Looking for a refreshing and delicious twist on your usual Brussel sprout salad? Look no further than the shaved Brussel sprout salad! This unique salad offers a crunchy and unexpected delight that will leave your taste buds craving for more.
Imagine a bed of finely shaved Brussel sprouts covered in a creamy sunflower seed-based dressing. As if that wasn’t enough, the salad is then topped with finely chopped, spiced maple walnuts, adding a touch of sweetness and crunch. The combination of flavors and textures in every bite is simply incredible.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking for a weeknight dinner idea, this shaved Brussel sprout salad is a must-try. It’s versatile, customizable, and packed with freshness. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more greens into your diet.
The Key Components of Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Shaved Brussel sprout salad has a few key components that make it truly exceptional. Let’s explore the delicious ingredients that create this masterpiece.
Salad Ingredients

- Shaved Brussel sprouts: The base of our salad, these finely shaved sprouts add a fresh, slightly nutty flavor and a wonderful crunch.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a tangy bite that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
- Apple: Crisp and refreshing apple slices bring a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. I like to use granny smith green apples since it hads a tangy complementary taste to the salad. If you prefer yours on the sweeter side, I would try the red delicious.
Creamy Sunflower Seed-based Dressing
What elevates this salad is its homemade dressing, combining sunflower seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard. This blend creates a creamy texture reminiscent of Caesar salad dressing but with a brighter, lemony twist.
Spiced Maple Walnuts
To create the spiced maple walnuts, they are caramelized in a pan with maple syrup, Tamari, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder. Once cooled, they are finely chopped and scattered generously over the salad, adding a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness. Alternatively, you can just use toasted walnuts – in which case you can toast them over a cast iron (no oil!) until it turns a golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Sometimes when I’m in a pinch I just toast the walnuts and don’t do anything fancy with them – a few minutes on the cast iron (no oil!) is all you need!
Related Article: If you’re looking for another vibrant and crunchy salad option, try our Kale Brussels Sprout Salad recipe.
Keep It Whole – Or Shave The Sprouts!
Now that we’ve explored the key components of this fantastic salad, let’s look at the best ways to shave Brussel sprouts to get the perfect texture for your salad:
1. Sharp Knife
If you enjoy the precision of handcrafting your ingredients, a sharp knife is your best friend. Start by cutting each Brussel sprout in half, then lay the flat side down on the cutting board for maximum safety. With controlled, even strokes, thinly slice the sprouts, revealing their vibrant green beauty.
2. Mandoline
When you’re looking for thin, consistent slices, a mandoline (on Amazon) is a fantastic tool. Choose a sharp mandoline (on Amazon) and be cautious when you reach the tiny end piece of the sprout, as it can get a bit tricky. With its efficiency and precision, the mandoline (on Amazon) delivers beautifully shaved Brussel sprouts that are ready to elevate your salad. This product below comes with a knob to protect your fingers from the slicer! With 34,000+ reviews with an average star rating of 4.5, it’s definitely my go-to.
Mandoline Slicer, Vegetable Spiralizer

(on Amazon)
3. Food Processor
If you’re in search of a quick and easy method, turn to your trusty food processor. Find the shredding disk attachment, if available, and get ready for a time-saving adventure. Keep in mind that the shreds might be on the thicker side, but they still add a delightful texture to your salad.
4. Pre-Shredded Option
For those times when convenience takes the lead, consider buying pre-shredded or shaved Brussel sprouts from your local grocery store. Take a shortcut and skip the prep work. With pre-shredded options, you can dive right into assembling your salad without sacrificing taste or quality.
Make-Ahead Tips for Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Preparing the shaved brussel sprout salad in advance can save you time and make meal prep a breeze. Here are some make-ahead tips to ensure your salad is fresh and delicious:
- Dressing: Prepare the dressing up to 5 days in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just toss it with the salad for instant flavor.
- Spiced Maple Walnuts: Caramelize and chop the walnuts beforehand, then store them at room temperature in a sealed container for up to a week. This way, you’ll always have a savory and satisfying topping on hand.
- Pre-Shredded Brussel Sprouts: For those times when convenience takes the lead, consider buying pre-shredded or shaved Brussel sprouts from your local grocery store. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to assemble the salad whenever you’re ready.
Conclusion
This shaved Brussel sprout salad recipe is a versatile and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to add a fresh twist to your greens, create a showstopper Thanksgiving salad, or impress your guests at a summer barbecue, this salad has got you covered.
You can customize it to your liking by experimenting with different ways to shave the Brussel sprouts and adding additional ingredients like toasted nuts, dried fruits, or cheese. This allows you to create a salad that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With its combination of crunchy Brussel sprouts, creamy dressings, and sweet maple walnuts, it delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. So why wait? Try out this shaved Brussel sprout salad and embrace the crunch, freshness, and unexpected delights it has to offer. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a side, it is bound to impress with its vibrant flavors and unique texture.
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Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
Description
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad is a crisp and refreshing dish, featuring thinly sliced raw Brussel sprouts paired with ingredients like apples and maple walnuts. With a creamy sunflower seed dressing, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and nutrients, perfect as a light and wholesome side or main course.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 4 cups Brussel sprouts, shaved or thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large apple, thinly sliced
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the spiced maple walnuts:
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Tamari
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Step 1 – Use a sharp knife or food processor to thinly slice the Brussel sprouts.
- Step 2 – Prepare the dressing. In a blender, combine sunflower seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, and Dijon mustard. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3 – In a skillet over medium heat, combine walnuts, maple syrup, Tamari, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, stirring constantly until the walnuts are caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool, then chop finely.
- Step 4 – In a large bowl, combine shaved Brussels sprouts, sliced red onion, and apple slices.
- Step 5 – Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well-coated.
- Step 6 – Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Step 7 – Sprinkle the caramelized walnuts over the salad and serve!
FAQ
How long can I store the leftover salad?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days. Note that the texture of the Brussel sprouts may soften after dressing.
What protein can I add to make this salad a main dish?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or mapo tofu make excellent protein additions to turn this salad into a hearty meal.
Can I substitute another nut for the spiced maple walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can also be caramelized with maple syrup and spices for a similar crunchy, sweet addition to the salad.
Is there a vegan alternative to the sunflower seed dressing?
Yes, you can make a vegan version using plant-based yogurt or soaked cashews as the base, mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and mustard for similar creaminess and flavor.
Can I make this salad nut-free?
Yes, for a nut-free version, skip the walnuts and add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, or use crunchy baked chickpeas for topping.