Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad

Introduction

There’s something about Brussels sprouts that instantly brings to mind a cozy, satisfying meal, but if you’ve only ever had them roasted or sautéed, get ready for a fresh, exciting twist! This Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad is everything you didn’t know you needed. It’s light, refreshing, and perfectly crunchy, with a burst of flavor from tangy dressing and toasted nuts that take it from simple to extraordinary. It’s the kind of salad that makes you excited for lunch or dinner, even if you’re not usually a salad person (trust me, I’ve been there!).

This salad is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy but flavorful. It’s also fantastic for gatherings and potlucks since it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and holds up well in the fridge. The Brussels sprouts are thinly shredded, so they pack all the nutritional punch of this veggie without being too overwhelming in texture. Add in the sweet crunch from apples, the savory richness of toasted pecans, and a creamy, slightly tangy dressing, and you’ve got a salad that’s not just a side dish but a star in its own right.

I first stumbled across this salad at a local farmer’s market, where a vendor was offering samples. After just one bite, I knew I had to recreate it at home. It quickly became a favorite in my house—my husband, who isn’t the biggest fan of Brussels sprouts, now requests it regularly. It’s the kind of recipe that’s so delicious, it might even convert the Brussels sprouts skeptics!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad has so much going for it. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Easy to make: Minimal prep with just a handful of fresh ingredients that are easy to find.
• Fresh and vibrant: The raw Brussels sprouts add a refreshing crunch that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of apples and the earthiness of nuts.
• Nutrient-packed: Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Add in fresh apples, nuts, and a simple dressing, and you’ve got a salad that’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer it vegetarian, gluten-free, or need to make substitutions, this recipe is flexible enough to fit your dietary needs.
• A crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re serving it to a group or just making a personal batch, this salad is sure to please. It’s light yet satisfying, and the flavors complement any main dish you pair it with, from roasted chicken to grilled salmon.

What makes this recipe stand out is the balance between textures—the Brussels sprouts provide a hearty crunch, the apples add a touch of sweetness, and the nuts give an extra layer of crunch and richness. Plus, the dressing brings everything together beautifully, so each bite feels like a little burst of flavor.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 15-20 minutes
• Servings: Serves 4-6 people as a side dish
• Nutrition Facts:
  • Calories per serving: 200
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 5g

Ingredients

This Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad is as simple as it is delicious, with a few fresh ingredients that really shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts (shredded) – The star of the salad! Shredded Brussels sprouts are lighter and easier to eat raw than whole ones, and they have a great texture.
• 1 apple (thinly sliced or julienned) – Any sweet-tart apple variety works great here! I love using Honeycrisp for its sweetness and crunch, but Granny Smith also adds a lovely tart contrast.
• ½ cup pecans (toasted) – For a nutty crunch that adds depth to the salad. You can also swap in walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries – For a pop of sweetness that balances the savory Brussels sprouts.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For the dressing base. You can also use avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy kick to the dressing.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Brightens up the dressing and enhances the apple flavor.
• 1 tablespoon honey – Sweetens the dressing just enough to balance out the tanginess.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

These simple ingredients come together to create a salad that’s not only packed with flavor but also with nutrients. The combination of the fresh Brussels sprouts, crisp apple, and crunchy pecans makes for a satisfying salad you’ll crave on repeat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious Brussels sprouts salad:

1. Prep the Brussels sprouts:
   Start by cleaning and trimming the Brussels sprouts. Cut off the tough ends and any outer leaves that don’t look so great. Then, thinly slice the sprouts. You can use a sharp knife or a food processor with a slicing attachment for a quicker option. The key is to slice them thinly so that they soften just enough while still maintaining that satisfying crunch.
2. Toast the pecans:
   Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the pecans. Toast them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re golden and fragrant. This step really brings out the flavor of the pecans, so don’t skip it! Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
3. Prepare the apple:
   While the pecans are cooling, slice your apple. I like to julienne it into thin strips, but you can also slice it into thin wedges or cubes if you prefer. If you want to prevent the apple from browning too quickly, toss it in a little bit of lemon juice.
4. Make the dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a tangier dressing, add a little more vinegar. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more honey. The dressing should be balanced between tangy, sweet, and savory.
5. Assemble the salad:
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, sliced apple, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. Be gentle when mixing so you don’t bruise the Brussels sprouts—just a nice toss to combine everything evenly.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   Once the salad is tossed, serve it immediately, or let it chill in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This salad can be served as a side or eaten on its own for a light meal.

