Brussels sprouts may not be everyone’s favorite vegetable, but the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad transforms these little green gems into a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s both nutritious and delicious. This salad stands out because it uses raw Brussels sprouts, which retain their crisp texture and nutty flavor when thinly sliced. Interestingly, Brussels sprouts, a member of the cruciferous family, are packed with vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a powerhouse of nutrition. Tossed with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and topped with nuts and cheese, this salad not only appeals to the eye but also offers a delightful crunch. Perfect for winter meals, it showcases seasonal produce in a light and healthy way, making it an excellent choice for vegetarian side dishes or quick lunch options. Enjoying this salad also means embracing a dish that celebrates fresh ingredients and enhances your culinary repertoire. You might also consider pairing this salad with roasted meats for a well-rounded meal or serving it at gatherings to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and flavors.

Ingredients

• Salad Ingredients:
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, preferably fresh and firm, for optimal flavor and crunch
  • 1 cup shredded carrots, adding a pop of color and sweetness that complements the Brussels sprouts
  • 1/2 cup toasted almonds or walnuts, roughly chopped to bring a nutty crunch and rich texture to the salad
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan, lending a creamy texture and savory bite that enhances the overall flavor
• Lemon Vinaigrette Dressing:
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, high-quality oil enhances the dressing’s flavor, providing a smooth mouthfeel
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, best from ripe lemons for balanced acidity and brightness
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a slight tang that elevates the dressing’s complexity
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, depending on your sweetness preference, to balance the acidity of the lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste, adjusting for personal flavor preferences, ensuring a well-rounded flavor profile

Note: For a vegan option, substitute the cheese with nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese, which can provide a similar umami flavor. Using organic vegetables can enhance the flavor and ensure a healthier dish. You can learn more about this topic and explore the versatility of Brussels sprouts in various culinary traditions. This salad is a fantastic way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals, celebrating freshness with every bite.

Steps / Instructions

1. Begin by prepping the Brussels sprouts. Trim the ends and remove any outer leaves that are damaged. Rinse them under cold water and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel, ensuring they are completely dry for better slicing, which helps maintain their crispness.
2. Using a sharp knife, a mandoline, or a food processor, shave the Brussels sprouts thinly. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick to retain a pleasant crunch; thinner slices will soften more quickly when mixed with the dressing, so be mindful of your preferred texture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts with the shredded carrots. Toss gently to mix them evenly, ensuring that the carrots are well-distributed among the Brussels sprouts for a balanced bite, as the sweetness of the carrots beautifully offsets the earthy flavor of the sprouts.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. This will create a creamy emulsion that coats the salad beautifully, enhancing the flavors of each ingredient.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the Brussels sprouts and carrots, tossing well to coat all the ingredients thoroughly. Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes; this lets the flavors meld and the Brussels sprouts soften slightly while retaining their crispness for an enjoyable texture.
6. Before serving, add the toasted nuts and cheese on top of the salad. Toss lightly to incorporate, ensuring that the nuts and cheese are evenly distributed for maximum flavor enjoyment, making every bite a delightful experience.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best results with your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, consider these helpful tips: Check out our related guide for more tips on enhancing your salad-making skills and achieving the perfect balance in your dishes.

• Look for firm, vibrant Brussels sprouts when shopping; they should feel heavy for their size, indicating freshness. Avoid any that are yellowing or have blemishes, as these can impact the taste and texture of your salad.
• For extra flavor, toast the nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes, being careful not to burn them. This step enhances their nuttiness and adds depth to the salad, making each bite more satisfying.
• This salad can be made ahead of time—just hold off on adding the nuts and cheese until right before serving to maintain their texture and freshness. The flavors will deepen as it sits, allowing for a more robust taste experience.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The salad may become a bit softer, but it will still be tasty, making it a great option for meal prep and quick lunches.

Conclusion

The Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delightful addition to any meal, offering both health benefits and a burst of flavor. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy Brussels sprouts in their raw form, showcasing their unique taste and texture. Whether you’re looking for a side dish for a winter gathering or a quick lunch option, this salad will not disappoint. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience, as we love hearing how you customize and enjoy this delicious salad! Consider experimenting with different nuts or cheeses to find your perfect combination.

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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Recipe by amine

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Salad Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 4 +

⏱️

Prep Time

15 min

🍳

Cook Time

30 min

🔥

Calories

—

Brussels sprouts may not be everyone's favorite vegetable, but the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad transforms these little green gems into a vibrant and refreshing dish that's both nutritious and delicious. This salad stands out because it uses raw Brussels sprouts, which retain their crisp texture and nutty flavor when thinly sliced.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, preferably fresh and firm
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds or walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or shaved Parmesan
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1.

Begin by prepping the Brussels sprouts. Trim the ends and remove any outer leaves that are damaged. Rinse them under cold water and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel.

2.

Using a sharp knife, a mandoline, or a food processor, shave the Brussels sprouts thinly.

3.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts with the shredded carrots. Toss gently to mix them evenly.

4.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

5.

Drizzle the dressing over the Brussels sprouts and carrots, tossing well to coat all the ingredients thoroughly. Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes.

6.

Before serving, add the toasted nuts and cheese on top of the salad. Toss lightly to incorporate.

Nutrition Facts