Crisp, vibrant, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is destined to become a household favorite. Finely shredded Brussels sprouts are perfectly complemented by the sweetness of apple, the savory crunch of bacon, juicy raisins, toasted hazelnuts, and a luscious, creamy coleslaw dressing, creating a side dish that’s deliciously distinctive and utterly irresistible. Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts – this salad transforms them into a star, offering an experience reminiscent of a sophisticated, crunchy slaw that will surprise and delight even the most skeptical palates.
From an early age, vegetables were always a joy for me. While my siblings often shied away from them, I relished the fact that it simply meant more for me to enjoy! Among my childhood favorites, Brussels sprouts always held a special place. My mother often steamed them, a preparation I still appreciate, though now I lean towards the delightful crispiness of air fryer Brussels sprouts, and my family enthusiastically devours my popular Brussels sprouts with bacon.
Yet, as much as I adore cooked Brussels sprouts, their raw form has truly captivated my culinary imagination. When thinly shaved, they offer an incredible crunchy texture and a surprisingly mild, slightly peppery flavor that elevates any dish. They are a star ingredient in my invigorating kale and Brussels sprout salad, and this exquisite Creamy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad evokes the comforting familiarity of my cherished classic coleslaw recipe, but with an exciting, fresh twist.
Indeed, one could accurately describe this creation as a sophisticated Brussels sprout slaw, as it masterfully incorporates all the beloved elements of a classic slaw. The finely shredded Brussels sprouts mimic the crunch of cabbage, providing a robust base. This is then beautifully complemented by the crisp, sweet bite of fresh apples, the subtle anise notes of tender fennel, and a rich, creamy coleslaw dressing that harmonizes all the vibrant flavors and textures. If your past experiences with Brussels sprouts have left you less than enthused, prepare to be amazed. This recipe is specifically designed to transform skeptics into ardent fans, showcasing the incredible versatility and deliciousness of raw Brussels sprouts.
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Why You’ll Adore This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary revelation that brings a fresh perspective to a beloved vegetable. Here’s why this creamy shaved Brussels sprout salad will quickly become a cherished part of your recipe repertoire:
- **An Addictive Medley of Textures and Flavors:** Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary experience! This shaved Brussels sprout salad offers a symphony of crunchy, chewy, sweet, and savory elements. The crispness of the raw Brussels sprouts, the firm bite of fresh apples, the smoky richness of bacon, the sweet chew of raisins, and the earthy crunch of toasted hazelnuts all come together, beautifully coated in a creamy, tangy coleslaw dressing. Every forkful is a delightful exploration of contrast and harmony.
- **Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining:** One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its make-ahead potential. Each component, from the shredded sprouts to the cooked bacon and the dressing, can be prepared days in advance. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, effortless meal prep, or when you’re hosting a gathering and want to minimize last-minute stress. Simply combine the prepped ingredients when you’re ready to serve, and enjoy fresh, vibrant flavor with minimal effort.
- **Versatile Side Dish or Light Meal:** Whether you need a refreshing accompaniment to a hearty main course or a satisfying, light lunch, this salad fits the bill perfectly. Its robust flavors and varied textures ensure it stands out, yet it complements a wide array of dishes. Plus, any leftovers hold up wonderfully, making them a fantastic option for a quick and healthy midday meal.
- **Easily Adaptable for Dietary Needs:** This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to various dietary preferences. Want to make it vegetarian? Simply omit the bacon. For a vegan version, remove the bacon and ensure your creamy coleslaw dressing is made with a plant-based mayonnaise. These simple swaps don’t compromise on flavor or texture, ensuring everyone can enjoy this fantastic salad.
Essential Ingredients for Your Brussels Sprout Slaw
Crafting an exceptional shaved Brussels sprout salad begins with selecting the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layered flavors and dynamic textures that make this dish so special.
- Brussels Sprouts: These are the undisputed stars of our salad. When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for bright green, firm heads that feel heavy for their size. The leaves should be tightly compact, without any yellowing, wilting, or black spots. Avoid any that feel soft or look discolored, as freshness is key for a crisp raw salad. Shaved thinly, they offer a mild, slightly peppery crunch that forms the backbone of this delightful slaw.
