I knew I had to reinvent my salad game when I first tried this Crispy Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad Recipe. After mixing those shredded sprouts with creamy dressing and crunchy sourdough croutons, I fell in love instantly.

Every bite was bold, tangy, and satisfying in the best way. I couldn’t believe how flavorful Brussels sprouts could be. Now this recipe is one of my favorites to make for family and friends.

Ingredients You Need

Here’s everything I used to make this delicious salad:

1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded – Fresh sprouts work best for crunch and texture. Avoid frozen ones because they become watery.
1½ cups torn sourdough bread – Sourdough creates flavorful, crispy croutons with a slight tang.
1 tablespoon olive oil (for croutons) – Helps the bread toast evenly and turn golden brown.
1 teaspoon kosher salt (for croutons) – Enhances flavor and balance.
½ teaspoon black pepper (for croutons) – Adds mild spice.
Juice of 1 lemon – Gives brightness and classic Caesar-style tang.
2 tablespoons tahini – Makes the dressing creamy without using eggs.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds depth and slight heat.
2 garlic cloves, minced – Brings bold savory flavor.
1 tablespoon chopped capers – Replaces anchovy flavor with salty richness.
½ teaspoon kosher salt (for dressing) – Balances all flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper (for dressing) – Adds subtle warmth.
2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing) – Smooths and blends the dressing.
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color.
2 scallions, thinly sliced – Provides mild onion flavor.
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) – Freshly grated cheese melts slightly and tastes richer.

Note: Serves about 4 people as a side dish or 2–3 as a main meal.

Variations

Here are some easy ways to customize this salad:

Dairy-Free Version: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread or roasted nuts instead of croutons.
Add Protein: Include grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a complete meal. If you enjoy hearty chicken dishes, this Creamy Chicken Sausage Orzo Skillet Recipe also makes a comforting and satisfying dinner option.
Extra Flavor Boost: Add lemon zest or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Lower Fat Option: Reduce olive oil slightly and add extra lemon juice for lightness.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch preparation.

Equipment You Need

Baking sheet – Used to toast croutons evenly in the oven.
Large mixing bowl – For combining salad ingredients.
Small bowl – For preparing the dressing.
Whisk or fork – Helps blend the dressing smoothly.
Knife and cutting board – For shredding Brussels sprouts and chopping ingredients.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad?

Prepare the Croutons

Start by preheating your oven and preparing the croutons. Toss the torn sourdough with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet so each piece can crisp properly. Bake until golden and crunchy, stirring once for even browning.

Make the Creamy Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, Dijon mustard, garlic, capers, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The dressing should be tangy, rich, and balanced.

Assemble the Salad

Place the shredded Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add parsley, scallions, Parmesan, and cooled croutons. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan before serving for added flavor and presentation. For a rich and slow-cooked main course to pair with this salad, the Braised Short Ribs Recipe makes an excellent complement.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

I always shred the Brussels sprouts fresh to keep them crisp and flavorful.
I make sure the croutons are deeply golden for the best crunch.
Letting the dressing sit for a few minutes before using improves the taste.
I prefer tossing the salad just before serving to maintain texture.
Adding freshly ground black pepper right before serving enhances flavor.

How to Serve Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad?

Serve this salad in a wide bowl or on a large platter for a beautiful presentation. I like topping it with extra Parmesan shavings and a light drizzle of olive oil. A few lemon wedges on the side add brightness. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, or seafood. It works as both a side dish and a light main course.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximate):

Calories: About 285
Protein: About 11g
Carbohydrates: About 26g
Fat: About 18g

This salad offers a balanced mix of nutrients while still feeling indulgent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 2 days. The texture may soften slightly, but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended. The dressing and Brussels sprouts lose their texture once thawed.

Reheating

This salad is best served fresh or at room temperature. If needed, you can briefly re-crisp croutons in the oven before serving again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s why this salad deserves a spot in your kitchen:

Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and quick steps make it beginner-friendly.
Full of Flavor: Creamy dressing, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan create bold taste.
Healthy Yet Satisfying: Packed with vegetables and nutrients.
Highly Customizable: Works with many dietary preferences and add-ins.
Perfect Texture Combination: Crunchy, creamy, and fresh in every bite.

This Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad transforms a simple vegetable into something exciting and restaurant-worthy. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Ash Tyrrell