Name: Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups torn sourdough bread; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons tahini; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon chopped capers; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1-1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 2 scallions, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 50 reviews

If you’re looking to brighten your salad game with something both fresh and indulgently flavorful, this Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It takes the classic Caesar salad you love and gives it a modern twist by swapping crisp romaine for shredded Brussels sprouts, delivering a satisfyingly crunchy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. What really sets this salad apart is the creamy tahini-based dressing balanced perfectly with tangy lemon and capers, while homemade sourdough croutons bring a toasty, golden finish. It’s an effortless yet impressive dish that can shine as a light lunch, a side, or even the star of your dinner spread.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows a top view of various fresh ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear glass bowl filled with whole green Brussels sprouts on the left. Below it, a white bowl holds torn pieces of bread with a light brown crust and soft interior. Next to this, a silver bowl contains shredded white cheese. To the right, small white bowls hold minced garlic, capers, and a creamy beige sauce, along with a yellow lemon, a glass bowl with golden olive oil, and a small white bowl of salt and black pepper mixed. Fresh green herbs including parsley and two green onions lie on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have on hand. Each component plays a crucial role: from the bright acidity of lemon juice to the crunchy freshness of shredded Brussels sprouts, every bite is layered with flavor and textures that truly sing together.

Sourdough bread, 1-½ cups torn: The base for crispy homemade croutons adds a warm crunch and rustic flavor.

Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Used both for toasting the croutons and enriching the dressing with a fruity smoothness.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every element’s natural taste.
Lemon juice from 1 lemon: Delivers fresh acidity that brightens the dressing and balances richness.

Tahini, 2 tablespoons: Creates a creamy, nutty backbone for the Caesar dressing without heaviness.
Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.
Garlic cloves, 2 minced: Brings that unmistakable savory punch that’s key to any Caesar.

Chopped capers, 1 tablespoon: These salty gems provide a briny pop that elevates the dressing beautifully.
Brussels sprouts, 1-½ pounds trimmed and shredded: The star ingredient offering crisp, cabbage-like texture and a bit of earthiness.
Chopped parsley, ¼ cup: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note to brighten the salad.

Scallions, 2 thinly sliced: Provide mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
Grated Parmesan, ⅓ cup plus more for serving: The salty, savory cheese adds richness and authenticity.

How to Make Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Croutons

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. Toss the torn sourdough bread with a tablespoon of olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper right on a baking sheet. Spread the pieces out evenly so they toast up crispy and golden. Pop them into the oven and toast for about 12 to 15 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through for even browning. The homemade croutons add this delightful crunchy texture that’s miles better than store-bought.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

While your croutons are baking, prepare the dressing by whisking lemon juice, tahini, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped capers, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified. The dressing strikes a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors that will coat the Brussels sprouts beautifully without being too heavy.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, toss together the shredded Brussels sprouts along with chopped parsley, thinly sliced scallions, grated Parmesan, and the warm toasted croutons. Pour the dressing on top and toss everything gently yet thoroughly, ensuring every bit of Brussels sprout is lightly coated with that luscious Caesar dressing. Sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving for an extra burst of cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe

The image shows two metal baking trays side by side on a white marbled surface. Each tray has many small pieces of toasted bread, spread unevenly across the entire tray. The left tray has bread pieces that are light golden with some pale edges, showing they are just toasted. The right tray has bread pieces that are darker golden brown and crispier, with some areas a bit deeper brown. Both trays have a worn, slightly stained look, and the bread pieces have rough, irregular shapes and textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe from great to unforgettable, consider garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper or a few anchovy fillets on top for that classic salty kick. A lemon wedge on the side can also add a fresh squeeze for anyone wanting a zestier bite.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully alongside seared chicken, grilled shrimp, or even a rich pasta dish thanks to its crisp texture and tangy dressing. It’s also a fantastic side for weekend barbecues or holiday dinners to bring a fresh contrast to heartier, heavier dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stylish presentation, serve the salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and salad ingredients on top, shaking before eating. Alternatively, plate it on a large wooden board garnished with extra Parmesan shavings and capers for a beautiful family-style serving that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture, keep the croutons separate and add them fresh when serving the next day to maintain their crunchiness.

Freezing

Due to the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The Brussels sprouts and dressing can become watery or mushy once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or within a couple days of making.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want to warm the croutons before adding them back in, a quick few minutes in the oven will refresh their crispness without affecting the salad.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for this salad because they shred nicely and stay crisp. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be softer and contain more moisture, which can make the salad soggy, so fresh is definitely the way to go here.

Is tahini necessary in the dressing?

Tahini provides a creamy texture and subtle nuttiness that makes this Caesar dressing unique. You could substitute with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for creaminess if needed, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

How should I shred the Brussels sprouts?

The easiest method is to slice off the stem end and then thinly slice the sprouts with a sharp knife. Alternatively, you can use a food processor fitted with a slicing blade for quick and even shredding.

Can I make the croutons ahead of time?

Absolutely! Croutons can be toasted and stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. Just add them to the salad right before serving so they stay nice and crunchy.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

If you’re looking for a non-dairy alternative, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor, or try Pecorino Romano for a sharper tasting cheese. Keep in mind these will change the salad’s flavor profile slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe is such a fantastic way to enjoy a classic flavor in a fresh, exciting way. It’s colorful, crunchy, and packed with vibrant tastes that brighten any meal or occasion. If you’re on the hunt for a salad that’s easy to make, endlessly delicious, and bound to wow your friends and family, this is the one to try. Grab those Brussels sprouts and get ready to toss up something truly special!

Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need