A delightful and easy shaved brussel sprout salad recipe. Learn how to make this fresh and healthy dish with simple ingredients and steps.
Are you ready to enjoy a vibrant and tasty salad? This shaved brussel sprout salad is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish.
The Magic of Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
A shaved brussel sprout salad might sound unusual. However, it’s a truly wonderful way to enjoy this often-overlooked vegetable. When thinly sliced, brussel sprouts have a gentle crunch and mild flavor. This creates a salad that is both satisfying and light. This salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side.
Why Choose Shaved Brussel Sprouts?
Shaving brussel sprouts transforms their texture. Instead of being dense and sometimes bitter, they become delicate and palatable. This method makes them more approachable for everyone, even those who might not traditionally enjoy them. Furthermore, the thin slices absorb dressings easily, resulting in a flavorful experience with each bite. Shaved sprouts also offer a lovely, feathery look.
Health Benefits of Brussel Sprout Salad
Brussel sprouts are packed with good things. They offer vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are low in calories and protein-rich. Fiber helps with digestion. Also, these sprouts contain antioxidants. Including them in your diet is therefore a great idea. A shaved brussel sprout salad lets you eat a good amount of these healthy nutrients.
Crafting Your Perfect Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Now, let’s get to the details. This recipe is very flexible. You can adjust ingredients to suit your taste. Here’s how to prepare this delicious salad.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need for a basic shaved brussel sprout salad:
- 1 pound of brussel sprouts
- 1/2 cup of shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of toasted nuts (such as sunflower seeds, almonds, or pecans)
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or cherries
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
Follow these simple steps to make your salad:
- First, wash and dry the brussel sprouts. Remove any damaged outer leaves.
- Next, thinly slice the sprouts. You can use a sharp knife, a mandoline, or a food processor.
- Place the shaved brussel sprouts into a big bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and honey. Add salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the sprouts. Then, toss everything to coat.
- Finally, add the parmesan, nuts, and cranberries. Toss lightly again.
- Serve your delicious shaved brussel sprout salad right away or chill it for later.
Tips for the Best Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Let’s look at some tips to make sure your salad is amazing:
Freshness is Key
Use fresh brussel sprouts. They should be bright green and firm. Avoid any with yellowing or wilted leaves. Freshness makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Perfect Shaving Techniques
To get the best shaved sprouts, make sure your knife or mandoline is sharp. This will give you even slices. If using a food processor, use the slicing blade.
Dressing Variations
Feel free to change the dressing to your taste. Try adding Dijon mustard for tang. A little balsamic vinegar also enhances the taste. Drizzling a bit of extra virgin olive oil before serving can also add richness.
Adding Proteins
If you want a more satisfying salad, add some proteins. Prosciutto, grilled chicken, or chickpeas are great choices. Hard-boiled eggs also offer a good option. These additions make the salad a full meal.
Other Ingredients
Do not limit yourself. Experiment with other additions. Cucumber, tomatoes, or roasted red peppers can add more flavor and freshness. A little sprinkling of red pepper flakes can also add a nice kick.
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad Variations
This recipe is a base that you can customize. Here are a few ways to tweak it:
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Lemon and Parmesan
This classic variation focuses on the bright, zesty flavor of lemon and the savory taste of parmesan. It’s a simple yet sophisticated combination. To make it, add extra lemon zest to the dressing.
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Apples and Walnuts
Add thinly sliced apples for freshness. Then, add walnuts for extra crunch. This makes a wonderful seasonal salad.
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Maple and Bacon
For a sweeter and savory mix, add some crispy bacon pieces and a maple-sweetened dressing. This makes a truly indulgent salad.
Mediterranean Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
Add olives, feta cheese, and a lemon-herb dressing for a Mediterranean twist. This is a very refreshing option.
Serving and Enjoying Your Salad
Shaved brussel sprout is very versatile. It goes well with many dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your salad as a side with grilled meats or fish. It is also good with scrambled eggs for brunch. If you want a light lunch, it’s wonderful on its own. You can also top crackers with the salad as an appetizer.
Storage Tips
The salad tastes best when eaten soon after making it. If you need to store it, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It might not be as crisp the next day, but it will still taste good. It’s best to add the dressing just before serving.try it with Simple Garlic Shrimp
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about shaved brussel sprout
How to shave brussel sprouts for a salad?
You can use a sharp knife to thinly slice the sprouts. A mandoline is another great tool for making even cuts. You can also use a food processor with the slicing attachment.
Can you eat raw shaved Brussels sprouts?
Yes, you can eat raw shaved brussel sprouts. They have a mild flavor when finely sliced. They’re also easy to digest in this form.
How long will shaved Brussels sprouts last in the fridge?
Shaved brussel sprouts will last for about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. However, they may lose their crispness over time.
Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking?
Soaking brussel sprouts before cooking can help remove any dirt or debris. It also helps the leaves open up. This is more important for cooking than for raw salads.
