Welcome to your new favorite salad obsession! This Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Almonds is a game-changer – it’s not just a side dish, but a vibrant culinary experience that will captivate your taste buds and impress your guests. Combining robust flavors with delightful textures, this salad is the perfect blend of hearty and healthy. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, featuring thinly shaved raw brussels sprouts, plump dried cranberries, and crunchy slivered almonds, all brought together with an irresistibly tangy and sweet homemade dressing. Ideal for the crisp days of fall and the cozy gatherings of winter, this festive salad is guaranteed to be a shining star on any holiday table or a welcome addition to your weekly meal rotation.
Brussel sprouts often evoke strong opinions; you either adore them or avoid them. For those firmly in the “love” camp, prepare to fall even harder. And for the skeptics, this recipe might just be the one to convert you! While classic roasted brussel sprouts offer a comforting warmth, showcasing these miniature cabbages in their raw form unlocks a whole new level of freshness and crispness. When finely shredded, raw brussels sprouts transform into a satisfyingly robust base for a salad that is both wholesome and packed with flavor. This recipe is a testament to the versatility of brussels sprouts, offering a vibrant medley of tastes and textures from nourishing ingredients. Its crisp texture and bright flavor profile make it a delightful contrast to heavier winter meals, providing essential vitamins and fiber in every forkful.
Why Raw Brussel Sprouts Are a Salad Superstar
Many people are accustomed to eating brussels sprouts cooked, usually roasted or steamed, which can sometimes result in a softer texture and a slightly bitter taste if overcooked. However, embracing them raw in a salad completely changes the experience. When shaved thin, raw brussels sprouts offer a delightful crispness and a mild, peppery flavor that is wonderfully refreshing. They hold up incredibly well to dressing, meaning this salad won’t wilt quickly, making it an excellent choice for meal prep or gatherings. Nutritionally, raw brussels sprouts are a powerhouse. They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fiber, contributing to immune health, bone strength, and digestive wellness. Incorporating them raw maximizes their nutrient content, as some vitamins can be diminished by heat. This makes our Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad not just delicious, but also a significantly healthy addition to your diet.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
This vibrant salad comes together with a handful of simple, yet impactful ingredients that create a symphony of flavors and textures. The base of the salad is incredibly straightforward, allowing the natural goodness of the ingredients to shine. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering a salad that is far from ordinary, boasting a unique balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
- Fresh Brussel Sprouts: The undeniable star of our salad. Instead of typical mixed greens, kale, or romaine, thinly shaved brussel sprouts provide a hearty, substantial, and wonderfully crisp foundation. Choose firm, bright green sprouts for the best texture and flavor. Their slightly peppery notes are perfectly mellowed by the dressing.
- Sweet Dried Cranberries: These jewel-toned berries introduce a burst of natural sweetness and a chewy texture that beautifully complements the crunch of the sprouts and nuts. Their tart-sweet profile adds a festive touch, making this an ideal dish for holiday spreads. For variety, consider substituting with other dried fruits like craisins, chopped dried cherries, golden raisins, or even fresh pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of color and tartness.
- Crunchy Slivered Almonds: Essential for adding a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats. Slivered almonds are ideal for their delicate shape and subtle flavor, which doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. You can also toast them lightly for an enhanced nutty aroma. If almonds aren’t your preference, other nuts like chopped pecans, walnuts, or even pistachios would also work wonderfully, each adding its own distinct character.
- Tangy Parmesan Cheese (Optional): For those who appreciate a savory, umami kick, grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that elevates the entire salad. If you’re aiming to keep this dish vegan, I highly recommend using a plant-based alternative such as Violife parmesan cheese, which offers a surprisingly authentic taste and texture. Alternatively, nutritional yeast can be sprinkled in for a cheesy, savory flavor without dairy, making it a fantastic vegan-friendly option.
How to Master the Art of Shredding Brussel Sprouts
The secret to an exceptional shaved brussel sprout salad lies in the uniform, thin shredding of the sprouts. This not only makes them more pleasant to eat but also allows them to absorb the dressing beautifully, softening slightly while retaining their delightful crunch. Don’t be intimidated; there are several simple methods to achieve perfectly shredded sprouts, catering to different kitchen tools and skill levels.
- The Food Processor Method (My Go-To): This is by far the quickest and easiest way to shred brussel sprouts consistently. Simply attach the shredding blade to your food processor. Trim the ends of the brussel sprouts and feed them through the chute. The machine does all the hard work, yielding beautifully thin, even shreds in mere seconds. This method is especially efficient when preparing a large batch.
