I remember the first time I discovered a shaved Brussels sprouts salad that felt just right—crisp, vibrant, and packed with flavor. It quickly became my go-to for busy weeknights and even those special holiday dinners when I wanted something fresh but impressive. This shaved Brussels sprouts salad takes less than 15 minutes to prep, making it perfect when you want something quick, tasty, and full of texture.
Table of Contents
brussels sprouts salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, and garlic in a small bowl or jar. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
- Use a food processor with the slicing attachment to thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. Alternatively, use a mandoline or sharp knife.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped apple, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with dressing, toss well, and season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Incredibly customizable to suit your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand.
- Perfect make-ahead side dish that stays crisp and never gets soggy when stored properly.
- Vibrant mix of textures and flavors from crunchy sprouts, sweet apple, chewy cranberries, and nutty sunflower seeds.
- It has enough zest and depth to convert even Brussels sprout skeptics.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Maple Mustard Dressing
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the Salad
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (ends trimmed)
- 1 large Honeycrisp apple (chopped or 2 small apples)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
How to Shave Brussels Sprouts (The ULTIMATE Guide)
There are three great methods to shave Brussels sprouts for this salad, each with its pros and cons:
- Food Processor: This is the fastest way. Use a slicing attachment and pulse until thinly sliced. It’s quick and uniform, perfect if you’re in a hurry or making a large batch.
- Mandoline: Provides very uniform, thin slices with great control over thickness. However, a strong safety warning is necessary—always use the guard and be extra careful to protect your fingers from the sharp blade.
- Sharp Knife: Offers the most control and is great if you don’t have any special equipment. It takes longer but can give you slices to your exact preference.
For this recipe, I use the food processor for speed, but any method you have will work well. Just aim for evenly thin slices to maximize texture and flavor absorption.
How to Make the Perfect Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Make the maple mustard dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Expert tip: whisk until fully emulsified—you want it creamy and no separation. Set aside.
- Shave the Brussels sprouts. Use your preferred method to slice them thinly and place in a large bowl. This helps create that tender-crisp texture.
- Add the apple, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and Parmesan cheese to the sprouts. Toss everything together gently.
- Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss well. Expert tip: Massage the dressing into the sprouts for about a minute to soften and infuse flavor. Season with salt and pepper as needed, then serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Massage Your Sprouts: Spend a minute massaging the dressing into the shaved sprouts to tenderize them and help the flavors blend beautifully.
- Toast Your Seeds: Lightly toast sunflower seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This adds a delicious nuttiness and crunch.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the dressed salad to sit for 15-30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld perfectly and the texture softens just right.
Customizing Your Salad: Substitutions and Variations
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit | Dried cherries, chopped pear, pomegranate seeds | Switch up sweetness and texture |
| Crunch | Toasted pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds | Nut-free option: stick with sunflower or pumpkin seeds |
| Cheese | Crumbled feta, goat cheese, shaved Manchego | Different tangy or creamy flavor profiles |
| Dietary Variations | Vegan: Use maple syrup and replace or omit cheese; Nut-Free: Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds | Easy adaptations for dietary needs |
What to Serve with Your Brussels Sprouts Salad
This shaved Brussels sprouts salad pairs wonderfully with a range of mains. Try it alongside:
- Roast Chicken for a cozy, homey meal
- Holiday Turkey to bring brightness to your festive table
- Pan-Seared Pork Loin for a balanced and flavorful dinner
Check out other recipes on Aisha Recipes for more main dishes to complement this salad perfectly.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
To keep your Brussels sprouts salad fresh and crisp, store the dressing separately from the dry salad ingredients (sprouts, apple, cranberries, seeds, cheese) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Toss everything together just before serving to prevent sogginess and keep those vibrant textures intact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My raw Brussels sprouts taste bitter. How do I fix that?
The maple syrup in the dressing, massaging the sprouts, and letting the salad marinate all help balance out any bitterness.
How do I keep my Brussels sprouts salad from getting soggy?
Store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.
Can I use store-bought pre-shaved Brussels sprouts to save time?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut. Aim for about 4–5 cups.
Is this Brussels sprouts salad healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being. [1] The cruciferous vegetable is also rich in fiber, which aids digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer. [2]
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
- Classic Kale Caesar Salad
- Easy Apple Walnut Salad
- Fresh Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Conclusion and Recipe Card
This shaved Brussels sprouts salad is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy this nutritious veggie. It’s quick, customizable, and filled with textures and flavors that brighten any meal. Give it a try, and please leave a comment below with your favorite salad combinations or questions. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag Aisha Recipes—I love seeing your kitchen wins!
