Bacon and Brussels Sprout Orecchiette

  4.7 – 27 reviews  • Vegetable
Level: Easy
Total: 1 hr 45 min
Active: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Level: Easy
Total: 1 hr 45 min
Active: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

  1. Deselect All
  2. 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional for seasoning pasta water
  3. 1 pound orecchiette
  4. 1 pound Brussels sprouts, separated into leaves
  5. 1 pound apple wood smoked bacon, chopped
  6. 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  7. 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  8. 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
  9. 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  10. 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with salt and add the pasta. Cook until just under al dente, about 9 minutes. Remove the pasta to a rimmed baking sheet using a spider, allowing it to continue cooking and cool slightly. Return the water to a boil and stir in the Brussels sprout leaves. Simmer for 30 seconds. Remove the leaves to the same tray using a spider. Cool slightly.
  2. Add the bacon to a medium skillet and place over medium heat. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the bacon is brown and crispy, about 10 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, whisk the Parmesan, olive oil, vinegar, mustard and 3/4 teaspoon salt together in a large bowl. Add the slightly cooled pasta, Brussels sprouts and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove the crispy bacon to the bowl with a slotted spoon and toss well to coat. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and toss gently if desired. Allow the salad to marinate at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerated up to 4 hours before serving. 

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 of 8 servings
Calories 736
Total Fat 49 g
Saturated Fat 14 g
Carbohydrates 51 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Sugar 5 g
Protein 23 g
Cholesterol 50 mg
Sodium 693 mg
Serving Size 1 of 8 servings
Calories 736
Total Fat 49 g
Saturated Fat 14 g
Carbohydrates 51 g
Dietary Fiber 5 g
Sugar 5 g
Protein 23 g
Cholesterol 50 mg
Sodium 693 mg

Reviews

Shelly Moreno
This salad seemed to be lacking something. We ended up adding finely diced red onion and the zest and juice of 1 lemon. That made it perfect!!+
Anna Fernandez
Absolutely delicious!
William Walker
Family favorite!!! This is delicious. Great also for gatherings to bring ur own dish !! Big hit all around!!
Daniel Merritt
I was skeptical of those ingredients together but they work! Very tasty!
Michael Alexander
Very interesting flay combinations. Next time I’ll lessen the vinegar and pasta proportions
Mr. Michael Brown
I made this recipe exactly like Giada and we loved it! Now I make it with orzo or small shell pasta. Also substitute acv with some pomegranate balsamic glasa I get from our local Italian deli, and now its even better! I first saw it last winter and now make it about 15 times during the holidays when pomegranates are in season
Wanda Hall
What a wonderful way to use brussels sprouts! I put my own spin on it. First, I didn’t have any pomegranate seeds so I used dried cranberries (50% less sugar bag). When I finished cooking the bacon, I tossed it in some pure maple syrup and cracked black pepper. I also drizzled (about 1.5 tsp) some maple syrup into the vinaigrette for a savory and sweet flavor. Finally, I added chopped soft boiled eggs and just a few diced tomatoes. I didn’t bother adding any salt as the (generously) salted pasta water was more than salty enough. It came out awesome! 
Andrea Cox
This recipe is beautiful and festive as it it is delicious! I made it for a dinner party and i got compliments after compliments on it. Highly recommend this dish! 
Cody Walker
Flavors are on point. If you’re not a big fan of apple cider vinegar I recommend cutting back a little. You can also make this with or without the pasta. Just cut back on dressing to about 1/3 if you omit the pasta.
Sara Sanchez
Looks amazing! Headed out to get ingredients

 

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