Welcome to a culinary revelation that will forever change your perception of Brussels sprouts! Forget everything you thought you knew about this often misunderstood vegetable. This isn’t just another salad; it’s the most simple, delightful, and genuinely delicious Brussels Sprouts Salad you’ll ever encounter. What makes it truly exceptional is its vibrant medley of textures and flavors, far beyond your typical sprout dish. We combine fresh, crisp Brussels sprouts with an assortment of other mouth-watering vegetables, all brought together by a creamy, zesty lemon-mayo dressing so versatile you’ll want to drizzle it on every salad you make!
I understand that Brussels sprouts can stir up skepticism in many, conjuring images of overcooked, bitter greens. However, when enjoyed raw, they truly transform, offering a mild, crisp flavor surprisingly similar to delicate cabbage. In fact, this vibrant, crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad is such a hit in my home that my own children often mistake it for a delightful cabbage salad! It’s a testament to how palatable and enjoyable raw Brussels sprouts can be, especially when paired with complementary ingredients and a stellar dressing. This recipe is designed to convert even the most ardent sprout skeptics into enthusiastic fans, proving that this nutritious vegetable deserves a prime spot on your table.
If you’re eager to explore more sensational salad creations that tantalize the taste buds and add a burst of freshness to your meals, be sure to try some of my other popular recipes. You might fall in love with my Mexican Street Corn Salad, a smoky and sweet sensation, or perhaps the refreshing Strawberry Spinach Salad with Feta, bursting with fruity and savory notes. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile, perfect for expanding your salad repertoire.
Why You’ll Adore This Brussels Sprouts Salad
This Brussels Sprouts Salad isn’t just another recipe; it’s a game-changer for your meal rotation. Here’s why it will quickly become a cherished favorite:
- Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives: Life can get hectic, and finding time for healthy eating can be a challenge. This Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe is your answer to busy weeknights. Featuring simple, readily available ingredients, it comes together with minimal fuss, allowing you to whip up a nutritious and satisfying meal or side dish in no time. The ease of preparation means less stress and more time enjoying delicious food.
- A Versatile Culinary Companion: While it shines as a refreshing main course for a light lunch, this salad truly excels as an exceptional side dish. It offers a unique texture and flavor contrast that beautifully complements a wide array of entrées, from grilled chicken to baked fish. It’s also an outstanding addition to your holiday dinner menu, providing a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to rich, heavier fare. Its vibrant appeal and satisfying crunch make it a memorable accompaniment.
- Packed with Wholesome Goodness: In every bite, you’re treating your body to a powerhouse of nutrients. Brussels sprouts are renowned for their high fiber, vitamin K, and vitamin C content. When combined with a colorful array of other fresh vegetables, this salad becomes a nutritional powerhouse. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly wholesome and surprisingly filling, ensuring you feel satisfied and energized without feeling weighed down.
- Irresistible Homemade Dressing: The magic truly happens with our easy-to-make homemade salad dressing. It’s a simple concoction of creamy mayo, bright lemon juice, and a hint of garlic that creates a zesty, rich, and utterly delicious flavor profile. This dressing elevates the entire salad, coating each ingredient in a luscious embrace that makes every forkful a delight. It’s so good, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for all your other salads!
Essential Ingredients for Your Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crafting this incredible salad requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that harmonize to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- For the Vibrant Veggies:
- Brussels Sprouts: The star of our show! Fresh, firm Brussels sprouts are essential for that characteristic crunch and subtle, earthy flavor.
- Grape Tomatoes: These small, sweet bursts of juiciness add a delightful tang and a pop of color.
- Red Onion: Finely diced red onion contributes a sharp, pungent bite that beautifully cuts through the richness of the dressing.
- Carrots: Shredded carrots introduce a touch of natural sweetness and a lovely crisp texture.
- Radish: Sliced radishes offer a peppery kick and an additional layer of satisfying crunch.
- For the Creamy Lemon-Mayo Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base of our dressing, binding all the flavors together.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a silky texture and a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the vegetables and dressing.
- Garlic: A minced clove of garlic provides an aromatic depth and a subtle savory note (optional, but highly recommended for flavor!).
- Fresh Lemon Juice: The bright, citrusy acidity of fresh lemon juice is what truly makes this dressing sing, providing a refreshing zing.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley acts as a vibrant garnish, adding a herbaceous freshness and a touch of appealing green to the finished salad.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Brussels Sprouts Salad
Creating this delicious Brussels Sprouts Salad is a straightforward process, ensuring a fresh and flavorful result every time. Follow these simple steps for success:
- Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts: Begin by thoroughly washing your Brussels sprouts under cold running water. Remove any loose or damaged outer leaves. Trim a small amount off the stem end of each sprout. To achieve the perfect texture for a raw salad, cut each sprout in half lengthwise. Then, take each half and thinly slice it crosswise, creating delicate, shredded pieces. Aim for three sections from each half for ideal shredding. This method ensures uniform, bite-sized pieces that are tender-crisp. Place all the shredded sprouts into a large mixing bowl.
