Roasted Brussels Sprouts Quinoa Salad with Spicy Caesar Dressing
This salad combines crispy roasted Brussels sprouts and fluffy quinoa with a creamy, spicy Caesar-inspired dressing. It’s hearty, nutritious, and perfect as a main dish or a side.
⏱ Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
450 g (1 lb) Brussels sprouts, trimmed & halved
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (chopped)
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional for sweetness)
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan (optional, for extra Caesar flair)
Fresh parsley for garnish
For Spicy Caesar Dressing:
1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for richer version)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (or soy sauce for vegetarian)
1 garlic clove, minced
1–2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook quinoa: Rinse quinoa, then cook in 2 cups water with a pinch of salt. Simmer 15 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Cool slightly.
2. Roast Brussels sprouts: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
3. Make dressing: Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire, garlic, hot sauce, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until creamy.
4. Assemble salad: In a large bowl, mix quinoa, roasted Brussels sprouts, nuts, and cranberries. Drizzle with spicy Caesar dressing and toss gently.
5. Serve: Top with shaved Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes & Tips
For protein: add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
For a vegan version: use vegan Parmesan and swap Worcestershire with tamari.
Best served fresh, but leftovers keep well in the fridge for 2 days.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I meal-prep this?
Yes — keep the dressing separate and drizzle just before serving.
Q: Can I reduce the spiciness?
Yes — cut down hot sauce, or replace with smoked paprika for a milder flavor.
Nutritional information
Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 8g