Shaved Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad: A Vibrant & Flavorful Side Dish for Any Season
Discover the delightful fusion of textures and flavors in this easy-to-make Shaved Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad. This vibrant dish artfully combines finely shaved Brussels sprouts, crisp and sweet apples, tart dried cranberries, crunchy walnuts, a hint of red onion, and creamy goat cheese, all brought together with a light, tangy balsamic dressing. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that will elevate any meal, making it an ideal addition to your holiday spread, a festive side for Thanksgiving, or a refreshing everyday lunch.
If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of a shaved Brussels sprout salad, prepare to be pleasantly surprised! Unlike their often-maligned boiled or steamed counterparts, shaved Brussels sprouts offer a remarkably delicate texture, reminiscent of a fine cabbage slaw. When prepared this way, they lose any hint of bitterness and instead become a tender, slightly peppery base that pairs exceptionally well with a variety of complementary ingredients.
Today’s Brussels Sprouts Apple Goat Cheese Salad is poised to become a staple on your holiday table, perhaps even making an appearance on your Thanksgiving menu this year. Its appeal lies in its dynamic interplay of textures – from the crunch of the sprouts and walnuts to the crispness of the apples and the creaminess of the goat cheese. The flavors are equally engaging, blending sweet, tangy, and savory notes into a harmonious bite.
One of the best aspects of this brussels sprouts salad is its versatility. While my preferred combination includes finely shaved Brussels sprouts, perfectly chopped apples, toasted walnuts, plump dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled goat cheese, you are always encouraged to customize it to your personal preference. This recipe serves as a fantastic blueprint, allowing for creative substitutions and additions.
To top it all off, I use a simple, homemade balsamic dressing that beautifully complements the salad’s rich profile. However, feel free to use your favorite store-bought dressing or a different homemade vinaigrette if you prefer. The key is finding a dressing that adds a touch of acidity and sweetness to balance the ingredients.
These types of hearty, flavorful salads are not just for special occasions; they make an excellent addition to your weekly meal rotation or meal-planning efforts. They are robust enough to stand on their own as a light lunch or a satisfying side dish. If you’re a fan of Brussels sprout salads, you might also enjoy exploring other variations like this Brussels Sprout Slaw or this refreshing Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad for more inspiration.
Unpacking the Flavors: Key Ingredients for This Delicious Salad
This salad recipe shines not only for its incredible taste but also for the simplicity and accessibility of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it one of my absolute favorite recipes to prepare, especially during the fall and holiday seasons.
- Brussels Sprouts: The Versatile Base
The star of our salad! For optimal results, you’ll want finely shaved Brussels sprouts. You have a couple of options here:- Whole Brussels Sprouts: If you’re buying them whole, look for firm, bright green sprouts without loose or yellowing leaves. To shave them, first trim the woody ends and remove any outer leaves. Then, you can use a very sharp chef’s knife for thin slices, a mandoline for uniform results (be careful!), or a food processor with a slicing attachment for quick and easy shredding. Shaving them thinly is crucial as it softens their texture and mellows their flavor, making them ideal for a raw salad.
- Pre-Shaved Brussels Sprouts: To save time and effort, many grocery stores (like Trader Joe’s, as mentioned) now offer pre-shredded or shaved Brussels sprouts in bags. This is a fantastic shortcut that makes assembling this salad even quicker.
- Apples: Crisp Sweetness
Apples provide that essential crisp texture and sweet counterpoint to the earthy sprouts and tangy cheese. I lean towards sweet apple varieties that hold their shape well and offer a satisfying crunch.- Recommended Varieties: Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are excellent choices. Their natural sweetness and firm flesh complement the other ingredients beautifully.
- Preparation Tip: To prevent your chopped apples from browning before serving, toss them immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice. This simple trick keeps them looking fresh and appetizing.
- Nuts: Earthy Crunch
Walnuts bring a wonderful earthy flavor and a satisfying crunch to the salad. They add a layer of sophistication and provide healthy fats.- Substitution Options: Feel free to experiment with other nuts based on your preference. Toasted pecans offer a buttery richness, pistachios add a slightly salty and vibrant green hue, and slivered almonds provide a delicate crunch. Lightly toasting your nuts before adding them can enhance their flavor significantly.
- Dried Cranberries: Tart & Chewy Accents
These little gems deliver a burst of tartness and a chewy texture that beautifully balances the richness of the goat cheese and the crispness of the apples. They also add a lovely pop of color.- Creative Alternatives: If cranberries aren’t your favorite, or you want to try something new, consider dried apricots (chopped), dried dates (pitted and chopped for a deeper sweetness), golden raisins, or even dried cherries for a different fruity note.
- Cheese: Creamy Tang
Creamy goat cheese is my absolute go-to for this salad. Its distinct tangy flavor and soft, crumbly texture melt into the other ingredients, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.- Other Cheese Choices: If goat cheese isn’t available or preferred, crumbled feta cheese offers a salty, briny alternative that works wonderfully. For a milder option, try shaved Parmesan or even a mild blue cheese for a bolder flavor profile.
- Red Onion: A Pungent Bite
A small amount of thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, piquant kick that cuts through the richness and sweetness of the other ingredients.- Mellowing the Flavor: If you find raw red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad. This significantly mellows their pungency.
- Dressing: The Unifying Element
The homemade dressing is a light, fall-inspired concoction designed to complement rather than overpower the salad. It’s a simple blend of:- Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a sweet and tangy base.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing.
- Greek Yogurt: Lends a creamy texture and a subtle tang, making the dressing a bit more substantial without being heavy.
- Honey: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness. Maple syrup can be a good substitute for a vegan option or different flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds an extra layer of fruity tang that ties in with the apples in the salad.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
By thoughtfully combining these ingredients, you create a salad that is not only visually appealing but also a delight for your taste buds, hitting all the right notes of sweet, savory, tangy, and crunchy.
