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Quick, Easy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

Quick, Easy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
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Are you ready to redefine your relationship with Brussels sprouts? Forget those soggy, boiled nightmares of childhood! We’re about to introduce you to a vibrant, crunchy, and utterly delicious creation that will make you a true believer: the incredible **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad**. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a flavor explosion, a texture party, and a nutritional powerhouse all rolled into one beautiful bowl. Get ready to impress your taste buds and your guests with this unexpectedly delightful salad that proves healthy can be incredibly fun and ridiculously tasty!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Prepare to fall head over heels for this **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad** for more reasons than one. Here are four compelling reasons why this recipe is about to become your new favorite:

  1. A Flavor Revelation: This salad takes Brussels sprouts from “meh” to “WOW!” Shaving them thin completely changes their texture, making them tender-crisp and ready to absorb the tangy-sweet maple-Dijon dressing. Paired with sweet blueberries, crunchy walnuts, and savory feta, every bite is a burst of contrasting, yet perfectly harmonious, flavors.
  2. No Cooking Required (Seriously!): That’s right, zero cook time! This recipe is a dream come true for busy weeknights or when you want something fresh and fabulous without heating up your kitchen. Just a bit of chopping and blending, and you’re good to go.
  3. Nutrient-Rich Powerhouse: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber from the Brussels sprouts, red cabbage, and blueberries, plus healthy fats from olive oil and walnuts, this **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad** is a nutritional superstar. It’s a delicious way to fuel your body with goodness.
  4. Perfect for Meal Prep & Make-Ahead: Unlike many salads that wilt quickly, this one actually gets better with a little time in the fridge as the flavors meld. It’s fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, healthy lunch or side dish throughout the week.

Ingredients with Measurements

Gather your vibrant ingredients to create this show-stopping **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad**:

  • Salad Base:
    • 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
    • 2/3 cup fresh blueberries
    • 1/2 cup walnuts (toasted)
    • 1/2 cup red cabbage (thinly sliced)
    • 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
  • Flavorful Dressing:
    • 1/3 cup olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar-free maple syrup
    • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 clove garlic (grated)
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Detailed Step-by-Step Directions

Creating this irresistible **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad** is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a truly delightful experience:

  1. Whip Up the Dressing: Your first mission is to create the magical dressing. Grab a mini chopper, an immersion blender, or a food processor. Add all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar-free maple syrup, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend away until the mixture is silky smooth, beautifully creamy, and perfectly emulsified. Set this liquid gold aside; it’s going to tie everything together!
  2. Prep the Star (Brussels Sprouts!): Give your Brussels sprouts a good wash and pat them thoroughly dry. Gently peel off any loose or discolored outer leaves. Now, for the crucial step: shaving! The thinner, the better. A mandolin slicer is your best friend here, delivering consistent, paper-thin slices. If you don’t have one, a very sharp knife and a steady hand, or a food processor with a slicing blade, will also do the trick. Aim for delicate ribbons, not chunky shreds.
  3. Assemble Your Masterpiece: Transfer your beautifully shaved Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl. Into the same bowl, introduce the rest of the gang: the strikingly vibrant thinly sliced red cabbage, the satisfyingly crunchy toasted walnuts, the savory crumbled feta cheese, and the bursts of sweet fresh blueberries.
  4. Dress and Toss: Now for the grand finale! Generously pour your pre-made, creamy dressing over all the ingredients in the bowl. Gently, but thoroughly, toss everything together. Ensure every single piece is beautifully coated with that delicious dressing.
  5. Let the Flavors Meld: Patience is a virtue, especially with this salad! For the absolute best flavor experience, let the **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad** sit for at least 20 minutes before serving. This allows the Brussels sprouts to tenderize slightly and truly soak up all the wonderful dressing flavors. Enjoy!

Presentation and Serving Suggestions

Elevating your **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad** is all about how you present and serve it! Beyond just a simple bowl, here are some fun ideas:

  • Elegant Side Dish: Serve it in a beautiful glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the sprouts, blueberries, and red cabbage. Garnish with a few extra toasted walnuts or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a professional touch.
  • Light & Refreshing Lunch: This salad makes a fantastic stand-alone meal! For added protein, top it with grilled chicken, salmon, or a handful of chickpeas. The dressing is robust enough to carry the extra ingredients.
  • Vibrant Buffet Addition: If you’re hosting, this salad is a showstopper. Arrange it artfully on a large platter, perhaps making a bed of the dressed sprouts and then scattering the blueberries, walnuts, and feta on top, rather than fully mixed, for visual appeal.
  • Stuffed Avocados: For a unique twist, halve and pit large avocados, then fill each cavity with a generous scoop of the **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad**. It’s a healthy, creamy, and satisfying appetizer or light lunch.
  • Crunchy Topping: Use a smaller portion of the salad as a crunchy, fresh topping for grain bowls, tacos (especially fish tacos!), or even a simple piece of grilled protein. The acidity and crunch add a fantastic contrast.

