March 11, 2016

Dinner for Two: Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, & Tomato Salad (the BBT!)

Sometimes you just need an easy, breezy, light-as-air dinner.

Dinner for Two: Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, & Tomato Salad (the BBT!)

This salad is for those times.

The gist here is really simple, so I won’t bore you with unnecessary details. Shaved brussels + tomatoes + bacon + dressing — That’s it! No muss, no fuss, just a straight-up delicious salad that takes 15 minutes to prepare and is perfectly portioned for two.

Dinner for Two: Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, & Tomato Salad (the BBT!)

Prior to making this I was a big fan of incorporating shaved brussels into other dishes — frittatas, pasta, that sorta thing — but I had never considered eating them on their own. So when I finally did, it was quite the revelation. When eaten like lettuce shaved brussels have a similar taste and texture to frisée, but with nuttier, fuller flavor. It’s really enjoyable, and when you pair it with simple ingredients like tomatoes (sweet) and bacon (salty), you get something insanely fantastic.

This is a great springtime meal because it’s filling without leaving you too full. You can add as much or as little bacon as you like, or you could even use turkey bacon, too. Personally I say splurge and go with the real thang, but if you want to be on extra-good, bikini-ready behavior, turkey bacon it is. Plus, you can amp it up with more fillings! Try chickpeas, chopped hazelnuts, avocado (YES! do this), red onion, whatever! It’s a flexible meal, so get playful and use whatever you have on hand.

Dinner for Two: Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, & Tomato Salad (the BBT!)

Dinner for Two: Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, & Tomato Salad (the BBT!)

If you happen to have a favorite vinaigrette, use it here so long as it has some sort of citrusy undertone. A touch of tang really brings out the brussels and the tomatoes, so it’s a honestly a must. But for the full WRY effect, give my quick-fix dressing a whirl. It’s a lightly creamy vinaigrette that’s meant to mimic the classic combination of mayo + oil + vinegar on a BLT sandwich, and I think you’ll find it pairs quite nicely.

Just be mindful that the dressing separates easily, so be sure to re-whisk it — takes 10 seconds, I promise! — before slathering it onto your salad. x

Dinner for Two: Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, & Tomato Salad (the BBT!)

Dinner for Two: Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, & Tomato Salad (the BBT!)

Yield: 2 servings

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

  • SALAD:
  • 4 slices Bacon (or more if you want a heartier salad!)
  • 10 oz Brussels Sprouts
  • pinch of Salt & Pepper
  • 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • DRESSING:
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 tbsps Lemon Juice
  • 1 1/2 tbsps Reduced Fat Sour Cream
  • 1 1/2 tsps Crushed or Minced Garlic
  • 1 tsp Basil
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • pinch of Sugar

Directions:

  1. In small bowl mix dressing, whisking well before setting aside.
  2. Cook bacon as directed until crisp, then chop once cool. While bacon cooks, finely chop brussels sprouts into shavings, then lightly season with salt and pepper. Next, halve tomatoes.
  3. Combine brussels sprouts with tomatoes and bacon, tossing well.  Pour over with dressing, then immediately plate and serve.

Dinner for Two: Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, & Tomato Salad (the BBT!)BBT <3

posted by Christine in: Dinner for Two
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