Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad
Parmesan Brussels sprouts salad is so delicious and simple to make. This salad recipe is healthy, and it is loaded with delicious flavors. If you want a recipe that is out of the norm, you should definitely try out this beautiful and tasty salad recipe.
We are so excited to share this basic yet fabulous tasting recipe with you and hope that you will enjoy it!
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Parmesan
Shaved Brussels sprout salad with Parmesan is a different take on a delicious salad. If you are looking to mix things up and make something different from your traditional salad, you should definitely try out this simple yet tasty recipe.
Our salad recipe features Brussels sprouts that are finely chopped or shredded, topped with Parmesan cheese, pomegranates, and your favorite nut, then is finished off with a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing.
It’s such a delicious salad, this just may be one of your new favorites.
Lemon Parmesan Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients in Lemon Parmesan Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Salad
Brussels sprouts. To make the salad you want to use fresh Brussels sprouts that appear to be young for the best results. You do not want to use frozen Brussels sprouts, and your salad will likely turn out mushy.
Pomegranate. We used pomegranate seeds for a delicious accent in both color and flavor. Fresh pomegranate seeds work the best, but you can purchase pomegranate seeds that are already removed from the pomegranate if you prefer.
Parmesan cheese. You can use freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you prefer, or you can grate your own. Check out the prices and see what is the better buy and what you prefer at your local grocery store.
Nuts. We like to use walnuts or almonds in our salad. You could also use pecans, simply select whatever type is your favorite nut or use a mixture.
Nuts are an optional ingredient, but we do recommend including them for additional flavor, color, and texture. Of course, if you have an allergy, or don’t like them, feel free to leave them out.
Lemon Vinaigrette
Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice works best, but you can use bottled lemon juice if needed.
Garlic. We recommend that you use a clove of finely grated garlic for this recipe. This works the best because it is fine, but fresh and gives the dressing the best flavor.
Sea salt. Although you can use any type of salt, sea salt is our favorite kind for the best overall flavor of the dressing.
Black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper adds a delicious depth of flavor to your lemon vinaigrette.
Honey. Using honey as a sweetener in the dressing will give you the best results. If needed for a substitute you could use agave nectar, maple syrup, or brown sugar, but we have had the best results with honey.
Olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best base for your dressing.
Thyme. We like to use a pinch of dried thyme as a seasoning for this lemon vinaigrette. This is an optional ingredient, but we do enjoy including it if you would like to give it a try.
How to Make this Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad
How to make Lemon Dressing
Start off making the salad by preparing the dressing. In a mason jar, add all of the ingredients for your lemon vinaigrette including lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of thyme.
Secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refrigerate overnight or until you are ready to use. This lemon dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
How to Shave Brussels Sprouts
Essentially, you simply want to cut the Brussels sprouts into very fine pieces. Below we are going to go into detail about four different methods you can use to save the Brussels sprouts for your salad.
Four ways to shave Brussels Sprouts
Be sure that you are very careful, and practice food safety using each of these methods so that you do not hurt yourself.
Food Processor. Using a food processor is probably the easiest method you can use to finely shave the Brussels sprouts. You will need a slicer/ shredder disk to accomplish this using the food processor.
Make sure that the slicer side faces up, and add the desk to your food processor. Slowly add your Brussels sprouts and carefully slice them until they are all finely shredded.
Box Grater. Using a box grater, there is usually one large cutting action on the side of the box grater. Carefully use this side of the grater and very, very carefully rub the Brussels sprouts over this so that they are finely sliced.
Be careful to keep your fingers back so that you do not cut yourself.
Mandolin. You can also use a mandolin if you have one to finely shave your Brussels sprouts. Be sure to use the safeguard so that you prevent yourself from getting hurt. When using your mandolin, carefully run the Brussels sprouts over the slicer until they are all finely shaved.
Finely Chop. The other way you can finely slice the Brussels sprouts is simply using a cutting board and knife to carefully chop the Brussels sprouts into thin slices.
Our favorite method to use is the food processor method, as it is most likely the safest way you can slice the Brussels sprouts without getting hurt. Otherwise, we like to use a knife and cutting board to thinly chop the Brussels sprouts.
No matter which method you choose to use, please be very careful and follow food safety so that you do not hurt yourself.
How To Take The Seeds Out Of A Pomegranate
Unlike other types of fruit, pomegranates contain delicious seeds that you want to enjoy. Sometimes cutting the pomegranate open and getting to those tasty seeds can sometimes be confusing so let’s go over how to cut the seeds out of a pomegranate below.
Begin by scoring off the top. Take a sharp knife and cut a circle through the skin around the top (the part that sticks up). Then carefully peel this portion off the pomegranate. You may need to tug and wiggle it a little bit to get the top off without damaging the seeds.
