Looking for a fun twist on a fall salad? Try this Brussel Sprout Salad with Pear and Pomegranate. It's full of healthy seasonal goodness and loaded with gorgeous color. Break out of a salad rut and serve this beautiful side salad over the holidays. {gluten free}
Does parenting ever make your stomach hurt? I mean actual real stomach pains?
Please tell me it does, because if not, I may be crazy. I'm not sure why I feel my kids' pain so deeply but I do...I lose sleep over their ups and downs. Sometimes it's things they can bounce right back from and other times it's something that causes them stress for the whole year. But either way, I feel it too.
Maybe that's how our ancestors survived in the wild - it helped moms protect their babies.
My kids have had a few things going on lately that have really broken my heart. I won't go into the details but you can pretty much guess I'm sure. Kids teasing them, not making the "A" team and getting a C in science even after you work your butt off. It's tough being a kid (and a mom).
I try to tell myself that each one of these experiences will make them stronger and I know this is true. Have you read Grit: The Power and Passion of Perseverance yet? If not, do it today! It should be a must read for every parent.
Okay, okay I'll get off my parenting soapbox and talk about more important things: Turkey Day!
I have such an amazing line-up of Thanksgiving dishes for you today. They come from some of my favorite blogger friends and they won't disappoint.
Let's start with my Brussel Sprout Salad with Pear and Pomegranate. It is truly delicious!
The base is raw Brussel sprouts that I sliced with a sharp paring knife. I do have a mandoline but it scares me. Seriously you can lose a fingertip in the wink of an eye.
Guard your digits if you go that route!
After slicing the Brussel sprouts you add some seasonal favorites: red pear, pomegranate seeds, pecans and blue cheese. It's like a chopped salad because the sprouts are in small pieces. Each bite is full of all the delicious ingredients.
The dressing is a simple apple cider vinaigrette. You could make the salad the morning of Thanksgiving and dress it at the last minute.
This Brussel Sprout Salad with Pear and Pomegranate is...
- full of vibrant color
- sweet
- filling
- full of protein, iron, and potassium from the sprouts
- gluten free
Here's the rest of your delicious virtual feast! You now have your entire meal planned for you. You are welcome!
Jalapeno Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball from Mary Ann at The Beach House Kitchen
Apple and Cheddar Hard Cider Soup from Cheyanne at No Spoon Necessary
Garlic and Herb Roast Turkey from Cathy at What Should I Make For
Traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing with Sausage and Apples from Annie at Ciao Chow Bambina
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls from Kathleen at Hapa Nom Nom
The Queen of Pumpkin Cakes from Cindy at Sweet Nerds
Doesn't this look like the most delicious feast you have ever seen?
Brussel Sprout Salad with Pear and Pomegranate
Ingredients
- 1 package of Brussel sprouts 10 oz, sliced thin
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 cup pecans rough chopped
- 1 pear chopped
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbled
- For Dressing:
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the first five ingredients in a large bowl and toss gently.
- To make dressing put all dressing ingredients into a small jar and shake well.
- Dress salad right before serving. You will have leftover dressing.
Nutrition
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Boy and I only have children that walk on 4 legs, so I can't really answer your question... but whenever our furry loves get sick it makes me feel physically ill. Not sure if that helps? 😉 Anyways, I am brussels sprouts OBSESSED, so this salad is totally calling my name! Love the pear in here - so unique!! Plus that dressing sounds fabulous! Thanksgiving winning! Cheers, friend!
Karen Kelly
Thanks Cheyanne! I worry about my dog too!
annie@ciaochowbambina
Oh my - I feel you, sister! I can't imagine not feeling everything they do...it is the way of it. But what I know is that empathy - especially from a parent - helps our kids to ride the wave. (We can't sleep, but it might help them to!)... Now about this salad - Amazing!! The tart sweet crunchy mix you have going on here is perfect for the holiday table!! Christmas, too! Thanks for sharing, my friend! Cheers!
Karen Kelly
You are right Annie. Thanks for your kind words!
Mary Ann @ thebeachhousekitchen
I will totally second that Karen! Being a parent is one of the toughest jobs ever! I've had many a sleepless night worrying about my boys too! It's all worth it in the end for sure, but I think it's where most of my gray hairs come from!
I totally LOVE this salad. It's the perfect addition to the Thanksgiving table! Nice and healthy and packed with flavor. I can't wait to try! Have a great week!
Karen Kelly
Thanks Mary Ann. Do you stop worrying about them when they go to college?
cindy
Oh man, you are speaking to my heart. It is tough. But, sounds they are super lucky to have you be in their corner. Well, at least we know they are getting awesome food! This salad looks amazeballs! I love your combination of ingredients. When it comes to brussel sprouts, I always do the same thing, put it in the oven. So I am sooo happy to have a new fresh idea. Thanks!
Karen Kelly
Thanks Cindy!
Cathy
Love this salad Karen. It has all the crunch and tanginess and just the right balance with all of the rich dishes we serve on Thanksgiving. And i know just what you mean about the feeling your kids pain...I think it's harder on the parents than on the kids!
Karen Kelly
Yes, I agree. They feel better faster than I do!
Green Valley Kitchen
Yum, Karen - I'd eat the whole thing. It's healthy, colorful and packed with flavor - my kind of salad. I don't have kids but I hope things look up for yours soon - hate to hear they are having a tough time.
Karen Kelly
Thanks Geraldine!
HapaNomNom
I'm sorry to hear your kids are having a tough time. I'm 6 months pregnant with our first, and before she's even here, I worry about things like you mentioned. So while I don't have any words of wisdom since I'm not yet a parent, I'm sure things will be ok - especially with a mom that cares as much as you 🙂 So about this salad... not only am I loving the flavors (hello pear and blue cheese), but the colors are just spectacular! This is a perfect compliment to any holiday table!
Karen Kelly
Congrats on your pregnancy!
April Davila
This looks great. And yes, parenting does give me actual, real stomach pains. 🙂
Karen Kelly
Thanks April, that makes me feel better!
Summer Daisy
Healthy and yummy ♥
Robyn @ Simply Fresh Dinners
I just love your blog, Karen! This salad is so beautiful, healthy and colourful - perfect for the holidays. Thanks for the tip on the book. I have some friends that could really use that right now and I've already emailed them a link 🙂
Sharing. Have a wonderful day 🙂