- Bacon: While entirely optional for a vegetarian version, crispy, savory bacon is highly recommended. It introduces a wonderfully salty, smoky depth and a contrasting chewy texture that elevates the entire salad. I often prepare a batch of bacon in the air fryer for perfect crispness and minimal fuss, storing it in the refrigerator to easily add to salads, sandwiches, or other dishes throughout the week.
- Fennel: If you’re new to fennel, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. This versatile vegetable offers a crisp, crunchy texture and a delicate, mild anise or licorice-like flavor that pairs exquisitely with the other ingredients in this salad. It adds a refreshing, aromatic note without being overpowering. For more information and creative ways to use this unique bulb, explore my dedicated post on fennel recipes.
- Apples: Adding a burst of sweet-tart flavor and a refreshing crunch, apples are a crucial element in balancing the savory and earthy notes of the salad. Any crisp, flavorful apple variety will work beautifully. Granny Smith provides a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji offer more sweetness. Choose an apple that holds its shape well when chopped, contributing to the overall textural appeal.
- Raisins: I prefer golden raisins for their vibrant color and slightly sweeter, fruitier flavor, which adds a lovely chewy element to the salad. However, feel free to substitute with regular dark raisins, dried cranberries, currants, or any other favorite dried fruit you enjoy. The goal is to introduce a touch of concentrated sweetness and a different chewiness that complements the crisp vegetables.
- Hazelnuts: Toasted hazelnuts are truly what make this salad special, imparting a rich, buttery, and earthy flavor. Toasting them enhances their natural sweetness and deepens their nutty aroma. To save time, you can purchase pre-toasted hazelnuts, or easily toast them yourself in a dry skillet for a few minutes. If hazelnuts aren’t available, almonds, walnuts, or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) make excellent substitutes, offering their own unique crunch and flavor profile.
- Dressing: The soul of any great slaw lies in its dressing, and this salad is no exception. My creamy homemade coleslaw dressing is the perfect choice. It strikes an ideal balance between mild sweetness and tangy creaminess, expertly binding all the diverse flavors of this salad into a cohesive, delicious whole. Crafted with simple ingredients, it enhances without overwhelming. Of course, if convenience is paramount, a high-quality store-bought creamy coleslaw dressing can also be used.
Crafting Your Creamy Brussels Sprout Salad
Beyond the initial preparation of the raw Brussels sprouts, assembling this vibrant salad is remarkably quick and straightforward. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to prep many components in advance, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Pro Tip: Strategic planning is key to an easy salad! You can prep the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days ahead of time. Store the thinly shaved sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. The bacon can also be cooked and crumbled in advance, and the creamy coleslaw dressing can be made and stored separately in the fridge for several days. This front-loading of prep work means you’re just minutes away from a fresh, delicious salad whenever a craving strikes!
How to Perfectly Shred Brussels Sprouts:
Shredding Brussels sprouts might seem like a daunting task, but it’s surprisingly easy and essential for achieving the right texture in this salad. Properly shaved sprouts become tender-crisp, absorbing the dressing beautifully without being tough. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare the Sprouts: Begin by placing each Brussels sprout on a clean cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully trim off the tough, woody bottom stem.
- Remove Outer Leaves: Gently peel away a few layers of the loose, tough, or discolored outer leaves. This ensures you’re working with the tenderest part of the sprout.
- Halve the Sprouts: Cut each trimmed Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. This exposes the core and provides a flat surface for stable slicing.
- Shave or Shred Thinly: Place each half cut-side down on the cutting board. Using a very sharp knife, slice the Brussels sprout halves as thinly as possible. Aim for paper-thin shreds, which will soften slightly in the dressing and provide the perfect delicate crunch. Alternatively, for speed and consistency, a mandoline slicer set to its thinnest setting can produce uniform, fine shreds effortlessly. If using a food processor, equip it with the slicing blade and pulse gently until the desired consistency is achieved, being careful not to over-process into a mush.
Assemble the Salad for Peak Freshness:
Once your ingredients are prepped, bringing this delicious salad together is the easiest part. The key is to toss everything thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in that delightful creamy dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly shredded Brussels sprouts, crumbled bacon (if using), chopped apple, thinly sliced fennel, green onions, and golden raisins. Ensure the bowl is large enough to allow for easy tossing without spillage.