Now that the top is cut open, look at how it is divided according to the white sections also known as the pulp of the fruit.
Take your knife and cut the skin away following along with the white sections. Once cut, carefully pull out the white section from the center. Then gently pull the outside of the skin away to loosen the insides.
Flip each section over in your hand, holding it over a bowl, and hit the back of the skin with a wooden spoon. This will help release the seeds.
Using a knife, spoon, or even your fingers, release any remaining seeds from the pomegranate.
Now you have a bowl full of your pomegranate seeds.
If desired, you can fill the bowl with enough water to cover the seeds, gently tap the seeds so that they fall and you can scoop out any white pulp that managed to get into your bowl.
Drain the water, and you are left with just your delicious pomegranate seeds.
How To Make Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Salad
Now that your Brussels sprouts are finely shredded, and your pomegranate seeds are removed you can begin assembling the salad.
In a salad bowl combine the shredded Brussels sprouts with pomegranate seeds, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite type of nuts. Toss the ingredients to combine, then tap with your lemon vinaigrette right before serving, or you can let everyone add their own dressing if you prefer. Serve fresh, or chilled. Enjoy!
How To Serve Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Salad?
This salad is best served when it is freshly assembled, or after it has been chilled for an hour. We have found that it is best when enjoyed on the day it is made.
Tips and Notes
Make Ahead. Believe it or not, this salad can be made in advance, although it is best enjoyed fresh. Let’s learn how to make ahead this Parmesan Brussels sprouts salad.
First, the dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. It is actually best when it is made a few hours before you add it to the dressing so that the ingredients have a chance to meld with one another.
To make the salad ahead, we recommend that you do not add the ingredients until you are ready to serve it, but you may prepare the ingredients individually, or combine them.
For best results, we do recommend that you add pomegranate seeds shortly before you’re ready to serve the salad. For best results do not make the salad more than one day in advance. It is best enjoyed after it has been prepared fresh or a few hours ahead.
How To Buy And Store Brussels Sprouts. Most local grocery stores will carry fresh Brussels sprouts in the produce section.
For the best results of this salad, you want to find Brussels sprouts that look young and are on the smaller side. You also want to examine the Brussels sprouts so that you are sure there is no sign of brown, or that they have been sitting on the shelf for a long time.
As long as they are nice, fresh looking, and are reasonable price go ahead and pick them up.
Storage
Room Temperature. For best results, we recommend that this salad does not sit at room temperature any longer than two hours. After that, the salad tends to become wilty and does run the risk of growing unwanted bacteria.
For longer storage times, keep it in the fridge.
How Long Will This Last in the Fridge.
How long this will last in the fridge is determined by if the salad contains the dressing or not. Parmesan Brussels sprouts salad that contains the lemon vinaigrette is likely to only last one day in the refrigerator.
However, if the salad does not have the dressing on it, it is likely the last between three and four days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
Optional Add-ins And Variations
Recipe Variations
Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts. You can use any kind of nut on the salad. One of our favorite types of nuts to include is walnuts. If you can find lightly salted walnuts, these will add a delicious flavor to your salad.
Brussels Sprouts with Almonds. Almonds are another delicious type of nut you can include in your Parmesan Brussels sprouts salad.
Brussels Sprout Broccoli Salad. Adding some finely chopped broccoli florets to your Parmesan Brussels sprouts salad will expand how far your salad goes, and add some extra flavor and crunch to it as well making an all-around delicious.
Brussels Sprouts with Kale. You can also add a bit of kale into your Parmesan Brussels sprout salad for an extra bit of healthiness if you want. Kale adds a delicious flavor to the salad and expands how many people the salad will serve.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Bacon makes everything better right? Adding a few bacon bits on top of your Brussels sprout salad will add extra flavor and all-around deliciousness.
Brussels Sprouts with Dried Cranberries. Adding dried cranberries to your Parmesan Brussels sprouts salad will add a hint of sweetness to your amazing salad. When you think of dried cranberries and pomegranate seeds, these two together will help make a festive holiday salad if you wish.
Main Dishes That Pair Well With This Salad
Here are a few of our favorite main dishes that go well with our delicious Parmesan brussels sprouts salad:
FAQs
Is It Okay To Consume Raw Brussels Sprouts?
Yes, it is OK to eat raw Brussels sprouts. You are simply want to make sure that your Brussels sprouts are rinsed in cold water and dried before using them in your salad.
How Can I Tell Whether My Brussels Sprouts Are Still Edible?
You can examine your Brussels sprouts to make sure that they are not brown, do not contain an odd odor, and are not slimy. As long as your Brussels sprouts look and smell normal, they are most likely okay to eat. You will also want to determine how long you have had them, and check the expiration date on the package. If in doubt, throw them away.
Should I Soak Brussels?
