Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Citrus Dressing

This Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprout Salad is drizzled with an easy homemade maple citrus dressing and sprinkled with with crunchy bacon and sunflower seeds! Make-Ahead + totally delicious!

Course Salad

Cuisine American

Keyword Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprout Salad

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 27

Servings servings

Calories 355kcal

Author Jenn Laughin - Peas and Crayons

Ingredients

½ cup dry quinoa
¾ cup water
8 oz Brussels sprouts (about 8 large sprouts)
3-4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
2-3 TBSP sunflower seeds
⅓ cup crumbled feta, optional
1 honey crisp apple, sliced or diced
1/3-1/2 cup dried cranberries

MAPLE CITRUS DRESSING:

¼ cup avocado oil
juice of half a lemon
2 TBSP orange juice
1 TBSP pure maple syrup extra to taste
⅛ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper

Instructions

First rinse and drain your quinoa using a mesh strainer or sieve.
Bring a medium saucepan to medium heat and lightly toast the quinoa to remove any excess water. Stir as it toasts for just a few minutes. This step is optional but really adds to the nuttiness and fluff factor of the quinoa!
Next add your water, set burner to high, and bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer, covered with the lid slightly ajar, for 12-13 minutes or until quinoa is fluffy and the liquid has been absorbed.
While the quinoa cooks, chop and prep the remaining ingredients and whisk together your dressing by combing all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shaking well.
After rinsing, remove the stem/base from the sprouts. Next grab a sprout, cut in half lengthwise and lay each half flat on your cutting board. Thinly slice crosswise to create shreds. Repeat for each sprout.
Once quinoa is ready, pop in the fridge to cool for a chilled salad or leave warm for a slightly warm salad, either option tastes great so choose your favorite.
Combine quinoa, brussels sprouts and dried cranberries, along with half the bacon and sunflower seeds. Top with dressing and toss to coat. Sprinkle remaining bacon and sunflower seeds on top, as well as the optional feta if you're adding it.
Season with any additional salt and pepper desired and dig in!

Notes

See post below for vegetarian + paleo swaps + make-ahead tips and tricks.

As with any salad, let this bowl of deliciousness be your base recipe. Start with the measurements above, then add extras of any of your favorites. For a touch of sweetness, try it with candied pecans or candied walnuts, both of which can be purchased or made at home in about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts below are estimated using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed and enjoy!

Nutrition