sprout salad with honey mustard dressing Recipe

If you are looking for a fresh, crunchy, and utterly delightful dish to brighten up your meal rotation, this sprout salad with honey mustard dressing will quickly become your new favorite. Combining crispy tofu, shredded Brussels sprouts, and a luscious honey mustard dressing, every bite is a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. It’s an ideal salad that feels indulgent yet nutritious, boasting layers of textures from the creamy avocado to the crunchy pine nuts, making it a truly memorable dish to share with friends or enjoy as a wholesome lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this sprout salad with honey mustard dressing because each element plays its own important role. From the crispy tofu adding protein and crunch to the bright and vibrant Brussels sprouts providing that fresh green punch, every ingredient contributes to a harmonious flavor and texture experience.

• Organic firm tofu: Drained, pressed, and cubed for a crispy, protein-packed base that takes on the dressing beautifully.
• Tamari soy sauce: Adds a rich, salty depth to the tofu, helping to build savory layers of flavor.
• Sunflower oil: A neutral oil perfect for coating tofu and baking it to golden perfection without overpowering other flavors.
• Cornstarch: A little magic dust that ensures the tofu becomes irresistibly crispy when baked.
• Lemon juice: Brings a fresh, zesty brightness to the honey mustard dressing that balances the sweetness.
• White balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tanginess and complexity to the dressing’s flavor profile.
• Dijon mustard: Provides that signature sharp and pungent kick to the dressing, tying everything together.
• Honey: Lends natural sweetness, mellowing the mustard and enhancing the dressing’s charm.
• Sea salt: Enhances all ingredients, unlocking their full flavor potential.
• Olive oil: Creates a smooth, rich texture in the honey mustard dressing, making it luxuriously luscious.
• Brussels sprouts: Shaved thinly for a crisp, fresh base that’s mild and slightly nutty.
• Pine nuts: Toasted and crushed for a buttery crunch that complements the salad beautifully.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it adds a sharp, salty undertone and melty richness.
• Green bell pepper: Sliced thin to contribute a fresh crunch and vibrant splash of color.
• Microgreens or baby spinach: Offers a tender, delicate green component that brightens the plate.
• Avocado: Creamy slices that soften the salad and add a buttery feel.

How to Make sprout salad with honey mustard dressing

Step 1: Drain and Prepare the Tofu

Start by slicing the firm tofu into small, evenly sized cubes so they bake consistently. The crucial part is pressing out the excess moisture—a couple of layers of paper towels with a heavy weight on top will do the trick. This helps the tofu crisp up beautifully in the oven. Let it sit under pressure for about 15 minutes, swapping towels if they become soggy to speed up the draining process.

Step 2: Marinate and Coat the Tofu

Once dry, toss the tofu cubes in tamari soy sauce to get a nice umami base. Follow with sunflower oil to help the tofu get golden in the oven, then sprinkle cornstarch evenly for that signature crispy crust. Make sure every cube is fully coated for the best results when baking.

Step 3: Bake the Tofu

Transfer the tofu to a parchment-lined baking sheet and let it bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until the cubes develop a gorgeous golden brown color on the edges. This crispiness creates a fantastic textural contrast with the tender salad greens and creamy dressing.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing

Combine lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, and olive oil in a jar or bowl. Shake vigorously or whisk until you achieve a smooth, uniform dressing with a lovely balance of tang, sweetness, and richness—this dressing is the heart of the sprout salad with honey mustard dressing, tying all the flavors together perfectly.

Step 5: Shred the Brussels Sprouts

Use a mandoline slicer, sharp knife, or food processor to shred the Brussels sprouts thinly. The finer the shred, the more tender and easy-to-eat your salad will be. Toss them with your hands to separate the strands and release their natural nutty aroma.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

Pour half of the dressing over the shredded Brussels sprouts and gently toss to coat every piece. Sprinkle in the crushed pine nuts and freshly grated Parmesan, tossing again to combine the salty, nutty goodness throughout. Finally, serve in bowls topped with crispy baked tofu, microgreens or baby spinach, sliced green bell pepper, avocado, and more parmesan if you like. It’s a vibrant, colorful feast for both your eyes and taste buds.

How to Serve sprout salad with honey mustard dressing

Garnishes

To make your sprout salad with honey mustard dressing truly stand out, don’t overlook garnishes. A sprinkle of extra pine nuts adds another layer of crunch, while a few microgreens or baby spinach leaves give a fresh, delicate finish. A light dusting of Parmesan cheese not only looks beautiful but melts slightly into the warm tofu, enriching every bite.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve alongside a crusty garlic bread for a comforting touch, or a light, summery soup to balance the richness of the tofu and honey mustard dressing. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa pilaf also complement the textures and flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can elevate this sprout salad with honey mustard dressing from everyday to extraordinary. Consider serving it in individual glass jars for a charming picnic or packed lunch option, layering the ingredients to keep the tofu crispy until ready to eat. Or compose a vibrant salad platter, spreading each component thoughtfully with small piles of avocado slices, tofu cubes, and pine nuts around the Brussels sprouts base for a stunning visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of the sprout salad with honey mustard dressing, store the salad and dressing separately for the best texture the next day. Keep the tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its crispness as much as possible. Combine everything just before serving to preserve freshness and crunch.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing, particularly because the fresh Brussels sprouts and creamy avocado lose their texture and the tofu crisps up best when freshly baked. To enjoy leftovers later, freeze just the tofu before baking, then thaw and bake fresh when ready to serve with the salad.

Reheating

Reheat the tofu gently in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain its crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the tofu soggy. Dress the salad and assemble fresh after warming the tofu so you maintain all the delicious contrasts of textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of sprouts instead of Brussels sprouts?

Absolutely! While Brussels sprouts give a lovely crunch and mild bitterness that complements the dressing well, you could experiment with other sprouts like alfalfa, broccoli, or even shredded cabbage for a different twist. Just remember to thinly shred or slice thicker sprouts or greens for the best texture.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?

You can easily make the sprout salad with honey mustard dressing vegan by skipping the Parmesan or substituting it with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, which still adds that delicious cheesy note.

What can I use if I don’t have tamari soy sauce?

If tamari isn’t available, regular soy sauce is a great substitute; however, tamari is preferred here because it is usually gluten-free and has a slightly richer flavor that enhances the tofu perfectly.

How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?

Dressed sprout salad with honey mustard dressing is best enjoyed within 4 to 6 hours to retain optimal freshness and crunch. The dressing can cause the sprouts to soften over time, so dress just before serving whenever possible.

Can I make the honey mustard dressing ahead of time?

Definitely! The honey mustard dressing actually develops more complexity and mellows a bit if made a few hours in advance or even the day before. Store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, then shake or whisk well before using.

Final Thoughts

This sprout salad with honey mustard dressing is truly a celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together beautifully in flavor and texture. It’s a dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent, making it perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself on a cozy afternoon. Give it a try—you’re going to love how easy it is to prepare and how effortlessly it elevates any meal!

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