Amazing shaved Brussels sprouts salad: 15 min

Oh, you know those times when you’ve just had a seriously rich, decadent meal, and your taste buds are crying out for something bright, something fresh that just cuts through all that deliciousness? That’s exactly where this amazing shaved Brussels sprouts salad comes in! It’s the kind of dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, bursting with crisp texture and vibrant flavors that make you feel good. Here at Recipes To Keep, we’re all about those timeless, soul-warming recipes that truly stand the test of time, and this salad is definitely one of those keepers. Caroline Hayes herself has spent ages perfecting every little detail, making sure it’s something you’ll want to whip up again and again, whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a Tuesday night!

Why You’ll Love This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

It’s incredibly fresh and vibrant, adding a perfect, zesty balance to richer dishes.

Seriously, it’s SO easy to throw together, even on a busy weeknight!

You get this amazing mix of sweet apple, tart cranberries, and that irresistible crunch.

It’s pretty enough for your holiday table but simple enough for any casual meal.

Plus, it’s a healthy way to sneak in more greens without anyone even noticing!

Ingredients for Your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Alright, let’s talk about what makes this shaved Brussels sprouts salad so darn good! It’s really all about fresh, simple ingredients that just sing together. You’ll need about a pound and a half of good Brussels sprouts – we’ll get to how to shave those in a sec! Then, grab one big, crisp apple, sliced super thin. Don’t forget half a cup of dried cranberries for that sweet-tart punch, and the same amount of slivered almonds, ideally toasted – trust me, that little step makes a WORLD of difference! Sometimes I even toss in a little grated Parmesan, but that’s totally optional.

Now, for that dreamy dressing:

• 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 1 large apple, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• For the Vinaigrette:
• 1/4 cup good olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Prepare Your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Okay, let’s get this beautiful shaved Brussels sprouts salad put together! It really comes down to a few simple steps, and honestly, it’s way easier than you might think. Caroline always says the magic happens when you treat each ingredient with a little bit of care, and that’s exactly what we’ll do here. You can read more about her approach over on her about page. So grab your bowl and let’s get started!

Mastering the Art of Shaving Brussels Sprouts

Okay, the most important part is getting those Brussels sprouts nice and thin. My favorite tool for this is definitely a mandoline slicer – it gives you those super-uniform, delicate ribbons that are just perfect for a raw salad. Now, be super careful with mandolines, okay? Always use the guard! If you don’t have a mandoline, no worries at all. A food processor with a slicing disk works like a charm. Just pulse them a few times until they’re thinly sliced. If you’re going the knife route, just trim off the very ends, peel away any sad outer leaves, and then carefully slice them as thinly as you can. Nobody wants a chewy sprout in this salad, right?

Crafting the Perfect Lemon Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

This dressing is seriously a game-changer! It’s got that perfect sweet and tangy punch. Into a small bowl, just whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice (you really want fresh here!), a good glug of maple syrup for sweetness, and of course, that little zip from the Dijon mustard. Give it a good whisking until everything is happily combined and emulsified. This little bowl of sunshine is what brings all the flavors in the salad together perfectly.

Assembling and Serving Your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! In a nice big bowl, toss your beautifully shaved sprouts with the sliced apple, the sweet dried cranberries, and those lovely toasted almonds. Drizzle that fabulous lemon maple Dijon vinaigrette all over everything. Give it a gentle toss, making sure every single sprout gets coated in that delicious dressing. If you’re adding Parmesan, sprinkle it on top now. For the best texture, I love to let this salad sit for just about 15-30 minutes before serving. It gives the sprouts a little chance to soften up just *slightly* and soak in all those amazing flavors. It’s just perfect!

Tips for a Perfect Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Every Time

You know, even with the best recipe, there are always those little tricks Caroline picked up from, well, *years* of testing and perfecting! It’s what makes this shaved Brussels sprouts salad consistently amazing. We want that perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and just a hint of that earthy sprout flavor, right? It’s all about using the best ingredients and treating them right. You can find tons more of her amazing tips over on her blog, but here are a few of my personal favorites for this salad.

