Slaws are incredibly versatile and healthy additions to any meal, and this Brussels Sprout Slaw is a personal favorite to feature on our menu. It’s designed to be effortlessly simple to assemble, yet offers endless possibilities for customization. Instead of traditional cabbage, this recipe spotlights brussels sprouts, which provide a fantastic, slightly peppery flavor and a satisfying crunch that beautifully complements the bright, zesty lemon-garlic dressing.

One of the best qualities of this slaw, and slaws in general, is its make-ahead potential. In fact, this Lemon Brussels Sprout Slaw often tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, allowing all the vibrant flavors to meld together perfectly. This makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping, entertaining, or for those busy days when you need a quick and delicious side ready to go.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, looking for a refreshing addition to your holiday spread, or seeking a vibrant topping for tacos or pulled pork sandwiches, this slaw fits the bill. Its fresh taste and dynamic textures make it a crowd-pleaser every time.

If you’re a fan of fresh-tasting slaws, be sure to explore some of our other popular recipes, including the Vegan Caribbean Coleslaw, Easy Broccoli Slaw, Healthy Coleslaw, Mexican Coleslaw, and the Easy Mango Cabbage Coleslaw.

Essential Ingredients for Your Brussels Sprout Slaw

This recipe shines thanks to its combination of simple, fresh ingredients that create an incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish. It’s truly one of my go-to recipes for a vibrant side!

The Slaw Base: Fresh & Flavorful Elements

• Brussels Sprouts: The star of our slaw! We use raw brussels sprouts, which are trimmed and then finely shaved. This method provides a fantastic crisp texture and a distinct, slightly nutty flavor that stands out beautifully, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional cabbage. To save time, look for pre-packaged shaved brussels sprouts in the produce section of your grocery store. This simple shortcut can make prep even quicker!
• Cranberries: Dried cranberries introduce a wonderful touch of sweetness and a chewy texture that balances the slight bitterness of the sprouts and the tang of the dressing. If you’re looking to experiment, dried raisins or finely chopped dried apricots would also make excellent substitutes, each adding their own unique sweet note.
• Nuts: Sliced almonds are my preference here, providing an essential crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish. Their delicate texture works perfectly. However, if you have other nuts on hand or prefer a different flavor, pecans or walnuts would also be fantastic choices, each adding a slightly different depth of flavor and satisfying bite.
• Fresh Parsley: A generous handful of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of green color, enhancing the overall freshness of the slaw. Don’t skip this for the best flavor!

The Zesty Lemon-Garlic Dressing

A great slaw is nothing without an equally great dressing, and this lemon-garlic vinaigrette perfectly complements the robust flavors of the brussels sprouts. It’s simple, yet impactful.

• Acid: The vibrant acidity comes from the juice and zest of half a fresh lemon. Lemon zest adds an aromatic lift that the juice alone can’t provide, making the dressing incredibly bright and fresh. If you don’t have a lemon, lime juice could be used for a slightly different, but equally delicious, citrusy kick.
• Oil: Extra virgin olive oil forms the base of our dressing. Its rich, slightly nutty flavor beautifully rounds out the other ingredients. Choose a good quality olive oil for the best results, as its flavor will truly shine.
• Garlic: Three cloves of freshly minced garlic infuse the dressing with a pungent, aromatic depth. Fresh garlic is always preferred for its vibrant flavor, but in a pinch, a good quality garlic puree could be used, though fresh will offer the most impactful taste.
• Honey: Just a teaspoon of honey introduces a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon and the sharpness of the mustard, creating a harmonious flavor profile. Maple syrup is an excellent vegan-friendly alternative that works just as well.
• Mustard: Whole grain mustard is chosen for its distinctive texture and robust flavor, adding a pleasant tang to the dressing without overpowering it. Dijon mustard would also be a good substitute, offering a smoother, slightly sharper taste. It’s best to avoid yellow mustard, as its strong, vinegary flavor tends to dominate and might not blend as seamlessly with the other delicate flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together. Always taste and adjust to your preference.

How to Make this Easy Lemon Brussels Sprout Slaw

Preparing this vibrant slaw is incredibly straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create such a flavorful dish!

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw Mix: Begin by combining all the dry ingredients for your slaw. In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the thinly shaved brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and freshly chopped parsley. Ensure everything is well distributed so that each bite offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Dressing: In a separate small mixing bowl or, for convenience, a salad dressing jar, combine all the dressing ingredients: fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, a touch of honey (or maple syrup), whole grain mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified. This ensures a smooth, consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Finish the Slaw: When you’re ready to serve, pour the prepared dressing evenly over the brussels sprouts mixture. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss the slaw until all the shredded sprouts, cranberries, and almonds are thoroughly coated in the zesty dressing. For optimal flavor, allow the slaw to rest for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the dressing to soak into the brussels sprouts, softening them slightly and allowing all the flavors to truly meld together. Serve chilled, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra lemon slices on the side for an added burst of freshness.

Recipe Tips and Delightful Modifications

This Brussels Sprout Slaw recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some tips to enhance your slaw experience and creative modifications to try:

• Toast the Almonds for Enhanced Flavor: If you have a few extra minutes, lightly toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until they are fragrant and lightly golden. This simple step amplifies their nutty flavor and makes them even crunchier, adding a richer depth to the slaw’s texture.
• Vary the Nuts or Seeds: This is a truly versatile salad! Feel free to swap the almonds for other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or even pistachios. For a nut-free option, pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds make excellent crunchy alternatives, each contributing their own unique flavor and nutritional benefits.
• Add More Fruits and Vegetables: Elevate your slaw with additional ingredients! Consider stirring through some dried cherries or golden raisins for extra sweetness. For a fresh and crisp addition, try thinly sliced green apple, vibrant pomegranate seeds, or finely shredded carrots. A hint of thinly sliced red onion can add a sharp, pungent bite, while sliced sugar snap peas offer a sweet crunch.
• Cheese for Creaminess and Tang: Introducing cheese can transform this slaw! Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a delightful tang and creaminess. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (as suggested for garnish) is always a welcome addition, and even shredded mozzarella or a mild cheddar could work for a different flavor profile.
• Boost the Protein: To make this slaw a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked and cooled quinoa, chickpeas, or shredded chicken. This transforms it from a side dish into a complete and satisfying salad.
• Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing can add an exciting kick.

Storage Tips for Your Brussels Sprout Slaw

This brussels sprout slaw is excellent for making ahead, but it’s important to store it correctly to maintain its freshness and crunch. You can store the prepared slaw (undressed) and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve, simply combine them. Once dressed, the slaw is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. While it will still be delicious, the brussels sprouts will naturally soften over time and lose some of their initial crispness.

If you have leftover dressed slaw, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. For a slight refresh, you can try tossing it with a splash more lemon juice and a tiny drizzle of olive oil just before serving to liven up the flavors and add a bit more moisture.