- Dress and Serve: Pour your desired amount of creamy coleslaw dressing over the combined ingredients. Start with about half the recommended amount and add more as needed, tossing gently but thoroughly until all the components are evenly coated. Serve immediately, topped generously with the toasted hazelnuts, which add a final layer of texture and rich, nutty flavor. For optimal flavor melding, you can let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad FAQs
Got questions about this delicious and unique salad? We’ve got answers to help you perfect your creamy shaved Brussels sprout slaw.
Absolutely! Not only are raw Brussels sprouts safe to eat, but they are also incredibly delicious and nutritious. Brussels sprouts belong to the Brassica family, just like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and kohlrabi—all of which are excellent when consumed raw. When shaved thinly, raw Brussels sprouts lose their bitterness and become wonderfully crisp and crunchy, offering a mild, slightly peppery flavor similar to a delicate cabbage. They are fantastic tossed in salads and slaws, or even served as part of a fresh crudité platter with your favorite dip, adding a unique texture and flavor profile.
Shredding Brussels sprouts is a straightforward process that yields a delicate texture perfect for salads. While it can be a bit time-consuming, the effort is well worth it, and the prepped sprouts can be stored for a few days. The best tools for the job are a very sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer. Here’s how:
1. **Preparation:** Start by placing the Brussels sprout on its side on a cutting board. Trim off the woody bottom stem.
2. **Halving:** Cut the Brussels sprout in half lengthwise.
3. **Outer Leaves:** Remove any tough or discolored outer leaves to ensure a tender result.
4. **Shredding:** Place the cut side down on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the sprout very thinly across its width, creating delicate shreds.
5. **Mandoline (Optional):** For perfectly uniform, paper-thin slices, a mandoline slicer is an excellent option. Always use the safety guard when operating a mandoline.
6. **Food Processor (Optional):** In a pinch, a food processor fitted with a slicing disc can also be used. Be careful to only pulse a few times to avoid turning the sprouts into a mush; you want distinct shreds, not a paste.
Brussels sprouts are nutritional powerhouses! They are low in calories but packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including a high content of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain gut health. Additionally, Brussels sprouts contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that contribute to overall well-being. Eating them raw helps preserve some of their heat-sensitive nutrients, making this salad not only delicious but incredibly healthy.
Yes, this salad is fantastic for making ahead! You can prepare and shave the Brussels sprouts, cook and crumble the bacon, and mix the dressing up to 1-2 days in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To assemble, simply combine all ingredients and toss with the dressing right before serving. This ensures the sprouts remain crisp and the salad doesn’t get soggy, making it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This dynamic Brussels sprout salad is a true culinary chameleon – part fresh, vibrant salad and part hearty, satisfying slaw. Its incredible versatility means it can adapt to almost any meal or occasion, making it a stellar addition to your cooking repertoire.
- Easy Weeknight Dinners: Pair this refreshing slaw with lean proteins for a balanced and flavorful meal. It’s an excellent companion to tender air fryer chicken breast, offering a crisp contrast to the succulent chicken, or alongside juicy air fryer pork chops for a complete and satisfying dinner that comes together effortlessly.
- Cookout and BBQ Essential: Elevate your next backyard barbecue or cookout with this crowd-pleasing side. Its vibrant flavors and crunchy texture are a perfect match for classic American fare. Serve it alongside sizzling grilled burgers, providing a fresh alternative to traditional coleslaw, or as a bright counterpoint to smoky grilled BBQ chicken.
- Game Day Champion: Looking for a standout side for your next game day spread? This Brussels sprout slaw is robust enough to hold its own next to hearty dishes. It’s the ultimate partner for rich, tender slow cooker pulled pork, adding a much-needed fresh crunch and tangy balance to the savory meat.
- Superior Meal Prep Lunch: Say goodbye to boring desk lunches! Leftovers of this salad are not just good, they’re fantastic. The hearty Brussels sprouts hold up well in the dressing, making this an ideal choice for a delicious and nutritious meal prep lunch option that you’ll genuinely look forward to enjoying.
