Why You’ll Love Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad  Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to make this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad a regular part of your meal rotation.

• Quick and easy to prepare: With only 15 minutes of preparation and no cooking required, this salad is perfect for busy days.

• Fresh and crunchy: Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts, crisp apples, and sunflower seeds create an irresistible combination of textures.

• Delicious homemade dressing: The maple Dijon vinaigrette brings together sweetness, acidity, and a subtle mustard flavor.

• Packed with nutrients: Brussels sprouts provide fiber, vitamin C, and other important nutrients.

• Perfect for holidays: Its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors make it a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

• Great for meal prep: The sturdy Brussels sprouts hold their texture better than many delicate salad greens.

• Easy to customize: You can change the fruit, cheese, seeds, or nuts to suit your preferences.

• No oven needed: Everything comes together with simple chopping, mixing, and tossing.

This recipe is especially appealing because it transforms a vegetable often associated with roasting into something completely different: a fresh, flavorful salad that even hesitant Brussels sprouts eaters may enjoy.

Ingredients

The secret to this delicious salad is the combination of fresh ingredients and a simple homemade dressing. Each ingredient contributes its own flavor and texture, creating a perfectly balanced dish.

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and finely shaved

• 1 large Honeycrisp apple, chopped (or 2 small apples)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

• 1/3 cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Maple Dijon Dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes and Tips

Brussels sprouts: Choose firm, bright green Brussels sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to have a slightly sweeter, milder flavor. Shaving them thinly is essential for creating a tender, enjoyable salad.

Apples: Honeycrisp apples are ideal because of their juicy sweetness and crisp texture. Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples are also excellent alternatives.

Dried cranberries: These add chewy texture and a pleasant sweetness that balances the slightly earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts.

Sunflower seeds: They provide extra crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. Roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds work particularly well.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly shaved Parmesan adds a savory, salty element that complements the fruit and vegetables.

Pure maple syrup: Use real maple syrup for the best flavor. Its natural sweetness balances the tanginess of the lemon juice and apple cider vinegar.

Dijon mustard: Besides adding flavor, Dijon mustard helps blend the dressing ingredients into a smooth vinaigrette.

Directions

Making Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is incredibly simple. Follow these steps to create a fresh, crunchy salad with a delicious homemade dressing.

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Begin by washing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water.

Trim off the tough stem ends and remove any damaged or discolored outer leaves.

Using a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor fitted with a slicing attachment, shave the Brussels sprouts into very thin pieces.

The thinner the slices, the more tender and pleasant the salad will be.

Transfer the shaved Brussels sprouts to a large salad bowl.

Step 2: Make the Maple Dijon Dressing

In a small mixing bowl or glass jar, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic.

Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are fully combined and the dressing becomes smooth.

Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.

Taste the dressing and adjust the sweetness or acidity if necessary.

Set the dressing aside while preparing the remaining salad ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Wash the apple thoroughly and remove the core.

Chop the apple into small, bite-sized pieces.

There is no need to peel the apple unless you prefer a softer texture. Keeping the skin adds extra color, fiber, and crunch.

For the freshest flavor and appearance, chop the apple shortly before assembling the salad.

Step 4: Combine the Salad Ingredients

Add the chopped apple to the bowl containing the shaved Brussels sprouts.

Sprinkle in the dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, and Parmesan cheese.

Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute everything evenly.

The combination should look colorful and inviting, with green Brussels sprouts, red cranberries, and golden apple pieces throughout.

Step 5: Add the Dressing

Pour the prepared maple Dijon dressing over the salad.

Using salad tongs or two large spoons, toss everything thoroughly until the Brussels sprouts and other ingredients are evenly coated.

Make sure the dressing reaches the bottom of the bowl so every bite is flavorful.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the finished salad and add more salt or black pepper if needed.

Serve immediately for maximum crunch, or refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the Brussels sprouts to soften slightly.

Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a convenient recipe that requires very little time and effort.

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Preparation Method: No-cook

Approximate Calories: 215 per serving

This salad works beautifully as a side dish for eight people. If you’re serving it as a light main course, the recipe will provide approximately four larger portions.

It pairs especially well with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, turkey, pork tenderloin, or other hearty main dishes.

Variations

One of the best things about this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is how easily it can be adapted to different tastes, seasons, and dietary preferences.

1. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pecans

Replace the sunflower seeds with chopped toasted pecans for a richer, buttery flavor.

Pecans pair beautifully with apples, cranberries, and maple dressing, making this variation particularly suitable for fall gatherings.

2. Brussels Sprouts Salad with Feta Cheese

Swap the Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese.

Feta adds a creamy texture and tangy, salty flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the apples and dried cranberries.

3. Vegan Brussels Sprouts Salad

To make the recipe vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with your favorite plant-based alternative.

The maple Dijon dressing is already made without dairy or animal-derived ingredients, so this is an easy adjustment.

4. Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pomegranate

Replace the dried cranberries with fresh pomegranate seeds.

The pomegranate adds bright color, juicy texture, and a refreshing burst of sweetness.

This version looks especially beautiful on a holiday table.

5. Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon

Add a few tablespoons of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.

The crispy bacon complements the Brussels sprouts and makes the salad feel a little more substantial.

6. Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pears

Use ripe but firm pears instead of apples.

Pears provide a softer texture and delicate sweetness that works wonderfully with Parmesan and maple dressing.

7. Protein-Packed Brussels Sprouts Salad

Turn this side dish into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or roasted tofu.

These additions provide extra protein and make the salad more filling.

8. Extra Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad

Add a combination of toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds.

This variation delivers even more texture and a delicious nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Proper storage helps maintain the salad’s freshness, flavor, and crunchy texture.

How to Store Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Place leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Because Brussels sprouts have sturdier leaves than lettuce, they generally maintain their texture well after being dressed.

