Here’s a treat for all you sprouts-lovers out there. Our Crispy Brussels Caesar Salad mixes the mild, nutty taste of roasted Brussels sprouts with the earthy goodness of chickpeas and the sweetness of pomegranate seeds. It’s a delightful medley that’s made even better with a deliciously tart dressing that’s Made With Lifeway. This inventive recipe is loaded with nutrients. Brussels Sprouts are packed with soluble fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Chickpeas give your body a boost of vitamin B9, manganese, and copper. And Lifeway Kefir fills your body with probiotics, protein, vitamin D, and calcium.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole-fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Prep Time: 15 mins Servings: 4-6Ingredients
- 15-20 Brussels Sprouts
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Garlic Salt
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil
- 1-2 bread of choice, we used gluten free bread
- 2 cups Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp parmesan
- 1/2 cup capers, minced
- chickpeas, roasted
- pine nuts
- Pomegranate seeds
Directions
- Score the bottom of the Brussels Sprouts in a diagonal/diagonal pattern creating a criss-cross look, then toss them in olive oil salt and pepper.
- On a parchment paper laid down over a baking sheet, drizzle olive oil, and lay down parmesan cheese and sprinkle with garlic salt. Lay your Brussels Sprouts the scored side down over the parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, or until parmesan has crusted to the Brussels Sprouts.
- To make your homemade croutons, On another baking sheet, crumble your bread, toss with olive oil, garlic salt and pepper and bake at 350 for 10-15 minutes.
- In the meantime, mince capers and put in a bowl along with kefir, lemon juice, olive oil, parmesan, salt and pepper to taste. Blend until well incorporated and set aside.
- Once everything in the oven is done, lay out your Brussels sprouts, top with pine nuts, roasted chickpeas, pomegranate seeds, homemade croutons, parmesan and your kefir dressing.
