Embrace the vibrant flavors of winter with this remarkably simple yet exquisitely delicious Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad. Far from the bitter reputation some may associate with these mini cabbages, this recipe transforms Brussels sprouts into a truly irresistible dish. Featuring a delightful medley of toasted pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and savory shavings of aged Pecorino cheese, all brought together by a zesty maple-Dijon vinaigrette, this salad is destined to become a staple in your holiday repertoire and a bright addition to any meal. The beauty lies in its effortlessness: simply shred, toss, and allow the harmonious flavors to meld for a mere 15 minutes, creating a side salad that tastes gourmet without the fuss.
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette: Your Ultimate Easy Holiday Side
Are you searching for a holiday side dish that offers both elegance and extreme ease? Look no further than this Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a revelation, showcasing how a humble vegetable can be transformed into a bright, tangy, and utterly satisfying salad. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any seasonal gathering, this salad breaks away from traditional heavy holiday fare, offering a fresh contrast that will impress your guests and delight your palate. Its vibrant colors and diverse textures make it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds, ensuring it stands out on any table.
Why This Brussels Sprout Salad Will Be Your New Favorite
This isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why this Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad is about to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection:
- Effortless Elegance: This truly is the easiest holiday side salad you’ll ever prepare. Forget complicated cooking techniques or long marinating times. The core of this recipe involves nothing more than thinly slicing fresh Brussels sprouts and combining them with a handful of other vibrant ingredients. The dressing comes together in minutes, requiring no cooking or special equipment. It’s the perfect dish for busy hosts who want to serve something impressive without adding stress to their holiday preparations.
- A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: Prepare for an explosion of taste and sensation with every bite. The finely shredded Brussels sprouts offer a tender-crisp base. Toasted pecans introduce a warm, nutty crunch, contrasting beautifully with the chewy sweetness of dried cranberries. Shavings of salty Pecorino cheese add a sharp, piquant depth that perfectly balances the sweetness. The star, however, is the homemade maple-Dijon vinaigrette, which coats every ingredient with a harmonious blend of tangy balsamic, sweet maple syrup, and the subtle kick of Dijon mustard. This intricate balance ensures a complex flavor profile that belies its simple creation.
- Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: While this salad shines brightly on any holiday table, it’s far too good to reserve for special occasions alone. Enjoy it as a light yet satisfying winter lunch on its own, or pair it with a variety of main courses for a balanced, flavorful dinner. It complements roasted meats beautifully, such as succulent chicken, tender lamb, or even a hearty pork loin. For a vegetarian option, consider serving it alongside a lentil loaf or a rich mushroom risotto. It also pairs wonderfully with other classic sides like a creamy Sweet Potato Casserole or crispy Carrot Fries, making it a versatile choice throughout the year, not just for Thanksgiving.
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Brussels sprouts are celebrated for their impressive nutritional benefits. They are packed with essential vitamins, including Vitamin C and Vitamin K, and are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Incorporating this salad into your diet is a delicious way to boost your nutrient intake and support overall well-being. The inclusion of healthy fats from olive oil and pecans further enhances its health credentials, making it a nourishing choice for any meal.
Unlocking the Magic: The Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
The dressing is the heart and soul of this Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad, transforming raw sprouts into a tender, flavorful delight. Our signature Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette is a masterful blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that perfectly complements the robust character of the Brussels sprouts. Balsamic vinegar provides a rich, fruity tang, while pure maple syrup introduces a natural sweetness and depth that is characteristic of autumnal and winter flavors. A touch of Dijon mustard adds a subtle, peppery zing and helps to emulsify the dressing, ensuring a smooth and consistent coating for every ingredient. This vinaigrette isn’t just a dressing; it’s the secret ingredient that binds all the components together, allowing the flavors to “get to know each other” and deepen as the salad rests. The result is a vibrant, balanced dressing that elevates the entire dish.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
Achieving salad perfection is simple with these chef-approved tips, designed to save you time and ensure your Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad is at its best:
- Time-Saving Shortcuts: While shredding Brussels sprouts from scratch ensures maximum freshness, we understand that time is often of the essence, especially during busy holiday seasons. To significantly cut down on prep time, consider purchasing a bag of pre-shredded Brussels sprouts from your local grocery store. This convenient option provides the same great taste and texture without the extra effort, making this already easy recipe even quicker to assemble.
- Preventing Apple Browning: Apples are a fantastic addition to this salad, offering a crisp texture and a sweet-tart flavor. However, sliced apples can brown quickly once exposed to air. To maintain their fresh appearance and crispness, toss your thinly sliced or chopped apples with a small squeeze of lemon juice immediately after cutting them. The acidity from the lemon acts as a natural antioxidant, preventing oxidation and keeping your apples looking bright and appealing in the salad.
- Maximizing Freshness and Enjoyment: This salad is at its absolute peak when allowed to rest for 15 minutes to an hour after assembly. This resting period is crucial, as it allows the Brussels sprouts to soften slightly under the vinaigrette and for all the flavors to truly meld together. While best enjoyed within this window, any leftovers of this Brussels sprout salad will remain deliciously fresh and super tasty for another 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen even further overnight!
- Ingredient Quality Matters: The quality of your ingredients can significantly impact the final taste of this simple salad. Opt for fresh, firm Brussels sprouts, high-quality extra-virgin olive oil, and a good balsamic vinegar. While Pecorino cheese is recommended for its sharp, salty profile, feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like Parmesan or even a sharp cheddar if you prefer a different nuance. Freshly ground black pepper also makes a noticeable difference.
More Delicious & Easy Salad Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the fresh, vibrant flavors of this Brussels Sprout Salad, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic salad recipes from our collection:
- Jennifer Aniston Viral Chickpea Salad Recipe
- White Bean Salad with Vinaigrette Dressing
- Amish Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
- Healthy Cranberry Chicken Salad Recipe
- Keto Broccoli Salad Recipe with Bacon
- Kardashian Chopped Salad Recipe
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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (from 1 vote)
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
Cheryl Malik
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Ingredients
- 4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup toasted pecans (or other preferred nut)
- 1 honeycrisp apple (or your favorite type, thinly sliced or chopped)
- ⅓ cup grated pecorino cheese (optional, but highly recommended for flavor)
- Plenty of salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Using a mandoline for thin, even slices or a sharp chef’s knife for consistent shredding, prepare the Brussels sprouts. In a spacious medium bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts with all the remaining ingredients for the salad, ensuring everything is well distributed.
- Once thoroughly mixed, allow the salad to rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. This crucial step allows the vinaigrette to gently soften the Brussels sprouts and allows all the flavors to marry beautifully. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasonings (salt and pepper) as needed to suit your preference. For an added touch of richness and shine, finish with an additional drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil if desired.
Notes
- Save precious time by utilizing pre-shredded Brussels sprouts available in most grocery stores. This convenient option helps simplify meal prep.
- If preparing this salad in advance or for a large gathering, toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice. This simple trick effectively slows down the browning process, keeping your apples crisp and visually appealing.
- While this salad is undeniably best within 15 minutes to an hour of being made, any leftovers will remain deliciously fresh and super tasty for another 2-3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or slivered almonds, or dried fruits like dried cherries, to customize the flavor and texture to your liking.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving out of 8 | Calories: 496kcal | Protein: 2g | Fat: 45g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Total Carbs: 25g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 17g | Net Carbs: 21g | Vitamin C: 51mg | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 318mg | Calcium: 35mg | Iron: 1mg
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. The result will be the weight of one serving.