Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad: Crispy, Fresh & Bursting with Flavor
This shaved brussel sprout salad transforms often-overlooked brussels sprouts into a crisp, vibrant dish that even skeptics will adore. The finely shaved brussels sprouts create a delicate texture that’s completely different from their roasted counterparts, offering a fresh canvas for the bright champagne vinaigrette and complementary toppings.
Perfect for Any Occasion
From holiday gatherings to weeknight dinners, this brussels sprout salad recipe delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. The combination of crunchy brussels sprouts, toasty walnuts, sharp pecorino cheese, and zesty dressing creates a balanced plate that works beautifully as a side dish or light main course.
Ingredients for Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
For the Salad Base
- 4 cups shaved brussels sprouts (approximately 2 pounds)
- 1 bunch green onions, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup walnuts, finely chopped and toasted
For the Champagne Vinaigrette
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Creating this refreshing shaved brussel sprouts salad is surprisingly simple, and the results are absolutely worth the minimal effort required.
Preparing the Dressing
- Add the olive oil, champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and fully emulsified.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed (add more honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess).
- Set aside while you prepare the salad components.
Assembling the Salad
- If starting with whole brussels sprouts, trim the ends and remove any discolored outer leaves.
- Shave the brussels sprouts using a food processor with a grater attachment, pulsing until finely shredded. Alternatively, use a mandolin for thin, even slices.
- Place the shaved brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
- Thinly slice the green onions and add to the bowl.
- Grate the Pecorino Romano cheese and add it to the brussels sprouts mixture.
- Toast the finely chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add the toasted walnuts to the salad bowl while still warm.
- Pour the champagne vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well coated with dressing.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips & Variations for the Perfect Brussel Sprout Salad
Make this shredded brussel sprout salad your own with these helpful tips and creative variations.
Prepping Brussels Sprouts Like a Pro
- For the freshest flavor, choose bright green brussels sprouts that feel firm and tight when squeezed.
- Save time by purchasing pre-shredded brussels sprouts from the produce section.
- If shaving your own, place brussels sprouts in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing for easier, cleaner cuts.
- For a softer texture, massage the shaved brussels sprouts with a little olive oil and salt for 2-3 minutes before adding other ingredients.
- Remove any tough inner cores if you find them while prepping the sprouts.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Nut Alternatives: Substitute toasted almonds, pecans, or pumpkin seeds for walnuts.
- Cheese Options: Try Parmesan, Asiago, or crumbled feta instead of Pecorino Romano.
- Add Sweetness: Mix in dried cranberries, diced apples, or pomegranate arils for a sweet contrast.
- Protein Boost: Top with grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or roasted chickpeas to make it a meal.
- Additional Vegetables: Add shredded kale, thinly sliced radishes, or julienned carrots for more color and nutrients.
Salad Dressings That Pair Well With Brussels Sprouts Salad
While the champagne vinaigrette in this brussel sprouts salad recipe is perfectly balanced, you can experiment with these alternative dressings that complement the natural flavors of shaved brussels sprouts.
Complementary Dressing Options
- Lemon Mustard Dressing: The bright citrus notes highlight the fresh flavor of raw brussels sprouts while cutting through their natural earthiness.
- Creamy Tahini Caesar Dressing: A dairy-free option that adds richness and depth to the crunchy texture of the shredded brussel sprout salad.
- Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing: The fruity tang pairs wonderfully with the nutty undertones of brussels sprouts and complements the toasted walnuts.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette: The sweet, complex flavor of balsamic vinegar balances the slightly bitter quality of raw brussels sprouts for a sophisticated flavor combination.
What to Serve With This Salad
This versatile shaved brussels sprouts salad pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses and sides to create a complete meal.
Perfect Pairings for Brussels Sprout Salad
- Protein Main Dishes: Serve alongside Garlic Butter Grilled Shrimp or Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken for a complete meal.
- Hearty Comfort Foods: Balance richer dishes like Loaded Mashed Potato Bake or Macaroni and Cheese with this fresh, vibrant salad.
- Soups: Pair with Butternut Squash Soup or Creamy Chicken Soup for a satisfying lunch.
- Sandwiches: Enjoy alongside a Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich for a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
- Grain Dishes: Serve with Cilantro Lime Rice or Homemade Rice Pilaf for a complete plant-based meal.
Storage Tips for Brussels Sprout Salad
Proper storage ensures your shaved brussel sprout salad stays fresh and delicious, even when prepared ahead of time.
How to Keep Your Salad Fresh
Unlike many leafy green salads, this shaved brussel sprout salad holds up remarkably well even after being dressed. The sturdy nature of brussels sprouts means they won’t wilt quickly, making this an excellent make-ahead option.
For the best results, store dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will actually develop and meld together over time, often making day-two salad even more flavorful than when freshly made.
For longer storage (up to 4 days), keep the components separate:
- Store the shaved brussels sprouts, green onions, and cheese together.
- Keep the toasted walnuts in a separate container at room temperature to maintain their crunch.
- Store the dressing in a jar in the refrigerator.
- Combine all components just before serving.
If your salad begins to dry out after being refrigerated, simply add a small splash of olive oil or a bit more dressing and toss to refresh.
FAQs About Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
What’s the best way to shave brussels sprouts?
The easiest method is using a food processor with the slicing attachment, which creates perfectly thin, even shreds in seconds. Alternatively, you can use a mandolin slicer (with the hand guard for safety) or simply slice them thinly with a sharp knife. For the knife method, cut the sprouts in half lengthwise first, place the flat side down on the cutting board for stability, then slice crosswise into thin shreds.
Can I make this brussels sprout salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually benefits from a little time for the flavors to meld. You can prepare the entire salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For the best texture, add the toasted walnuts just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Is there a substitute for champagne vinegar in the dressing?
Absolutely. If you don’t have champagne vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar makes an excellent substitute with a similar mild flavor. Apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar will also work well, though they’ll bring slightly different flavor profiles to the finished dressing.
Elevate Your Salad Game with Shaved Brussels Sprouts
This shaved brussel sprout salad proves that raw brussels sprouts can be absolutely delicious when prepared properly. The combination of crisp, shredded sprouts, sharp cheese, toasty walnuts, and bright dressing creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will convert even the most dedicated brussels sprout skeptics.
Why You Should Try It Today
Whether you’re looking for a fresh side dish for holiday gatherings or a nutritious lunch option, this brussels sprouts salad delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The raw sprouts offer a satisfying crunch and mild flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing and savory toppings.
Give this shaved brussel sprout salad a try soon – it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable!
Other Salads to Try
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Blend all dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then set aside.
- Shave brussels sprouts using a food processor with grater attachment, pulsing until finely shredded.
- Place shaved brussels sprouts in a large bowl and add sliced green onions and grated pecorino.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Add warm toasted walnuts to the salad bowl.
- Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss thoroughly to combine.
- Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For make-ahead preparation, store dressed salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- The flavors will continue to develop over time.
- For longer storage (up to 4 days), keep components separate and combine just before serving.
- Pre-shredded brussels sprouts from the grocery store work perfectly in this recipe for a time-saving option.