- Using a Mandoline Slicer: For those who prefer precision and aesthetically pleasing results, a mandoline slicer is an excellent choice. Hold the brussel sprout firmly by its trimmed stem and carefully glide it across the sharp blade. Always use the safety guard to protect your fingers. This method produces perfectly uniform, paper-thin slices that look incredibly elegant in the salad. While it requires a bit more care and time than a food processor, the consistent slices are often worth the extra effort.
- With a Box Grater: If you don’t own a food processor or mandoline, a standard box grater can still get the job done. Use the side with the largest holes, similar to how you would grate cabbage. Hold the brussel sprout firmly and carefully slide it against the grating surface. This method might produce slightly coarser shreds compared to a mandoline, but it is effective and accessible.
- The Classic Knife Method: In a pinch, a sharp chef’s knife is all you need. Trim the ends of the brussel sprouts, then slice them very thinly crosswise. The key here is to aim for slices as thin as possible to ensure a tender-crisp texture. While it requires more patience and knife skills, it’s a perfectly viable option for preparing your sprouts. Ensure your knife is sharp for clean cuts and work slowly and carefully.
For ultimate convenience and to save valuable time, especially during busy weekdays or holiday preparations, consider purchasing pre-shredded brussel sprouts. Many grocery stores now offer bagged, pre-shredded brussel sprouts in the produce section. This is a fantastic shortcut that allows you to enjoy this delicious salad with minimal effort, making healthy eating even more accessible.
Crafting Your Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad: A Simple Guide
Creating this flavorful and hearty salad is remarkably simple, broken down into just a few easy steps. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward assembly, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-quality salad with minimal fuss.
- Whip Up the Dressing: Begin by preparing the homemade dressing, which is the heart and soul of this salad. In a small bowl or a lidded jar, combine all the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, maple syrup for sweetness, fresh lemon and orange juices for bright acidity, apple cider vinegar for an extra tang, minced shallot (or garlic) for aromatic depth, and a pinch of fine sea salt and pepper to taste. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified. Set this vibrant dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare Your Brussel Sprouts: Next, focus on your brussel sprouts. Trim any tough ends and remove any discolored outer leaves. Then, using one of the shredding methods detailed above (food processor, mandoline, box grater, or a sharp knife), transform the whole sprouts into very thin, delicate shreds. The thinner the shreds, the better they will absorb the dressing and contribute to the salad’s tender-crisp texture.
- Assemble and Toss the Salad: Transfer the freshly shredded brussel sprouts to a large salad bowl. Pour the prepared homemade dressing generously over the sprouts. Toss thoroughly, ensuring every delicate shred is coated with the flavorful dressing. This initial toss allows the sprouts to begin marinating and softening slightly. Then, add the dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and the optional Parmesan cheese (or its vegan alternative). Toss once more until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and beautifully incorporated, creating a colorful and inviting mix.
- Serve and Savor: Your exquisite Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately for maximum crispness, or for an even richer flavor profile, cover the bowl and allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This allows the brussel sprouts to absorb more of the dressing’s goodness, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Can This Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! One of the fantastic advantages of this brussel sprout salad is its impressive make-ahead potential. In fact, many find that the salad tastes even better after it has had some time to marinate in the dressing for a few hours. The sturdy nature of shredded brussel sprouts means they won’t wilt quickly, unlike delicate greens, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
If you plan to serve the salad within 12 hours, you can go ahead and toss all the ingredients with the dressing as directed. The brussel sprouts will soften slightly, becoming more tender and flavorful as they soak up the dressing. However, if you intend to prepare the salad more than 12 hours in advance (e.g., for a large party or holiday meal), I recommend storing the dressing and the salad components (shredded sprouts, cranberries, almonds, cheese) separately. Then, simply combine and toss them together about an hour or so before you’re ready to serve. This strategy ensures optimal texture and prevents any potential sogginess.
For maximum efficiency, you can shred the brussel sprouts up to 2 days before you plan to assemble the salad. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The homemade dressing can also be prepared well in advance, lasting up to 5 days when stored in a sealed jar in the fridge. This advanced preparation makes whipping up this delicious salad a breeze, even on the busiest of days.
Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions for Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad
This versatile Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad is hearty enough to stand on its own as a fulfilling side, but it also serves as an excellent base for a more substantial meal. By adding a few simple ingredients, you can easily transform it into a complete and satisfying dish. Here are some ideas to help you customize and elevate your salad:
- Boost with Protein: To make this salad a complete meal, incorporating a source of protein is key.
