Prepare to be amazed by a salad that's about to shatter everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts! This isn't just another boring green dish - it's a symphony of crisp textures, tantalizing flavors, and nutritional powerhouse ingredients that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine tender shaved Brussels sprouts mingling with sweet apple slices, crunchy walnuts, and a honey mustard vinaigrette that will make you forget every bland salad you've ever encountered.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts, shaved
- 1 apple, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the Brussels sprouts. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any outer leaves that are damaged or wilted. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, shave the Brussels sprouts into thin ribbons. Place the shaved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, prepare the apple. Choose a crisp variety, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for added sweetness and texture. Wash the apple, remove the core, and thinly slice it. You can leave the skin on for added color and nutrients. Add the apple slices to the bowl with the shaved Brussels sprouts.
- Chop the walnuts into small pieces. If you prefer, you can toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant, but this step is optional. Add the chopped walnuts to the mixing bowl.
- Add the dried cranberries to the bowl. They will add a nice sweetness and chewiness to the salad, complementing the other ingredients.
- Next, crumble the feta cheese and sprinkle it over the salad mixture. The feta will provide a creamy, tangy element that balances the flavors.
- Now, it’s time to prepare the honey mustard vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Whisk or shake until the ingredients are well combined and emulsified. Taste the vinaigrette and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also helps to soften the Brussels sprouts slightly. Before serving, give the salad another light toss and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Honey Mustard Vinaigrette immediately. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant salad as a side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- Shaving Technique: Use a sharp mandoline or very sharp knife to create ultra-thin Brussels sprout ribbons. The thinner the shave, the more delicate and tender your salad will be.
- Freshness Matters: Choose the freshest Brussels sprouts possible - look for bright green, firm sprouts without any yellow or brown spots.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually gets better after sitting for 15-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sprouts to slightly soften.
- Customization Options: Feel free to swap ingredients! Try pecans instead of walnuts, or goat cheese in place of feta for your own unique twist.
- Vinaigrette Pro Tip: Make extra dressing and store in the refrigerator - it's perfect for other salads and will keep for up to a week.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra protein boost, add grilled chicken or crispy chickpeas to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
