Easy Maple Butternut Pecan & Brussels Sprout Salad
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A fall salad made with an amazingly rich and creamy tahini dressing instead of mayo. This salad is a total crowd-pleaser and perfect for parties, or lunch boxes!
1pound16 ounces brussels sprouts, boiled/ steamed then shredded
1large applethinly sliced
For the tahini dressing:
¼cup/70g tahini
Juice from ½ large lemon
1clovegarlicfinely minced
1teaspoonfinely diced capers
1teaspooncaper brinefrom the jar of capers
1teaspoondijon mustard
1-2tablespoonswarm waterto thin dressing
Freshly ground salt and black pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/175C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and add butternut squash cubes. Drizzle with maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the butternut squash with the oil. Roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Butternut squash is done when fork-tender.
While the butternut squash is cooking, you can toast pecans: add the pecans to a pan and place over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes until they are slightly golden brown. Once golden brown, turn off the heat and stir in a teaspoon or two of pure maple syrup to coat the pecans, followed by a sprinkle of sea salt. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Next, boil and shred your brussels sprouts.
Add shredded brussels sprouts to a large bowl.
Next, mix the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth: tahini, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, diced capers, caper brine, dijon mustard, warm water, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and add a pinch of salt if necessary.
Pour dressing over shredded brussels sprouts and toss together to coat the Brussels. Before you add anything else, I highly recommend tasting the Brussels to see if they are salty enough to your liking. If not, season with a bit of freshly ground salt and pepper.
Next, you can choose to serve this on a platter or in a bowl. Platters are pretty for entertaining or serving guests and bowls are great for date nights, family dinner, and meal prep.
If making on a platter: add all of the brussels sprouts coated with dressing to a large platter. Top with roasted butternut squash, apple slices, and finally, the toasted pecans.
If making in a bowl: stir in the cubed roasted butternut squash, apple slices, and toasted pecans. Gently toss again so that everything is combined.
Notes
The salad will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days!