Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette

When the urge for a meal that's both wholesome and quick strikes, I often turn to my Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette. This vibrant dish brings a delightful crunch that dances on the palate, thanks to beautifully shaved Brussels sprouts mingling with the sweet surprise of red pear and tart pomegranate arils. Drizzled with a zesty lemon shallot vinaigrette, each bite bursts with flavor, making it perfect for a make-ahead lunch or a refreshing side at dinner.

What I love most about this salad is its versatility; you can easily prep it ahead of time without the fear of it wilting in the fridge. Plus, it's gluten-free and packed with nutrients, allowing you to indulge in something healthy without sacrificing taste. Join me as we unlock the secrets to this colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that promises to brighten any mealtime!

Why is this Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad special?

Freshness shines through with every bite, due to the perfect combination of crisp Brussels sprouts and vibrant seasonal fruits. Easy to make, this salad requires minimal prep time and is ideal for busy individuals. Versatile enough to serve as a main or side, it pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins. Make-ahead friendly, you can prep it a day in advance, ensuring that delicious crunch stays intact. Nutrient-packed, this dish is gluten-free, providing a healthy option that doesn't skimp on flavor. Enjoy it as a delightful lunch or an impressive addition to your dinner table!

Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Ingredients

Get ready to whip up a flavorful and crunchy salad!

For the Salad
• Brussels Sprouts – Shaved for texture and crunch; use pre-shaved Brussels sprouts for convenience.
• Pomegranate Arils – Add sweetness and a pop of color; fresh cranberries can be used for a tart twist.
• Red Pear – Provides natural sweetness and juiciness; any variety of pear or even apple will work.
• Pepitas – Offer a nutty flavor and delightful crunch; sunflower seeds can be used as a substitute.
• Parmigiano Reggiano – Adds a savory note; swap for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.
• Fresh Parsley – Brings freshness and color; cilantro can be used for a different flavor profile.

For the Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Forms the base of the dressing; avocado oil can substitute if preferred.
• Lemon Juice – Provides acidity; approximately 2 lemons are needed for the perfect zing.
• Shallot – Adds a mild onion flavor; replace with green onions for a milder taste.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; use sea salt if that's your preference.
• Ground Black Pepper – Adds a mild spice; feel free to adjust to taste.

With these simple yet impactful ingredients, you'll be well on your way to creating the Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette!

How to Make Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together diced shallot, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Set it aside to let the flavors meld.
Shave Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly, then shave them using a food processor or a mandolin until they're finely sliced and ready to shine.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts, pomegranate arils, diced red pear, pepitas, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and freshly chopped parsley.
Dress the Salad: Gently pour the prepared lemon shallot vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything together until each ingredient is evenly coated and full of flavor.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the salad and tweak the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or an extra sprinkle of cheese to boost flavor.
Serve or Store: Enjoy the salad immediately for that perfect crunch, or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Optional: Garnish with additional pomegranate arils for extra color and sweetness!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Helpful Tricks for Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Prep Ahead: You can shave the Brussels sprouts and prepare the vinaigrette a day before. Just store them separately to maintain freshness until assembling.
Flavor Fusion: Allow the salad to marinate for 15-30 minutes before serving. This gives the salad time to absorb the vibrant flavors of the lemon shallot vinaigrette.
Balance the Acidity: If you're unsure about the dressing's acidity, start with less lemon juice and adjust to taste. This ensures your Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad isn't too tangy.
Mix Textures: For extra crunch, incorporate nuts like almonds or walnuts. Just be cautious not to add too many, which can overpower the delicate Brussels sprouts.
Avoid Sogginess: When storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate from the salad. This way, you’ll preserve that delightful crunch of the Brussels sprouts.
Customize Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to swap ingredients based on your preferences; this salad is versatile and can be adjusted while still being delicious!

Brussels Sprouts Salad Variations

Embrace your culinary creativity with these exciting twists on the classic salad, and let every bite deliver a unique experience!

