Why This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Belongs on Your Menu This Season

The first time I crafted this recipe, my husband and I found ourselves devouring it for five consecutive days—often straight from the Tupperware container with a fork! I’m absolutely certain that that unwavering dedication is the ultimate testimony to this salad’s irresistible deliciousness. But beyond personal anecdotes, here’s why this healthy Brussels sprouts salad deserves a prime spot on your menu:

• Bright, Sweet, and Tangy Dressing. The homemade vinaigrette is a true game-changer. Raw unrefined sugar and apple cider vinegar create a perfectly balanced sweet-tart profile, while a generous splash of fresh orange juice adds a vibrant citrus kick. This dressing beautifully complements the earthy notes of the Brussels sprouts, making every bite a delight.
• Awesome Textures and Flavors in Every Bite. Prepare for a sensory experience! Beyond the exquisite vinaigrette, the carefully selected ingredients provide a harmonious sweet and savory flavor combination, enriched with a remarkable array of complementary textures. You’ll enjoy the satisfying crunch of walnuts and apples, the crispness of the shaved sprouts, the chewy bite of dried cranberries, and the tender fluffiness of quinoa—all artfully blended into one cohesive and utterly satisfying dish.
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion. With its festive colors and comforting seasonal flavors, this vibrant salad shines as an awesome addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, pairing beautifully alongside a hearty Vegan Wellington or any holiday roast. (You didn’t think I was going to suggest turkey, did you?!). But its ease of preparation also makes this shaved Brussels sprouts salad perfect for weekly meal prep lunches, light and healthy dinners, or even a refreshing dish to bring to a potluck.
• Nutrient-Rich and Wholesome. This isn’t just a delicious salad; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Brussels sprouts are packed with Vitamins K and C, and dietary fiber. Quinoa provides a complete plant-based protein, while walnuts contribute healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This salad is designed to nourish your body and keep you feeling energized.
• Make-Ahead Friendly. Unlike many salads that wilt quickly, this Brussels sprouts salad actually improves with a little marination time, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping. Its sturdy ingredients hold up well in the fridge, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully over time.

Essential Ingredients for Your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Like most exceptional salad recipes, this shaved Brussels sprout salad is wonderfully versatile and adaptable to your preferences. I’ll share some fantastic variations later in this post, but first, here’s a breakdown of the core ingredients I typically use to create this masterpiece. For precise ingredient quantities and detailed recipe instructions, please scroll down to the full recipe card below.

Sweet Orange Vinaigrette: The Heart of the Flavor

• Apple Cider Vinegar – This tart vinegar is a natural fit for a fall-inspired salad, offering a crisp, acidic base that brightens all the other flavors.
• Orange – You’ll need fresh orange juice for that irresistible citrus kick. For an even more intense and aromatic orange flavor, I highly recommend adding some finely grated zest to your dressing.
• Sea Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Fundamental seasonings that elevate every component of the vinaigrette and the salad itself. Don’t underestimate their power to bring flavors to life!
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – A high-quality olive oil provides a smooth body to the dressing and contributes healthy fats.
• Dijon Mustard – Even if you generally think you don’t like mustard, you absolutely must add this! Dijon acts as an essential emulsifier, helping the oil and vinegar combine into a smooth, cohesive dressing. More importantly, it adds incredible depth, a subtle tang, and a complex savory note that is crucial for a well-rounded vinaigrette.
• Raw Cane Sugar or Coconut Sugar – Brussels sprouts naturally possess a slight bitterness. A touch of raw cane sugar or coconut sugar in the vinaigrette helps to perfectly balance this bitterness, creating a harmonious sweet-tart flavor profile that makes the entire salad incredibly palatable and delicious.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: The Wholesome Components

• Brussels Sprouts – The star of the show! The key is to shave them thinly for that perfect crisp texture. You have several options:
  • Thinly slicing with a sharp knife: Requires a steady hand and patience.
  • Using a mandoline slicer: The fastest way to achieve uniform, paper-thin slices (always use a mandoline glove for safety!).
  • Shredding in your food processor: A quick and easy method for larger batches, often using the slicing disc attachment.
  • Pre-shredded sprouts: Keep things super easy by picking up pre-shredded Brussels sprouts from the produce section of your grocery store.
• Gala Apple – Or any other crisp apple with a delightful sweet-tart balance, such as a Honeycrisp or Fuji. The apple adds a refreshing crunch and a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the sprouts.
• Quinoa – Cook the quinoa before you begin assembling the salad. You’ll need about a cup of cooked quinoa. Don’t worry if you have a little more or a little less; this salad is forgiving. Quinoa adds a fantastic texture, a boost of plant-based protein, and makes the salad more substantial and satisfying.
• Dried Cranberries – These jewel-toned berries introduce a lovely chewiness and a burst of concentrated sweet-tart flavor, adding a festive touch and complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
• Walnuts – Whether you prefer them toasted for enhanced nuttiness or raw for a simpler crunch, walnuts provide a wonderful earthy flavor and healthy fats that round out the salad’s profile.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning the salad components directly, ensuring all the flavors pop and create a cohesive taste experience.

