Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Chickpea Salad with Blue Cheese, Dates & Apples
[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no additional cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own.]
We’re diving into another delicious, nutrient-packed salad bowl that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing. This Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Farro Salad Bowl is packed with texture and flavor: crisp, sweet, savory, and tangy. It’s perfect for a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning side dish. Tossed with a blue cheese balsamic dressing, it’s light yet satisfying. Dates add a touch of natural sweetness and chewiness, while the dressing ties everything together.
I like to pre-cut and separate all my ingredients, making it easier to measure and add exactly what I need. I always use my Epicurean cutting boards from Sur la Table or Amazon. Epicurean makes incredibly durable kitchen products, and their cutting boards are a staple. Paired with my Birchwood Miyabi Kaizen knives (available from Sur la Table, Williams Sonoma, or Amazon), prepping becomes so much easier. The set is an investment, but the quality is unmatched. You can also buy them individually and slowly build your collection of chef’s and paring knives.
I never truly appreciated the difference high-quality knives make until I started cooking more. Plated on one of my favorite Hermès porcelain collections, this simple salad looks as good as it tastes.
What’s in This Salad?
Brussels Sprouts – Roasted to perfection
Chickpeas – Oven-roasted for crunch
Sliced Apples – Fresh and crisp for a hint of tartness
Blue Cheese – Ultimate flavor booster
Dates – Chewy and naturally sweet
Red Onion – Adds a sharp bite to balance the flavors
Balsamic Dressing – A rich and tangy dressing that ties it all together
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Salad Bowl with Apples, Dates, and a Blue Cheese Balsamic Dressing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Bowl Ingredients
- 2 cups of shaved Brussels sprouts
- 1/2 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 of an apple, thinly sliced (use a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1-2 pitted dates, chopped
- Diced red onion (optional, for extra flavor)
- Olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic dressing to taste for the dressing
- Feel free to add extra protein if wanted. Grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu would be great!
Instructions
- Cook and prepare the farro according to instructions while preparing everything needed for the bowl.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts and Chickpeas: Toss the shaved Brussels sprouts and chickpeas with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly crispy, and the chickpeas are golden. (Cook the chickpeas ahead for extra crispiness or roast them with the Brussels sprouts, removing the sprouts when ready and leaving the chickpeas in longer. Keep an eye on the Brussels to ensure they roast evenly without burning.)
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, blue cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Bowl: On a large plate or shallow bowl, layer the roasted Brussels sprouts, chickpeas, and farro. Top with sliced apples, chopped dates, red onion (if using), and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle generously with the blue cheese balsamic dressing.
- Gently toss to combine and serve.
Tips for Perfection:
- For extra crispiness, roast the chickpeas a bit longer (about 5-10 minutes) after removing the Brussels sprouts.
- If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, substitute with feta or goat cheese for a milder flavor.
- This salad is versatile—add grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or quinoa for an extra protein boost!
This salad bowl is a celebration of contrasting flavors and textures—crisp apples, crunchy chickpeas, tender Brussels sprouts, and the sweet chewiness of dates, all balanced by the bold, tangy blue cheese. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet keeps you energized and satisfied.
Remember to always get creative with cooking—adjust ingredients to your taste and make it your own. Enjoy!
