Easy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
A quick and vibrant salad featuring shaved Brussels sprouts, toasted nuts, and a tangy dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and outer leaves removed Choose firm, bright green sprouts.
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Quality matters for flavor.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar For bright acidity.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds depth and emulsion.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup To balance the bite.
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced Fresh garlic for depth.
- 1/3 cup toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts, roughly chopped For crunch; toast in a dry skillet until fragrant.
- 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta Parmesan gives a savory bite; feta makes it tangier.
- to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 apple or pear, thinly sliced Optional; adds sweetness and a festive touch.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt For a creamier dressing; swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred.
Instructions
Preparation
- Trim the stems and remove any ragged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts. Shave the Brussels sprouts thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped nuts for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until they smell toasty and are lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. For a creamier texture, whisk in Greek yogurt until smooth.
Tossing and Serving
- In a large bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts with the sliced apple or pear, if using.
- Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the greens and toss thoroughly, ensuring the leaves glisten but do not drown.
- Fold in most of the toasted nuts and the cheese, reserving a little for garnish. Let the salad sit for 5 to 10 minutes to soften and marry flavors, then sprinkle with reserved nuts and serve.
Notes
For vegan option, use maple syrup and omit cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. You can also add roasted chicken or crispy tofu for added protein.