Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and nutritious dish packed with crisp apples, dried cranberries, Parmesan cheese, and toasted sunflower seeds. This easy salad recipe is perfect for meal prep, holiday gatherings, or a healthy side dish. Tossed in a light lemon Dijon dressing, it’s a great gluten-free and vegetarian option that pairs well with any meal.

Ingredients

Salad:

• 4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts (from 1 lb) or pre-shaved
• 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, chopped (or any crisp apple)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved
• 1/3 cup sunflower seeds, toasted (or pine nuts)
• 1/3 cup chives, chopped

Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 large or 2 medium lemons)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse and pat dry the Brussels sprouts. Trim off the stems and discard any wilted or dry leaves.
2. Shave the Brussels sprouts using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add the chopped apple, dried cranberries, Parmesan cheese, toasted sunflower seeds, and chives to the bowl.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
5. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss to evenly coat all ingredients.
6. Serve immediately or let it sit for 10 minutes for enhanced flavors.

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Tips

• Use a food processor with a slicing attachment for quick and even shaving of Brussels sprouts.
• Toast sunflower seeds or pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for extra flavor.
• If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap Parmesan with feta or goat cheese for a different taste.
• Nuts/Seeds: Use almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds.
• Fruit: Try adding pomegranate seeds or dried cherries instead of cranberries.
• Dressing: Replace lemon juice with apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients and store them separately. Combine with dressing just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The apples may brown slightly, but the flavor will still be great.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a side dish for grilled chicken, turkey, or salmon.
• Pair with a warm soup for a satisfying meal.
• Enjoy as a healthy lunch with a slice of whole-grain bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare.
• Packed with fresh, nutritious ingredients.
• A perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and tangy flavors.
• Great for meal prep or entertaining guests.