How to Serve

This salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve as a side: It’s perfect alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty veggie burger.
• Top with cheese: Add crumbled goat cheese, feta, or parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
• Make it a meal: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to make it a complete meal.
• With a simple dressing: If you’re serving this salad as a side, keep the dressing light and drizzle just enough to coat the ingredients without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

1. Shred the Brussels sprouts finely: The key to a great raw Brussels sprouts salad is finely shredding the sprouts. The thinner the slices, the more tender and less bitter they’ll be. Don’t be afraid to use a food processor—it saves time and ensures uniform slices.
2. Toast the nuts: Toasting your nuts, whether it’s pecans, walnuts, or almonds, enhances their flavor and gives them a nice crunch. It only takes a few minutes on medium heat, and you’ll be rewarded with an extra depth of flavor.
3. Balance the dressing: The dressing for this salad should be tangy but also a bit sweet. Adjust the amount of honey and vinegar based on your personal preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey; for more acidity, add a bit more vinegar.
4. Use seasonal ingredients: Feel free to add any seasonal fruits like pears or pomegranate seeds to change things up. Adding a different fruit will add a refreshing twist to the salad.
5. Rest the salad: While this salad is great immediately after you toss it, letting it rest for 10-15 minutes in the fridge allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier!

Recipe Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy variations:

• Vegan option: Skip the honey and use maple syrup for a plant-based sweetener. You can also swap out any dairy-based cheese for a vegan alternative.
• Gluten-free option: This salad is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure your dressing and any extra toppings you choose are also gluten-free.
• Extra protein: Add grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even crispy chickpeas to make this salad more filling and protein-packed.
• Add more veggies: Want to make this salad even more nutrient-dense? Add some sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, or even a handful of spinach for extra greens.

FAQ for Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! This salad can definitely be made ahead of time, and it actually holds up well in the fridge for a few hours. The Brussels sprouts will soften slightly as they absorb the dressing, but they’ll still maintain their crunch. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, I recommend keeping the dressing separate and tossing it with the salad right before serving to prevent the Brussels sprouts from wilting too much.

2. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans provide a rich, buttery flavor, you can easily substitute them with other nuts, such as walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you want a nut-free option. Just make sure to toast them to enhance their flavor and crunch.

3. Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Yes! If apples aren’t your thing or if you’re looking for variety, you can substitute the apples with pears, pomegranate seeds, or even orange segments. These fruits will add a lovely sweetness and balance out the savory Brussels sprouts. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may vary depending on the fruit you choose.

4. Can I make this salad vegan?

Definitely! To make the salad vegan, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar in the dressing. You can also skip the cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative like vegan feta or goat cheese.

5. Can I use a store-bought dressing for this salad?

While making your own dressing is incredibly simple and enhances the flavor of the salad, you can use store-bought vinaigrettes if you’re short on time. Look for a mild balsamic vinaigrette or a lemon-tahini dressing for a different flavor profile. However, homemade dressing gives you more control over the balance of sweetness, acidity, and creaminess.

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Conclusion

This Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad is a refreshing, nutritious, and downright delicious way to enjoy Brussels sprouts like never before. With its vibrant mix of textures—crispy sprouts, sweet apples, toasty nuts, and creamy dressing—it’s the perfect balance of flavors and a great way to switch up your salad game. Whether you serve it as a side dish, top it with your favorite protein, or simply enjoy it on its own, this salad is sure to impress.

The best part? It’s easy to make, so you can enjoy this salad anytime you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and flavorful. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize to your own preferences. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how you like it. I bet this will become one of your new favorite salads!