Tired of the same old salad routine? Craving something fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying? Then look no further! This recipe recreates the beloved Cracker Barrel Brussel Sprout Kale Salad, a healthy and delicious meal perfect for a quick dinner or a light lunch. It's bursting with fresh flavors and textures, making it a simple yet impressive dish for any occasion. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, and it's surprisingly quick to prepare, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest cooks.
- 1 large bunch of kale, stems removed and chopped
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (or crispy tempeh for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Salad Perfection
This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginners.
-
Prep the Veggies: Begin by washing and thoroughly drying the kale and Brussels sprouts. Remove the tough stems from the kale and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. If you prefer a less intense Brussels sprout flavor, you can lightly sauté them for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.
-
Cook the Bacon (or Tempeh): Cook the bacon until crispy. Alternatively, crumble tempeh and pan-fry until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.
-
Toast the Nuts: Toast the pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool before adding to the salad.
-
Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
-
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, sliced Brussels sprouts, cooked bacon (or tempeh), dried cranberries, red onion, and toasted nuts.
-
Dress and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Cooking Tips for Extra Deliciousness
-
Massage the Kale: To make the kale more tender, gently massage it with your hands for a minute or two before adding the dressing. This helps to break down the tough fibers.
-
Don't Overcook the Brussels Sprouts: If you choose to sauté the Brussels sprouts, be careful not to overcook them. They should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
-
Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to your liking. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar or sweeteners.
-
Add Protein: To make this salad a more complete meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or another protein source of your choice.
Delicious Variations: Customize Your Salad!
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different additions:
- Fruits: Add other fruits like apples, pears, or pomegranate seeds.
- Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese would be a delicious addition.
- Seeds: Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds would add extra crunch.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
This is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 5-7g
This Cracker Barrel copycat Brussel Sprout Kale Salad is a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and add it to your repertoire of best recipes! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a fantastic option for healthy meals and easy recipes.