Confession: I do not like salad. I don’t like shopping for the greens or prepping the ingredients, and I almost never order it in a restaurant. Now you can imagine, as a woman of a “certain age” and a mom of three, how this fills me with major mom-shame. I should like salad. I should like salad. I should like salad. But I just don’t.
But, if it wins me back any points, I DO like vegetables. Especially when they’re roasted or sauteed — and even better when tossed with lots of good add-ins, like this Brussels Sprouts and Pistachio Salad.
I was geeked-out excited to see pistachios on the list of food trends for 2015. They are my very favorite nut and I love them in both sweet and savory dishes. And talk about healthy! Pistachios are an excellent source of antioxidants, healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals (including potassium, magnesium, and more).
This salad has it all, including easy (and fast!) prep, and that perfect combination of sweet-salty-crunchy that makes any dish sublime … even a salad.
Note: this recipe gets extra points for being super adaptable too. Feel free to swap out the shallot for a small, thinly sliced leek, the cherries for any dried fruit you like, or the lemon juice for a splash of balsamic.
Brussels Sprouts and Pistachio Salad
adapted from Cookin’ Canuck
Makes: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon EVOO
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1/2 cup shelled pistachios
1/3 cup dried cherries
1/2 large lemon
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese