Fresh Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant, crunchy, and absolutely delightful side dish or light meal, this Fresh Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with the crispness of thinly shaved Brussels sprouts, the tang of fresh lemon juice, the savory depth of Parmesan cheese, and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds, it’s incredibly fresh and flavorful. This salad brings together simple ingredients that transform everyday Brussels sprouts into something truly special, perfect for any occasion whether a casual lunch or part of a festive spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Fresh Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe just right is all about using fresh, simple ingredients that naturally complement each other. Each component plays an essential role, whether adding zest, bite, creaminess, or crunch.

• Brussels sprouts: Fresh, trimmed, and shaved thinly to create the salad’s crunchy base and vibrant green color.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin, for a smooth, fruity richness that carries the flavors beautifully.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed to provide a bright and zesty tang that lifts the entire salad.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated for a luscious, salty, and nutty depth that balances the freshness.
• Toasted almonds: Sliced or slivered and toasted to golden perfection to add a satisfying crunchy texture.
• Salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavors without overwhelming them.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle heat and aromatic touch.

How to Make Fresh Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels sprouts

Start by rinsing your Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends carefully and peel away any yellow or damaged outer leaves. This step ensures you’re working with the freshest and most flavorful parts of the sprouts.

Step 2: Shave the Brussels sprouts

Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, shave the trimmed Brussels sprouts into paper-thin slices. This technique transforms them from dense little cabbages into delicate ribbons that are so much easier to eat raw and will soak up dressing beautifully.

Step 3: Combine in a bowl

Place all the shaved Brussels sprouts into a large mixing bowl. This gives you plenty of room to toss everything together without missing a spot.

Step 4: Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This simple but flavorful dressing is what brings the salad to life with a perfect balance of brightness and richness.

Step 5: Dress the salad

Drizzle the dressing over the shaved Brussels sprouts and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every crisp shred is lightly coated in that vibrant vinaigrette.

Step 6: Add Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed sprouts and give the salad another gentle toss. The cheese adds a creamy, salty note that contrasts so beautifully with the crisp greens.

Step 7: Toast the almonds

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast your sliced or slivered almonds until they turn a lovely golden brown, taking care not to burn them. This step elevates the nuts’ flavor and adds a wonderful crunch to the final dish.

Step 8: Incorporate almonds

Once the almonds have cooled slightly, sprinkle them into the salad and toss everything to combine. Those toasty bites really take the texture up a notch.

Step 9: Rest the salad

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a harmonious and well-rounded taste experience.

Step 10: Serve and enjoy

Serve your Fresh Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe on a charming platter or in pretty individual bowls. For an extra touch, garnish with extra Parmesan shavings and almonds. It’s a showstopper that’s as lovely to look at as it is delicious to eat.

How to Serve Fresh Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To jazz up your salad even more, consider adding a few garnishes like freshly shaved Parmesan curls, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or a handful of pomegranate seeds. These little additions inject color and bursts of contrasting flavor that make the salad pop on the plate.

Side Dishes

This salad works beautifully alongside a variety of dishes. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light, nutritious meal, or serve it as a refreshing counterpoint to richer dishes like roasted meats or creamy pastas. Its bright, crisp qualities make it a versatile side that complements both casual and elegant fare.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving the salad in mason jars for a picnic, layering it over a bed of mixed greens for a heartier salad, or using edible flowers for an eye-catching presentation. Even simple rustic bowls can make this salad feel special when you arrange the ingredients thoughtfully and add a few finishing touches on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the salad dresses with lemon juice and olive oil, it stays fairly fresh, but the almonds may soften over time, so adding fresh almonds just before serving again is a great tip.

Freezing

This Fresh Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to the raw texture of the sprouts and fresh dressing. To maintain its crispness and flavor, avoid freezing.

Reheating

Since this is a raw, fresh salad designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, give the salad a gentle stir and sprinkle with a few extra toasted almonds if the texture feels a bit softened after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this salad?

Frozen Brussels sprouts are not ideal for this recipe because they become too soft and lose their crunch once thawed. Fresh sprouts that can be shaved thinly are key to achieving the signature crisp texture of this salad.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

If you need a substitute for Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese work well, offering similar salty, nutty flavors. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast to maintain a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Are there variations to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness, swap almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different crunch, or mix in some fresh herbs like mint or parsley to brighten up the flavor even more.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, though it’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to keep the Brussels sprouts crisp. Toast the almonds fresh or hold them separately to maintain their crunch.

How can I make the salad more filling?

To turn this into a more substantial meal, add cooked quinoa, grilled chicken, or roasted chickpeas. These ingredients add protein and heartiness while keeping the salad fresh and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that keeps winning over hearts (and taste buds) with every bite. It’s fresh, easy to make, and impossible to put down thanks to the wonderful textures and bright, balanced flavors. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just find this salad becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

Print