This shaved Brussels sprouts salad with tangy dressing and crunchy toppings is a fresh and flavorful side dish everyone will love.
Raw veggie salads are one of my favorite ways to get something healthy and delicious on the table. Everything comes together quickly with minimal prep and maximum crunch!
This shaved Brussels sprouts salad is a step up from the roasted or sautéed versions you’ve likely seen and tried yourself. It has amazing texture from those thin ribbons of sprouts, a bright and tangy dressing, and adding extras like nuts or shaved cheese means you’ve got a standout side dish that feels fancy enough for company but easy enough for any night of the week!
Ingredients in Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
This ingredient setup keeps the salad simple while giving every bite freshness, crunch, and flavor.
How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
This recipe comes together quickly, and each step helps build texture while keeping the salad fresh and crisp.
1. Prepare the Brussels sprouts
Trim the ends from each Brussels sprout and remove any damaged outer leaves. Slice them as thinly as possible with a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor. Thin slices make the salad easier to eat and help the dressing coat evenly.
2. Place sprouts into a bowl
Transfer all the shaved Brussels sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Separate the layers gently with your hands so the pieces stay loose and light instead of clumping together.
3. Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. The dressing should taste bright and balanced.
4. Toss the sprouts
Pour the dressing over the shaved sprouts and toss thoroughly. Make sure every strand gets lightly coated so the flavors spread evenly through the salad.
5. Add Parmesan cheese
Scatter shaved Parmesan over the top and mix gently. The cheese should stay visible throughout the salad rather than disappear into the dressing.
6. Add crunch elements
Sprinkle in nuts or seeds and, if using, dried fruit. These ingredients add texture and flavor contrast that make the salad more layered and interesting.
7. Let it rest briefly
Allow the salad to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This short resting time softens the Brussels sprouts slightly and helps them absorb the dressing.
How to Serve Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
This salad tastes best slightly chilled or at cool room temperature, when the flavors have had a few minutes to settle together. I usually serve it in a wide shallow bowl so all those layers stay light and easy to scoop.
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or warm grain dishes. The crisp texture makes it especially good beside richer foods because it adds freshness to the plate.
You can also serve it as a light lunch with crusty bread on the side. The nuts, cheese, and Brussels sprouts make it filling enough to stand on its own without feeling too heavy.
Recipe Tips
- Shave Brussels sprouts thinly for the best texture and easier eating.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor in the dressing.
- Let the salad rest before serving so the sprouts soften slightly.
- Toast nuts lightly before adding for deeper flavor and crunch.
- Do not overdress, since too much liquid can weigh the salad down.
- Add Parmesan just before serving if you want the shavings to stay distinct.
- Store leftovers chilled, but enjoy within a day for the freshest texture.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Course: Salads, LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings20
minutesIngredients
1 pound Brussels sprouts, shaved thin
½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
¼ cup sliced almonds or walnuts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: ¼ cup dried cranberries
Directions
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts:
Trim the ends from each Brussels sprout and remove any damaged outer leaves. Slice them as thinly as possible with a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor. Thin slices make the salad easier to eat and help the dressing coat evenly. - Place sprouts into a bowl:
Transfer all the shaved Brussels sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Separate the layers gently with your hands so the pieces stay loose and light instead of clumping together. - Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended. The dressing should taste bright and balanced. - Toss the sprouts:
Pour the dressing over the shaved sprouts and toss thoroughly. Make sure every strand gets lightly coated so the flavors spread evenly through the salad. - Add Parmesan cheese:
Scatter shaved Parmesan over the top and mix gently. The cheese should stay visible throughout the salad rather than disappear into the dressing. - Add crunch elements:
Sprinkle in nuts or seeds and, if using, dried fruit. These ingredients add texture and flavor contrast that make the salad more layered and interesting. - Let it rest briefly:
Allow the salad to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This short resting time softens the Brussels sprouts slightly and helps them absorb the dressing.






