Description
A delicious and savory Maple Bacon Brussels, Pear, and Blue Cheese Salad combining crispy bacon, tender maple-glazed Brussels sprouts, sweet pear slices, and tangy blue cheese for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, stems removed and sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 large ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally until the fat is rendered and the bacon is crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Cook Brussels Sprouts: Using the bacon grease remaining in the skillet, add the sliced Brussels sprouts and stir to coat evenly. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sprouts begin to soften.
- Add Maple Syrup and Season: Stir in the maple syrup and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Bacon and Cheese: Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and add half of the crumbled blue cheese. Stir to combine and let the cheese begin to melt slightly.
- Assemble Salad: Transfer the Brussels sprout mixture to a serving plate or bowl. Arrange the pear slices on top, sprinkle additional pepper if desired, and crumble the remaining blue cheese over the salad.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra flavorful and crispy pieces.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity to taste for more or less sweetness.
- Make sure Brussels sprouts are trimmed and sliced thin for even cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm Brussels sprouts and cool pear slices.
- Optional: Add toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
