Roasted Beets, Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad

I subscribe to quite a few food magazines.  More than I should probably, because I’m always 2-3 months behind in my reading of them, but I love to look at them and get ideas, or try new recipes.  In the issues that have arrived this Fall I have noticed a great emphasis on the use of Brussels Sprouts for salads.  I don’t think I would ever have thought of making them into a salad, but once introduced to the idea I gave it a shot, and this is the one I tried.

The recipe’s biggest attraction for me was the use of roasted beets with the Brussels sprouts, and bacon as a garnish adding another level of flavor.  The dressing is lemon based instead of vinegar with olive oil and a little mustard.  I had golden beets on hand, so that is what I used in this salad.

ROAST BEETS, BRUSSELS  SPROUTS AND BACON SALAD

SERVINGS:     4

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 pound Brussels sprouts, ends and outer leaves removed
  

  Golden beets, roasted.

• 3-4 beets, roasted    You can find my method for roasting beets here.
• 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and drained on paper towel
• 1 bag salad greens of choice, or leaves of Romaine
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

ASSEMBLING THE SALAD

1.  Bring a pot of salted water to boiling.  Drop in the Brussels sprouts, bring back to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes.  Drain immediately and immerse or rinse with cold water to stop the cooking action.  Drain throughly and pat dry with paper towels.

Brussels sprouts after blanching.

2.  Slice each of the sprouts into thin slices,  about 1/4 inch thick.

Slice the sprouts into 1/4 inch slices.

3.  On individual salad plates, make a layer of salad greens as a base for the remaining ingredients.  Cover with the sliced Brussels sprouts, then wedges of roast beets, and bacon crumbled over the top.

Layering on the vegetables and bacon.

4.  In a small bowl or cup whisk together the lemon juice, oil, mustard, salt and pepper.  Drizzle over each salad before serving.

A very nice mixture of flavors and textures.

My reaction to this innovative salad:  I was pleasantly surprised by how well these ingredients worked together.  I particularly liked the saltiness of the bacon with the vegetables, and the Dijon mustard in the dressing enhanced the Brussels Sprouts, giving me the thought that mustard would be good to add to a sauce for Brussels sprouts when they are served hot as well.  This salad is filling and nutritious.  I served it with a meatless pasta dish for a hearty meal.

SOURCE:   Eating Well