The Best Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe You’ll Ever Make
This Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary experience. It’s a delightful combination of crunchy textures, fresh flavors, and vibrant colors. Packed with crisp apples, sweet candied nuts, and a creamy dressing that ties it all together, this salad is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly it disappears – everyone will be coming back for seconds!
From the Chef: A Salad Obsession
Like many, I used to think of salads as a necessary evil, a side dish to suffer through. But that all changed when I started experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. My roasted Brussels sprouts are a staple in our house, and one day, after a grocery mix-up left me with an abundance of Brussels sprouts, inspiration struck. I decided to create a new Brussels sprout side dish, something different, something exciting.
Drawing inspiration from my go-to Costco Kale Salad, I raided my pantry and fridge, pulling together a mix of textures and tastes. The result was a revelation! This Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe quickly became a regular on our table, even making an appearance as a Thanksgiving side dish. I’m thrilled to share it with you, and I hope you and your family love it as much as we do!
What makes this salad so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy. The shredded Brussels sprouts and kale provide a hearty base, while the apples add a refreshing sweetness. The candied pecans offer a satisfying crunch, and the feta cheese brings a creamy tang. And of course, the dressing – oh, the dressing! It’s a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet concoction that elevates the entire salad to another level.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Brussel Sprout Salad
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this salad so irresistible:
| Ingredient | Helpful Tip |
|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts and kale | Shred the Brussels sprouts finely and chop the kale small for a light and crisp texture. A food processor will make this incredibly fast! |
| Apples | Honeycrisp apples are the best choice because they hold their crunch and don’t brown as quickly. Cut them into thin matchsticks for the perfect bite. |
| Candied pecans and dried fruit | Chop both ingredients so they mix evenly throughout the salad. Dried cherries or cranberries add the perfect touch of sweetness in every bite. |
| Feta or goat cheese | Crumble gently by hand to create soft pockets of creamy flavor throughout the salad. |
| Dressing ingredients | Simply shake all the dressing ingredients together in a jar for a thick, creamy dressing. Add extra honey if you prefer a sweeter taste. |
Step-by-Step Guide to Making This Delicious Salad
Ready to create your own incredible Brussel Sprout Salad? Follow these simple steps:
- Make the Dressing: Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar, seal tightly, and shake vigorously until smooth and creamy.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and shred them finely. Add them to a large bowl along with the chopped kale.
- Add the Mix-ins: Toss in the dried fruit, candied pecans, feta or goat cheese, and apple matchsticks.
- Dress and Serve: Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Add more dressing as needed. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! Serve immediately and enjoy! Store any leftover dressing separately in the refrigerator.
Spice it Up: Delicious Variations
While this salad is fantastic on its own, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Consider these variations:
- Add Protein: Pair it with grilled chicken, steak, or even chickpeas for a heartier meal.
- Swap the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or Parmesan.
- Get Creative with Nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds instead of candied pecans.
- Add Some Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick.
- Play with Fruit: Try adding pomegranate seeds or sliced pears for a different flavor profile.
Tips for Storing Your Salad
To keep your salad fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- For the best flavor and texture, enjoy the salad the same day it’s made.
- If you need to store it, the salad will stay fresh in the fridge for about two days.
- To prevent the apples from browning, store them separately in a sealed container.
- Store the dressing separately to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Toss individual portions with dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Undressed salad will keep for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.
Looking for More Flavor-Packed Salad Recipes?
If you enjoyed this Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe, you’ll love these other delicious salad ideas:
- Sweet Potato Farro Salad
- Strawberry Salad
- Pear Salad Recipe
- Mandarin Orange Salad
Detailed Recipe: Brussel Sprout Salad with Creamy Dressing
Ingredients:
Salad:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, finely shredded (about 4 cups)
- 4 cups kale, finely chopped
- 1 cup candied pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or dried cherries, chopped
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, cut into matchsticks
- 4 ounces feta cheese or goat cheese, crumbled
Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Best Foods/Hellman’s recommended)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 large lemon (1/2 teaspoon zest, 2 tablespoons juice)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Make the Dressing: In a jar, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Shake well until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts and Kale: Trim the Brussels sprouts and shred them using a food processor or a sharp knife. Wash and thoroughly dry the shredded Brussels sprouts and chopped kale.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped kale, candied pecans, dried cranberries or cherries, apple matchsticks, and crumbled feta or goat cheese.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Start with about half the dressing and add more to taste. Serve immediately, or chill for later.
Recipe Notes:
This recipe makes more dressing than you’ll need for the salad. Store the extra dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Use it on roasted vegetables, as a dip for raw veggies or apples, on sandwiches, or in grain bowls.
Storage Instructions:
Once dressed, the salad is best eaten the same day, but it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep the apples in a separate sealed container and store the dressing separately. Toss individual portions with dressing just before serving. Undressed salad can be stored for 4-5 days.
Enjoy Your Delicious and Healthy Brussel Sprout Salad!