If you’re looking for a fresh and vibrant dish that pops with flavor and texture, the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe is a must-try. This salad is an irresistible blend of crisp shaved Brussels sprouts, tangy citrus dressing, sweet craisins, crunchy pistachios, creamy avocado, and salty feta cheese. It’s light yet satisfying, perfect for lunch, a side dish, or even a special occasion. Every bite bursts with brightness and layers of taste that will have you reaching for seconds before you know it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role—from the zesty citrus vinaigrette to the crunchy nuts, and the creamy avocado that softens the bite of the Brussels sprouts.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides a bright, tangy base for the dressing that wakes up the palate.
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice: Adds a mellow sweetness that balances the lemon’s acidity perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot: Brings a mild, aromatic sharpness that enhances the vinaigrette’s depth.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle kick and helps emulsify the dressing.
- 1 ½ teaspoons maple syrup: Introduces a natural sweetness that harmonizes the tart citrus.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Offers richness and a smooth texture in the vinaigrette.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 12 ounces shaved Brussels sprouts: The star of the salad; shaving them makes them tender and easy to eat.
- ½ cup craisins: Sweet and chewy dried cranberries that add a pop of color and flavor.
- ½ cup roasted pistachios: Provide a wonderful crunch and a buttery nuttiness.
- â…” cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty contrast to the sweetness and freshness.
- 1 large avocado, diced: Creamy texture that softens the overall bite and enriches the salad.
How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Citrus Vinaigrette
Start by whisking together the fresh lemon juice, orange juice, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup in a bowl. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. This bright and tangy vinaigrette is the heart of the salad, balancing sweet and savory with a hint of sharpness from the mustard and shallots.
Step 2: Shave the Brussels Sprouts
Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, carefully thinly slice the Brussels sprouts into delicate shreds. Shaving them ensures they remain tender yet still retain a satisfying crunch. This technique also helps the dressing to cling beautifully to every strand, maximizing flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with the citrus vinaigrette, making sure every piece is lightly coated. Then, fold in the craisins, roasted pistachios, diced avocado, and crumbled feta cheese. The combination of textures—from crunchy to creamy to chewy—creates an incredible eating experience that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
How to Serve Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe
Garnishes
For an added burst of freshness, sprinkle some extra minced shallots or fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or mint right before serving. A few more whole pistachios scattered on top not only look beautiful but bring an extra crunch. A light drizzle of additional olive oil can also elevate the richness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even a hearty lentil dish. Its bright citrus flavors and the creamy feta complement proteins beautifully. For a vegetarian-friendly meal, serve along with warm artisan bread and a simple soup for a nourishing, balanced lunch or dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in a large vibrant bowl to showcase the colors, or for an elegant touch, plate it individually on chilled plates topped with a delicate edible flower. You can also present it in mason jars as a portable lunch option. Adding thin slices of fresh citrus on top provides a stunning visual and reinforces the citrus notes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, keep the avocado and the vinaigrette separate and add them just before serving if possible, as avocado browns quickly and the dressing can wilt the Brussels sprouts over time.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well, especially because of the fresh Brussels sprouts and avocado. For best results, avoid freezing any leftovers.
Reheating
Because this is a chilled salad, it is not intended to be reheated. Instead, give it a gentle toss with fresh vinaigrette and add diced avocado when ready to eat. This keeps the flavors vibrant and the textures crisp.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this salad?
Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be softer and moister, which won’t give you the crisp, fresh texture that shaved raw sprouts provide. For best results, always use fresh Brussels sprouts shaved thinly.
What can I substitute for pistachios if I have a nut allergy?
You can swap out pistachios with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts. Just make sure they are unsalted and roasted to enhance their flavor.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
This recipe includes feta cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can easily substitute with a plant-based cheese or simply omit the cheese altogether for a delicious vegan version.
How long does the salad keep its best flavor?
For optimal flavor and texture, enjoy the salad within the same day of preparation. The citrus vinaigrette keeps the Brussels sprouts fresh, but after 24 hours, the sprouts can become soggy and avocado may brown.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu make excellent additions that pair beautifully with the vibrant citrus notes of the salad, turning it into a satisfying entrée.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and bright flavors that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo lunch, this salad is simple to prepare but memorable every time. Give it a try and watch how it steals the show at your table!
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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad featuring a zesty citrus vinaigrette, sweet craisins, crunchy roasted pistachios, creamy feta cheese, and ripe avocado. This salad combines crisp textures and bright flavors, perfect as a light lunch or a side dish.
Ingredients
For the Citrus Vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon minced shallot
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons maple syrup
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 12 ounces shaved Brussels sprouts
- ½ cup craisins (dried cranberries)
- ½ cup roasted pistachios
- â…” cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large avocado, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Citrus Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad: Place the shaved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add the craisins, roasted pistachios, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Finally, fold in the diced avocado carefully to avoid mashing it. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or a mandoline to shave the Brussels sprouts thinly for the best texture.
- Roasted pistachios can be substituted with toasted walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a vegan version, replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the Brussels sprouts and the creaminess of the avocado.