However, the apples may gradually soften or brown, and the sunflower seeds can lose some crunch.

For the best results, enjoy the salad within the first two days.

How to Make It Ahead of Time

This salad is an excellent make-ahead option for holiday meals and gatherings.

You can prepare the ingredients separately to keep everything fresh until serving.

• Shave the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Prepare the maple Dijon dressing up to 4 days ahead and refrigerate it in a sealed jar.

• Measure the cranberries, sunflower seeds, and Parmesan cheese ahead of time.

• Chop the apples shortly before serving to prevent browning.

• Combine all the ingredients and add the dressing when ready to serve.

If the dressing separates during refrigeration, simply shake or whisk it again before using.

Can You Freeze Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad?

Freezing is not recommended.

Raw Brussels sprouts and apples can become watery and lose their crisp texture after thawing.

The dressing may also separate, resulting in a less appealing consistency.

For the best flavor and texture, prepare this salad fresh or store it in the refrigerator.

How to Reheat

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary.

Heating the salad would soften the Brussels sprouts, wilt the fresh ingredients, and change the texture of the apples.

If the salad has been refrigerated, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving, provided it is not left unrefrigerated for an extended period.

Give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

1. Can you eat Brussels sprouts raw in a salad?

Yes, Brussels sprouts can be eaten raw, and they are delicious when finely shaved. Their texture is similar to shredded cabbage, with a mild earthy flavor and satisfying crunch. Thin slicing makes them easier to chew and allows the dressing to coat them evenly.

2. How do you shave Brussels sprouts for salad?

You can shave Brussels sprouts using a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or food processor with a slicing attachment. First, trim the stem ends and remove any damaged leaves. Then slice the sprouts as thinly as possible. A food processor is especially helpful when preparing a large batch.

3. Can I use pre-shredded Brussels sprouts?

Absolutely! Store-bought shredded Brussels sprouts are a convenient option that can save preparation time. Choose a fresh package with bright green pieces and avoid any that appear dry, yellow, or slimy. If the pieces are too thick, chop them a little more before making the salad.

4. How do you make raw Brussels sprouts less bitter?

Thinly shaving Brussels sprouts helps make their flavor more pleasant. Combining them with sweet apples, dried cranberries, and maple dressing also balances their natural bitterness. Allowing the dressed salad to rest for 15–30 minutes can soften the sprouts and mellow their flavor.

5. Can I make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad the night before?

Yes, this salad can be prepared the night before. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate and add it shortly before serving. Store the shaved Brussels sprouts and other ingredients in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and chop the apples just before assembling.

6. What apples are best for Brussels sprouts salad?

Honeycrisp apples are an excellent choice because they are sweet, juicy, and crisp. Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady apples also work well. Choose an apple that holds its shape after chopping and offers enough sweetness to balance the Brussels sprouts.

7. What can I substitute for sunflower seeds?

You can replace sunflower seeds with toasted pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped pistachios. Each option adds a slightly different flavor and texture. Pumpkin seeds are particularly useful when you want a nut-free alternative.

8. Is Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad healthy?

Yes, this salad contains a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients. Brussels sprouts provide fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, while apples contribute additional fiber and antioxidants. Sunflower seeds provide healthy fats, and olive oil adds monounsaturated fats. The dressing contains maple syrup, so you can adjust the amount if you prefer less added sugar.

9. What goes well with Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad?

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, grilled chicken, baked salmon, pork tenderloin, and roasted vegetables. Its refreshing flavors make it especially useful alongside rich or hearty meals. It is also a wonderful addition to Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas celebrations, and casual family gatherings.

10. How long does Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad last in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, the salad can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Its texture is generally best during the first 1–2 days. For maximum freshness, keep the dressing separate until serving and add the apples at the last minute.

Conclusion

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is a simple, refreshing, and flavorful recipe that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. With crisp Brussels sprouts, sweet apples, chewy cranberries, crunchy sunflower seeds, and savory Parmesan cheese, every bite delivers a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

The homemade maple Dijon dressing brings everything together with just the right balance of sweetness and tanginess, transforming a handful of everyday ingredients into a delicious side dish.

Best of all, this recipe takes only 15 minutes to prepare, requires no cooking, and can easily be customized to suit different tastes and occasions.

Whether you’re preparing a festive holiday dinner, looking for a nutritious weekday lunch, or simply trying a new way to enjoy Brussels sprouts, this colorful salad is a fantastic addition to your recipe collection.

Give this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad a try the next time you want something fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad – A Fresh, Crunchy, and Delicious Recipe

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A fresh, crunchy shaved Brussels sprouts salad with crisp apples, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and Parmesan cheese, tossed in a bright homemade maple Dijon dressing. A delicious side dish for holidays or everyday meals.

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Salad, Side Dish
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and thinly shaved
• 1 large apple, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Wash the Brussels sprouts, trim off the ends, and remove any damaged outer leaves. Thinly shave the sprouts using a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor fitted with a slicing blade.
2. Place the shaved Brussels sprouts in a large salad bowl.
3. Add the chopped apple, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine.
4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined.
5. Season the dressing with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
7. Allow the salad to rest for 10 minutes so the Brussels sprouts soften slightly and absorb the dressing.
8. Toss again and serve immediately, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

• For the best texture, shave the Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible using a mandoline or food processor.
• Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples add sweetness and crunch.
• Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes to enhance their flavor.
• Substitute walnuts or sliced almonds for the pecans if desired.
• For a vegetarian version, use Parmesan made with microbial or vegetarian rennet.
• For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will soften as it sits.
• For meal preparation, store the dressing separately and toss with the salad shortly before serving.
• Ingredient quantities and nutrition are approximate and are not verified against the linked recipe.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 200 g)
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 7 mg