Brussels sprouts may not be everyone's favorite vegetable, but this salad might just change your mind. It's a refreshing and tangy dish, with crunchy almonds and a lemony dressing that pairs perfectly with the sprouts. The salad is finished with parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor. It's not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients, making it a great side dish or light main meal.
All of the ingredients for this salad should be fairly easy to find at your local supermarket. Brussels sprouts are available year-round in most places, but they're at their best from September to February. When choosing sprouts, look for ones that are bright green with tight leaves. Almonds can be found in the nuts and seeds aisle, and both chives and parmesan cheese should be in the refrigerated dairy section. If you can't find fresh chives, dried ones can be used in a pinch.
Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts Salad with Almonds
Almonds: Almonds add crunch and a mild, nutty flavor to the salad. They're also a great source of healthy fats and protein.
Brussels sprouts: They form the base of this salad. They're low in calories, but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Olive oil: Used for the dressing. It's rich in monounsaturated fats and gives the salad a smooth, velvety texture.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the dressing, which helps to balance out the bitterness of the brussels sprouts.
Chives: These give the salad a mild onion flavor. They're also packed with vitamins and minerals.
Salt and black pepper: Enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the salad. It also helps to bind the dressing to the sprouts.
One reader, Britte Mertz says:
This brussels sprouts salad with almonds recipe is a game-changer! The combination of crunchy almonds, fresh brussels sprouts, and zesty lemon dressing is simply divine. It's a refreshing and nutritious dish that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Making the Perfect Brussels Sprouts Salad
How to toast almonds: Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Allow them to cool before using.
How to slice brussels sprouts thinly: Trim the ends of the brussels sprouts and remove any damaged outer leaves. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the brussels sprouts as thinly as possible.
How to whisk together dressing: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chives, salt, and ground black pepper. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until well combined.
How to toss salad: Add the sliced brussels sprouts, toasted almonds, and parmesan cheese to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
How to serve: Once the salad is well combined, transfer it to a serving dish and serve immediately.
How To Make Brussels Sprouts Salad with Almonds
Here’s a healthy and guilt-free salad made from thinly-sliced brussels sprouts with parmesan cheese and baked almonds. A refreshing delight for brunch.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupalmonds,slivered
- brussels sprouts
- ¼cupolive oil,or 3 tablespoons olive oil plus 1 tablespoon truffle oil
- 3tbspfresh lemon juice
- 2tbspchives,finely sliced
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspground black pepper
- 3tbspparmesan cheese,finely grated
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place almonds on baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
-
Set aside to cool. Slice Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible.
-
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, chives, salt, and pepper.
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Add Brussels sprouts, almonds, and Parmesan. Toss until combined and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 142.79kcal
- Fat: 13.28g
- Saturated Fat: 1.75g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.66g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.35g
- Carbohydrates: 3.55g
- Fiber: 1.83g
- Sugar: 0.77g
- Protein: 4.06g
- Cholesterol: 1.90mg
- Sodium: 64.46mg
- Calcium: 72.63mg
- Potassium: 114.70mg
- Iron: 0.60mg
- Vitamin A: 7.10µg
- Vitamin C: 2.12mg
Expert Technique Tip for Elevating Your Brussels Sprouts Salad
To enhance the flavor of the almonds, you can toast them in a pan on the stovetop instead of the oven. This method allows you to keep a closer eye on them, preventing them from burning. Just heat a dry pan over medium heat, add the almonds, and stir frequently until they're golden and fragrant. This technique not only adds a delightful crunch to the salad but also brings out a deeper, richer flavor from the almonds.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Brussels Sprouts Salad
Plan ahead: Pre-slice the brussels sprouts and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save time when you're ready to make the salad.
Use pre-sliced almonds: Purchase pre-sliced almonds instead of whole almonds to skip the step of slicing them yourself.
Multi-task: While the almonds are toasting in the oven, use that time to prepare the brussels sprouts and dressing to maximize efficiency.
Invest in a mandoline: Using a mandoline to slice the brussels sprouts will save time and ensure uniform thickness for even cooking and better presentation.
Prep in bulk: Consider prepping a larger quantity of brussels sprouts and almonds, then store the extra in the fridge for future use to save time on future meal prep.
Substitute Ingredients For Brussels Sprouts Salad with Almonds Recipe
brussels sprouts - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and can be used as a substitute for brussels sprouts in salads. It also provides a slightly different flavor profile.
almonds - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar crunch and nutty flavor, making them a suitable replacement for almonds in this salad.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good substitute for olive oil in salad dressings.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a tangy acidity similar to lemon juice and can be used as a substitute in salad dressings.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can be used as a substitute for chives, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the salad.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this salad.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Brussels Sprouts Salad
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use colorful and vibrant ingredients to add visual appeal. Consider the contrast of textures and colors to make the dish pop.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce edible flowers to add an elegant and delicate touch to the presentation. Choose flowers that complement the flavors and colors of the dish, adding a touch of sophistication.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out. Use the empty space strategically to draw attention to the key elements of the dish.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the placement of garnishes to ensure they enhance the overall presentation. Use tweezers for precise placement, adding a professional touch to the final plating.