- Vegan Options: For a plant-based addition, try crispy roasted chickpeas or perfectly baked crispy tofu. These add texture and substance without compromising the vegan nature of the dish. You could also crumble some smoky vegan bacon on top for a delightful savory crunch.
- Non-Vegan Options: If you’re not adhering to a vegan diet, cooked chicken (grilled, shredded, or rotisserie), flaked salmon, or pan-seared white fish would pair beautifully with the flavors of this salad, adding lean protein and making it a more robust main course. Crispy bacon bits are another classic addition that complement brussel sprouts wonderfully.
- Add Complex Carbohydrates: For increased satiety and sustained energy, mix in some complex carbohydrates. Roasted sweet potato or butternut squash cubes add a touch of earthy sweetness and a soft texture that contrasts nicely with the crisp sprouts. Cooked quinoa or brown rice can also be folded into the salad, transforming it into a hearty grain bowl perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Enhance with Healthy Fats: The dressing and almonds already contribute healthy fats, but if you’re looking to add more, diced avocado is an excellent choice. Its creamy texture and rich, buttery flavor would be an absolutely delicious complement to the crispness of the brussel sprouts and the tang of the dressing. A sprinkle of hemp seeds or chia seeds could also add healthy fats and a subtle nutty flavor.
Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday feast, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it as a healthy weeknight meal, this salad’s adaptability ensures it will always be a crowd-pleaser.
Storing Your Brussel Sprouts Salad for Freshness
Proper storage is crucial to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad. Fortunately, the robust nature of brussel sprouts makes this salad quite resilient, allowing you to enjoy leftovers for several days.
Any leftover salad should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will typically remain fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. Unlike more delicate leafy green salads that quickly wilt when dressed, brussel sprouts are hearty enough to withstand being stored with the dressing already mixed in. In fact, many find that the flavors deepen and improve over time as the brussel sprouts marinate in the dressing, becoming even tastier and slightly more tender without losing their enjoyable crunch.
If you prefer a crisper texture for subsequent servings or are worried about potential sogginess (especially if you’ve added other ingredients that might release moisture), you can store the dressing separately. Simply keep the salad ingredients in one airtight container and the dressing in another, then add the desired amount of dressing just before serving each portion. This method gives you maximum control over the salad’s texture.
Whichever storage method you choose, you’ll find that this shredded brussel sprout salad continues to deliver a delightful and nutritious meal experience for days after preparation.
This Shredded Brussel Sprout Salad with Cranberries and Almonds is truly a standout recipe. It requires very little effort to assemble, yet it delivers a powerful punch of flavor and is packed with essential nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any healthy eating plan. Its vibrant colors and compelling textures make it an instant favorite, whether served as a hearty side dish or a satisfying main meal. We are confident this salad will become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire.
More Delicious Vegan Salads to Try:
- Avocado & Black Bean Salad
- Grilled Corn Salad
- Vegan Coleslaw
- Warm Kale Salad
Brussel Sprout Salad
Brita Britnell
30 minutes
30 minutes
4
servings
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Juice of one lemon, about 2 tablespoons
- Juice of one orange, about ¼ of a cup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, +1 more tablespoon if desired
- 1 shallot, minced (can sub for 4 cloves of minced garlic)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- pepper to taste
For the salad:
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 2 pounds brussels sprouts, ends trimmed*
- 1 cup slivered almonds
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – optional, Violife is my favorite vegan option! (can also sub for ½ cup of nutritional yeast)
Instructions
-
Make the dressing by combining all of the ingredients and whisking until fully combined. Set aside.
-
Using a shredding attachment on your food processor OR using a mandoline, carefully shred the brussels sprouts into very thin strips. If you don’t have either of those, you can very thinly slice them with a knife but be mindful that you really want to get them as thin as possible.
-
Place the brussel sprouts in a large bowl, pour the dressing over the top and toss. Add in the cranberries, almonds, and parmesan and toss once more to fully combine. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- To prep the salad ahead of time, you can make the salad as written BUT do not pour on the dressing. Wait to add the dressing when you’re ready to actually eat the salad. If making for a party or holiday, you can make the salad and the dressing a couple days in advance and just keep them separate.
- A lot of stores sell pre-shredded brussel sprouts and that’s a great avenue to avoid having to shred them yourself.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 47g,
Protein: 23g,
Fat: 48g,
Saturated Fat: 9g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 30g,
Trans Fat: 0.01g,
Cholesterol: 17mg,
Sodium: 751mg,
Potassium: 1160mg,
Fiber: 13g,
Sugar: 24g,
Vitamin A: 1906IU,
Vitamin C: 193mg,
Calcium: 479mg,
Iron: 5mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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