This Easy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts are combined with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. Quick to prepare and full of flavor, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, making it a deliciously healthy addition to your meal. Enjoy it immediately or let it chill to let the flavors meld.
Trying out new recipes is one of my favorite hobbies, and that’s exactly how I discovered this shaved Brussels sprouts salad recipe.
I wasn’t always a fan of Brussels sprouts. They were always a bit too bitter for my taste, and I’d often leave them untouched on my plate. But all of that changed one afternoon years back.
My uncle who’s quite the culinary enthusiast brought along a dish for the potluck that caught everyone off guard — a shaved Brussels sprouts salad. He had thinly sliced them, adding a delightful crispness that was completely new to me. Mixed with dried cranberries and walnuts, the salad tasted out of the world. I loved it!
The sprouts were light and crunchy, perfectly complemented by the rich, tangy dressing and bursts of cranberry and walnuts. That evening, I asked my uncle for the recipe and tried it myself the following weekend.
Since then, this shaved Brussels sprouts salad recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s my go-to when I need a quick, nutritious side dish that I know will be a hit with guests.
The best part is how simple it is to make, yet it always impresses. I’m going to share the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe with you, hoping it might turn more Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful vegan salad at home.
Why I Love Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe with Walnuts and Cranberries
This shaved Brussels sprouts salad recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for several reasons, but I’m going to share my top 4:
- It’s packed with nutrients: Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This salad is not just tasty but also a powerhouse of nutrients.
- It’s so versatile: You can enjoy this salad on its own or pair it with any main dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Preparing this is a breeze: It’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Rich in flavors: The combination of crisp Brussels sprouts with a tangy dressing and sweet cranberries offers a burst of flavors that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts: Nutritional Value
This shaved Brussels sprouts salad recipe is not only delicious but also brimming with health benefits. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content it offers:
- Rich in Vitamins: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin K, essential for bone health and immune function.
- High in Fiber: This salad is a great way to boost your daily fiber intake, which can help improve digestive health.
- Low in Calories: Shaved Brussels sprouts are low in calories, making this salad a fantastic choice for anyone looking to maintain or reduce their calorie intake.
- Antioxidant Properties: The ingredients in this salad, especially the Brussels sprouts, are loaded with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make the Brussels sprouts salad. Scroll to the bottom of this page to view the complete shaved Brussels sprouts salad recipe card with the exact quantity of each ingredient.
- Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and thinly sliced for a fresh, crisp texture. I love the crunchiness it adds!
- Dried cranberries: Adds a touch of sweetness and chewy contrast. You can also use fresh apples or raisins for a different flavor.
- Chopped walnuts: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. You can also use almonds or pecans for varied nutty flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a savory, rich taste. I like the depth of flavor it adds!
- Olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing, adding richness.
- Apple cider vinegar: Offers a tangy kick to balance the sweetness. I enjoy its bright, zesty taste!
- Dijon mustard: Adds a sharp, zesty flavor to the dressing.
- Honey: Sweetens the dressing and complements the cranberries.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances and balances the overall flavor. Add to the taste.
Nutritional Contents of Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: A healthy option like other fruits and vegetables. High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and packed with antioxidants.
- Dried Cranberries: Good source of fiber and vitamins, particularly vitamin C; also contains antioxidants.
- Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber.
- Parmesan Cheese: Good source of calcium and protein.
- Olive Oil: High in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: May help with digestion and has antimicrobial properties.
- Dijon Mustard: Low in calories and may help boost metabolism.
- Honey: Contains antioxidants and provides a natural source of energy.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a light main course, this salad is a nutritious choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
How to Shave Brussels Sprouts
Shaving Brussels sprouts might seem like a bit of a task, but it’s worth the effort for a salad that’s both visually appealing and deliciously crisp. Thinly sliced sprouts offer a delicate crunch and soak up dressings beautifully.
Here’s a simple guide to get your Brussels sprouts perfectly shaved for your next salad.
- Trim and Clean. Start by washing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the stem ends and remove any discolored outer leaves. I find this step crucial for ensuring a clean, crisp taste.
- Slice Thinly. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. Aim for paper-thin slices for the best texture. I love how finely sliced sprouts give the salad a delicate crunch.You can also use a food processor with a slicing attachment for quicker results. This will create uniformly thin slices that mix well with other salad ingredients.
- Toss with Lemon Juice. Optional but recommended: Toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with a bit of lemon juice to prevent them from browning and to enhance their flavor. I appreciate how this brightens the sprouts and adds a fresh zing.
How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Creating a delicious shaved Brussels sprouts salad is easier than it might seem. With just a few steps, you’ll have a flavorful and nutritious salad that’s sure to impress.
Here’s a detailed guide to making this tasty dish:
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by washing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the stem ends and remove any discolored outer leaves. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, thinly slice the Brussels sprouts.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjusting the seasoning to your preference makes all the difference in flavor.
Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Toss them together to mix evenly. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure that everything is evenly coated.
Add Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Toss lightly once more before serving to incorporate the cheese, if desired. I recommend serving the salad immediately for the freshest taste, but it can also be chilled in the refrigerator for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips and Tricks
- Slice Evenly: For the best texture, aim for uniformly thin slices. A mandoline slicer or food processor helps achieve consistency.
- Prevent Browning: Toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with a bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning and to enhance their flavor.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like thinly sliced red onions, fresh herbs, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and variety.
- Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the sprouts from getting soggy.
Easy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the stem ends and any discolored outer leaves. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, carefully slice the Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Toss lightly once more before serving (this is optional–you can skip cheese if you want the salad without it). This can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