Nut-Free: Omit pepitas and replace with crispy chickpeas for a similar crunch without nuts. They not only add texture but also extra protein.
Sweet & Savory: Drizzle honey over the salad to enhance its natural sweetness, balancing beautifully with the tangy vinaigrette. This touch creates an irresistible harmony.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a delightful heat that will leave your taste buds dancing. A little heat always elevates flavor!
Herb-Infused: Swap parsley for fresh dill or basil to add a fragrant twist. Each herb brings its unique character, making every version a surprise.
Fruity Variations: Substitute the red pear with diced apples or even orange segments for a juicy burst of flavor. The bright colors will add a fun visual element!
Cheese Alternatives: Use feta cheese instead of Parmigiano Reggiano for a crumbly texture and a tangy taste. It's a delightful departure that beautifully complements the salad.
Citrus Boost: Experiment by adding lemon zest or a splash of orange juice to the vinaigrette. The zestiness will brighten the entire dish, making it even more refreshing.
Grain-Enhanced: Toss in cooked quinoa or farro to turn this salad into a heartier meal, perfect for a lunch that’s both filling and nutritious. It's an excellent way to add extra fiber.

Make Ahead Options

This Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can shave the Brussels sprouts and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their crispness. Additionally, prepare the lemon shallot vinaigrette ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours—this allows the flavors to deepen. When you're ready to serve, simply combine the salad ingredients, toss in the vinaigrette, and enjoy the same fresh taste without any fuss. This not only saves you time but ensures you can enjoy a vibrant, delicious salad even on your busiest days!

How to Store and Freeze Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keeping it sealed helps maintain freshness and prevents wilting.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the salad a day in advance; just store the vinaigrette separately to keep the Brussels sprouts crunchy.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the Brussels sprouts and fresh fruits will change once thawed.
Reheating: If serving leftovers, enjoy them cold for best flavor. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance taste.

What to Serve with Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette?

This colorful salad pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, making it easy to create a memorable meal experience.

Grilled Chicken: Perfectly seasoned chicken adds a hearty element, making the meal satisfying and flavorful.
Crispy Baked Salmon: The rich, buttery taste of salmon complements the fresh and zesty notes of the salad effortlessly.
Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty and fluffy side enhances the salad's crunch while adding an extra boost of protein and fiber.
Lemon Herb Rice: A light and fragrant rice dish that mirrors the lemony zing of the salad, bringing cohesion to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies provide a delightful contrast, offering both sweetness and depth to the dinner table.
Chickpea Patties: These savory patties introduce heartiness, turning your salad into a complete vegetarian delight.
Fresh Sliced Bread: A crusty loaf is perfect for scooping up leftover vinaigrette, adding a comforting texture to your meal.
Sparkling Water with Lime: Refreshing and bubbly, this drink cleanses the palate and complements the vibrant flavors in the salad.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions, and enjoy the vibrant combination that makes meal times special!

Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when choosing Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for bright green, firm sprouts that are tightly closed. Avoid those with dark spots or yellowing leaves, as these indicate age. The smaller the Brussels sprouts, the sweeter and more tender they'll be.

How should I store leftovers of this salad?
Very simply! Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to keep it sealed to prevent wilting. I recommend keeping the vinaigrette separate until you're ready to enjoy it for maximum freshness.

Can I freeze the Ultimate Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad?
Not recommended! Freezing this salad can lead to a mushy texture for the Brussels sprouts and fresh fruits once thawed. If you want to prep in advance, I suggest shaving the sprouts and storing the dressing separately, then mixing just before serving.

What can I do if my salad starts to wilt after a day?
If your salad has begun to wilt, don’t fret! You can revive it by adding a splash more of the lemon shallot vinaigrette and gently tossing. If the sprouts are very limp, consider adding some fresh, raw Brussels sprouts to the mix. This will help regain that delightful crunch.

Is this salad suitable for those with allergies?
Definitely! This salad is gluten-free and packed with flavor, making it a great option for most diets. Just be cautious with the Parmigiano Reggiano for those who are dairy-sensitive; nutritional yeast makes a fabulous dairy-free alternative if you need one.

How can I make this salad sweeter?
If you're looking for more sweetness, consider adding some dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. You can also drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup into the dressing for an extra touch of sweetness that beautifully complements the lemony flavor.