A Perfect Winter Salad: Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Pancetta, and Balsamic Vinaigrette
A Perfect Winter Salad: Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Pancetta, and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Salad
Cuisine
Italian
Servings
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
If you’re on the lookout for easy salad recipes that are both flavorful and visually stunning, this winter salad is just what you need. Featuring caramelized Brussels sprouts, crispy pancetta, bitter radicchio, and sweet pear slices, it’s a dish that balances texture and taste in every bite. Finished with a tangy Italian balsamic vinegar, this salad embodies the sophistication of Italian cuisine while being simple enough to prepare for any occasion.
What sets this crispy Brussel sprout salad apart is its versatility—it can be served as a light main dish, a complement to hearty meals, or even as an addition to your list of winter salad ideas. The pancetta provides a savory crunch, but if you prefer a more familiar twist, it can be replaced with crispy bacon. For a vegetarian option, toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds are excellent alternatives.
With itsdelightful balance of textures and flavors, this salad is the epitome of an easy yet elegant salad recipe—perfect for those who want to enjoy the essence of winter with minimal effort.
Author:Alica Fabi
Ingredients
-
1 lb brussels sprouts
-
1 crunchy pear
-
1 bunch parsley leaves
-
0.5 lb radicchio (red bitter salad)
-
2 oz Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, crumbled
-
3.5 oz thinly sliced pancetta (or bacon)
-
4 tbsp EVOO
-
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar by Giusti
-
Salt and pepper
Directions
Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Peel and halve the Brussels sprouts. Set aside.
Cook the pancetta: In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, but don’t discard the rendered fat.
Sauté the Brussels sprouts: In the same skillet, add the Brussels sprouts to the pancetta fat and cook over high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Sprinkle with sea salt and let them cool.
Assemble the salad: Combine the browned Brussels sprouts with the chopped radicchio, sliced pear, crumbled pancetta, parsley leaves, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Dress and serve: Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of sea salt and a grind of black pepper. Toss everything gently to coat.
Serve immediately and enjoy this perfect balance of flavors and textures! It’s a fantastic side dish or a light main course
Recipe Video
Recipe Note
Tips and Variations
- Pancetta Alternative: While pancetta is the star ingredient, you can replace it with crispy bacon for a more familiar yet equally delicious twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the pancetta and add toasted walnuts or almonds for a vegetarian-friendly winter salad idea.
Not all easy salad recipes are created equal, and this one is designed to impress. The use of high-quality Modena Italy balsamic vinegar elevates the dish, adding depth to its flavor profile. Whether you're seeking inspiration for winter salad ideas or need a crispy vegetable salad that’s quick to prepare, this recipe delivers on every front.
A Perfect Winter Salad: Brussels Sprouts, Crispy Pancetta, and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Category
Salad
Cuisine
Italian
Servings
4
Prep Time
15 minutes
If you’re on the lookout for easy salad recipes that are both flavorful and visually stunning, this winter salad is just what you need. Featuring caramelized Brussels sprouts, crispy pancetta, bitter radicchio, and sweet pear slices, it’s a dish that balances texture and taste in every bite. Finished with a tangy Italian balsamic vinegar, this salad embodies the sophistication of Italian cuisine while being simple enough to prepare for any occasion.
What sets this crispy Brussel sprout salad apart is its versatility—it can be served as a light main dish, a complement to hearty meals, or even as an addition to your list of winter salad ideas. The pancetta provides a savory crunch, but if you prefer a more familiar twist, it can be replaced with crispy bacon. For a vegetarian option, toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds are excellent alternatives.
With itsdelightful balance of textures and flavors, this salad is the epitome of an easy yet elegant salad recipe—perfect for those who want to enjoy the essence of winter with minimal effort.
Author:Alica Fabi
Ingredients
-
1 lb brussels sprouts
-
1 crunchy pear
-
1 bunch parsley leaves
-
0.5 lb radicchio (red bitter salad)
-
2 oz Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, crumbled
-
3.5 oz thinly sliced pancetta (or bacon)
-
4 tbsp EVOO
-
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar by Giusti
-
Salt and pepper
Directions
Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Peel and halve the Brussels sprouts. Set aside.
Cook the pancetta: In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside, but don’t discard the rendered fat.
Sauté the Brussels sprouts: In the same skillet, add the Brussels sprouts to the pancetta fat and cook over high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Sprinkle with sea salt and let them cool.
Assemble the salad: Combine the browned Brussels sprouts with the chopped radicchio, sliced pear, crumbled pancetta, parsley leaves, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Dress and serve: Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a pinch of sea salt and a grind of black pepper. Toss everything gently to coat.
Serve immediately and enjoy this perfect balance of flavors and textures! It’s a fantastic side dish or a light main course
Recipe Video
Recipe Note
Tips and Variations
- Pancetta Alternative: While pancetta is the star ingredient, you can replace it with crispy bacon for a more familiar yet equally delicious twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the pancetta and add toasted walnuts or almonds for a vegetarian-friendly winter salad idea.
Not all easy salad recipes are created equal, and this one is designed to impress. The use of high-quality Modena Italy balsamic vinegar elevates the dish, adding depth to its flavor profile. Whether you're seeking inspiration for winter salad ideas or need a crispy vegetable salad that’s quick to prepare, this recipe delivers on every front.
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