Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Delight

This Brussels Sprout Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With thinly shaved Brussels sprouts, a tangy dressing, and crunchy toppings like dried cranberries and toasted almonds, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable. This Brussels Sprout Salad recipe is easy to follow, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Picture of the recipe about Brussels Sprout Salad

But before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the versatility and nutritional benefits of Brussels sprouts, a vegetable that has gained popularity in recent years for its unique flavor and health-promoting properties.

Brussels Sprouts: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Brussels sprouts, often considered miniature cabbages, belong to the Brassica family of vegetables, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. In fact, these little green gems are packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to any diet.

Nutritional Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

Vitamins: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins K, C, and A, all of which play vital roles in maintaining overall health. Specifically, vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health, vitamin C supports immune function and collagen production, and vitamin A is crucial for vision and cell growth.
Minerals: Moreover, Brussels sprouts also provide a good amount of minerals like potassium, folate, and manganese. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, folate is important for cell growth and development, and manganese plays a role in bone health and metabolism.
Fiber: Furthermore, Brussels sprouts are a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes feelings of fullness.
Antioxidants: Finally, Brussels sprouts contain various antioxidants, including glucosinolates, which may help protect against certain types of cancer.

Versatility of Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from roasted and grilled to shaved and added to salads. Indeed, their slightly bitter flavor pairs well with a range of ingredients, making them a versatile addition to any meal.

Creating Your Brussels Sprout Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we’ve explored the nutritional benefits of Brussels sprouts, let’s dive into our Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.

Step 1 : Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

First, we’ll prepare the Brussels sprouts for our salad.

Brussels sprouts being trimmed and thinly sliced.

Directions:

Trim and Slice: Trim the ends of 1 lb of Brussels sprouts and thinly slice them using a sharp knife or mandoline.
Transfer to Bowl: Transfer the sliced Brussels sprouts to a large salad bowl.
- Tip: If you don’t have a mandoline, you can use a food processor with a slicing attachment.
- Tip: For a milder flavor, you can massage the Brussels sprouts with a little olive oil and lemon juice before adding the other ingredients.

Step 2 : Making the Dressing

Next, we’ll make a tangy and flavorful dressing for our salad.

Ingredients for the dressing: olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.

Directions:

Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon¹ of honey, and salt and black pepper to taste.
- Tip: Adjust the amount of honey or lemon juice to your liking.
- Tip: You can also use other types of vinegar, such as balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Step 3 : Assembling the Salad

Now, let’s assemble our Brussels Sprout Salad!

A bowl with shaved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, toasted almonds, and Parmesan cheese.

Variations on the Brussels Sprout Salad

While this Brussels Sprout Salad is delicious as is, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

Add fruit: For example, incorporate sliced apples, pears, or pomegranate seeds for a touch of sweetness.
Include different nuts: Alternatively, try walnuts, pecans, or pistachios for added crunch and flavor.
Experiment with cheese: Moreover, feta cheese, blue cheese, or goat cheese can add a creamy and tangy element.
Add other vegetables: In addition, include shredded carrots, red cabbage, or thinly sliced red onion for extra color and texture.
Try different dressings: Instead of the lemon vinaigrette, try a balsamic vinaigrette, a honey mustard dressing, or a creamy poppyseed dressing.

When to Enjoy Your Brussels Sprout Salad

This Brussels Sprout Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s perfect for:

Holiday gatherings: A refreshing and festive addition to your holiday table.
Potlucks and picnics: Furthermore, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to transport.
Weeknight dinners: A quick and healthy side dish for busy weeknights.
Lunchtime: Overall, it’s a light and satisfying lunch option.

Ready to try this delicious and versatile salad? You can find more delicious Brussels sprout salad recipes on Love and Lemons. And for a hearty main course to pair with your salad, check out our Chicken Vegetable Soup recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brussels Sprout Salad

Can I make this Brussels Sprout Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy.

What other dressings can I use for my Brussels Sprout Salad?

Besides the lemon vinaigrette, you can use other dressings, such as balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard dressing, or a creamy poppyseed dressing.

How do I store leftover Brussels Sprout Salad?

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Health Benefits of Brussels Sprout Salad

This Brussels Sprout Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that can benefit your health.

Vitamins and Minerals: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins K, C, and A, as well as minerals like potassium and folate.
Fiber: Consequently, the fiber in Brussels sprouts aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Antioxidants: Ultimately, Brussels sprouts contain antioxidants that may help protect against certain types of cancer.

Tips for Making the Perfect Brussels Sprout Salad

Shaving the Brussels Sprouts: Shaving the Brussels sprouts thinly creates a delicate texture and allows the dressing to coat them evenly.
Massaging the Brussels Sprouts: In addition, massaging the Brussels sprouts with a little olive oil and lemon juice can help to tenderize them and reduce their bitterness.
Toasting the Almonds: Meanwhile, toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a crunchy texture to the salad.
Adding a Sweet Element: Finally, dried cranberries or apple slices add a touch of sweetness that balances the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts.

Conclusion: A Refreshing and Flavorful Salad for Any Occasion

This Brussels Sprout Salad is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for any occasion. We hope you enjoy this recipe!

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