We’ve always loved how the Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe turns a simple veggie into a crave-worthy dish that’s both crunchy and flavorful. Inspired by the innovative menus at Cooper’s Hawk restaurants this salad offers a fresh twist on classic greens making it perfect for health-conscious eaters or anyone seeking a vibrant meal.
In our kitchen we’ve simplified this restaurant favorite so you can whip it up effortlessly. Join us as we explore its delightful mix of textures and tastes that keep us coming back for more.
Ingredients
We source the finest ingredients for our Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe to capture its signature crunch and vibrant flavors making it a go-to healthy meal at home.
Salad Ingredients
To build the fresh base of our Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad, start with these key components prepared in order of use:
- 1 pound Brussel sprouts, trimmed and thinly shaved for that crisp texture
- 1 medium apple (like Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced to add a tart crunch
- ½ cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped for a nutty contrast
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced for a sharp bite
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese to provide a creamy tang that ties everything together
Dressing Ingredients
- ¼ cup olive oil, extra virgin for a smooth base
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar to deliver a bold acidity
- 1 tablespoon honey for a touch of natural sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard to add a pungent kick and help bind the liquids
- Salt and pepper to taste, freshly ground for balanced seasoning
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our vibrant ingredients for the Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe, we’ll walk you through the straightforward steps to create this crunchy, flavorful dish. Our method ensures a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a standout homemade favorite.
Prepare the Brussel Sprouts
To start, begin by trimming and shaving the Brussel sprouts for that signature crispness. Here’s how we do it:
- Rinse 1 pound of fresh Brussel sprouts under cold water, then pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Trim the woody ends and remove any wilted outer leaves.
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, thinly slice the sprouts into fine ribbons—aim for about 4 cups—to enhance their crisp and tender bite when mixed with other elements.
Next, prepare the additional components:
- Core and dice 1 medium Granny Smith apple into small, uniform pieces to add a tart, juicy contrast.
- Roughly chop ½ cup of toasted pecans—if not already toasted, spread them on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and golden.
- Thinly slice ¼ cup of red onion for a sharp, pungent kick that complements the salad’s freshness.
- Crumble ½ cup of blue cheese into bite-sized pieces to provide a creamy, tangy element.
Make the Dressing
With our salad base ready, let’s whisk up a simple yet irresistible dressing that ties everything together. This step takes just minutes and elevates the flavors with its sweet and tangy profile.
Gather the dressing ingredients as listed earlier: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and ½ teaspoon each of freshly ground salt and pepper.
Follow these steps for a smooth emulsion:
- In a small bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking vigorously to create a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust as needed—aim for a balance where the sweetness of honey offsets the vinegar’s zing.
Assemble the Salad
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together for a vibrant, multi-layered salad that captures the essence of the Cooper’s Hawk original. This assembly ensures each bite is crunchy, refreshing, and full of depth.
In a large mixing bowl, start by adding the shaved Brussel sprouts, diced Granny Smith apple, chopped toasted pecans, sliced red onion, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Gently toss the ingredients to distribute evenly, creating a colorful medley.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top—use about ½ cup to coat without overwhelming.
- Use salad tongs to mix thoroughly, allowing the dressing to cling to the sprouts for a glossy finish and enhanced flavor absorption.
- Let the salad rest for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve immediately for the best crisp and invigorating experience.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad to life with ease and precision, we rely on a few key tools and equipment that streamline the preparation process. These items ensure that slicing, mixing, and assembling go smoothly, helping us achieve the perfect crunch and flavor balance as described in the previous steps.
We categorize the essential tools below for clarity, highlighting those that are particularly important for handling ingredients like thinly shaved Brussel sprouts and the homemade dressing:
- Cutting Board: A sturdy, non-slip cutting board is crucial for safely slicing and dicing ingredients such as Brussel sprouts, Granny Smith apples, and red onion. We prefer a large wooden or plastic one to provide ample space and minimize mess.
- Chef’s Knife: For achieving fine ribbons of Brussel sprouts and precise cuts on apples and onions, a sharp 8-10 inch chef’s knife is indispensable. It allows us to work efficiently and reduces prep time significantly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our dressing’s balance, so a set of standard measuring cups and spoons ensures the right amounts of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Large Mixing Bowl: We use a spacious glass or stainless steel bowl (at least 4 quarts) to combine all salad components, allowing for thorough tossing without overflow and helping the flavors meld as instructed.
- Whisk: A medium-sized balloon whisk is ideal for blending the dressing ingredients smoothly, creating an emulsion that coats the salad evenly and enhances its vibrant taste.
- Colander or Salad Spinner: To rinse and dry the Brussel sprouts effectively, a colander works for basic draining, while a salad spinner removes excess moisture for extra crispness – we recommend it for optimal texture.
If you’re tracking kitchen essentials, here’s a quick overview of the tools and their approximate costs based on standard US market data:
| Tool | Estimated Cost (USD) | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Board | 10-25 | Slicing and dicing produce |
| Chef’s Knife | 20-50 | Precise cutting |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | 5-15 | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Large Mixing Bowl | 10-20 | Combining and tossing salad |
| Whisk | 5-15 | Mixing dressing |
| Colander or Salad Spinner | 10-30 | Rinsing and drying greens |
By having these tools ready, we make preparing our Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad not only straightforward but also enjoyable, setting the stage for the flavorful assembly in the next steps.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this take on the Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad as it’s a fresh way to elevate your meals. It’s simple yet packed with flavors that make healthy eating exciting.
Try whipping it up for your next gathering and see how it becomes a favorite in your kitchen. We’re confident you’ll enjoy the vibrant crunch and its endless appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad?
The Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad is a vibrant, crunchy dish inspired by the restaurant’s innovative menu. It transforms simple Brussel sprouts into a healthy, flavorful meal with tart apples, toasted pecans, red onion, and blue cheese, all tossed in a balsamic dressing. Perfect for health-conscious eaters, it’s easy to prepare at home for a refreshing twist on veggies.
What ingredients are needed for the salad?
Key ingredients include thinly shaved Brussel sprouts, diced Granny Smith apples, toasted pecans, sliced red onion, and crumbled blue cheese. For the dressing, you’ll need extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and seasonings like salt and pepper. These combine for a crunchy, tangy flavor profile that’s simple and fresh.
How do you prepare the Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad?
Start by trimming, rinsing, and slicing Brussel sprouts into ribbons. Dice the apple, chop pecans, slice onion, and crumble blue cheese. Whisk together the dressing: balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss all ingredients in a large bowl with the dressing, let flavors meld, and serve for a delicious, multi-layered salad.
What tools are required to make this salad?
You’ll need a sturdy cutting board, sharp chef’s knife for slicing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, a whisk for the dressing, and a colander or salad spinner for rinsing sprouts. These basic tools are affordable and ensure easy, precise preparation at home.
Is the Cooper’s Hawk Brussel Sprout Salad healthy?
Yes, this salad is nutritious, featuring Brussel sprouts packed with vitamins, fiber-rich apples, and heart-healthy pecans. It’s low in calories but high in antioxidants, making it ideal for health-conscious individuals. The dressing adds flavor without excess fats, promoting a balanced, vibrant meal option.