Although you can soak Brussels sprouts, we simply recommend that you rinse them in cold water and allow the Brussels sprouts to dry before shredding them.
Should You Eat Brussels Sprouts Raw Or Cooked?
You can enjoy Brussels sprouts both raw and cooked. If you are in the mood to blanch the Brussels sprouts first before making them into a salad you can. Raw Brussels sprouts are great because they have that nice and delicious crunch to them.
Can Other Nuts be Used as Garnish?
Absolutely! You can use any kind of nut you want on this salad.
Parmesan Brussels Sprout Salad
Our recipe for Parmesan Brussels sprouts salad is easy to make, and it tastes delicious. Plus, it’s also healthy for you to eat as well.
This recipe makes a perfect side dish to any meal no matter if you are celebrating a holiday, or simply looking for a delicious salad recipe. We hope you will give it a try and enjoy it!
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Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Parmesan and Pomegranate
Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts
- 1 whole pomegranate seeded
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded
- ½ cup nuts sliced almonds or walnuts
Lemon Dressing
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic sliced
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp honey
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin if possible
- ½ tsp thyme
Instructions
How to Make Lemon Dressing
- Start off making the salad by preparing the dressing. In a mason jar, add all of the ingredients for your lemon vinaigrette including lemon juice, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, honey, olive oil, and a pinch of thyme.
- Secure the lid on the jar and shake vigorously for a few minutes. Refrigerate overnight or until you were ready to use. This lemon dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to one week.
How to Shave Brussels Sprouts
- Essentially, you simply want to cut the brussels sprouts into very fine pieces. Below we are going to go into detail about four different methods you can use to save the brussels sprouts for your salad.
Four ways to shave Brussels Sprouts
- Be sure that you are very careful, and practice food safety using each of these methods so that you do not hurt yourself.
- Food Processor. Using a food processor is probably the easiest method you can use to finally shave the brussels sprouts. You will need a slicer/ shredder disk to accomplish this using the food processor.
- Make sure that the slicer side faces up, and add the desk to your food processor. Slowly add your brussels sprouts and carefully sliced them until they are all finally shredded.
- Box Grater. Using a box grater, there is usually one large cutting action on the side of the box grater. Carefully use this side of the greater and very, very carefully read the brussels sprouts over this so that they are finally sliced. Be careful to keep your fingers back so that you do not cut yourself.
- Mandolin. You can also use a mandolin if you have one to finely shave your Brussel sprouts. Be sure to use the safeguard so that you prevent yourself from getting hurt. When using your mandolin, carefully run the Brussel sprouts over the slicer until they are all finely shaved.
- Finely Chop. The other way you can finally slice the brussels sprouts is simply using a cutting board and knife to carefully chop the brussels sprouts into thin slices.
- Our favorite method to use is the food processor method, as it is most likely the safest way you can slice the brussels sprouts without getting hurt. Otherwise, we like to use a knife and cutting board to thinly chop the brussels sprouts.
- No matter which method you choose to use, please be very careful and follow food safety so that you do not hurt yourself.
How To Take The Seeds Out Of A Pomegranate
- Unlike other types of fruit, pomegranates contain delicious seeds that you want to enjoy. Sometimes cutting the pomegranate open and getting to those tasty seeds can sometimes be confusing so let’s go over how to cut the seeds out of a pomegranate below.
- Begin by scoring off the top. Take a sharp knife a cut a circle through the skin around the top (the part that sticks up). Then carefully peel this portion off the pomegranate. You may need to tug and wiggle it a little bit to get the top off without damaging the seeds.
- Now that the top is cut open, look at how it is divided according to the white sections also known as the pulp of the fruit.
- Take your knife and cut the skin away following along with the white sections. Once cut, carefully pull out the white section from the center. Then gently pull the outside of the skin away to loosen the insides.
- Flip each section over in your hand, holding it over a bowl, and hit the back of the skin with a wooden spoon. This will help release the seeds.
- Using a knife, spoon, or even your fingers, release any remaining seeds from the pomegranate.
- Now you have a bowl full of your pomegranate seeds.
- If desired, you can fill the bowl with enough water to cover the seeds, gently tap the seeds so that they fall and you can scoop out any white pulp that managed to get into your bowl.
- Drain the water, and you are left with just your delicious pomegranate seeds.
How To Make Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Salad
- Now that your brussels sprouts are finely shredded, and your pomegranate seeds are removed you can begin assembling the salad.
- In a salad bowl combine the shredded brussels sprouts with pomegranate seeds, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite type of nuts. Toss the ingredients to combine, then tap with your lemon vinaigrette right before serving, or you can let everyone add their own dressing if you prefer. Serve fresh, or chilled. Enjoy!
How To Serve Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Salad
- This salad is best served when it is freshly assembled, or after it has been chilled for an hour. We have found that it is best when enjoyed on the day it is made.
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