EASY Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad without Mayo!

Shaved Brussels Sprout salad has everything from sweet, salty, crunchy, and tangy flavors. It is also so beautiful to serve! It’s the perfect salad or side dish for any meal.

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe

This shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is super easy to make! You don’t need to cook the Brussels sprouts and it lasts a few days in the fridge making it perfect for meal prep lunches or as a make ahead weeknight side dish. This is my kind of salad and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Brussels sprouts are a super food. They’re part of the cruciferous family (which includes broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, kale and cauliflower). Brussels sprouts take the cake when it comes to cancer fighting antioxidants. They are also LOADED with other vitamins and minerals that are great for you!

What are Brussels Sprouts?

I’m never surprised when people ask me what Brussels sprouts are. They actually get their name from the capital of Belgium, where they first grew in the 16th century. They look like cute mini cabbages. Just 1 to 2 inches in size, they're green and round, with tightly packed leaves.

Growing up my Mom always tricked me into eating Brussels sprouts by telling me that the inside was multicolored, a mix of blue and purple. She explained we needed to eat all the layers and get to the center to find the beautiful color. To this day I have always LOVED Brussels sprouts thanks to this trick I grew up on. Thanks Mom!

Are Brussels sprouts the new kale? They might just be because they have been rising in popularity over the last few years. Much thanks to the endless variety of shaved Brussels sprout salads. Whether they are sliced raw in a salad, roasted, grilled, or served all by themselves. They are one of the most versatile vegetables out there. Not to mention, those tiny little cabbage heads are adorable.

What is in Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad?

• Shaved Brussels Sprouts – shave them yourself as noted in the recipe card below with a mandolin, food processor or sharp knife. Or you can even purchase them pre-shredded or use coleslaw mix in a pinch.
• Fruit – apples (any variety) add tart freshness while dried cranberries (or raisins) add sweetness. A splash of lemon juice keeps the apples from browning.
• Seeds/Nuts – sunflower seeds, walnuts or pecans add a great nutty flavor. Substitute almonds or pistachios if you have them!
• Parmesan – adds a salty flavor. If making this salad ahead keep the parmesan on the side so it stays nice and fresh,
• Dressing – the creamy healthy honey mustard dressing is also great on kale salad and simply divine!

A note on this amazing healthy honey mustard salad dressing. It's a healthier salad dressing as it's made with Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It has a luxurious creamy texture and an added bonus of protein. You won't miss mayo or sour cream in this salad dressing!

How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad?

Full Printable Recipe at Bottom of Page

Prepare the Salad Dressing

In a 2 cup measuring cup or medium sized bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients. Mix until evenly combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Optional: the dressing is meant to be tangy and bold, adjust to taste with additional honey if desired.

Store leftover salad dressing in the refrigerator, covered, for 10 to 14 days.

Prepare the Salad

1 Shave the Brussels sprouts. Use a food processor with the slicing attachment and pulse until the Brussels sprouts are thinly sliced. Or use a mandolin or sharp knife. See recipe notes below.

2 Place the shaved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add the chopped apple, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.

3 Drizzle the salad with the dressing and toss well. Season with salt and pepper to taste as desired.

4 Top the tossed salad with the shaved parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Are Brussels Sprouts Good for You?

Don't let the small size fool you! They are PACKED with nutrition in every single bite. Maybe that’s why they’ve risen in popularity, because they really do have something important to offer!

Packed full of vitamins K, C, and A, plus folate and manganese, these low-calorie gems are so good for you. They are great for your heart, bones, and immune system. They’re also a great plant source of Omega-3s. The antioxidants they contain can help ward off certain cancers. Plus, their high fiber content can help keep your blood sugar steady and your digestive system healthy.

According to the USDA

One cup of Brussels sprouts has 38 calories, 3 grams of protein, 8 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fat, and 0 grams of cholesterol. In addition, a serving of Brussels sprouts also contains 37 mg of calcium, 342 mg of potassium, and healthy doses of vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K. You’ll also receive 13% of your recommended daily intake of folate, 11% of thiamin, and 7% of your needed riboflavin intake for the day.

Not just for the obvious health benefits, I wish I could tell you in words how much I love this salad! It’s similar to a slaw but has more add-ins and so much flavor!

• It has all of the best fall flavors, crisp apples, sweet dried cranberries, nuts, and salty cheese.
• The base is freshly shaved Brussels sprouts with crunch and flavor (more on how to shave Brussels sprouts below).
• It’s all tossed in an easy healthy honey-mustard dressing.
• It can be made ahead and keeps for days.

So, what’s not to love about it?!

My dad’s favorite apple is Honey crisp, so of course that’s what I use for this salad, but feel free to use your favorite. I also like to use sunflower seeds, but chopped pecans, walnuts or almonds are amazing too. They can even be roasted for added flavor!

FAQs Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad

How do I select Brussels sprouts?

Look for bright green Brussels sprouts. Black spots or yellow leaves are signs of decay. Once you bring them home, they will last a week or two in the refrigerator. Any longer than that and they may start to smell and get soggy/wilted. When ready to use, rinse your sprouts well to remove any dirt. Slice off the bottom (which has a tough texture, even when cooked), and remove any outer wilted leaves.

Can I freeze Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can freeze Brussels sprouts, but I recommended blanching them first for a few minutes. You can then store them in your freezer in an airtight container, freezer bag, or vacuumed sealed bag for up to one year.

Can you Eat Raw Brussels sprouts?

YES, and they are so delicious! I know Brussels sprouts are traditionally roasted, steamed or sautéed, but you have to try them raw in a salad. They’ll remind you a fresh crunchy cabbage slaw. They have a nice crunch and are so good in salads. I love using shaved Brussels sprouts in salads because they hold up so well. You can dress the salad hours before serving and it’s still good… the Brussels sprouts don’t get soggy!

What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts?

I love having a soup, salad and breadsticks dinner a few times a month! It makes me feel like I'm at an Italian restaurant and my whole family loves the cozy meal.

• Crazy Breadsticks (Little Caesars Copycat) - the ultimate bread stick! Light and airy bread soaked in garlic butter, topped with parmesan cheese… I’m drooling just writing this. These are a must try!
• Chicken Gnocchi Soup (Olive Garden Copycat) - just as creamy and delicious as the classic restaurant soup! The best part is it can be made in your kitchen in just 30 minutes!
• BONUS Dessert Idea - Tiramisu - coffee soaked cookies layered with an irresistible creamy filling. It's light yet rich without ever feeling like it is too sweet or heavy.
  • PS - this is my favorite dessert!

Enjoy!

- Sab

Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission.