This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is fresh and crunchy, perfect for a light meal or a side dish. With thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, nuts, and a zesty dressing, it’s a taste sensation!
You’ll love how simple it is to whip up! I often toss in some apples for a sweet crunch—so good! Plus, it’s a great way to impress friends at lunch or dinner. 🥗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are key for this salad. If you can’t find them, you might consider using kale or even shredded green cabbage for a different twist.
Dried Cranberries: These add a nice touch of sweetness. You can swap them for raisins, chopped dates, or even dried cherries if you want something a bit different.
Pomegranate Seeds: They give the salad a pop of color and flavor. If pomegranates are out of season, blueberries or diced apples can work well too!
Walnuts: Walnuts bring a crunchy texture. You can replace them with almonds, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds if you prefer to switch up nuts or go nut-free.
Shaved Parmesan: Parmesan adds a salty bite. For a vegetarian option, swap it with nutritional yeast or use crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
How Do You Get the Right Texture with Shaved Brussels Sprouts?
The key to perfect shaved Brussels sprouts is slicing them thinly. This helps them soften slightly and absorb the dressing. Use a sharp knife for precision or a mandoline if you’re comfortable with it. Just be cautious while using a mandoline to avoid any accidents!
- When trimming, cut off the stem and remove any discolored outer leaves.
- Slice the Brussels sprouts vertically to get even shavings.
- If you like a lighter texture, consider massaging the shredded sprouts with a bit of olive oil or lemon juice before adding the other ingredients!
Delicious Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly shaved
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation. You’ll spend the time slicing Brussels sprouts and mixing up a delicious dressing, making it a quick and easy recipe to add to your meals!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
Start by rinsing the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim off the tough ends and any discolored outer leaves. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, carefully thinly shave the Brussels sprouts into fine strips. Place them in a large salad bowl.
2. Add the Salad Components:
Now it’s time to add some fun ingredients! Toss in the dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, roughly chopped walnuts, shaved Parmesan, and minced shallot into the bowl with the shaved Brussels sprouts. This mixture brings in textures and flavors that make the salad pop!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and you have a nice, smooth dressing ready to go.
4. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the Brussels sprouts mixture. With clean hands or salad tongs, gently toss everything together to make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated in that delicious dressing.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for a bit longer. If you want, add extra Parmesan cheese or walnuts on top just before serving for a delightful touch!
Enjoy this vibrant and crunchy salad that’s filled with tart pomegranate bursts, the sweetness of cranberries, and the savory notes of walnuts and Parmesan—perfect for any occasion! 🥗✨
Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts for This Salad?
It’s best to use fresh Brussels sprouts for this salad to achieve the desired crunch and texture. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be softer and may not hold up well in a raw salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make the salad vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. You can also replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a fully plant-based dressing!
What Can I Substitute for Walnuts?
If you’re allergic to nuts or simply don’t have walnuts on hand, you can use sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even toasted almonds as a crunchy alternative!
How Long Does the Salad Last in the Fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last in the fridge for about 2 days. Just keep it in an airtight container. If you’re storing it, consider adding the dressing just before serving to maintain the crispness of the Brussels sprouts!
