This brussels sprouts salad recipe is a vibrant and refreshing dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner. The crunchy, raw brussels sprouts are tamed by a zesty lemon dressing and the addition of sweet cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots and toasted almonds. With a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this salad is a healthy yet indulgent treat.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should be readily available in your local supermarket. However, shallots, a key ingredient in our dressing, are slightly different from onions and provide a more delicate, sweet flavor. They are usually found near the garlic in the produce section. For the parmesan cheese, opt for a block that you can grate yourself for the best flavor.
Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts Salad
Almonds: These provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the salad.
Brussels sprouts: They are the star of the salad, providing nutrients and a unique texture.
Carrots: Shredded for a sweet touch and added crunch.
Cherry tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a salty, creamy element.
Lemons: Needed for both juice and zest to make a fresh, tangy dressing.
Olive oil: The base of our dressing, it adds a smooth, rich flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Gives the dressing a tangy kick.
Shallots: Finely chopped, they add a subtle, sweet flavor to the dressing.
Garlic: A small amount goes a long way in adding depth to our dressing.
One reader, Issy Guffey says:
This brussels sprouts salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh veggies, zesty lemon dressing, and crunchy almonds is simply divine. It's a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out - it's a definite crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
How to toast almonds: Place the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir until lightly fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
How to prepare brussels sprouts: Remove the stems from the brussels sprouts, then halve and thinly slice them.
How to make the dressing: Combine lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, dijon mustard, shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper in a mason jar. Shake to combine.
How to let the salad sit: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour in the fridge, to allow the flavors to meld and the brussels sprouts to soften.
How to adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
How to serve: Serve the salad at room temperature, adding the toasted almonds right before serving.
How To Make Brussels Sprouts Salad
Crunchy almonds, crisp carrots, and nutty brussels sprouts tossed in a tangy parmesan dressing, makes this brussels sprouts salad a delectable side!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupalmonds,sliced
- 1lbbrussels sprouts,halved, thinly sliced
- 1cupcarrots,shredded
- 2cupscherry tomatoes,halved
- 1cupparmesan cheese,freshly grated
- 2large lemons
- ¼cuplemon juice
- ½tsplemon zest
- ½cupolive oil
- 1tbspdijon mustard
- 2tbspshallots,finely chopped
- 1tspgarlic,minced
- salt and pepper
Instructions
-
In a skillet, toast the almonds by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stirring until lightly fragrant.
-
Remove the stems from the brussels, then halve and thinly slice them. Fluff the sprouts and place in a large bowl. Add in the carrots and halved cherry tomatoes.
-
Make the dressing by combining the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, shallots, garlic, about ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste, in a mason jar. Shake to combine.
-
Pour over the salad. Add the parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
-
Let the salad sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
-
Serve at room temperature, adding the almonds right before serving, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 461.56kcal
- Fat: 36.91g
- Saturated Fat: 7.56g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 22.62g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.22g
- Carbohydrates: 21.27g
- Fiber: 8.26g
- Sugar: 6.56g
- Protein: 17.75g
- Cholesterol: 16.85mg
- Sodium: 610.58mg
- Calcium: 416.47mg
- Potassium: 766.59mg
- Iron: 2.79mg
- Vitamin A: 274.90µg
- Vitamin C: 90.83mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Brussels Sprouts Salad
When toasting the almonds, it's important to keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Stir them frequently for even toasting. The moment they start to become fragrant, they're done. Over-toasted almonds can have a bitter taste that can affect the overall flavor of your brussels sprouts salad. Also, when slicing the brussels sprouts, try to keep the slices as thin as possible. This will help them absorb the dressing better and soften more quickly, enhancing the texture and flavor of the salad.
Time-Saving Tips for Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and make the dressing the night before to save time on the day of serving.
Use a food processor: Quickly shred the brussels sprouts and carrots using a food processor to cut down on prep time.
Multi-task: While the almonds are toasting, you can prepare the other ingredients to save time in the kitchen.
Buy pre-shredded carrots: Save time by purchasing pre-shredded carrots from the store instead of shredding them yourself.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients and tools are easily accessible to streamline the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
brussels sprouts - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for brussels sprouts in salads due to its similar texture and ability to hold dressing well.
sliced almonds - Substitute with chopped walnuts: Chopped walnuts can provide a similar nutty crunch and flavor to the salad.
shredded carrots - Substitute with shredded red cabbage: Shredded red cabbage can add a pop of color and a slightly different texture to the salad.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sliced cucumber: Sliced cucumber can provide a refreshing crunch and juiciness similar to cherry tomatoes.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with asiago cheese: Asiago cheese has a similar nutty and savory flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute.
lemons - Substitute with limes: Limes can provide a similar citrusy flavor and acidity to the dressing.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can provide a similar richness and healthy fats to the dressing.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can provide a similar tangy flavor and texture to the dressing.
shallots - Substitute with red onions: Red onions can provide a similar mild onion flavor and crunch to the salad.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic in the dressing.
