This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with walnuts, pear, cranberries is packed full of healthy, in-season flavor—perfect for the cool weather months!  Omit the bacon, and you have yourself a vegan delight. 

For the Orange Maple dressing:

• 3 tablespoons good apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2/3 cup good olive oil

For the Salad:

• 1 pound Brussel sprouts, trimmed and finely grated
• 2 cups arugula or chopped kale
• 6 slices cooked smoked bacon, crumbled or chopped
• 1 pear, chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries or currents (with no added sugar)
• 1 cup walnuts, course chopped
• cup crumbled gorgonzola or blue cheese

Directions:

Combine the apple cider, orange zest, orange juice, Dijon, maple syrup, salt, pepper. Add the olive oil in a steady stream and whisk for a minute or two, until it becomes creamy-looking.

In a large bowl, combine the Brussels sprouts, greens, bacon, pear, dried fruit, walnuts and cheese. Add the dressing to the salad and toss together. Serve immediately or within a few hours of tossing.

Recipe by Natural Skin Revival. October 16, 2016