Reducing Bitterness in Raw Brussels Sprouts

Okay, I know some folks worry about raw sprouts being bitter. Honestly, the lemon and maple in the dressing help a TON! But if you’re really sensitive to it, try this: after you shave them, toss them in a bowl with a tiny drizzle of olive oil and a good pinch of salt. Then, just give them a gentle massage with your hands for about 30 seconds. It sounds weird, I know, but it seriously softens them up and takes away any harshness. You’ll thank me later!

Make-Ahead Strategies for Your Holiday Salad

This is a lifesaver, especially when you’re hosting! You can totally prep this salad ahead of time. Shave your sprouts, slice your apples, toast your nuts, and mix up that beautiful dressing. Keep them all in separate containers in the fridge. Then, about 15-30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, just dump everything into the big bowl, add the dressing, and toss! Seriously, the best way to have a gorgeous make ahead brussels sprouts salad without it getting soggy is to keep that dressing separate until the last minute. Works like a charm!

Variations and Additions to Your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

This salad is fantastic just like it is, but oh boy, do I love playing around with it! It’s so easy to switch things up and make it your own. Did you know you can create a whole new vibe with just a few swaps? For instance, if you’re looking for something a little different, try adding some juicy pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of color AND flavor. They look like little jewels in the salad, and the tart bursts are amazing. Or swap out those almonds for some toasted pecans – they’re lovely and crunchy! If you’re feeling fancy, a bit of shaved Manchego cheese instead of Parmesan can be a real treat, making it almost like a riff on a manchego almond salad. You can even toss in some finely chopped cooked chicken or some crispy bacon bits to make it a more substantial meal. The possibilities are really endless for this versatile dish, and you can find even more side dish inspiration over at our side dishes category!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Got some lingering questions about this gorgeous shaved Brussels sprouts salad? I totally get it! Sometimes you just need that little extra bit of reassurance, right? Caroline always said the best recipes answer themselves as you go, but here are a few things people ask me all the time!

Can I use pre-shredded Brussels sprouts?

Oh, bless your heart if you’re thinking about it, but honestly, no! Please, please try to shave them yourself. Those pre-shredded sprouts from the store are usually already a bit sad and floppy. When you shave them fresh, you get that amazing crispness and vibrant flavor that makes this salad sing. It’s really worth the extra few minutes!

How long will this salad last?

This is a great question, especially if you’re prepping for a big meal! If you keep the dressing separate, the shaved sprouts should stay nice and crisp for about 2 days in the fridge. But, my real secret? It’s best to dress it right before you serve it. That way, you avoid any sogginess and keep that lovely crunch going. If it’s already dressed, I’d say eat it within a few hours for the best texture.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! This salad is super adaptable. The only non-vegan thing is sometimes the optional Parmesan cheese. Just skip the cheese, and you’re golden! The dressing is already totally vegan-friendly, and the stars of the show – the sprouts, apple, cranberries, and almonds – are all plant-based powerhouses. Easy peasy!

What if I don’t have apples?

No apples? No problem! If you don’t have apples on hand, pears work beautifully in this salad too. They offer a similar sweetness and lovely texture. Or, you could even try adding some roasted butternut squash cubes for a different kind of sweetness and a softer bite. That would be delicious!

Nutritional Information

Alright, let’s talk numbers! While every kitchen is a little different, here’s what you can generally expect from a single serving of this vibrant shaved Brussels sprouts salad. Keep in mind these are estimates, and things can change a bit based on the exact ingredients you use and how big your apple slices are!

• Calories: Around 250
• Fat: About 18g
• Protein: Roughly 5g
• Carbohydrates: Around 22g
• Fiber: A good 5g
• Sugar: Expect about 15g (mostly from the apples and cranberries!)

It’s a pretty healthy hit with lots of good fiber and tons of flavor!

Share Your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Creations!

I just LOVE hearing your feedback, so please, if you make this scrumptious shaved Brussels sprouts salad, drop a comment below and let me and Caroline know how it turned out! Did you try any fun variations? How did it go over at your dinner table? And if you snap a picture, pretty please tag us on social media, maybe over at Facebook! We can’t wait to see what you create! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out via the contact page!

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