Discover the ultimate easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress: this vibrant Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Featuring a delectable dressing made with creamy dijon mustard, rich olive oil, and a hint of sea salt and pepper, you’ll likely find all the ingredients already in your pantry!
This recipe was originally published in December 2015 and updated in June 2020 to provide even more helpful tips and details.
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but prepare to be amazed: they are incredibly delicious when enjoyed raw! While we love them roasted with maple and balsamic for a warm, savory treat, their crisp texture and slightly peppery flavor truly shine when served fresh in a salad. This particular shaved Brussels sprout salad was inspired by a memorable dish from a beloved restaurant that is sadly no longer in business. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a delightful and nutritious meal or side dish. It’s designed for efficiency, allowing you to whip up a gourmet-tasting salad in record time. Forget complex cooking methods; this salad is all about fresh flavors and minimal fuss. Get ready to enjoy a refreshing new take on a classic vegetable!
Looking for more fresh and flavorful ideas? Explore some of our other favorite salad recipes, including the crisp Apple Arugula Salad, the sweet and tangy Spinach Mandarin Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing, the savory Shrimp Taco Salad with Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing, or the comforting Roasted Pear Salad!
Why This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Will Become Your New Favorite
This isn’t just another salad; it’s a revelation! Here’s why this shaved Brussels sprout salad is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire:
- Effortlessly Quick & Easy: Life is busy, and healthy eating shouldn’t be a chore. This salad can be on your table in under 20 minutes. The secret? Minimal chopping, thanks to the magic of a food processor. This versatile kitchen tool handles both the Brussels sprouts and the onion, saving you precious time and effort. Simply toss everything together with the dressing, and you’re done! It’s truly a testament to the beauty of simple salad recipes.
- Perfect for Meal Prepping: One of the best qualities of this shaved Brussels sprout salad is its impressive shelf life. Unlike many delicate green salads that wilt almost immediately, this robust creation holds up beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prepping. Prepare a big batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have delicious, healthy lunches or sides ready to go. For a complete and satisfying meal, consider adding some lemon pepper grilled chicken or a side of quinoa.
- A Refreshing Break from Routine: We all fall into food ruts, opting for the same predictable salads day after day. This shaved Brussels sprout salad offers a delightful escape from the mundane. Its unique texture and bold flavor profile provide a refreshing change, injecting excitement back into your healthy eating habits. It’s an easy and delicious way to get a generous serving of vegetables while exploring new tastes and textures.
Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Salad
Crafting a truly exceptional shaved Brussels sprout salad begins with understanding each key ingredient. Here’s what makes this recipe sing:
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts: The star of our show! For this recipe, you want fresh, raw Brussels sprouts. There’s absolutely no need to cook them. The raw, thinly shaved sprouts offer a crisp, slightly bitter, and surprisingly mild flavor that pairs perfectly with the dressing. For a handy shortcut, many grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, now offer pre-shredded Brussels sprouts, making preparation even faster. When selecting, look for firm, bright green sprouts without yellowing leaves.
- Walnuts: Whether you choose chopped, raw, or toasted walnuts, they add a fantastic crunch and earthy richness to the salad. To enhance their flavor, toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. This simple step brings out a deeper, nuttier taste. If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer alternatives, chopped pecans, sliced almonds, or even sunflower seeds make excellent substitutes, each adding its own unique texture and flavor.
- Dijon Mustard: This is truly the secret weapon in our dressing, providing a sophisticated depth of flavor that elevates the entire salad. Its creamy texture and tangy, slightly spicy notes are indispensable. In fact, this salad’s dressing was so inspiring, it led to the creation of our popular Lemon Dijon Dressing! Ensure you use a good quality Dijon for the best results.
- Red Onion: A finely diced red onion adds a subtle pungency and a beautiful pop of color. Its sharpness provides a welcome contrast to the other ingredients. If you find raw onion too intense, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad to mellow its flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese introduces a salty, umami-rich component that beautifully complements the sprouts and walnuts. Its savory notes tie all the flavors together.
- Lemon Juice & Olive Oil: The foundation of any great vinaigrette. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors with its zesty acidity, while high-quality extra virgin olive oil provides a silky mouthfeel and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Optional Sweetener: For those who prefer a slightly less intense dressing or want to balance the bitterness of the sprouts and sharpness of the Dijon, a touch of honey or maple syrup (1-2 teaspoons) can be added to the dressing. This is entirely optional, but a wonderful way to customize the flavor to your preference.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements in the detailed recipe card below.
