Name: Astonishing Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad in Just 15 Minutes
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, shaved; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

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Salads, salads, salads! You can do *anything* with ’em, right? Sometimes I just throw whatever’s in the fridge into a bowl with some dressing and call it a day. But every now and then, you stumble upon a salad that’s just… different. That’s how I felt when I first tried a Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad. I know, I know, Brussels sprouts get a bad rap. But trust me on this one!

I was at a friend’s potluck (you know, the kind where everyone pretends they can cook?) and spotted this bowl of green confetti. Turns out, it was shaved Brussels sprouts! Who knew you could even *shave* a Brussels sprout? One bite, and I was hooked. The slight bitterness of the sprouts, the sweet cranberries, the crunchy pecans… wow! It’s a flavor explosion. Ever since that day, I’ve been obsessed with perfecting my own version of this amazing Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad. And now, I’m sharing all my secrets with you!

Why You’ll Love This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Okay, so why *should* you try this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad? Let me tell you! It’s got a few things going for it that make it a total winner:

Quick and Easy to Make

Seriously, you can whip this up in like, 15 minutes. Perfect for when you need something fast!

Bursting with Flavor

This isn’t your grandma’s boring salad. The sweet cranberries, the nutty pecans, the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts… it’s a party in your mouth!

Healthy and Nutritious

Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, and all those other goodies are good for you too! So you can feel good about eating it. Win-win!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Lunch? Dinner? Potluck? This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad works for *everything*. Trust me!

Ingredients for Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This isn’t rocket science, but using good stuff makes a BIG difference. Here’s what you’ll need for my killer Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad:

Grab about 1 pound of Brussels sprouts. And listen, they gotta be shaved *thinly*. Trust me on this.
You’ll want 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. I like the tart ones, but use whatever you’ve got!
Next up, 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Toasted pecans are even better, if you’re feeling fancy!
Don’t forget 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is always the way to go, right?
For the dressing, you’ll need 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed, please!), 1 tablespoon maple syrup (the real stuff!), and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
And, of course, salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skimp on these!

How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients, right? Let’s get down to business and make this amazing Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down in no time.

Preparing the Shaved Brussels Sprouts

Alright, this is the key step! You gotta shave those Brussels sprouts. Now, you can use a mandoline if you’re feeling brave (careful, those things are SHARP!). Just trim the ends off the sprouts and run them across the mandoline using the thinnest setting. If you don’t have a mandoline, no biggie! Just use a sharp knife and slice ’em as thinly as you possibly can. It takes a little longer, but it totally works. Aim for super-thin, like paper-thin, okay?

Making the Dressing for the Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

While you’re at it, let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl (or a mason jar – I love using mason jars for dressings!), whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Taste it! Does it need a little more lemon? A touch more maple syrup? Adjust it ’til it’s perfect for you. This is *your* Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad, after all!

Combining the Salad

Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts (aren’t they pretty?), dried cranberries, pecans, and Parmesan cheese. Pour that yummy dressing all over the salad. Get in there with your hands (or tongs, if you’re fancy) and toss everything together until it’s all coated in that delicious dressing. Make sure every little sprout gets some love!

Seasoning and Serving Your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Last but not least, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it another toss. Now, you can serve this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad right away if you’re in a hurry. But honestly, it’s even better if you let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes or so. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together, and the Brussels sprouts soften up just a bit. But hey, if you can’t wait, I totally get it! Enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Want to take your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my top tips!

Choosing the Freshest Brussels Sprouts

Okay, this is a big one! Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and tightly closed. Avoid any that are yellowing or have wilted leaves. The fresher, the better! Trust me, you’ll taste the difference in your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad!

Getting the Shave Right

Seriously, the way you shave those Brussels sprouts makes a huge difference. If they’re too thick, they’ll be tough and bitter. Too thin, and they’ll disappear. Aim for paper-thin slices! And hey, don’t worry if some of them fall apart – that’s totally normal!

Balancing the Flavors in Your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

This salad is all about balance! If you find it too bitter, add a touch more maple syrup to the dressing. Too sweet? A squeeze more lemon juice will do the trick. Don’t be afraid to play around with the flavors until it’s *perfect* for you!

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Variations

Okay, so you’ve got the basic Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad down, right? Now, let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! The best part about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Adding Protein to Your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Want to make this salad a full meal? Easy peasy! Crispy crumbled bacon is *always* a good idea, right? Grilled chicken or chickpeas are also great options for adding some protein and making it more satisfying. I’m telling you, it’s all good!

Different Cheese Options for Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Parmesan is classic, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Crumbled goat cheese adds a tangy creaminess that’s amazing. Feta cheese is also a great choice for a saltier, briny flavor. Just go with whatever you’re in the mood for! Life’s too short for boring cheese.

Exploring Other Add-Ins for Your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

The possibilities are endless! Thinly sliced apples add a crisp sweetness. Grapes are another yummy option. And pomegranate seeds? Wow! They add a burst of juicy goodness and a pop of color. Don’t be shy – throw in whatever sounds good to you!

Serving Suggestions for Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

So, what goes well with this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad? Honestly, it’s pretty awesome on its own! But if you’re looking to make a full meal, try pairing it with grilled salmon or roasted chicken. The flavors complement each other perfectly! You could even serve it as a side dish with a hearty soup. Yum!

Storing Your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad actually keeps pretty well. Just toss it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. The Brussels sprouts might soften a bit, but it’ll still taste amazing! I don’t recommend freezing it, though – nobody likes mushy sprouts!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Got questions about this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me:

Can I make Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad ahead of time?

Yep, you totally can! I actually think it tastes *better* if you let it sit for a bit. Just toss everything together, but maybe hold off on the dressing until right before serving. That way, the Brussels sprouts don’t get too soggy. You can prep all the ingredients (shave the sprouts, chop the pecans, etc.) a day or two in advance too. That’ll save you even more time!

How long does Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad last?

In the fridge, this salad will stay good for about 2-3 days. The Brussels sprouts will soften up a bit over time, but it’ll still be delicious! Just give it a good toss before serving. Honestly, it never lasts that long at my house – it’s usually gone in a flash!

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Okay, this is a tricky one. I *really* recommend using fresh Brussels sprouts for this recipe. Frozen ones tend to get mushy when they thaw, and you definitely don’t want mushy shaved Brussels sprouts! But, if you’re in a pinch, you *could* try it. Just make sure you thaw them completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before shaving them. But seriously, fresh is best!

Nutritional Information for Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m a cook, not a nutritionist! So, just a heads-up that the nutritional information for this Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, etc.). I’m not providing precise numbers here, but just keep in mind that it’s an estimate!

Enjoy Your Delicious Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad!

Alright, that’s it! Go forth and make this amazing Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad! Let me know what you think – I love hearing your feedback! Happy salad-ing!