Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad transforms this bitter veggie into a bright, zesty side for lunch and dinner!
Even among vegetable lovers, Brussels sprouts don’t always get a lot of love. For years, they’ve gotten a bad reputation for being too bitter. But that reputation is a little bit dated.
Back in the 1990s, farmers began crossbreeding a variety of Brussels sprouts to reduce their bitterness. While this definitely made them tastier, Brussels sprouts sometimes still have a slight bitterness to them. That said, there are lots of recipes that successfully mask the bitterness, like this shaved Brussels sprouts salad recipe.
It’s amazing what adding a few common ingredients to shaved Brussels sprouts can do. All it takes is a little salt and pepper, some lemon juice, and a generous half cup of Parmesan cheese. Of course, you’ll still have the freedom to add whatever you want—personally, I like this salad with crumbled bacon or pancetta! However you enjoy it, this salad is a definite crowd-pleaser.
Is This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Healthy?
Brussels sprout salad is absolutely a healthy side dish. In fact, Brussels sprouts are probably one of the most nutrient-rich veggies out there. They’re high in fiber as well as vitamins C and K. The olive oil also adds healthy fats to the mix. Plus, the salad is low-carb and vegetarian-friendly (as long as the Parmesan does not include animal rennet).
To make the salad suitable for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant, simply replace the Parmesan with a plant-based option or some nutritional yeast.
Tasty Finishing Touches
If there’s one thing Brussels sprouts salad might be missing, it’s a little crunch. But that’s an easy fix. For instance, walnuts, pecans, and almonds are all delicious options, especially roasted. I’m also a fan of roasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds—both seeds complement the lemon and Parmesan in this recipe.
If you prefer to mix some fruit with this salad, go for it! Dried cranberries or raisins add chewy pops of flavor, while crisp apple slices bring a fresh contrast to the Brussels sprouts and Parmesan. This recipe is all about experimenting and discovering the flavor profile that you love!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Brussels sprouts salad can be placed in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can eat it cold straight out of the fridge, making it easy to prepare it ahead of time or eat leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Brussels sprouts salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion, including big meals like Thanksgiving. However, Brussels sprouts can also pair well with chicken, fish, and even steak. For instance, you can try this salad with Stuffed Chicken Breast or perhaps a Keto Chicken Casserole. If you’re a fan of fish, try pairing the salad with Crispy Air-Fried Fish or Perfect Poached Fish. Finally, there’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to a Keto Steak With Garlic Butter Mushrooms!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts rinsed and trimmed
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Shave the Brussels sprouts using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to create thin ribbons, about 1/16- or 1/8-inch thick. Discard any tough pieces and transfer the shaved sprouts to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, and extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is well combined and emulsified. This will be your dressing.
- Pour half of the dressing over the shaved Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly. Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. After tasting, add more dressing if desired.
- Finish the salad by adding the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt if needed. Toss everything together until well mixed and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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