shaved brussel sprout salad

There’s something truly special about a bright, vibrant shaved brussel sprout salad. It’s a dish that surprises you with its delightful crunch and refreshing taste. This particular recipe hits all the right notes, offering a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors that dance on your palate. It’s a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully.

I often find myself reaching for this salad on busy weeknights. It’s incredibly quick to prepare, yet it feels so elegant. Friends always rave about its wonderful texture and bright dressing, asking for the recipe every time. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser that’s as good for a casual lunch as it is for a dinner party side dish.

Why I Love This shaved brussel sprout salad

This shaved brussel sprout salad is a weeknight wonder. It’s ready in a flash. The flavor is simply amazing. You’ll love how it elevates any meal. It’s:

• Super Speedy: Perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: Zesty, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.
• Impressive: It looks and tastes gourmet.

It’s my secret weapon for turning simple ingredients into something special.

The Stars of Our shaved brussel sprout salad

This shaved brussel sprout salad truly shines because of its simple yet brilliant combination of textures and tastes. It’s a symphony where each ingredient plays its part perfectly. Together, they create a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly refreshing.

Core Ingredients and Their Purpose

Let’s talk about what makes this salad so special. The ingredient list is wonderfully straightforward, proving that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated.

• Brussels Sprouts: These are the foundation, offering a delightful crunch and a slightly nutty flavor when shaved thin. They’re surprisingly versatile and soak up dressings beautifully.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: This provides a smooth, rich base for our zesty dressing. It’s a healthy fat that carries all the other flavors beautifully.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: For that bright, tangy kick! Lemon juice awakens the palate and cuts through any richness, making the salad taste incredibly fresh.
• Dijon Mustard: It adds a subtle warmth and a touch of sharpness. Dijon also acts as an emulsifier, helping our dressing come together smoothly.
• Garlic: Just a hint of minced garlic adds a savory depth that complements the other ingredients.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These are flavor enhancers, essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
• Shaved Parmesan Cheese: This adds a salty, umami-rich finish. It melts slightly into the warm sprouts, creating a delightful savory note.
• Toasted Sliced Almonds: For fantastic crunch and a nutty aroma. Toasting them really brings out their flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: These offer a lovely burst of tart sweetness. They provide a beautiful contrast to the savory and nutty elements of the salad.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have all the exact ingredients? No problem! You can easily swap things around. For instance, you could use pecans or walnuts instead of almonds. Dried cherries are a great alternative to cranberries. If you don’t have Dijon, a touch of honey mustard works in a pinch, though the flavor will be a bit different. For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. Remember, the exact amounts are in the printable recipe card!

How to Make a Perfect shaved brussel sprout salad

Making this delightful shaved brussel sprout salad is a breeze. Just follow these easy steps. You’ll have a delicious side dish ready in no time. It’s truly that simple.

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

First, get your Brussels sprouts ready. Trim off any tough stem ends. Remove the outer leaves if they look wilted. Then, use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Slice the sprouts very thinly. You want them to look like shreds. This thin slicing is key for the salad’s texture. It helps the sprouts soften wonderfully.

Crafting the Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

Next, let’s make the dressing. Grab a small bowl. Pour in the extra-virgin olive oil. Add the fresh lemon juice. Then, mix in the Dijon mustard. Mince one clove of garlic and add it. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. This makes a bright, zesty vinaigrette. It’s a flavor explosion.

Combining and Resting the Salad

Now, put those beautiful shaved Brussels sprouts into a large bowl. Pour the prepared vinaigrette all over them. Toss everything together gently. Make sure every sprout is coated. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes. This resting time is important. It allows the sprouts to soften slightly. They become more tender this way.

The Finishing Touches

Almost done! Just before you plan to serve, add the final touches. Sprinkle in the shaved Parmesan cheese. Add the toasted sliced almonds. Toss in the dried cranberries too. Give it one last gentle toss. This ensures all the delicious bits are distributed. Your gorgeous shaved brussel sprout salad is ready to enjoy!

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How to Store Your Delicious shaved brussel sprout salad

Got some of this amazing shaved brussel sprout salad leftover? Great! You can store it for a bit. Keep it in an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. However, I highly recommend adding the Parmesan cheese, almonds, and cranberries right before serving. This keeps them nice and crunchy. Otherwise, they can get a bit soggy. So, if you plan leftovers, keep those additions separate. Enjoy your delicious salad!

Tips for a Fantastic shaved brussel sprout salad

• For the best flavor, let this shaved brussel sprout salad rest for 15 minutes.
• Shave your sprouts thin for a tender texture.
• Toast your nuts for extra flavor.
• Add the crunchy toppings last.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Essential Kitchen Tools for shaved brussel sprout salad

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife for shaving sprouts.
• Large mixing bowl for tossing the salad.
• Small bowl for whisking the vinaigrette.
• Whisk for emulsifying the dressing.
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Serving Suggestions for shaved brussel sprout salad

• This vibrant salad is a stellar sidekick for grilled chicken or salmon.
• It also pairs beautifully with hearty soups like lentil or butternut squash.
• Consider a crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, to complement its flavors.
• Present it in a colorful bowl to really make it pop on your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this shaved brussel sprout salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this tasty shaved brussel sprout salad ahead of time! Just hold off on adding the Parmesan, almonds, and cranberries. Add those right before serving to keep everything perfectly crisp and delicious.

What’s the best way to shave Brussels sprouts for this salad?

Use a mandoline slicer for the most even shredding. A very sharp knife works too. The goal is to get those sprouts nice and thin. This helps them soften nicely in the dressing for a great texture.

Can I substitute the almonds or cranberries in this shaved brussel sprout salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the almonds for pecans or walnuts. Dried cherries are a lovely alternative to cranberries. Get creative with your additions! It’s still a wonderful shaved brussel sprout salad.

How long does this shaved brussel sprout salad keep in the refrigerator?

This delightful shaved brussel sprout salad will keep for about 2 to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container. Remember, it’s best if you add the toppings just before serving for maximum crunch.