Clean and cook the Brussels sprouts
Trim the tough base of the Brussels sprouts and halve them. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the Brussels sprouts with the shallot and cook until golden and slightly tender, bringing out their natural sweetness and making the outside crispy.
Slice the chicory
Finely slice the chicory — this thin texture provides a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the roasted Brussels sprouts.
Make the vinaigrette
In a bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar, mustard, and honey. Slowly whisk in the remaining olive oil until you have a smooth vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble the salad
Place the sliced chicory in a large bowl. Add the warm Brussels sprouts and pour over the vinaigrette. Gently toss to coat everything evenly, ensuring the sprouts retain their crispy edges.
Serve
Let the salad rest a few minutes for the flavors to meld and serve at room temperature or lightly warm.
Tips
- Do not cook the Brussels sprouts too quickly; medium heat gives them the best color without burning.
- Do not cut the chicory too coarsely — thin strips create a better balance with the firm Brussels sprouts.
- Taste the vinaigrette first and adjust the balsamic-to-honey ratio until you reach your perfect balance.
- For extra crunch, add some toasted nuts (such as hazelnuts or walnuts) just before serving.
- Serve the salad immediately after adding the vinaigrette so the Brussels sprouts stay crispy and don’t get soggy.