Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a crisp, refreshing dish that transforms raw Brussels sprouts into a light yet hearty salad, tossed with crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruit, and a tangy dressing. It’s a perfect balance of texture and flavor, making it a great addition to any meal.
I first made this when I wanted a fresh take on Brussels sprouts beyond roasting them. The thinly shaved sprouts, combined with crunchy almonds, tart cranberries, and a zesty lemon dressing, made it an instant favorite. What I love most about this recipe is how unexpectedly delicious and satisfying it is—each bite is bright, crisp, and packed with flavor.
What’s great about Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is its versatility. You can add Parmesan for a savory touch, toss in apples for sweetness, or drizzle it with a maple-mustard dressing for extra depth. Whether served as a side dish or topped with protein for a main course, this salad is a crunchy, vibrant way to enjoy Brussels sprouts!
Perfect for:
- Healthy lunches
- Light and refreshing meals
- Holiday side dishes
- Meal prepping
- Brussels sprouts lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad will be a new favorite:
- Crunchy and Fresh: Shaved Brussels sprouts provide a crisp, refreshing bite.
- Nutritious and Low-Carb: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while being naturally low in carbs.
- Quick and Easy: No cooking required—just shave, toss, and serve!
- Zesty Dressing: A tangy vinaigrette enhances the natural flavors.
- Perfect Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge, making it great for make-ahead meals.
- Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for everyday meals, potlucks, or holiday feasts.
- Customizable Ingredients: Swap nuts, cheese, or dressing to suit your taste.
- Balanced Flavors: A mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet elements.
- Pairs Well with Proteins: Serve alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: No need for substitutions—just fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: None
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
- Key Nutrients: Fiber: 5g, Protein: 7g, Healthy Fats: 12g
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly shaved
- ½ cup toasted almonds or walnuts, chopped
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- ½ cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Brussels Sprouts: Shaved thinly for a crisp, delicate texture.
- Toasted Nuts: Add crunch and richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, umami depth of flavor.
- Citrus Dressing: Brightens up the salad with tangy and slightly sweet notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
- Trim and Shave: Remove any tough outer leaves and thinly slice Brussels sprouts using a sharp knife or food processor.
- Fluff the Shreds: Toss the shaved Brussels sprouts to separate the layers for a light texture.
Make the Dressing:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts, toasted nuts, Parmesan, cranberries, and red onion.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve:
- Garnish and Enjoy: Top with extra Parmesan and nuts before serving.
How to Serve
Here are 10 great ways to enjoy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad:
- As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
- With Soup: Pairs well with a warm bowl of butternut squash or tomato soup.
- Topped with Protein: Add grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- As a Holiday Salad: A festive dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- With a Balsamic Drizzle: Swap lemon juice for balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor.
- For Meal Prep: Make in advance and store in the fridge for a quick lunch.
- With Avocado: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.
- On a Sandwich: Use as a crunchy topping for turkey or veggie sandwiches.
- As a Wrap Filling: Toss into a whole-grain wrap with grilled chicken.
- With a Poached Egg: Serve for breakfast with a runny egg on top.
Additional Tips
- Massage for Tenderness – Gently massaging the shaved Brussels sprouts with a bit of olive oil or lemon juice helps soften their texture and reduce bitterness.
- Slice Thinly for Best Texture – Use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to shave the Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible for a light, crisp bite.
- Balance with Sweetness – Add dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or sliced apples to balance the sprouts’ slight bitterness with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Use Nuts for Crunch – Toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor to the salad.
- Cheese for Depth – A sprinkle of Parmesan, goat cheese, or feta enhances the salad with a creamy, tangy contrast.
- Let It Marinate – Allow the salad to sit for 10–15 minutes after dressing to help the flavors meld and slightly soften the sprouts.
- Add a Protein Boost – Toss in grilled chicken, crispy beef bacon, or chickpeas for a heartier meal-worthy salad.
- Brighten with Citrus – Fresh lemon or orange zest adds a refreshing burst of citrus flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Choose the Right Dressing – A Dijon mustard vinaigrette, balsamic glaze, or maple dressing complements the sprouts beautifully.
- Make It Ahead – Brussels sprouts hold up well, so this salad can be prepped a day in advance—just add the nuts and cheese before serving for the best texture.
Recipe Variations
- Cranberry & Pecan Delight – Add dried cranberries and toasted pecans for a sweet and nutty twist.
- Apple & Walnut Crunch – Toss in thinly sliced apples, walnuts, and a drizzle of honey for extra crunch and natural sweetness.
- Mediterranean Style – Mix in crumbled feta, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-oregano dressing.
- Asian-Inspired – Add mandarin oranges, slivered almonds, sesame seeds, and a sesame-ginger dressing.
- Maple Beef Bacon Bliss – Crumble crispy beef bacon over the salad and toss with a maple-Dijon vinaigrette.
- Avocado & Chickpea Protein Boost – Include mashed avocado, roasted chickpeas, and a tahini-lemon dressing for a creamy, protein-packed option.
- Parmesan & Pine Nut Classic – Keep it simple with shaved Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Spicy Sriracha Kick – Drizzle with a sriracha-lime dressing and sprinkle with crushed peanuts for a bold, spicy twist.
- Berry & Goat Cheese Elegance – Toss in fresh blueberries, crumbled goat cheese, and a balsamic reduction for a sophisticated flavor.
- Fall Harvest Special – Add roasted butternut squash, pomegranate seeds, and a maple-cider dressing for a seasonal touch.
Special Equipment
- Mandoline slicer – For thinly shaving Brussels sprouts evenly.
- Sharp chef’s knife – If you prefer hand-slicing instead of a mandoline.
- Cutting board – To safely slice and prep ingredients.
- Mixing bowls – For tossing the salad and combining ingredients.
- Salad spinner – To wash and dry Brussels sprouts thoroughly.
- Microplane grater – For zesting citrus or finely grating cheese.
- Small whisk – To blend the dressing smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
- Wooden spoon or tongs – To toss and mix the salad gently.
- Serving platter or bowl – To present the salad beautifully.
FAQ Section
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. - How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. - Can I use pre-shaved Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! Pre-packaged shaved Brussels sprouts save time. - What can I substitute for Parmesan?
Try feta, goat cheese, or a dairy-free alternative. - Can I use another dressing?
Yes, balsamic vinaigrette, apple cider dressing, or tahini dressing all work well. - How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
Add the dressing just before serving for maximum crunch. - Can I make this nut-free?
Yes! Swap nuts for seeds or crispy chickpeas. - Can I add protein?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or tofu make great additions. - Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, just omit the cranberries and use a sugar-free sweetener in the dressing. - Can I serve this warm?
Yes! Lightly sauté the Brussels sprouts before tossing for a warm salad.
Conclusion
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a crisp, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish that turns humble Brussels sprouts into a vibrant masterpiece! Thinly shaved sprouts are tossed with crunchy nuts, sweet dried fruit, tangy cheese, and a zesty dressing for the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Customize it by adding crispy bacon for a savory kick, swapping in apples or pears for extra sweetness, or tossing in toasted almonds or pecans for a delicious crunch. Serve it as a light side dish, a holiday favorite, or a hearty salad topped with grilled chicken or chickpeas!
I can’t wait to see how your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!