Name: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup Olive Oil; 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar; 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice; 3 tablespoons Honey; 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard; 2 cloves Garlic, minced; ⅛ teaspoon Kosher Salt; ⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper; 1 pound Brussels Sprouts; ½ cup Cooked Bacon, crumbled (4-5 slices); ½ cup Dried Cranberries; ½ cup White Cheddar Cheese, cut into cubes; ½ cup Walnuts, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons Green Onions, diced

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, fresh, and utterly irresistible way to enjoy your greens, this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a beautiful blend of crisp, thinly sliced Brussels sprouts mingling with savory bacon, sweet cranberries, nutty walnuts, and creamy cheddar cheese—all brought together by a tangy, honey-infused vinaigrette that dances on your palate. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light main, this salad is bursting with texture, flavor, and personality, making it the perfect dish to brighten any meal or gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a salad in a wooden bowl, showing four main layers: thinly sliced green Brussels sprouts forming a fresh leafy base, round pale yellow Brussels sprouts slices scattered on top, large light brown walnut chunks, and white cheese cubes placed evenly. There are also small pieces of deep red dried cranberries and crispy brown bacon bits mixed throughout, with thin rings of light green spring onions sprinkled over the salad. The salad looks textured and colorful with a light dressing coating some parts, and the bowl rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing distinct flavors, textures, and colors that come together effortlessly. Gathering these essentials is your first step towards making a salad that feels both wholesome and gourmet.

½ Cup Olive Oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base for the vinaigrette and enhances all the other flavors.
2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a refreshing tang that brightens the entire dish.
1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice: Brings a fresh, zesty note to balance the sweetness.
3 Tablespoons Honey: A natural sweetener that rounds out the acidity and complements the cranberries.
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard: Gives a subtle kick and emulsifies the dressing beautifully.
2 cloves Garlic, minced: Infuses the vinaigrette with savory depth without overpowering.
⅛ teaspoon Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, just the right touch of seasoning.
⅛ teaspoon Black Pepper: Adds a gentle spiciness to the mix.
1 pound Brussels Sprouts: The star of the salad—thinly shaved for delicate texture and crunch.
½ Cup Cooked Bacon, crumbled: Infuses smoky, salty goodness that elevates the salad.
½ Cup Dried Cranberries: Sweet bursts that bring color and a wonderful contrast.
½ Cup White Cheddar Cheese, cubed: Creamy and savory, adding richness and a mild tang.
½ Cup Walnuts, roughly chopped: Crunchy texture and earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sprouts.
2 Tablespoons Green Onions, diced: Fresh, mild oniony notes to finish it off with brightness.

How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vinaigrette

Begin by combining the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and well combined. If you’re using a jar, simply screw on the lid and give it a vigorous shake—easy, fast, and no mess.

Step 2: Shave the Brussels Sprouts

Rinse your Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat them dry. Remove the tough stems, then use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice the sprouts very thinly—aim for about ⅛-inch thick. This delicate shaving technique transforms the sprouts into tender, crisp ribbons that make this salad so refreshing and light.

Step 3: Toss and Marinate

Place the shaved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl and pour half of the vinaigrette over them. Toss well to make sure every bit gets coated. Then cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This quick marinating step softens the sprouts slightly while infusing them with that zesty dressing flavor.

Step 4: Add the Flavorful Mix-Ins

Once the sprouts have chilled and soaked up some dressing, it’s time to add the fun stuff. Toss in the crumbled cooked bacon, dried cranberries, white cheddar cubes, roughly chopped walnuts, and diced green onions. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir so all the ingredients mix harmoniously.

Step 5: Final Touches

When you’re ready to serve, feel free to drizzle on any remaining vinaigrette to taste. This salad shines bright as is but a little extra dressing can boost the brightness and keep everything juicy. Then, dig in and enjoy every flavorful bite!

How to Serve Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

In the white speckled bowl, there is a fresh salad with multiple layers starting with shredded bright green Brussels sprouts, followed by chopped green onions scattered on top. Cubes of pale yellow cheese are spread evenly across the salad, mixed with dark red dried cranberries and crunchy segments of light brown walnuts. There are small pieces of crispy bacon adding a reddish-brown color, all glistening slightly as if lightly dressed. A gold fork with a matte finish rests inside the bowl, placed on a soft beige fabric. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a glass jar of thick light yellow dressing nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan, add a few extra walnut halves for eye-catching crunch, or even toss on some pomegranate seeds for an unexpected pop of color and sweetness. These little extras can elevate the salad beautifully without overwhelming its simple charm.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a juicy steak. Its bright, crisp flavors and mixture of textures make it the perfect sidekick to rich mains or a lighter option during warmer months when you crave something fresh yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe in a large wooden bowl for a rustic look or arrange individual portions in pretty glass jars for a fun buffet-style presentation. Layering it with additional nuts or cheese on top right before serving also makes the salad visually inviting and tempting for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh so the sprouts retain their crisp texture. Give it a quick toss before serving again to redistribute any dressing that has settled.

Freezing

This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh nature of the ingredients and the dressing, which can separate or become watery after thawing. It’s best to prepare it fresh or store chilled for short-term enjoyment.

Reheating

Because this salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary and might compromise its delightful crunch and freshness. Instead, simply enjoy any leftovers chilled right from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this salad?

Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be softer and more waterlogged after thawing, so they won’t work well shaved for this salad. Fresh Brussels sprouts provide the bright crunch that makes this recipe so special.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the bacon?

Absolutely! Try substituting crispy smoked tempeh or roasted chickpeas seasoned with smoked paprika for a similar smoky crunch that keeps this salad vegetarian-friendly.

Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?

Yes, pecans or toasted almonds make excellent substitutes. They provide a comparable crunch and flavor profile that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.

How long does the vinaigrette last?

The vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good whisk or shake before using as the ingredients might separate over time.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can shave the Brussels sprouts and mix them with half the dressing a few hours ahead, but wait to add the bacon, cheese, and nuts until just before serving to keep the textures fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe is an absolute joy to make and even more delightful to eat. Its blend of flavors and textures is balanced beautifully and perfect for any season. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find it’s the salad you reach for again and again to brighten your table and your day.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need