- Customizable for Dietary Needs: As mentioned, this salad is wonderfully adaptable. To make it a delightful vegan dish, simply omit the bacon entirely and ensure you use a high-quality vegan mayonnaise in your homemade dressing. The combination of crisp vegetables, sweet fruit, and crunchy nuts ensures that even without meat, the salad remains incredibly satisfying and flavorful.
Important Recipe Notes and Tips
To ensure your Creamy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips and notes in mind:
- Prep Ahead for Convenience: Our ultimate Pro Tip for this recipe is all about efficient preparation. The Brussels sprouts can be trimmed, halved, and thinly shaved up to 1-2 days in advance. Store them in a tightly sealed airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them crisp and fresh. This same rule applies to the other key components: cook and crumble your bacon, and mix your creamy coleslaw dressing ahead of time. Keeping these elements prepped means you can assemble this fantastic salad in mere minutes when ready to serve.
- Hazelnuts – Toasting is Key: While optional, toasting hazelnuts significantly deepens their flavor and aroma, adding a wonderful richness to the salad. You can often find pre-toasted hazelnuts at specialty stores or places like Trader Joe’s, which is a huge time-saver. If you can’t find them or prefer other nuts, feel free to substitute with toasted almonds, walnuts, or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a similar crunchy, nutty element.
- Dressing Nutrition: Please note that the nutrition information provided for this salad does not include the dressing. The nutritional values for the homemade coleslaw dressing are calculated separately and can be found in its dedicated recipe post. This allows for flexibility if you choose to use a different dressing or a store-bought alternative.
- Storage for Leftovers: If you have any delicious leftovers (which we doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will remain fresh and enjoyable for up to 3 days. The robust nature of the shaved Brussels sprouts means they hold up well to the dressing without becoming overly soggy, making this a great option for packed lunches.
- Choose Fresh, Quality Ingredients: The success of this salad truly hinges on the freshness of its components. Always select bright green, firm Brussels sprouts, crisp apples, and fresh fennel. High-quality ingredients shine through in raw preparations like this.
More Irresistible Salad Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the fresh flavors and satisfying crunch of this Creamy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad, you’re in for a treat! Explore more delightful salad recipes that are perfect for any season or occasion, offering variety and vibrant taste to your table.
- 15+ Inspiring Fall Salad Recipes
- Refreshing Broccoli Slaw with Creamy No-Mayo Dressing
- Vibrant Kale Slaw with Apples, Cranberries, and Creamy Maple Dressing
- Crisp and Flavorful Napa Cabbage Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 lb. brussels sprouts trimmed, halved and shaved thinly
- 1 small fennel bulb halved and shaved thinly (save some fronds for the salad if desired)
- 1 medium apple cored and chopped
- 4 slices thick cut bacon cooked and crumbled; omit to make vegetarian/vegan
- 2 green onions white and green parts, chopped thinly on the bias
- 1/2 cup golden raisins sub with your favorite dried fruit like dried cranberries
- 1/3 cup toasted, chopped hazelnuts for serving*; sub with almonds, walnuts or pepitas
- Homemade Coleslaw Dressing or your favorite store-bought creamy dressing
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely shaved Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced fennel, chopped apple, crumbled bacon (if using), green onions, and golden raisins. Pour the desired amount of homemade coleslaw dressing over the mixture.1 lb. brussels sprouts, 1 small fennel bulb, 1 medium apple, 4 slices thick cut bacon, 2 green onions, 1/2 cup golden raisins, Homemade Coleslaw Dressing
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Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately, garnished with the toasted, chopped hazelnuts for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. Enjoy!1/3 cup toasted, chopped hazelnuts
Notes
- Pro Tip: Brussels sprouts can be prepped and shaved up to 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. This also applies to pre-cooking bacon and preparing the coleslaw dressing.
- *For convenience, purchase pre-toasted hazelnuts from stores like Trader Joe’s. Alternatively, other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) can be used as substitutes. Remember to toast them for enhanced flavor.
- Please note: The nutrition information provided here does not include the dressing, as its nutritional values are calculated in a separate recipe post.
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The robust nature of the shaved Brussels sprouts ensures the salad remains fresh and appealing.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.