Best Way to Present Brussels Sprouts Salad
Artful arrangement: Carefully arrange the sliced almonds on top of the salad in a visually appealing pattern, creating a sense of artistry and precision.
Elevate with microgreens: Garnish the dish with delicate microgreens to add a pop of color and a touch of elegance, enhancing the overall presentation.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce vibrant and edible flowers to the plating, adding a sophisticated and luxurious touch to the dish.
Utilize fine dining plating techniques: Employ meticulous plating techniques such as quenelles and precise drizzling to showcase the salad with finesse and sophistication.
Emphasize contrast and balance: Create a visually striking presentation by balancing the vibrant colors of the salad ingredients, emphasizing the contrast between the green brussels sprouts, red tomatoes, and orange carrots.
Highlight the freshness: Emphasize the freshness of the ingredients by arranging them in a way that showcases their natural beauty, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Use elegant serving ware: Select elegant and refined serving ware that complements the colors and textures of the salad, elevating the dining experience for the esteemed guests.
Essential Tools for Making Brussels Sprouts Salad
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping and slicing vegetables.
Chef's knife: A versatile and sharp knife for cutting and trimming the brussels sprouts and other vegetables.
Skillet: Used for toasting the almonds.
Large bowl: For mixing and tossing the salad ingredients.
Mason jar: To shake and mix the dressing ingredients.
Grater: For grating the parmesan cheese.
Citrus zester: For zesting the lemons.
Juicer: For extracting the juice from the lemons.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurately measuring the ingredients.
Whisk: For emulsifying the dressing ingredients.
Spatula: For tossing the salad ingredients.
Vegetable peeler: For shredding the carrots.
Random Fact About Brussels Sprouts Salad
The Brussels sprouts salad recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of fresh vegetables with a zesty lemon dressing. This salad is a great source of vitamins and fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal. The combination of almonds, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and cherry tomatoes provides a satisfying crunch, while the parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory element. The lemon dressing, with its tangy and refreshing flavor, ties the dish together perfectly. This salad is a great way to enjoy the unique taste of Brussels sprouts in a fresh and vibrant dish. Try making it for your next meal!
Is This Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Budget-Friendly?
The brussels sprouts salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as brussels sprouts, carrots, and tomatoes, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of almonds and parmesan cheese may slightly increase the cost, but these ingredients can be used in various other dishes. The dressing ingredients like lemon, olive oil, and dijon mustard are also versatile and can be used in multiple recipes. Overall, this recipe offers a good balance of cost and nutrition. Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost: $12-15.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The brussels sprouts salad recipe is a nutritious and well-balanced dish that offers a variety of health benefits. The recipe includes several nutrient-dense ingredients, such as:
- Brussels sprouts: Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants
- Carrots: High in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and fiber
- Cherry tomatoes: Good source of vitamin C, lycopene, and antioxidants
- Almonds: Provide healthy fats, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium
- Olive oil: Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Lemon juice: High in vitamin C and helps improve iron absorption
The combination of these ingredients creates a salad that is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The recipe also includes a homemade dressing that uses wholesome ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard, which is a healthier alternative to store-bought dressings that often contain added sugars and preservatives.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a lean protein source, such as grilled chicken or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating and balanced
- Incorporate additional leafy greens, like spinach or kale, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese to lower the overall fat and calorie content, or opt for a lower-fat cheese like feta or goat cheese
- Experiment with different nuts and seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or walnuts, to provide a variety of healthy fats and nutrients
Editor's Thoughts on This Brussels Sprouts Salad
The Brussels sprouts salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. The use of toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch, while the lemony dressing brings a zesty brightness to the dish. The addition of cherry tomatoes and carrots provides a colorful and nutritious element, complemented by the savory parmesan cheese. All these ingredients come together to create a well-balanced and satisfying salad that is perfect for any occasion. The recipe's simplicity and versatility make it a standout choice for a healthy and delicious meal.
Enhance Your Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Traditional Brussels Sprouts Salad
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Brussels Sprouts Salad
Why trust this Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe:
This brussels sprouts salad recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh, wholesome ingredients, ensuring a burst of flavor and nutrition. The use of lemons and olive oil adds a zesty and refreshing touch, while the addition of parmesan cheese brings a rich and savory element. The inclusion of toasted almonds provides a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the salad. With a well-balanced and vibrant dressing, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a trustworthy choice for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