Storage and Longevity

One of the best features of this **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad** is how well it holds up, and often even improves, after being stored!

If you find yourself with any delicious leftovers (which might be a challenge!), simply transfer them into an airtight container. Pop it into the fridge, and you’re all set. The salad will stay fresh and flavorful for a few days, typically 3-4 days. In fact, many people find that the flavors of this **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad** meld and deepen beautifully after a day or two in the refrigerator, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. The sturdy nature of the shaved Brussels sprouts means they won’t wilt into a sad mess like delicate lettuces often do.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delightful **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad**:

  1. Can I make this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad ahead of time?
    Absolutely! This salad is actually fantastic when made ahead. The flavors meld and the Brussels sprouts tenderize slightly, making it even more delicious. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance.
  2. What if I don’t have a mandolin slicer for the Brussels sprouts?
    No problem! You can use a very sharp chef’s knife to thinly slice them by hand. Alternatively, a food processor with a slicing blade attachment works wonderfully for achieving those perfect thin shavings.
  3. Can I substitute the blueberries for other fruits in this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad?
    Yes! While blueberries add a lovely sweetness, you could try thinly sliced apples, pears, dried cranberries, or pomegranate arils for a similar sweet-tart contrast.
  4. I don’t like feta cheese. What’s a good alternative?
    Goat cheese, crumbled blue cheese, or even shaved Parmesan would be delicious substitutes. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, or simply omit the cheese.
  5. How can I make this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad nut-free?
    You can easily omit the walnuts. To maintain crunch, consider adding toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or even crispy fried onions.
  6. Is this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
    Yes, it’s quite low in net carbs as indicated (8g net carbs per serving). The sugar-free maple syrup helps keep the sugar content down.
  7. What can I serve with this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad?
    It’s incredibly versatile! It pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, pork tenderloin, steak, or as a vibrant side to any hearty meal. It’s also substantial enough to be a light lunch on its own.
  8. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
    It’s not recommended for this specific **Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad**. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be softer once thawed and won’t give you the desired crisp, fresh texture needed for a raw shaved salad. Fresh is best here!
  9. How long should I let the salad sit before serving?
    For optimal flavor development, allow the salad to sit for at least 20 minutes after tossing with the dressing. This resting time helps the flavors to meld and the sprouts to tenderize slightly.
  10. Can I adjust the dressing ingredients?
    Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the sweetness (maple syrup), tanginess (apple cider vinegar), or mustard level to suit your personal preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes could also add a subtle kick!

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

A vibrant and healthy Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad featuring thinly shaved Brussels sprouts, sweet blueberries, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette with a hint of maple.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 230 kcal

Equipment

  • Mini Chopper
  • Immersion Blender
  • Food Processor
  • Mandolin Slicer
  • Sharp Knife

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 0.67 cup fresh blueberries
  • 0.5 cup walnuts toasted
  • 0.5 cup red cabbage thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese crumbled

Dressing Ingredients

  • 0.33 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 clove garlic grated
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp ground black pepper

Instructions
 

  • First, let’s make our flavorful dressing! Add all the dressing ingredients (that’s the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, sugar-free maple syrup, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, grated garlic, salt, and pepper) into a mini chopper, immersion blender, or food processor.
  • Blend until everything is super smooth and well combined – it should look creamy and emulsified. Set this delicious dressing aside for a moment.
  • Now, for the Brussels sprouts: give them a good wash, pat them dry, and gently peel off any loose outer leaves. The key to a great salad here is to shave them as thinly as possible! The easiest way to do this is with a mandolin slicer. If you don’t have one, a very sharp knife or a food processor with a slicing blade will also work perfectly – just ensure they are truly shaved, not just coarsely shredded.
  • Transfer your thinly shaved Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl.
  • Into the same bowl, add the vibrant thinly sliced red cabbage, the crunchy toasted walnuts, the crumbled feta cheese, and the sweet fresh blueberries.
  • Pour your prepared dressing generously over all the ingredients in the bowl.
  • Toss everything gently until every bit is beautifully coated with the dressing. For the best flavor, let the salad sit for at least 20 minutes before serving – this allows the flavors to truly meld together.

Notes

Store any delicious leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days to enjoy later!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 230
Total Carbs: 14g
Net Carbs: 8g
Fats: 17g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 6g

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