Crafting Your Salad: A Simple Guide to Assembly
Making this Shaved Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad is incredibly straightforward, designed for efficiency without compromising on flavor. Follow these easy steps to bring together this delicious and visually appealing dish.
Step 1: Combine the Salad Components in a Large Bowl
Begin by preparing all your salad ingredients. Place the thinly shaved Brussels sprouts, crisp chopped apples (remember to toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning), crunchy walnuts, sweet and tart dried cranberries, and thinly sliced red onion into a spacious salad bowl. This generous space allows for easy tossing and ensures all ingredients are well combined. Gently drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the entire mixture and toss lightly. This not only helps prevent the apples from oxidizing but also adds an initial layer of brightness to the sprouts.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Dressing
In a separate container, such as a mason jar (which is perfect for shaking and storing) or a small salad dressing bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: balsamic vinegar, high-quality olive oil, Greek yogurt, a touch of honey, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Secure the lid on the mason jar and shake vigorously, or whisk thoroughly if using a bowl, until all ingredients are well emulsified and the dressing is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want a bit more honey for sweetness or a touch more vinegar for tang.
Step 3: Dress and Serve Your Masterpiece
Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the prepared salad mixture in the large bowl. Using salad tongs or your clean hands, gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be mindful not to over-toss, especially with delicate greens, if you were adding any. Serve immediately for the freshest taste and crunch, or chill for a short period to allow the flavors to meld. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma of this salad are sure to impress!
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Salad Fresh
This Shaved Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored to enjoy later with a few simple tips. For optimal freshness, if you plan to make it ahead, consider storing the dressing separately from the main salad ingredients. This prevents the sprouts from becoming soggy and the apples from breaking down prematurely. You can prepare all the solid components and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to serve again, simply give the salad a good toss and, if desired, add a little extra fresh dressing to liven it up. This will help refresh the flavors and textures, making it almost as good as freshly made. The Brussels sprouts, being quite hearty, hold up remarkably well, making this a great make-ahead option for busy days or gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Salad
There are a few effective methods! You can use a very sharp chef’s knife to carefully slice them into thin ribbons. A mandoline slicer is excellent for achieving uniform, thin slices quickly, but always use the safety guard. Alternatively, a food processor fitted with a thin slicing blade can shred a large batch of Brussels sprouts in a matter of seconds, making it ideal for bigger recipes.
The easiest way to prevent apple browning is to toss the chopped apple pieces immediately with a small amount of lemon juice. The acidity in the lemon juice acts as a natural antioxidant, keeping the apples looking fresh and appealing. You can also use a mixture of water and a tiny bit of salt, or even apple cider vinegar, though lemon juice provides an extra flavor boost that complements the salad well.
Absolutely! This salad is quite robust and holds up well. You can prepare all the solid ingredients (shaved Brussels sprouts, apples, walnuts, cranberries, red onion, goat cheese) and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Prepare the dressing separately and store it in a sealed jar. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the salad ingredients with the dressing and toss. This method ensures the freshest texture and prevents the sprouts from getting soggy.
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with a wide range of main courses, especially those that are rich or hearty. It’s excellent alongside roasted chicken or turkey, grilled pork tenderloin, or even a simple baked salmon. For a vegetarian meal, consider serving it with a hearty lentil soup or a quinoa pilaf. Its fresh and tangy profile provides a wonderful contrast to heavier dishes.
Yes, this salad is quite adaptable!
- Vegan: Omit the goat cheese and Greek yogurt in the dressing. You can substitute the goat cheese with a vegan feta alternative or simply increase the nuts/seeds for added richness. For the dressing, use olive oil and balsamic vinegar as the base, possibly with a touch of maple syrup and Dijon mustard for emulsification.
- Nut-Free: Skip the walnuts. You can replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and healthy fats.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on any pre-packaged ingredients (like dried cranberries) to ensure they are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.
Explore More Delicious Fall Salads
If you’ve enjoyed the vibrant flavors and fresh textures of this Brussels sprout salad, you’ll be delighted to discover other seasonal favorites perfect for autumn gatherings and cozy meals. Here are a few more fall-inspired salads to add to your recipe collection, each offering its unique blend of crisp produce, hearty ingredients, and comforting dressings.
Salad
Easy Fall Salad
Salads
Fall Harvest Salad
Vegetarian
Avocado Kale Spinach Salad
Vegetarian
Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing
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Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad
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Ingredients
- 1 bag shaved brussels sprouts, or about 1 pound, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 4 medium apples, chopped {I like to use crisp, sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp}
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped, lightly toasted for enhanced flavor (optional)
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries, or other dried fruit like chopped apricots or cherries
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (soak in cold water to mellow flavor, optional)
- 1 cup goat cheese, crumbled, for a creamy, tangy finish (feta is a good substitute)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 of a lemon, juiced (for initial apple toss and dressing)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Place the shaved brussels sprouts, chopped apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled goat cheese in a large salad bowl. Drizzle the lemon juice over the salad to prevent apple browning and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
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In a mason jar or a salad dressing container, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Greek yogurt, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Secure the lid and shake vigorously, or whisk thoroughly, until the dressing is well combined and creamy.
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Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad with tongs until all the components are thoroughly coated with the delicious dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- To save valuable time, opt for pre-shredded Brussels sprouts, which can often be found in the produce section of well-stocked grocery stores. This makes assembly even quicker!
- For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider lightly toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before adding them to the salad.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the thinly sliced red onion in a small bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad.
- This salad is best served fresh, but if making ahead, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving to maintain the crispness of the ingredients.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
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