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| Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe |
Brussel Sprout Salad is a vibrant, crunchy, and nutritious dish that transforms the humble Brussels sprout into a refreshing and flavorful experience. Once known mostly as a cooked side dish, Brussels sprouts have made a comeback in raw form, especially in the salad world.
This salad brings out their naturally nutty flavor and crisp texture while pairing beautifully with bright vinaigrettes, nuts, cheeses, and fruits.
Whether you're looking for a side for a hearty meal or a standalone healthy lunch, this dish is packed with freshness, nutrition, and satisfying crunch. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make and fully customizable.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- 🌿 Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- 🧀 Flavor Explosion: A delightful mix of savory, sweet, and tangy.
- 🥄 Easy to Make: Just shave, toss, and serve.
- 🥗 Customizable: Add protein, dried fruit, seeds, or your favorite dressing.
- 🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Stays crisp and tasty even after a few hours in the fridge.
- 👪 Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or weekday meal prep, this salad shines every time.
🛒 What Do You Need to Prepare Brussel Sprout Salad?
Here's what you'll need for a basic but incredibly delicious brussel sprout salad:
Main Ingredients:
- Brussels sprouts – 1 lb (about 4 cups), trimmed and thinly sliced or shaved
- Parmesan cheese – 1/3 cup, freshly grated or shaved
- Toasted almonds or pecans – 1/3 cup, roughly chopped
- Dried cranberries – 1/3 cup
- Red onion – 1 small, finely sliced (optional)
- Apple – 1, thinly sliced or diced (optional, for sweetness)
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil – 1/4 cup
- Fresh lemon juice – 2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard – 1 tsp
- Maple syrup or honey – 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper – To taste
- Garlic (optional) – 1 clove, minced
👩🍳 How to Make Easy Brussel Sprout Salad Step-by-Step?
Follow this simple, foolproof method to create the perfect bowl of brussel sprout salad.
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| Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe |
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim off the woody ends and remove any discolored outer leaves. Use a sharp knife, food processor, or mandoline to shave or thinly slice the sprouts. You want them finely shredded for the best texture.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until emulsified and creamy.
Step 3: Toast the Nuts
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the almonds or pecans for 2–3 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 4: Toss the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, cranberries, cheese, red onion, apple (if using), and toasted nuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat evenly.
Step 5: Let It Rest & Serve
Let the salad rest for about 10–15 minutes before serving. This softens the sprouts slightly and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
🔄 Variations
One of the best things about this salad is its versatility. You can switch it up depending on what’s in your fridge or pantry. Try these delicious variations:
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crispy bacon can turn this side dish into a hearty main course.
- Go Vegan: Skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast instead. Add avocado slices for richness.
- Fruit Fun: Swap cranberries for dried cherries, raisins, or pomegranate seeds for a juicy burst.
- Cheese Swap: Replace parmesan with feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a more tangy or creamy flavor.
- Crunch Factor: Toss in pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Dress It Differently: Try a tahini-lemon dressing, balsamic glaze, or a yogurt-based dressing for a different taste profile.
The base of shaved Brussels sprouts is like a blank canvas feel free to get creative!
🍳 Cooking Note
Though this recipe requires no actual cooking, preparation is everything. Properly shredding the Brussels sprouts is crucial. You can use a food processor with a slicing attachment, which is fast and efficient, or a mandoline for more control. Hand slicing with a sharp knife works too, though it takes a bit longer.
To enhance the flavor of your salad, always toast your nuts. It makes a big difference in both taste and texture. If you're short on time, buy pre-toasted nuts, but toasting them fresh is worth the extra minute.
Letting the salad rest before serving isn't just a suggestion — it truly improves the texture and flavor. Brussels sprouts will soften slightly in the acid of the dressing, making the salad more cohesive and easier to digest.
For best results, use fresh, crisp sprouts and high-quality olive oil. You can even prep the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The salad itself holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dish for busy weeks.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Brussel Sprout Salad is extremely versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some perfect ways to serve it:
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted salmon for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
- Holiday Favorite: It’s a popular side at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter for its freshness and crunch.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it as a standalone meal with a slice of crusty bread or a boiled egg on the side.
- Buffet or Potluck: This salad stands out on a buffet table and holds its texture well, making it ideal for gatherings.
- Picnic or BBQ: Since it doesn’t wilt easily, it's a great addition to outdoor meals.
For a restaurant-style presentation, finish it with a sprinkle of extra cheese or a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.
📝 Helpful Tips
Shred finely: The thinner the Brussels sprouts, the better the texture. Use a mandoline or food processor for speed.Use fresh Brussels sprouts: They should be bright green and tightly packed. Avoid soft or discolored sprouts.
Don’t skip the acid: Lemon juice helps balance the earthy taste and brightens the whole salad.
Let it marinate: Give your salad 10–15 minutes after tossing with the dressing to allow the flavors to blend.
Toast your nuts: It adds depth, crunch, and aroma that raw nuts just can’t offer.
Balance your textures: Use soft ingredients like dried fruit with crunchy nuts and crisp sprouts.
Remember, this salad is a base for many creative experiments. Keep a batch of shredded sprouts on hand in the fridge and mix up a quick bowl anytime!
🌟 Tips for the Best Brussel Sprout Salad
To make the best brussel sprout salad every single time:
- Shred uniformly: Uniform pieces make for a better bite and even flavor.
- Massage the sprouts: Gently rub the shaved Brussels with your hands to break down some fibers and enhance tenderness.
- Use a zippy dressing: The natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts pairs well with sweet and tangy dressings.
- Season well: Salt and pepper are critical. Taste and adjust before serving.
- Layer flavors: Combine salty (cheese), sweet (cranberries), sour (lemon), and umami (nuts) to build complexity.
These small adjustments can make a huge difference in both taste and texture!
⏱️ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for toasting nuts)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
🧾 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 5 g
❓ FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually gets better after it sits for 15–30 minutes. It holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I cook the Brussels sprouts instead of using them raw?
Yes. If preferred, you can sauté them lightly before tossing with other ingredients. It changes the texture and flavor but is still delicious.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Absolutely, but homemade lemon vinaigrette brings out the best flavors. If buying, go for light, citrus-based dressings.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What can I substitute for nuts?
Try seeds like sunflower or pumpkin, or leave them out for a nut-free version.
✅ Conclusion
This Brussel Sprout Salad is a celebration of flavor, texture, and health a refreshing change from the typical leafy greens. Whether you're preparing it for a weekday lunch, a festive dinner, or a quick side dish, it delivers crispness and nutrition in every bite.
With endless variations, a make-ahead friendly nature, and a simple process, it's a salad you'll want to make again and again.
Make it once, and it just might become a staple on your menu all year round!
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