Brussels Sprout Cranberry Parmesan Salad

This vibrant Brussels sprout salad brings unexpected freshness to your table with its perfect balance of tangy cranberries and savory Parmesan. After years of serving cooked sprouts, I discovered this raw preparation that converts even the most dedicated Brussels sprout skeptics into fans.

I first created this salad when searching for a light side dish to accompany a heavy holiday meal. My family was initially skeptical about raw Brussels sprouts but became instant converts after one bite of this crisp, flavorful combination.

Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts: These cruciferous vegetables offer a pleasant crunch and mild cabbage flavor when served raw and thinly sliced
• Dried cranberries: Provide bursts of sweet tartness that perfectly balance the earthy sprouts
• Shaved Parmesan: Adds a savory umami element look for authentic Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavor profile
• Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing choose a high quality option with fruity notes
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish and helps tenderize the raw sprouts slightly
• Salt and pepper: Enhances all the flavors use freshly ground pepper for optimal taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:

Wash Brussels sprouts thoroughly and remove any damaged outer leaves. Using a sharp knife, trim the tough stem ends. Slice each sprout very thinly or use a food processor with the slicing attachment for faster preparation. The thinner you slice them, the more tender they will be in the final salad.

Combine the Ingredients:

Place the shredded Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add the dried cranberries and about three quarters of the shaved Parmesan, reserving some cheese for garnishing the top. Gently toss these dry ingredients together to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.

Dress the Salad:

Drizzle the olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the salad. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure each shred of Brussels sprout gets coated with the simple dressing. The acid from the lemon juice will slightly soften the sprouts as they sit.

Final Touches:

Let the salad rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Just before bringing to the table, give it one final toss and top with the reserved Parmesan shavings for an elegant presentation. A quick taste test helps determine if additional seasoning is needed.

Pin it

My favorite thing about this recipe is how it transformed my husband from a Brussels sprout avoider to someone who regularly requests this salad. The combination of textures and flavors completely changes the perception of what Brussels sprouts can be.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be prepared several hours in advance with a few modifications. Combine the shredded Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and dressing, but leave out the Parmesan until just before serving. The acid in the lemon juice will gently tenderize the raw Brussels sprouts, making them more palatable while maintaining their crunch. Store covered in the refrigerator and add the cheese right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Customization Options

Turn this simple side into a complete meal by adding protein like grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans. For additional texture and flavor, consider incorporating diced apple, sliced red onion, or sunflower seeds. If you prefer a creamier dressing, whisk a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a tablespoon of mayonnaise into the olive oil and lemon juice mixture for a richer coating that still lets the fresh ingredients shine.

Choosing and Prepping Brussels Sprouts

Look for bright green, firm Brussels sprouts with tightly packed leaves for the best flavor. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender when eaten raw. For this salad, the key is slicing the sprouts as thinly as possible. A sharp knife works well, but a food processor with a slicing attachment makes quick work of this task. You can also find pre shredded Brussels sprouts in many grocery stores, though freshly cut will provide the best texture and flavor.

Pin it

Enjoy this vibrant salad as a refreshing addition to any meal, or let it shine as the centerpiece of a light lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this Brussels sprout salad in advance?

Yes! This salad actually benefits from a bit of time for the flavors to meld. You can prepare it up to 24 hours ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. The Brussels sprouts will soften slightly but maintain their pleasant crunch. Add the Parmesan just before serving for the best texture and presentation.

→ How do I shred Brussels sprouts for this salad?

You can shred Brussels sprouts in several ways: 1) Use a food processor with a slicing attachment, 2) Slice thinly with a sharp knife after trimming the stem end and removing any discolored outer leaves, 3) Use a mandoline slicer (with the hand guard for safety), or 4) Purchase pre-shredded Brussels sprouts from many grocery stores for convenience.

→ What can I substitute for dried cranberries?

If you don't have dried cranberries, you can substitute dried cherries, pomegranate arils, dried blueberries, or even thinly sliced apple or pear for sweetness. Each alternative will create a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the sweet contrast to the savory elements.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative to Parmesan?

For a dairy-free version, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or try dairy-free Parmesan alternatives made from nuts. Toasted sliced almonds or pine nuts also provide a nice savory crunch that complements the other ingredients well.

→ What proteins pair well with this Brussels sprout salad?

This versatile salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, pan-seared salmon, or baked tofu for a complete meal. For a heartier salad, you could also add cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or chopped hard-boiled eggs directly into the mix.

→ How can I add more flavor to this salad?

To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans work well), crispy bacon bits, diced apple, a drizzle of honey, or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard in the dressing. You could also incorporate fresh herbs like chopped parsley or mint for brightness.