Elevate Your Salad: Exciting Recipe Variations and Add-Ins
This shaved Brussels sprout salad is incredibly versatile, making it easy to customize according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
- Boost the Protein: Transform this side dish into a hearty main course by adding your favorite protein. Diced or cubed cooked chicken is a fantastic choice; our pan-seared chicken works beautifully here. Other excellent options include crispy bacon crumbles, grilled shrimp, pan-seared salmon, or for a vegetarian twist, roasted chickpeas or white beans.
- Cheese, Please! While Parmesan adds a lovely savory note, experimenting with different cheeses can introduce exciting new dimensions. Try crumbled blue cheese for a sharp, tangy kick, creamy goat cheese for a delicate tang, or crumbled feta for a salty, briny flavor. Even a sharp cheddar, finely shredded, can offer a delightful twist.
- Nut & Seed Swaps: Walnuts provide a classic crunch, but feel free to substitute them with other nuts or seeds. Toasted pecans, sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), or even toasted pine nuts would be delicious and add unique textures.
- Fruity Freshness: Introduce a touch of sweetness and chewiness with dried fruits. Dried cranberries or golden raisins add a wonderful balance. For fresh fruit, consider finely diced apples (Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness), pomegranate arils for a burst of juicy color, or even thinly sliced pears.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Easily adapt this simple salad recipe to be dairy-free by simply omitting the Parmesan cheese. You can also use a high-quality dairy-free Parmesan alternative for a similar flavor profile. The salad remains incredibly flavorful even without the cheese.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating other finely chopped vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of baby spinach or arugula for extra greens.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Perfect Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Creating this delicious shaved Brussels sprout salad is a straightforward process, made even easier with a few simple techniques. Follow these steps for a perfect outcome:
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts for Shaving. The quickest and most efficient way to achieve perfectly shredded or shaved Brussels sprouts is by utilizing a food processor equipped with a slicing or shredding disc. Begin by thoroughly rinsing your fresh Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim off the tough ends of each sprout and then cut them in half lengthwise. This preparation ensures they fit well into the food processor’s feed tube. Depending on the size of your food processor, you may need to work in batches to avoid overloading it and ensure even shredding.
Step 2: Shred the Brussels Sprouts. Place the halved Brussels sprouts into your food processor. Use the pulse function to shred them into fine, ribbon-like pieces. Pulse in short bursts until you reach your desired consistency – typically finely shredded but still with some texture. Once shredded, transfer the sprouts to a large mixing bowl. It’s common to find a few larger chunks; simply pick these out and pop them back into the food processor for a couple more quick pulses until they match the rest.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients. To the bowl with the shredded Brussels sprouts, add the chopped walnuts, shredded Parmesan cheese, and the finely diced red onion. These ingredients will form the textural and flavor base of your salad, providing crunch, savoriness, and a subtle zing.
Step 4: Toss and Add Any Additional Mix-ins. Gently toss all the ingredients in the large bowl until they are well combined and evenly distributed. This is also the perfect time to incorporate any other optional add-ins you might desire, such as dried cranberries for sweetness, cubed cooked chicken for protein, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture. Ensure everything is thoroughly mixed before moving on to the dressing.
Step 5: Prepare the Zesty Dijon Dressing. In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for your simple yet flavorful dressing. Combine the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, a generous pinch of black pepper, and sea salt to taste. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified and creamy. If using, now is the time to whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup to temper the acidity and add a touch of sweetness.
Step 6: Dress, Toss, and Serve. Pour the freshly prepared Dijon dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of Brussels sprout and every other ingredient is lightly coated with the dressing. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, add another sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese on top just before serving. You can enjoy this salad immediately for optimal crispness or chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will deepen as it rests!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
- Beyond the Basics: Creative Add-In Ideas: The possibilities for customizing this salad are endless! Consider adding dried cranberries for a tart chewiness, golden raisins for a sweeter touch, or vibrant pomegranate arils for a burst of juicy flavor and color. For savory additions, crispy bacon crumbles are always a hit, or try diced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. For crunch, pumpkin seeds or toasted pecans are fantastic. Finely diced crisp apples can also add a refreshing sweetness.
- Mastering Make-Ahead Prep: This salad is wonderfully suited for making in advance, making your entertaining or meal prep stress-free! For the best texture and crispness, we recommend preparing the salad within 24 hours of serving. A clever trick for make-ahead salads is to add only half of the dressing when initially mixing. Then, just before serving, toss in the remaining dressing to refresh the flavors and ensure the salad is perfectly coated without becoming soggy. This helps maintain its vibrant crunch.
- Achieving the Perfect Shred: If you don’t have a food processor, you can still achieve beautifully shaved Brussels sprouts. A mandoline slicer is an excellent alternative for thin, even slices. Simply use the thinnest setting, being extremely careful and using the safety guard. Alternatively, a sharp chef’s knife can be used to slice the sprouts as thinly as possible by hand.
