Just when you thought salads were canceled for winter, TikTok recipe creator Justine Doiron dropped a game-changing food trend that’s making everyone rethink their cold-weather meals. Her baked salad videos have racked up a mind-blowing 29 million views, and once you try it, you’ll understand the hype.
Why this isn’t your basic boring salad
Forget everything you know about sad desk salads. This viral recipe transforms your typical greens into a warm, crispy, absolutely crave-worthy meal that feels more like comfort food than health food. It’s basically what would happen if your favorite roasted vegetables and a fresh salad had a delicious winter baby.
Here’s exactly how to make the viral baked salad
Want to jump on this trend? Here’s your step-by-step guide to creating the most-loved version featuring crispy Brussels sprouts and chickpeas:
- First, crank your oven to 400°F. This high heat is crucial for getting that perfect crispy exterior.
- Grab about 5 cups of Brussels sprouts and slice them lengthwise into thick-ish shavings. Think more chunky than fine – you want them to get crispy without burning.
- Here’s where the magic happens with the chickpeas: Instead of leaving them whole, pulse them in your food processor until they look like rough breadcrumbs. This creates way more surface area for getting crispy.
- Spread both your Brussels sprouts and chickpea crumbles on separate baking sheets. Give them a good drizzle of olive oil and a generous pinch of salt.
- Pop both pans in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Pro tip: Give them a shake halfway through to make sure everything crisps up evenly.
The secret sauce that makes it addictive
While your veggies are getting toasty, it’s dressing time. This isn’t your basic vinaigrette – we’re talking a warm, garlicky tahini situation that’ll make you want to lick the bowl:
- Start with anchovy oil (trust the process – it adds amazing depth)
- Throw in some minced garlic and let it get fragrant
- Mix in tahini, fresh parsley, and a good squeeze of lemon
- Thin it out with water until it’s perfectly drizzle-able
Don’t do anchovies? No worries – capers or olives will give you that same salty punch.
Making it your own (because rules are meant to be broken)
The beauty of this trend is how customizable it is. Think of the original recipe as your starter pack – now it’s time to make it your own:
Want it more filling? Throw it on top of quinoa or add some grilled chicken. Need more protein? Add some hard-boiled eggs or crispy tofu. Like it spicy? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will heat things up. Want different veggies? Try it with kale, carrots, or cabbage.
Why this trend is here to stay
Unlike some viral food hacks that look better than they taste, this one’s actually genius. It solves the age-old winter dilemma of wanting to eat healthy while also craving warm, comforting food. Plus, it’s:
- Actually filling (thanks to those crispy chickpeas)
- Packed with nutrients
- Perfect for meal prep
- Customizable for any diet
- Warm and cozy while still being good for you
The meal prep hack you need to know
Want to make this even easier? Prep your vegetables and chickpeas on Sunday, store them separately, and then just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat. The dressing can be made ahead too – just warm it up slightly before serving.
Take your baked salad game even further
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these pro-level upgrades:
- Add different textures with toasted nuts or seeds
- Experiment with different spice blends on your chickpeas
- Try different dressing bases like miso or mustard
- Layer in some roasted fruit for a sweet-savory combo
- Play with different cooking temperatures for varying levels of crispiness
Why this works for basically everyone
Whether you’re a salad skeptic or a health food enthusiast, this trend hits different. It’s healthy enough to count as a salad but satisfying enough to quiet those comfort food cravings. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs – vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters can all get in on this action.
The bottom line on this viral trend
In a world of questionable TikTok food trends, this one’s actually worth the hype. It’s practical, delicious, and might just change how you think about salads forever. Plus, it’s the perfect way to keep eating your vegetables through the winter without feeling like you’re suffering through cold, bland salads.
So go ahead, turn on that oven, and join the millions of people who’ve already discovered that yes, salad can actually be cozy. Your winter dinner routine is about to get a serious upgrade.
