zing to lift the whole Brussels Sprouts Caesar experience)
- ½ cup crunchy croutons (optional, but come on, they make the Brussels sprouts salad pop!)
Pro tip: If you want to keep this Brussels Sprouts Caesar vegetarian, just use a vegetarian Caesar dressing or swap anchovy-based dressings for caper paste or miso for that umami kick without fish.
Shopping tip: Grab your extra virgin olive oil and fresh Parmesan from the international aisle or your favorite specialty store. It really makes a difference.
Prep shortcut: Trim the sprouts ahead, toss them in oil and seasonings, and keep them refrigerated for up to a day before roasting. It saves time without losing any flavor.
Storage heads-up: Keep your Brussels sprouts fresh in the fridge for up to a week—wash just before using to avoid sogginess.
I personally go heavy on the lemon juice in my Brussels Sprouts Caesar because that acidity makes the salad vibrant and wakes up each bite! You can always adjust to your taste.
This ingredient list is the secret sauce that turns this Brussels Sprouts Caesar into a showstopping salad that feels both healthy and indulgent.
How to Make It
This is where the magic happens with your Brussels Sprouts Caesar. Follow me because it’s about to be glorious.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roasting is the secret to getting those Brussels sprouts golden and gorgeous, which I just adore for this Brussels Sprouts Caesar.
- Prep the Brussels sprouts by tossing them in olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every piece glistens with oil—that’s going to yield the crunch and caramelized edges your Brussels Sprouts Caesar thrives on.
- Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd! Space gives them room to roast instead of steam, so your Brussels Sprouts Caesar has those irresistible crispy bits.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to char just right, smelling nutty and faintly sweet. Trust me, the smell of this Brussels Sprouts Caesar roasting will have everyone in the house craving it.
- While the sprouts roast, whisk together your Caesar dressing and lemon juice if you’re making it fresh. This jazzes up the dressing and adds zesty brightness to your Brussels Sprouts Caesar.
- Toss your roasted Brussels sprouts into a large bowl, then pour the Caesar dressing over them while still warm. The heat helps the dressing soak in without sogginess, creating lush layers of flavor.
- Sprinkle fresh Parmesan and croutons over the top for that final crunch and salty hit.
Bonus pro tip: Wanna take this Brussels Sprouts Caesar further? Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or swap croutons for roasted chickpeas for an extra crunchy twist.
In my cooking adventures, this Brussels Sprouts Caesar always comes together in a flash—like under 40 minutes total—and it’s reliably drool-worthy every time I make it. No fuss, big flavor wins.
Serving This Up
I’m obsessed with how versatile this Brussels Sprouts Caesar is when it comes to serving. Here are a few of my go-to ways to enjoy and share it:
- As a standalone lunch: The roasted Brussels sprouts salad is hearty enough on its own but feels light and fresh thanks to the Caesar dressing. Perfect for those midday flavor cravings.
- Sidekick to grilled chicken or salmon: This Brussels Sprouts Caesar pairs like a dream with anything grilled, adding a crisp, tangy contrast.
- At parties or potlucks: Serve your Brussels Sprouts Caesar in a rustic bowl with extra croutons on the side. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that mysteriously gets devoured fast.
- For leftovers: Toss the Brussels sprouts into grain bowls or serve with roasted sweet potatoes and a drizzle of extra Caesar dressing for a healthy Caesar salad remix.
Seasonal twist: In colder months, add crispy bacon bits or roasted pumpkin seeds to your Brussels Sprouts Caesar for cozy, earthy flavors.
If you want your greens to shine visually, throw in some shaved radishes or fresh herbs before serving. Your Brussels Sprouts Caesar will look surprise-stunning for the ‘gram!
This Brussels Sprouts Caesar usually earns rave reviews from my friends, especially those who thought Brussels sprouts were too bitter or boring before. It’s that game-changing recipe everyone asks for again.
By the way, here’s another drool-worthy dish you’ve got to try: the Easy Cheese Quesadilla Delight for a quick cheesy snack after this veggie feast, and if you’re in smoothie mode, the Pineapple Coconut Smoothie Refreshing Tropical Drink keeps things bright and tropical.
Your Questions Answered
Alright, fellow foodies, I’m answering the most asked questions about Brussels Sprouts Caesar to make sure you nail it every single time.
- Q1: How do I make this Brussels Sprouts Caesar extra flavorful?
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Don’t skip roasting with oil and salt—those crispy browned edges bring so much to the party. Also, a splash of good lemon juice in your Caesar dressing really lifts everything. I sometimes add a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle heat kick.
- Q2: Can I meal prep this Brussels Sprouts Caesar?
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Yes! Roast sprouts and store them separately from the dressing. Right before serving, toss together for freshness. If mixed too early, the sprouts soften and lose that crisp charm.
- Q3: What’s the best way to reheat Brussels Sprouts Caesar without losing quality?
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Give your roasted sprouts a quick toss in a hot pan to revive crunch, then add dressing after reheating. Avoid microwaving the whole salad mixed—it gets soggy fast.
- Q4: Can I make a vegetarian Caesar dressing for this Brussels Sprouts Caesar?
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Absolutely! Use a dressing with capers or miso paste instead of anchovies for that umami punch. I’ve tried several vodka-free, eggs-free Caesar dressings that still rock the flavor.
- Q5: What’s the trick for crispy roasted Brussels sprouts?
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Space them out on the baking sheet, use enough olive oil, and roast at high heat. Flip halfway for even browning.
- Q6: Can I add protein to this Brussels Sprouts Caesar?
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For sure! Grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas work beautifully. I love tossing in crispy chickpeas for extra texture and plant-based protein.
- Q7: Is this Brussels Sprouts Caesar suitable for a healthy Caesar salad makeover?
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It’s perfect. You get all the zest and tang of Caesar dressing with the fiber and nutrients of Brussels sprouts—win-win!
If you want more tips and warm cozy vibes, don’t miss out on the Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Caesar Dressing page packed with brilliant flavor hacks.
Final Bites
This Brussels Sprouts Caesar totally deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It balances the roasted veggies with creamy dressing in a way that feels indulgent but fresh. You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds without guilt.
My Foodie Tips for killer Brussels Sprouts Caesar:
- Always roast your Brussels sprouts at high heat for max crispiness.
- Use fresh Parmesan over pre-grated for that authentic cheesy punch.
- Add lemon juice right before serving to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
For variety, try these tested Brussels Sprouts Caesar versions loved by my friends:
- A crunchy walnut and kale mix with classic Caesar dressing.
- Warm Brussels Sprouts Caesar with crispy bacon bits (not vegetarian but totally crave-worthy).
- A vegetarian Caesar recipe swap using vegan Parmesan and cashew-based Caesar dressing—you can’t tell the difference!
Feel free to customize your Brussels Sprouts Caesar with whatever greens, nuts, or toppings you adore. That freedom makes cooking fun.
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Brussels Sprouts Caesar and hear what you think. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like a cozy hug with a little kick of brightness.
Once you taste it, trust me, your Brussels sprouts game will never be the same!
And hey, while you’re here, if you’re into mixing up your sweet treats, check out my Chocolate Marshmallow Swirl Cookies—perfect after a veggie-packed day.
Happy eating, foodie friends!
Brussels Sprouts Caesar
A fresh and healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad using shaved Brussels sprouts, tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing and topped with crunchy croutons and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly shaved
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Trim and finely shave the Brussels sprouts using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with the lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the Caesar dressing and mix until the sprouts are evenly coated.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Just before serving, add the croutons and toss lightly to combine.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
For extra flavor, add grilled chicken or crispy bacon bits to turn this salad into a complete meal.