How to Make an Irresistible Brussels Sprouts Salad
A harmonious mix of textures and flavors makes this dish a standout at any gathering.
Brussels Sprouts Salad: A Fresh Take on a Classic Vegetable
Brussels sprouts are often associated with hearty roasts or roasted trays, but this Brussels sprouts salad celebrates their crisp texture and nutty flavor in a whole new way. When served raw and sliced thin, tossed with crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruit, sharp cheese, and a bright vinaigrette, Brussels sprouts transform into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing salad for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Quick to Prepare: No roasting required—just slice, toss, and serve.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Bursting with color, flavor, and texture, it’s a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Most components can be prepped in advance for easy assembly.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet, savory, crunchy, and tangy elements create harmony in every bite.
Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts Salad
This salad is as flexible as it is flavorful. Here’s the essential combination:
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Brussels Sprouts (1.5 lbs) | Crunchy, earthy base—shredded raw for crisp texture |
| Dried Cranberries (2/3 cup) | Add tart-sweet pops of flavor |
| Pecans (1/2 cup, chopped) | Provide nutty crunch (walnuts or hazelnuts work too) |
| Apple (1 large, chopped) | Offers juicy, refreshing crispness |
| Bacon (4 slices, cooked and chopped) | Supply savory, smoky depth (optional for vegetarians) |
| Green Onions (2, thinly sliced) | Mild onion bite for freshness |
| Feta Cheese (1/3 cup, crumbled) | Tangy, creamy contrast |
| Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette | Sweet, tangy, and bright—ties the whole salad together |
Note: Quantities can be adjusted based on your preference or what’s available. Use walnuts or hazelnuts instead of pecans; swap cranberries for dried cherries; substitute goat cheese for feta—this salad is forgiving and encourages adaptation!
How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Shred the Brussels Sprouts:
- Trim the ends and remove any tough outer leaves.
- Slice each sprout as thinly as possible with a sharp knife or use a food processor with a slicing attachment.
- Fluff the shredded Brussels sprouts with your hands to separate the layers for better texture.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients:
- Place shredded sprouts, cranberries, pecans, apple, bacon, green onions, and feta in a large salad bowl.
- Prepare the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- In a jar or small bowl, combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, salt, and cracked black pepper to taste.
- Shake or whisk vigorously until emulsified and smooth.
- Dress and Toss:
- Add the desired amount of vinaigrette to the salad, a little at a time (you may not need it all).
- Gently toss until everything is evenly coated and well mixed.
- Final Touch:
- Serve immediately, or let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips for the Best Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Prep Ahead: Shred the sprouts and prepare the dressing up to a day in advance; chop apples just before assembling to prevent browning (use a little lemon juice if prepping ahead).
- Maximize Crunch: Add nuts and bacon just before serving so they stay crisp.
- Customizable: Try blue cheese or sharp cheddar; swap apples for pears; toss in toasted seeds or roasted chickpeas for variety.
- Vegan Option: Omit cheese and bacon, or use plant-based substitutes.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free as written.
Ingredient Substitution Ideas
- Nuts: Replace pecans with toasted almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
- Fruit: Swap cranberries for raisins, dried cherries, or even pomegranate arils for a burst of color.
- Cheese: Substitute feta with goat cheese, blue cheese, or shredded sharp cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Protein: Omit bacon for a vegetarian salad, or add chickpeas for plant-based protein.
Nutritional Benefits of Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brussels sprouts are a nutrient powerhouse packed with:
- Vitamin C (immunity boost and skin health)
- Vitamin K (supports bone health and blood clotting)
- Fiber (promotes digestion and fullness)
- Antioxidants (reduce inflammation and support overall wellness)
Adding apples and cranberries introduces more fiber and antioxidants; nuts add healthy fats and protein, while feta provides a creamy texture without excess calories.
Perfect Occasions for Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Holiday Meals: Its bright colors and bold flavor make it a show-stopping side at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- Potlucks & Picnics: Sturdy enough to hold up on a buffet or serve outside.
- Weeknight Dinners: Light yet satisfying for pairing with grilled chicken, salmon, or vegetarian mains.
