(Note: this post was originally published on February 27, 2020. It has since been updated with a few tweaks.)
As you've probably noticed, I love to remake classic comfort foods in ways that are just as delicious as the originals but also packed with ingredients to nourish the body. I've done everything from kabocha squash "wings" to cauliflower bar food to blondies made with chickpeas. Up for today: the famous Waldorf Salad.
The Waldorf Salad is one of those classic salads that is typically found at places like steakhouses. Its flavor combination is iconic: apples, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing. However, I have a few issues with the classic Waldorf that I wanted to remedy. First, it's often done with iceberg lettuce, which is pretty bland. Second, I wanted to ditch the heavy creamy dressing. Third, the flavors are nice, but a bit boring; they needed a tune-up.
My reinvented Waldorf-inspired Brussels sprouts salad cures all those issues and the result is a cozy fall delight. This beauty features the most amazing lemony roasted Brussels sprouts that put iceberg to shame. The walnuts have gotten a total makeover; they're now toasted in maple syrup and cayenne for an addicting, flavor-packed crunch. The dressing is significantly lightened up by being based in yogurt, yet still very flavorful thanks to lemon juice and coarse-grained mustard.
The Waldorf is an iconic salad originating from the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City. It typically has apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts, as well as a creamy mayo-based dressing. Apparently it dates back to a charity event held at the hotel in the late 1800's, so needless to say it has been around for a long time. My Waldorf-inspired Brussels sprouts salad borrows some of the classic flavors and remakes them in a cozier, more interesting, and more healthful way.
To make the Waldorf salad a better nutritional choice, I've made two key changes in this recipe. First, the dressing is based in protein-rich yogurt instead of mayo. Second, Waldorf salads are sometimes served with iceberg lettuce, but I've replaced that with nutrient-dense roasted Brussels sprouts. This vegan Brussels sprouts recipe keeps some of the charm of the classic but is reinvented with a more modern perspective on healthy eating.
This cozy Brussels sprouts salad is a versatile dish that's simultaneously fresh and cozy, can be eaten warm or cold, and can even serve as a light meal. Because of that, it's a recipe I come back to again and again during the fall and winter. If you want to make this salad heartier, feel free to add your favorite grilled protein on top, a bed of farro underneath, or perhaps even a big creamy scoop of my favorite lemon hummus.
This salad would also work well as a make-ahead dish to bring to a seasonal potluck. Unlike a lettuce salad, you won't have to worry about this one wilting if it sits out; these vegan Brussels sprouts are definitely travel-friendly.
If you want to prepare this vegan Waldorf salad in advance, you can do most of the work a day ahead of time. Roast the Brussels sprouts, toast the walnuts, and make the dressing, then store everything in separate containers (with everything in the fridge except for the walnuts). When you're ready to serve, you can reheat the Brussels sprouts if you want, but you don't have to. Just make sure to cut the apple at the last minute so it doesn't brown, and do all the assembly right before serving.
Here's what you'll need for this vegan Brussels sprouts recipe, as well as some thoughts, tips, and possible substitutions. If you make any substitutions, I'd love to hear about it in the comments section below.
I'm so excited for you to try this recipe. I've been remaking the Waldorf with a yogurt dressing for years, but it was only recently that I started doing it with Brussels sprouts. The result is so much heartier and more satisfying. Add in crisp apple, juicy grapes, and maple-cayenne roasted walnuts and you have yourself a fall salad masterpiece.
Do you think that salad can be a comfort food? I'm a firm believer that the answer is yes, and this Brussels sprouts salad is a great example. It has such varied textures and flavors, a creamy dressing, and is so nostalgic. Comfort food doesn't necessarily have to be synonymous with food that is fried, heavy, or empty of nutrients. Just because it feeds the soul doesn't mean it can't also nourish the body!
It makes me so happy to hear from you and see your creations! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this recipe. If you post a photo on Instagram, hashtag #TheRogueBrusselSprout and tag me (@TheRogueBrusselSprout) in the post text so that I'm sure to see it.
Orange and Cinnamon Roasted Delicata Squash
This vegan Waldorf salad riff is a more flavorful, cozier, and healthier version of the classic. It uses roasted Brussels sprouts instead of lettuce and a protein-rich yogurt dressing. Sweet apple, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts make it feel nostalgic.
For the Salad
For the Dressing
Did you make this recipe? Did you make substitutions? How did you serve it? Any helpful tips? Please share your thoughts, since these insights are really useful to both me and to other readers.
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