- Balancing Flavors: Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. Adjust the lemon juice for brightness, Dijon for tang, and salt/pepper for seasoning. If the dressing feels too sharp, a tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup can mellow it out.
Storage Solutions for Lasting Freshness
One of the many benefits of this shaved Brussels sprout salad is its impressive resilience, allowing it to maintain its quality for several days. To store, transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for approximately 3-4 days. While it will be at its absolute freshest and crispiest within the first two days, it remains delicious and enjoyable for up to four. Before serving refrigerated salad, let it sit out at room temperature for a few minutes to allow the flavors to bloom slightly. Give it a good toss, and if desired, add a fresh drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to revive its moisture and sheen.
What to Serve With This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: Perfect Pairings
This versatile shaved Brussels sprout salad makes an excellent side dish, but it’s equally capable of starring as a light main course or complementing a more substantial meal. Here are some fantastic pairing ideas:
- Protein-Packed Mains:
- For a lean and flavorful option, top your salad with tender grilled lemon pepper chicken.
- Seafood lovers will adore it alongside flaky maple glazed salmon, creating a balanced and elegant meal.
- Consider adding these crispy Cornmeal Crusted Chicken Tenders for a comforting and kid-friendly pairing that adults will also love!
- For vegetarian options, a hearty lentil soup or grilled halloumi cheese would be excellent.
- Comforting Soup & Salad Meals:
- Elevate a simple lunch or dinner by pairing this vibrant salad with a warm bowl of soup. Our Chunky Italian Vegetable Soup offers robust flavors, while a creamy Sausage Gnocchi Soup or a classic Tomato Tortellini Soup would provide a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.
- Sensational Sandwich Companions:
- If you’re thinking of a delicious sandwich, this salad makes the perfect fresh counterpoint. The rich and gooey Havarti Grilled Cheese with Avocado and Baby Arugula is an absolute must-try with this salad – the flavors align beautifully! While our Blueberry Basil Grilled Cheese is delicious, the Havarti option offers a more harmonious pairing with the Dijon and nutty notes of the Brussels sprouts.
- Explore More Brussels Sprout Ideas: Don’t limit yourself! Check out this comprehensive list of other great recipes to serve with Brussels sprouts for even more inspiration, extending beyond this easy Brussels sprout salad.
Discover More Delicious Salad Recipes:
If you’ve enjoyed this shaved Brussels sprout salad, you’ll love exploring other fresh and flavorful creations from our collection:
- Chickpea Avocado Tomato Salad: A creamy, hearty, and utterly satisfying plant-based option.
- Easy Lemon Orzo Salad: A bright and light pasta salad perfect for picnics or potlucks.
- Strawberry Summer Quinoa Salad: A delightful combination of sweet berries, salty feta, and protein-rich quinoa.
- Tortellini Caprese Salad: A comforting and fresh take on a classic Italian favorite.
- Black Bean Cauliflower Rice Salad: A low-carb, vibrant salad packed with Tex-Mex inspired flavors.
For even more Brussels sprout inspiration, I highly recommend checking out this list of 30 amazing Brussels sprouts recipes from Delish. There’s truly something for every day of the month!
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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This simple shaved Brussels sprout salad comes together in just 20 minutes and is certain to be a crowd-pleaser! Creamy dijon mustard, olive oil, and a touch of sea salt and pepper are all you need to dress this salad – all things you probably have in the pantry now!
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb. fresh brussels sprouts
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted or raw
- ½ red onion, small diced
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ c Dijon mustard
- ⅓ c extra virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp pepper
- salt to taste
- optional: 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup to add to dressing
Instructions
- Rinse brussels sprouts and cut the ends off of each and then cut each in half.
- Add the sprouts in a food processor and pulse until shredded. (You can use a mandoline to do this as well!) Pour shredded sprouts into a large bowl. Add the onion, parmesan, and walnuts and toss to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, pepper and salt to taste. Add to the salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Enjoy or chill until ready to enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. It will be freshest in the first two days but will still keep for about 4. Before serving, allow it to sit out a few minutes and toss, adding a drizzle of olive oil when tossing if desired.
Some other possible add-ins include: dried cranberries, golden raisins, pomegranate arils, crispy bacon crumbles, diced apples, pumpkin seeds, diced hard boiled eggs, pecans – and so much more!
If you plan to make this salad in advance, that is great! I suggest making it within 24 hours of serving for optimal texture and crispiness. You can add half the dressing when making it and then toss it in the remaining dressing before serving.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 9mg
Sodium: 311mg
Potassium: 428mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 739IU
Vitamin C: 73mg
Calcium: 204mg
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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