Consider the plate shape and size: Select the appropriate plate that complements the dish. The shape and size of the plate should enhance the visual appeal and allow the dish to be the focal point.
Add a drizzle or swirl: Incorporate a drizzle or swirl of sauce around the plate to add a touch of elegance and elevate the overall presentation.
Use height and layers: Create height and layers on the plate to add dimension to the presentation. Consider stacking elements strategically to create a visually appealing arrangement.
Essential Tools for Making Brussels Sprouts Salad with Almonds
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for quickly and efficiently processing the brussels sprouts for the salad.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is a flat, metal pan used for baking and cooking. It's essential for toasting the almonds in the oven.
Large bowl: A large bowl is necessary for mixing the salad ingredients together. It provides ample space for tossing the brussels sprouts with the dressing and other components.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together, such as the olive oil, lemon juice, chives, salt, and pepper in the dressing for the salad.
Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the brussels sprouts thinly and evenly. This ensures that the salad has a pleasant texture and consistency.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure the ingredients for the salad, such as the olive oil, lemon juice, chives, salt, and parmesan cheese.
Oven: The oven is used for toasting the almonds to golden brown perfection, adding a delicious crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
Serving bowl or platter: A serving bowl or platter is needed to present the finished brussels sprouts salad with almonds, making it an appealing and inviting dish for serving.
Storing and Freezing Brussels Sprouts Salad: A Guide
This brussels sprouts salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The almonds may lose their crunch over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.
If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can slice the brussels sprouts and store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Prepare the dressing and toast the almonds just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
While it's not ideal to freeze this salad, you can freeze the individual components separately. Blanch the sliced brussels sprouts in boiling water for 2 minutes, then shock them in an ice bath before draining and freezing in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Toast the almonds and allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw both the brussels sprouts and almonds in the refrigerator before assembling the salad.
The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
When ready to serve, toss the thawed brussels sprouts with the dressing, toasted almonds, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasoning if needed and enjoy your delicious and refreshing salad!
How To Reheat Leftover Brussels Sprouts Salad
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover brussels sprouts salad on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the brussels sprouts are crisp and heated through. The almonds will also regain their crunch. Toss the salad with a little extra olive oil, lemon juice, and freshly grated parmesan cheese before serving.
For a quick and easy reheat, microwave the leftover salad in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. The brussels sprouts won't be as crisp as when reheated in the oven, but this method is perfect when you're short on time. Add a splash of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the brussels sprouts salad in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and sauté the salad for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the brussels sprouts are warmed through and slightly crispy. Sprinkle with extra chives and parmesan cheese before serving.
For a cold salad option, allow the leftover brussels sprouts salad to come to room temperature. Toss the salad with additional olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. The almonds may have lost some of their crunch, so you can add a handful of freshly toasted almonds for extra texture.
Interesting Trivia About Brussels Sprouts Salad
Brussels sprouts salad with almonds is a nutritious and delicious dish. Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamins K and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Almonds are rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. This salad is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to a balanced diet.
Is Making Brussels Sprouts Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The brussels sprouts salad with almonds recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as brussels sprouts and almonds, are affordable and readily available. The addition of olive oil and lemon provides a burst of flavor without breaking the bank. This recipe is a solid 9/10 for its cost-effectiveness and nutritional value. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it a budget-friendly and healthy option.
Is This Brussels Sprouts Salad Healthy?
This Brussels sprouts salad recipe is quite healthy overall. Here's why:
- Brussels sprouts are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and high in fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin K and C), and minerals
- Almonds provide healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium
- Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat source rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Lemon juice adds vitamin C and helps absorb iron from the vegetables
- Chives contain vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants
- Parmesan cheese, used in moderation, provides protein, calcium, and vitamin B12
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil to 2 tablespoons to lower the overall calorie content
- Use a mix of raw and lightly steamed Brussels sprouts to increase nutrient availability and improve digestibility for some people
- Add more colorful vegetables like grated carrots or diced bell peppers to boost the antioxidant content and visual appeal
- Incorporate a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly cheese alternative that's rich in B vitamins
- Experiment with different nuts and seeds, such as walnuts or pumpkin seeds, to vary the nutrient profile and texture
- Add a touch of Dijon mustard or garlic to the dressing for extra flavor without significantly impacting the nutritional value
Editor's Take on This Delightful Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
The recipe for Brussels sprouts salad with almonds is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The roasted almonds add a satisfying crunch, while the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts provide a fresh and vibrant base. The dressing, with its zesty lemon juice and savory parmesan cheese, ties everything together beautifully. This salad is a perfect balance of nuttiness, citrusy brightness, and umami richness, making it a wonderful addition to any meal.
Enhance Your Brussels Sprouts Salad with Almonds Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Brussels Sprouts Salad
Why trust this Brussels Sprouts Salad with Almonds Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring fresh and nutritious brussels sprouts and crunchy almonds. The dressing, made with olive oil and zesty lemon juice, adds a refreshing and tangy element. The inclusion of savory parmesan cheese further enhances the dish. With its simple yet vibrant ingredients, this recipe promises to deliver a satisfying and wholesome salad experience.
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