Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apple and Pomegranate: A Vibrant, Crunchy, and Healthy Delight
Transform your mealtime with this incredible Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad, a vibrant and healthy concoction featuring crisp apples, juicy pomegranate seeds, crunchy walnuts, and savory Parmesan cheese. Drizzled with a bright, light lemony dressing, this salad is not just a side dish; it’s a refreshing experience perfect for any lunch, dinner, or festive gathering.
Why This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is a Must-Try
Happy Friday, everyone! We’ve made it through another week, and for me, as a pregnant mom chasing after another child, each week is a victory! This week in Chicago was absolutely frigid—we’re talking -20 with wind chill one night! It was the perfect excuse to stay indoors, enjoy warm drinks, catch up on shows, bake, wrap gifts, and of course, cook. Among the dishes I whipped up, this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apple and Pomegranate was an absolute triumph!
Now, before you click away because of those two words—Brussels sprouts—hear me out! I used to be firmly in the “no Brussels sprouts” camp myself. Growing up, these little green vegetables were on my list of foods to avoid, right alongside fish and mushrooms. Oh, how I regret that now! I wish I had given them a fair chance earlier. Brussels sprouts are not only incredibly healthy but also surprisingly delicious when prepared correctly.
Forget the overcooked, mushy sprouts of your childhood. A quick sauté with olive oil and balsamic, or a drizzle of lemon, can transform them. But for a truly revelationary experience, try them raw and shaved in a vibrant salad like this one. You absolutely will not be disappointed!
The Perfect Harmony of Flavors and Textures
What makes this particular salad so special is the delightful interplay of its components. The thinly shaved Brussels sprouts provide a fresh, slightly peppery, and satisfyingly crunchy base. These are then perfectly complemented by the tartness and crispness of Granny Smith apples, adding a bright counterpoint. Sweet, juicy pomegranate seeds burst in your mouth, offering a vibrant splash of color and a delightful tang. Toasted walnuts introduce an earthy depth and another layer of irresistible crunch, while delicate shavings of Parmesan cheese deliver a savory, umami richness that ties all the flavors together.
Everything is brought to life with a light and zesty lemony dressing, featuring extra virgin olive oil and a hint of Dijon mustard. This dressing emulsifies beautifully, coating every ingredient without weighing down the salad, making each bite an explosion of fresh, balanced flavor. It’s not just delicious; it’s visually stunning, making it an impressive addition to any table.
This salad is wonderfully versatile. It makes an excellent, healthy lunch option throughout the week – simply prepare it on the weekend and enjoy it during busy workdays. It’s also an elegant and refreshing side dish for holiday meals, adding a pop of color and a light contrast to heavier festive fare. Whether you’re entertaining or simply seeking a fresh, nutrient-packed meal, this Brussels sprout salad is sure to impress.
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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad With Apple and Pomegranate
Julia Jolliff
15 minutes
15 minutes
4 servings
Saved
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Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, approx. 20-25 Brussels sprouts
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 Granny Smith Apple, chopped
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup lemon juice, I used 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Rinse Brussels sprouts thoroughly to remove any dirt and pat them completely dry. This is crucial for achieving that desired crisp texture.
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Using a sharp knife, a mandoline slicer, or a food processor with a slicing attachment, thinly shave the Brussels sprouts into delicate horizontal rounds and long strands. Aim for paper-thin slices for the best texture.
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Place the shaved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
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Carefully de-seed the pomegranate. A useful tip is to cut the pomegranate in half, submerge it in a bowl of water, and then gently remove the seeds (arils) under water. The seeds will sink, and the membrane will float. Drain the seeds and add them to the Brussels sprouts.
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Add the chopped Granny Smith apple, shaved Parmesan cheese, and chopped walnuts to the bowl. Gently toss all the ingredients together to combine.
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In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined and emulsified.
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Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your personal preferences.
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For best results, let the salad sit in the fridge for 30-40 minutes before serving. This allows the dressing to soak into the Brussels sprouts, softening them slightly and allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- For convenience, many grocery stores (like Trader Joe’s) sell pre-shredded Brussels sprouts, which you can use to save time. Just ensure they are fresh and crisp!
- This salad holds up well in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days, making it excellent for meal prepping.
- If you’re making this salad ahead of time for several days, consider storing the dressing separately and adding it just before serving to maintain maximum crispness. Or, be prepared to add a little extra dressing as needed if the salad absorbs it.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 23g,
Protein: 8g,
Fat: 34g,
Saturated Fat: 5g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 21g,
Cholesterol: 4mg,
Sodium: 172mg,
Potassium: 598mg,
Fiber: 7g,
Sugar: 11g,
Vitamin A: 933IU,
Vitamin C: 107mg,
Calcium: 137mg,
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Tips for Shaving Brussels Sprouts and Pomegranates
Preparing this salad is straightforward, but a few tips can make the process even smoother:
- How to Shave Brussels Sprouts: For the best texture, aim for very thin slices. A mandoline slicer is your best friend here, as it quickly produces uniform, paper-thin rounds. If you don’t have one, a food processor with a slicing disc works wonders. Otherwise, a very sharp chef’s knife and a steady hand will get the job done. Just make sure to remove the tough outer leaves and trim the bottom stem before slicing.
- How to De-seed a Pomegranate: De-seeding a pomegranate can be messy, but there’s a trick! Cut the pomegranate in half horizontally. Fill a large bowl with water. Hold one half of the pomegranate cut-side down under the water and gently tap the back with a wooden spoon or your hand. The arils (seeds) will fall out into the water, and the white membrane will float, making it easy to separate. Scoop out the membrane, then drain the arils. Find a detailed guide here.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of meals. Serve it as a fresh, crisp side to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty steak. It’s also robust enough to stand on its own as a light vegetarian lunch, perhaps with some added protein like chickpeas or quinoa. For holiday gatherings, it offers a welcome balance to richer dishes.
Feeling creative? Here are some variations to try:
- Nuts: Swap walnuts for toasted pecans, slivered almonds, or even pistachios for a different flavor profile and crunch.
- Cheese: Instead of Parmesan, try crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangier note.
- Fruits: Add dried cranberries or thinly sliced grapes for extra sweetness and chewiness.
- Greens: While the Brussels sprouts are the star, you can mix in a handful of arugula or baby spinach for added volume and nutrients.
- Protein Boost: For a more substantial meal, add cooked and shredded chicken, turkey, or a hard-boiled egg.
- Dressing Enhancements: A touch of maple syrup or honey in the dressing can add a subtle sweetness, or a splash of apple cider vinegar can heighten the tang.
Health Benefits in Every Bite
Beyond its delicious taste and satisfying crunch, this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is packed with nutritional benefits. Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of vitamins K and C, high in fiber, and contain antioxidants that support overall health. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Apples contribute dietary fiber and more vitamins, while walnuts provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids and protein. This salad isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a boost for your well-being.
Adapted from Joy the Baker
Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! And to those of you braving the cold—stay warm! 🙂
Julia