Crafting Your Perfect Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

This vibrant and healthy salad is an absolute cinch to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. Follow these simple steps to bring this delicious dish to life:

• Make the Vinaigrette. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid or a small mixing bowl, combine all the vinaigrette ingredients. If using a jar, shake vigorously until the dressing is beautifully emulsified and well combined. If using a bowl, whisk thoroughly until creamy. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.
• Dress the Sprouts. Place your freshly shaved Brussels sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Pour about half of the prepared orange vinaigrette over the sprouts. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every shred is coated. Let this mixture sit for at least 5-10 minutes while you prepare the remaining salad ingredients. This crucial step allows the dressing to lightly “marinate” and tenderize the raw sprouts, softening their texture and deepening their flavor.
• Finish and Serve. To the bowl with the dressed Brussels sprouts, add the chopped apples, cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper – this truly helps to pull out and enhance all the individual flavors. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette. Toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately for a crisp texture, or for an even more integrated flavor experience, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even longer!) before serving. The flavors only get better with time!

Expert Tips for Success & Creative Variations

Elevate your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with these pro tips and exciting variations, allowing you to customize it to your heart’s content and impress any palate:

• Let it Marinate for Enhanced Flavor. This is perhaps the most important tip! While you can enjoy this salad immediately, I highly recommend making it at least an hour ahead of time and letting it chill in the fridge. The vinaigrette needs time to truly marinate the raw Brussels sprouts, softening their texture and allowing all the sweet, tangy, and savory flavors to meld together perfectly. The salad tastes even better the next day!
• Explore Other Fruits for a Seasonal Twist. Apples are fantastic, but don’t limit yourself! Swap pears for the apples for a softer, sweet note, or introduce vibrant pomegranate arils for a burst of juicy tartness in place of dried cranberries. Golden raisins or chopped dried apricots would also work beautifully as a cranberry substitute, adding a different kind of chewy sweetness.
• Experiment with Different Grains. Quinoa provides great protein and texture, but other hearty grains can be an awesome addition. Consider nutrient-dense farro for a chewy, nutty bite, freekeh for a smoky flavor, or incorporate wholesome wheat berries or wild rice for distinct textures and complex flavors. Always cook your chosen grain according to package directions before adding it to the salad.
• Make it Nut-Free for Allergy Concerns. If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply swap the walnuts for toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds). They offer a similar crunch and a delicious savory flavor without the nuts. Sunflower seeds are another excellent alternative.
• Add a Touch of Creaminess or Saltiness. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider folding in some crumbled vegan feta cheese, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy umami boost, or even some diced avocado for a creamy element that complements the crispness.
• Adjust Sweetness and Tanginess. Taste your vinaigrette before dressing the salad. If you prefer it sweeter, add a tiny bit more sugar. If you like it tangier, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash more apple cider vinegar can do the trick.
• Selecting the Freshest Sprouts. When buying Brussels sprouts, look for firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any with yellowing leaves or soft spots. The fresher they are, the crisper and more flavorful your salad will be.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Brussels Sprouts Salad

This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of dishes, especially those featuring comforting fall and winter flavors. Its fresh, tangy profile provides a wonderful contrast to richer, heartier meals, making it a perfect accompaniment for any occasion.

Consider serving it alongside our delicious Stuffed Butternut Squash, where its crisp texture and bright flavors can cut through the squash’s richness. It also makes a fantastic partner for a warming bowl of Creamy Pumpkin Soup, adding a fresh, zesty element. Beyond individual dishes, this salad is an absolute must-have for all your favorite vegan Thanksgiving or Christmas dishes. Imagine it next to a savory Vegan Turkey Roast, creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes, or a luscious Sweet Potato Soufflé. The salad’s vibrant crunch and sweet-tart dressing offer a refreshing counterpoint to the traditional holiday spread, ensuring a balanced and unforgettable meal.

For lighter meals, this salad is substantial enough to be a standalone lunch, especially if you add extra protein like roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu. It also works wonderfully as a fresh side to simple weeknight dinners.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips for This Brussels Sprouts Salad

One of the many benefits of this hearty Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is how well it stores, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping throughout the week. To keep your leftovers fresh and delicious:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover shaved Brussels sprouts salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sturdy nature of the Brussels sprouts and other ingredients means it holds up significantly better than many delicate leafy green salads.
• Before Serving: Before enjoying your leftovers, give the salad a good toss again to redistribute the dressing, which may have settled at the bottom of the container. This ensures every bite is as flavorful as the first.
• Meal Prep Hack: If you’re preparing this salad specifically for meal prep over several days, you can even pack the dressing separately and add it just before eating, especially if you prefer a crisper texture on your sprouts. However, as noted, the slight marination enhances the flavor, so pre-dressing is often preferred.

Discover More Satisfying & Healthy Salad Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness of this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other equally satisfying and delicious salad recipes that are perfect for any season and any meal:

• Hearty Farro Salad
• Fresh & Zesty Fattoush Salad
• Flavorful Beet “Feta” Salad
• The Famous Jennifer Aniston Salad