- Meal Prep: Holds well in the fridge, making great leftovers for lunch the next day.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Brussels sprouts salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can shred the Brussels sprouts and prepare the vinaigrette up to a day in advance. Combine and dress the salad shortly before serving for optimal texture. Keep ingredients like apples, nuts, and bacon separate until ready to toss if making ahead more than a few hours to maintain freshness and crunch.
How do I keep the apple from browning?
Toss chopped apples with a little fresh lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This simple step slows oxidation and keeps the apple pieces vibrant and appealing.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
The core salad is vegetarian if you omit the bacon; use plant-based cheese or skip cheese entirely for a vegan option. The vinaigrette as written is naturally vegan.
How thin should I slice the Brussels sprouts?
As thin as possible! Use a sharp chef’s knife or a food processor with the slicing blade. Paper-thin shreds give the best texture and allow for better absorption of dressing and flavors.
What else can I add to make this salad heartier?
- Toasted chickpeas or lentils for plant-based protein
- Quinoa or bulgur for a grain bowl vibe
- Thinly sliced carrots, radishes, or raw beets for extra crunch and nutrition
Brussels Sprouts Salad Variations
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Flavor Notes |
|---|---|---|
| With Blueberries & Almonds | Blueberries, toasted almonds, chives, honey-poppy seed dressing | Sweet, nutty, summery |
| With Asiago & Citrus | Shaved Asiago, apples, citrus-maple vinaigrette | Tangy, creamy, bright |
| With Cheddar & Hazelnuts | Sharp cheddar, hazelnuts, Dijon-lemon vinaigrette | Earthy, robust, sharp |
| Classic Sweet & Savory | Cranberries, pecans, apples, bacon, feta | Perfect holiday or potluck blend |
Mastering the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
This salad’s signature is its bright, tangy, sweet-salty dressing. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Balsamic Vinegar: Lends mellow acidity and depth.
- Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness and subtle flavor—do not substitute pancake syrup.
- Dijon Mustard: Gives body and gentle heat, plus helps emulsify.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for richness and grassy notes.
- Seasoning: Salt and cracked black pepper—taste and adjust before serving.
Tip: Double the dressing recipe and store extra in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. It works wonderfully on grain salads or roasted vegetables as well.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roast chicken, salmon, or a simple quiche for a balanced meal.
- Serve as a lighter, refreshing counterpoint to rich, creamy side dishes at holiday gatherings.
- Pile into pita bread with hummus or avocado for a quick vegetarian lunch.
Storing Leftovers
- Undressed salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge.
- Dressed salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours; Brussels sprouts maintain much of their crunch, but apples and nuts may soften.
- Store extra dressing separately to keep salad fresher for longer.
Equipment Checklist
- Sharp chef’s knife or food processor for shredding
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Small jar or bowl for dressing
- Measuring cups and spoons
Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe (Printable Version)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shredded
- 2/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1 large apple, chopped (tossed with lemon juice)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and cracked black pepper
Instructions:
- Trim and shred Brussels sprouts thinly. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add dried cranberries, pecans, apple, bacon, green onion, and feta.
- In a jar, combine vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously.
- Pour desired amount of dressing over salad; toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts: Turning Brussels Sprouts into a Standout Salad
This Brussels sprouts salad recipe is proof that with the right preparation, even the most underestimated vegetables can shine. Use this recipe as a starting point, make it your own, and enjoy discovering all the ways Brussels sprouts can be a crispy, colorful highlight at your next meal or gathering.
References
- https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/brussels-sprout-salad-cranberries-pecans/
- https://magnolia.com/blogs/recipe/brussels-sprouts-salad
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a34276952/crispy-brussels-sprouts-salad/
- https://community.qvc.com/t5/Recipes/Looking-for-the-Cook-s-Country-Brussel-Sprouts-Salad-recipe/td-p/2495430
- https://aflavorjournal.com/warm-brussels-sprouts-salad-with-bacon/
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a40993149/shaved-brussels-sprouts-warm-apple-cider/
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