- Chop the Remaining Veggies: With your sprouts prepared, turn your attention to the other vegetables. Dice the grape tomatoes, finely chop the purple onion, shred the carrots, and dice the radishes. Ensure all vegetables are cut into consistent, bite-sized pieces that will meld well together in the salad. Add these chopped vegetables to the bowl with the shredded Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle in the fresh, chopped parsley.
- Whisk Together the Dressing: In a separate small bowl or a measuring cup, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, minced garlic (if using), and fresh lemon juice. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or lemon juice to your preference.
- Assemble and Toss: Pour the prepared creamy lemon-mayo dressing generously over the bowl of mixed vegetables. Using salad tongs or large spoons, gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring every piece of vegetable is thoroughly coated in the luscious dressing. This step is crucial for distributing the flavors evenly.
- Serve and Savor: Your delightful Brussels Sprouts Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately as a refreshing side dish, a light lunch, or a vibrant addition to any meal.
Expert Tips & Recipe Notes for the Perfect Salad
To ensure your Brussels Sprouts Salad is nothing short of perfection, keep these helpful notes and tips in mind:
- Thorough Washing is Key: Brussels sprouts can sometimes harbor dirt between their leaves. Before cutting, make sure to wash your sprouts really well under cold running water. Gently separate some of the outer leaves to rinse thoroughly, ensuring no grit remains.
- Uniform Cuts for Best Texture: Precision in cutting enhances the eating experience. Make sure you are cutting all your vegetables into roughly bite-sized pieces so that each forkful offers a balanced blend of ingredients.
- Speedy Prep with a Food Processor: If you’re short on time or making a large batch, a food processor can be your best friend. Use the slicing or shredding attachment to quickly chop your Brussels sprouts, carrots, and radishes, significantly cutting down on prep time.
- Amp Up the Heat: For those who love a bit of a kick, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. It introduces a delightful spicy warmth that complements the zesty flavors.
- Boost Texture and Flavor with Add-ins: Elevate your salad with an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. Toasted seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds), chopped pecans, or slivered almonds are fantastic additions.
- Cheese Please! A sprinkle of shaved or freshly shredded Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami depth that pairs wonderfully with the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing.
- Make-Ahead Shredded Sprouts: To streamline meal prep, you can shred the Brussels sprouts up to two days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows you to quickly assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.
- A Sweet and Tart Twist: For a subtly sweet and refreshing contrast, try adding some thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples or green grapes to your salad. Their crisp sweetness complements the savory elements beautifully.
- Perfect for Lunch on the Go: If you’re preparing this salad for work or a picnic, it’s best to keep the dressing on the side. Add it just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy and to maintain their crisp texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brussels Sprouts Salad
How do you cut Brussels Sprouts for a salad?
Preparing Brussels sprouts for a raw salad is crucial for achieving the right texture and taste. First and foremost, it’s vital to wash and trim them meticulously. Gently peel off the first couple of outer leaves, as these can sometimes be tough or harbor dirt. Then, wash the sprouts very well under cold running water, even if they come pre-washed or labeled as clean. Trimming off the woody stem end is the next step. For a salad, you want the sprouts to be delicate and easy to eat. You can cut them in quarters, or for a finer texture, slice them by hand. My preferred method is to cut each sprout in half lengthwise and then thinly slice the halves into fine shreds. If you’re making a larger batch or want to save time, a food processor with a slicing or shredding disc attachment works wonders, quickly transforming whole sprouts into perfectly uniform pieces.
Can I make the salad dressing vegan?
Absolutely! This creamy lemon-mayo dressing is incredibly versatile and easily adaptable for a vegan diet. I truly love this dressing for its simplicity and how beautifully it complements a wide variety of salads. To make it vegan, simply swap out regular mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based mayonnaise alternative, often referred to as “veganaise.” The texture and rich flavor will remain wonderfully similar. I personally enjoy adding a minced clove of garlic to the dressing for an extra layer of aromatic flavor, though you can certainly omit it if you prefer a simpler, cleaner taste. Experiment with different vegan mayo brands to find the one you love most!
Can you eat Brussels Sprouts raw?
