Flavorful Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

Brussels sprouts may not be the most glamorous vegetable in the produce aisle, but trust me, when you shred them and toss them with crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, you create a Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts that is nothing short of a flavor explosion. Imagine biting into a salad that’s as vibrant as a New England autumn; it’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds!

This salad is perfect for those crisp fall days when you want something light yet hearty enough to satisfy your hunger. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving dinner or just an ordinary Tuesday night, this dish brings all the warmth of the season right to your table.

My friends were raving about this salad after I served it at my last dinner party; one even suggested I start charging admission to taste it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm sprouts without blemishes; they should smell fresh and earthy.
• Apple: A crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith adds sweetness and crunch.
• Dried Cranberries: These little gems bring a delightful tartness that balances the flavors perfectly.
• Walnuts: Toast them lightly to enhance their nutty flavor; they add great texture too.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it elevates the overall flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad and keeps things zesty.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: A touch of sweetness rounds out the flavors beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that help bring all the flavors together harmoniously.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by washing your Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Remove any outer leaves that look sad (we all have those days). Trim off the ends and cut them in half before shredding them thinly with a sharp knife or mandoline.

Shred Those Brussels!: Using a food processor makes quick work of shredding. Pulse until finely shredded but avoid turning them into mush! The texture should be similar to coleslaw—crispy but not pulverized.

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded Brussels sprouts with diced apple, dried cranberries, and roughly chopped walnuts. The colors should remind you of fall foliage—vibrant greens mixed with reds and golds.

Make Your Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this heavenly concoction over your salad mixture. Trust me; it’s like magic in liquid form!

Give It A Good Toss!: Use tongs or your hands to toss everything together until well coated in dressing. You want every bit of that goodness on each piece of sprout! Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

This Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts is not just delicious; it’s also visually stunning! The crunchy textures combined with sweet and tangy flavors create an unforgettable experience that will keep everyone coming back for more!

The key to a flavorful Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts is to use fresh ingredients. Always choose vibrant, crisp Brussels sprouts and firm apples. This will enhance the salad’s crunch factor. I learned this the hard way when my first batch tasted like soggy disappointment.

Tip on seasoning: A good balance of sweet and tangy dressing elevates this salad. Don’t skimp on the apple cider vinegar or honey! I once forgot the vinegar, and let’s just say my taste buds were not happy campers.

Texture matters: Shredding the Brussels sprouts finely creates a delightful texture in every bite. A food processor can make this task a breeze, but watch your fingers! I’ve had my fair share of close calls.

You Must Know About Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts

This showstopping Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfect results with your Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts, start by shredding the Brussels sprouts first. While you prepare the dressing with apple cider vinegar and honey, let the shredded sprouts soak up the flavors. This ensures they are well-seasoned before adding in the apples and cranberries for that delightful mix of tastes.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts! Swap walnuts for pecans if you prefer a sweeter nutty flavor or add crumbled feta cheese for creaminess. You can also toss in roasted squash for a heartier touch or dried cherries instead of cranberries if that’s what you have on hand.

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to three days but is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal crunch and flavor. If you ever need to reheat it (though I recommend enjoying it cold), do so gently to avoid wilting the sprouts.

When I first made this salad for my family during Thanksgiving dinner, they were skeptical about eating Brussels sprouts at first. But after one bite, they were hooked! It turned into a family favorite that makes appearances at almost every holiday gathering now.

FAQ

What can I substitute for walnuts in this salad?

If you’re looking to swap out walnuts due to allergies or personal preference, pecans offer a similar nutty flavor but are slightly sweeter. You could also try sunflower seeds for a crunch without nuts or even toasted pumpkin seeds if you’re feeling adventurous!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can shred your Brussels sprouts and prepare your dressing ahead of time. Just combine everything together right before serving to maintain freshness. Keep apples from browning by tossing them in lemon juice when slicing them beforehand.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! The Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts is naturally gluten-free as it features wholesome ingredients without any gluten-containing products. Perfect for accommodating guests with dietary restrictions!

How do I add protein to this salad?

To transform your salad into a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for some extra protein punch! They complement the existing flavors perfectly while making it more filling.

Conclusion for Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts

The Fall Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apple, Cranberry & Walnuts is not just another side dish; it’s a celebration of fall flavors packed into one bowl! With its crunchy texture balanced by sweet apples and tangy cranberries topped off by rich walnuts, it’s bound to be a hit at any table. Remember to enjoy it fresh but feel free to customize as desired; after all, cooking should be as fun as eating!