Easy Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with a Crunchy, Zesty Twist

Megan

The Guardian of Family Flavors

October 14, 2025

The crisp snap of shaved Brussels sprouts tossed with a tangy dressing feels like a fresh twist on a classic favorite. One afternoon, craving something vibrant and wholesome, I grabbed a handful of these little green gems and shaved them thin—unlocking a texture that’s both tender and crunchy. This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and effortless prep, perfect for anyone eager to break free from tired fast-food routines. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking to impress guests with something fresh and healthy, this recipe delivers satisfying layers of crunch, zest, and just the right touch of sweetness. Let’s dive into a salad that’s as versatile as it is delicious, adding a refreshing spark to your homemade meals.

Why choose Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad?

Freshness redefined: Thinly shaved Brussels sprouts elevate texture with a tender crisp bite. Quick and easy: Prep takes minutes, perfect for busy kitchens craving wholesome meals. Bold flavor: Tangy dressing balances earthy greens with a zesty kick. Versatile delight: Serve as a side or light main, adaptable to any meal. Healthy indulgence: Packed with nutrients, it’s a refreshing alternative to fast food boredom.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Ingredients

For the Salad

Brussels sprouts – Shave thinly for that perfect tender-crisp texture that defines this salad.
Toasted almonds – Add a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth to complement the sprouts.
Dried cranberries – Bring in a pop of natural sweetness balancing the zesty elements.
Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle enhances savory notes and adds creamy richness.

For the Dressing

Olive oil – Use extra virgin for a fruity, smooth base that ties all flavors together.
Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed to lend the salad its bright, zesty kick.
Dijon mustard – Provides subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
Honey – Just a touch to balance acidity with gentle sweetness.
Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance and round out the dressing’s flavor.

Enjoy crafting this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with ingredients that bring both vibrancy and crunch to your homemade meals!

How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Trim & Shave: Trim ends off Brussels sprouts, then shave them thin for tender-crisp pale green ribbons that soak up dressing beautifully and stay crisp with every bite.
Toast Almonds: Heat sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat, tossing for 3–5 minutes until golden and fragrant; transfer to a bowl.

For the Dressing:

Whisk Dressing: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
Toss Salad: In a large bowl, combine shaved sprouts, almonds, cranberries, and Parmesan. Drizzle dressing, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated.
Serve & Enjoy: Transfer salad to a platter and serve immediately for maximum crunch, or chill 10 minutes for flavors to meld beautifully.

Optional: garnish with extra lemon zest for a brightness boost.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Variations

Feel free to explore the endless possibilities within this vibrant salad, inviting your creativity to shine with every delicious bite.

Nut-Free: Omit almonds or replace them with sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch while keeping that satisfying texture.
Vegan Delight: Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast, lending a cheesy flavor without dairy, while keeping it fully plant-based.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a fiery twist, elevating your salad to a whole new level of excitement.
Fruit Fusion: Toss in diced apple or pear for extra sweetness; crunch and juicy bites pair beautifully with the earthy sprouts.
Creamy Dressing: Blend avocado into the dressing for a creamy texture that adds healthy fats and mellows the sharpness of the tangy elements.
Citrus Burst: Experiment with lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus zing, brightening the flavors in a refreshing way.
Herb-Infused: Fold in fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an aromatic lift that enhances the salad’s freshness and adds depth.
Whole Grain Boost: Incorporate cooked farro or quinoa for added heartiness, making it a substantial main dish rather than just a side.

How to Store and Freeze Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crunch.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for the assembled salad as Brussels sprouts may turn mushy upon thawing.

Refrigerate Dressing Separately: If there’s leftover dressing, store it separately in the fridge for up to a week, allowing for fresh drizzles when serving.

Freshness Tip: To keep your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad lively, consider slicing your sprouts and preparing the dressing just before serving for maximum flavor and texture.

Expert Tips for Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Shave Thinly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to shave Brussels sprouts paper-thin for the best tender-crisp texture without bitterness.
Toast Nuts Carefully: Keep almonds moving in the pan to avoid burning; golden color and aroma signal perfect crunch and flavor.
Dress Just Before Serving: Toss salad with dressing shortly before serving to retain that signature crispness in your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad.
Balance Flavors: Adjust honey and lemon juice to your taste—this keeps the dressing lively without overpowering the sprouts’ natural earthiness.
Customize Add-ins: Swap cranberries for dried cherries or nuts for pecans to tailor texture and flavor while keeping the salad vibrant and fresh.

Make Ahead Options

These Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time during busy weeknights! You can shave the Brussels sprouts and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, toast the almonds and keep them stored separately, as they tend to lose their crunch if mixed too early. The dressing can be whisked together in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the prepped ingredients together with the dressing just before serving to maintain that delightful crunch and fresh flavor. With these make-ahead tips, enjoying a vibrant and delicious salad is easier than ever!

What to Serve with Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad?

Transform your meal into a delightful experience with perfect pairings that resonate with freshness and flavor.

Grilled Lemon Chicken: Juicy, zesty chicken complements the tangy notes in your salad, creating a light yet satisfying dish.
Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty, fluffy side adds a hearty texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy sprouts, enhancing the overall meal.
Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Sweet, caramelized veggies bring an earthy depth, making each bite an adventure of contrasting flavors.
Savory Garlic Bread: Warm and toasty, its buttery goodness is the perfect match to scoop up any leftover salad.
Chilled White Wine Spritzer: Crisp and refreshing, its acidity brightens the palate, elevating the zesty notes of your salad beautifully.
Mixed Berry Tart: A luscious and sweet dessert, the tartness of fruit echoes the salad’s dressing, providing a satisfying end to your meal.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs seamlessly with the salad’s zesty crunch, adding earthiness while balancing the flavors.
Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy, this dish introduces a variety of textures and fresh herbs that play well with the salad’s ingredients.
Creamy Avocado Toast: The creaminess of avocado enriches the salad’s crunch, introducing a savory element that rounds out your meal perfectly.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I know if my Brussels sprouts are fresh enough for shaving?
Look for firm, compact heads with bright green leaves and no dark spots. Avoid sprouts that are yellowing or have wilted outer leaves, as they may taste bitter and won’t shave well.

Can I store the salad after it’s dressed?
I recommend eating it fresh for the best crunch, but you can refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep in mind, the sprouts will soften and the texture will change over time.

Is it possible to freeze Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad?
Freezing the whole salad is not ideal since the sprouts become mushy after thawing. However, you can freeze the dressing separately in an airtight container or ice cube tray for up to 1 month, then thaw and toss with freshly shaved sprouts when ready.

What if my salad tastes too bitter?
Bitterness often comes from thicker slices or older Brussels sprouts. Ensure you shave them as thin as possible with a sharp knife or mandoline, and balance the flavor by increasing the honey or dried cranberries for sweetness.

Can pets eat Brussels sprout salad or any of its ingredients?
While plain cooked Brussels sprouts are generally safe for dogs in small amounts, this salad includes ingredients like nuts, dried cranberries, and dressing components that might upset their stomach or be toxic. Always avoid feeding pets human salad dressings or nuts.