Yes, absolutely! Eating Brussels sprouts raw is not only safe but also a fantastic way to enjoy their unique flavor and crunch. When raw, they lose any hint of bitterness often associated with cooked sprouts and instead offer a mild, slightly peppery taste reminiscent of a tender cabbage. They hold up exceptionally well in salads, providing a substantial and satisfying crunch that elevates a simple bowl of vegetables. Raw sprouts readily absorb the flavors of any dressing, making them a superb base for vibrant salads. Beyond their delicious taste and satisfying texture, raw Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse. They are remarkably low in calories yet packed with essential nutrients, especially dietary fiber, vitamin K, and a significant amount of vitamin C, contributing to overall health and wellness.
What to serve with this Brussels Sprouts Salad?
This versatile Brussels Sprouts Salad makes an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of meals. Its fresh, crisp texture and vibrant flavors perfectly complement heartier dishes. I frequently serve this salad as a refreshing side with numerous protein-centric main courses. It pairs wonderfully with both grilled and fried recipes, adding a light and healthful balance. Imagine it alongside perfectly grilled salmon, tender pan-seared chicken breast, or even crispy fried fish. Another one of my favorite ways to enjoy this salad is as a side to various rice dishes. It’s fantastic with simple veggie and rice creations, or with shrimp and veggie rice, and especially with savory Spanish rice. However, I’ve found it doesn’t quite mesh with fried rice – it’s best paired with anything but. For those embracing a vegetarian lifestyle, this salad is robust enough to be enjoyed as a satisfying main dish on its own, providing a complete and delicious meal.
Other Irresistible Salad Recipes You May Like:
If you’re constantly seeking fresh and exciting salad ideas to diversify your menu, here are a couple more recipes that promise to delight your palate and add a healthy touch to any meal:
- Greek Chickpea Salad: A Mediterranean-inspired delight packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep.
- Shrimp Salad: A light yet satisfying salad featuring succulent shrimp, crisp celery, and a creamy dressing, ideal for a quick lunch or a elegant starter.
I genuinely hope you find immense joy in all the recipes I share with you, and this exquisite Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe is no exception. I encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share your experience by rating it and passing it along to your cherished friends and family!
If you fall in love with this recipe and decide to try it, please share your culinary creation with me on INSTAGRAM using my hashtag! You might just be featured in my story! Also, stay connected with Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST for all my latest social posts, fresh recipes, and kitchen inspiration.
Print Recipe
Brussels Sprouts Salad
Mariam Ezzeddine
25
0
25
6
people
Ingredients
-
2
lbs.
Brussel Sprouts,
washed very well, shredded -
1
cup
grape tomatoes,
diced -
1/4
cup
purple onion,
finely diced -
3/4
cup
carrots,
shredded -
1/2
cup
radish,
diced -
1/4
cup
chopped parsley,
fresh
DRESSING
-
1/4
cup
mayo -
1/4
cup
olive oil -
3/4
tsp.
salt -
1
clove
garlic,
minced (optional) -
1/4
cup
lemon juice,
(from 1 lemon)
Instructions
- Peel the first couple of leaves off the Brussels sprouts and wash them very well. Trim off the woody stems.
- Cut each sprout in 2 halves lengthwise, then thinly slice each half to shred them into delicate pieces. Aim for about 3 parts from each half for perfect shredding.
- Place the shredded sprouts in a large bowl. Dice the grape tomatoes, finely chop the purple onion, shred the carrots, and dice the radishes. Add these prepared vegetables and the chopped fresh parsley to the bowl with the shredded sprouts. Gently toss everything together.
- In a small separate bowl or cup, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, minced garlic (if using), and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the freshly made dressing generously over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the delicious dressing.
- Serve immediately and savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of your homemade Brussels Sprouts Salad!
Notes
- Make sure to wash your sprouts really well!
- Ensure you are cutting your veggies into consistent, bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
- You can use a food processor with a shredding disc to quickly chop your Brussels sprouts and other hard vegetables.
- For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, incorporate some toasted seeds, chopped pecans, or slivered almonds.
- Shaved or freshly shredded Parmesan cheese works great on this salad, adding a savory depth.
- You can shred the sprouts up to 2 days ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- For a subtly sweet and refreshing twist, add some thinly sliced Honeycrisp apples or green grapes to the salad.
- If you are making this salad for packed lunches, keep the dressing on the side and add it just before eating to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
Calories:
226
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
18
g
|
Protein:
6
g
|
Fat:
17
g
|
Saturated Fat:
2
g
|
Cholesterol:
4
mg
|
Sodium:
353
mg
|
Potassium:
741
mg
|
Fiber:
7
g
|
Sugar:
6
g
|
Vitamin A:
4020
IU
|
Vitamin C:
139
mg
|
Calcium:
74
mg
|
Iron:
2
mg
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