Brussels Sprout Salad

Try this Brussels Sprout Salad with Pear and Pomegranate. It's packed with healthy seasonal ingredients and loaded with gorgeous colors. This delicious salad is crisp, refreshing, and tossed with a simple apple cider vinaigrette. It's a perfect side dish to accompany a holiday meal or any main dish for weeknight dinners.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How to Make Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Variations
• Helpful Tips
• Storage Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Serving Suggestions
• Need More Easy Salad Recipes to Get You Through The Week?
• Brussels Sprout Salad with Pear and Pomegranate

My favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts is in a refreshing salad, tossed in a tangy and delicious vinaigrette. There is something so comforting about serving seasonal veggies, full of vibrant color, this time of year. 

And this Brussels Sprout Salad with Pear and Pomegranate will not disappoint! 

Your seasonal favorites like red pear, pomegranate seeds, pecans and blue cheese added to a bed of shaved Brussels sprouts. It’s like a chopped salad but better. Each bite is full of fantastic flavors.

The dressing is a simple apple cider vinaigrette.  You could make the salad the morning of Thanksgiving and dress it at the last minute. Or toss it all together to serve on a busy weeknight. Either way, it’s sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

This Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients. Toss with a delightfully zesty dressing for a complete and healthy side dish.

Fresh salad ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts - you can shave or thinly slice Brussels sprouts yourself or hit the easy button and grab a 10-ounce bag from the produce section of the grocery store
• Pomegranate seeds - also may be called pomegranate arils if buying from the grocery store
• Pear - my favorite is Red D’Anjou pear, but any seasonal pear will work
• Pecans - coarsely chopped
• Blue cheese - salty and pungent blue cheese crumbles are a great match in this fresh salad

Salad dressing ingredients 

• Olive oil - use extra-virgin olive oil for bold flavors
• Apple cider vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Maple syrup - ensure you are using pure maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Salad

This hearty salad recipe comes together quickly in one bowl. The printable recipe is in the recipe card for your convenience.

Step 1.

Combine Brussels sprouts, pomegranate seeds, chopped pear, pecans, and blue cheese crumbles in a large bowl and toss gently.

Step 2. 

Add all the salad dressing ingredients to a small jar and shake well to combine.

Step 3.

When ready to serve, toss the fresh ingredients with the salad dressing until all ingredients are coated. Store any leftover dressing in the refrigerator. 

Variations

Salads are generally versatile and can be modified to fit certain taste preferences and dietary restrictions. They’re also a great way to include seasonal produce that can be found at peak season. Check out these ideas:

• Add more crunch: if pecans aren’t your thing, pumpkin seeds, toasted pine nuts, and dried cranberries are all great options; even crispy bacon is a great way to add crunch.
• Try a different fruit: Pears are an excellent fruit to add to a refreshing salad, especially during the holiday season. However, you can add variety by using a crisp apple or persimmon instead.
• Add more veggies: for extra flavor and texture, add your favorite vegetables: red onion, bell peppers, or even roasted sweet potatoes are a great way to add variety. 
• Substitute another type of cheese: blue cheese pairs well with these flavors, but you can use Parmesan cheese or feta cheese.

Helpful Tips

This Brussels sprouts salad recipe is pretty simple to make. But there are a few expert tips that may be helpful as you make this recipe.

• Make the dressing in advance: this makes serving a healthy dinner easier on a busy weeknight or especially around the holidays. Follow the instructions to making the dressing and keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Make grocery stores your friend: eliminate stress by utilizing the convenience of packaged foods like bagged shaved Brussels sprouts and pomegranate arils that are already cleaned and ready for you.
• Add variety: As mentioned above, make this salad yours by adding your favorite ingredients.

Storage Instructions

The best way to store this shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is to keep it without dressing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can keep for up to 3-4 days when stored properly. Store the salad dressing separately in a mason jar.

As soon as you toss the salad with the dressing, it’s best to serve it immediately. The good thing about this easy recipe is that it doesn’t take long to whip it up so there is no need to prepare it ahead of time. If desired, you can make the dressing up to 1 week ahead and have that ready for you when you’re ready to serve the salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to cut Brussels sprouts?

The best way to shave raw Brussels sprouts is by using a food processor. After removing the root end of the raw sprouts, run them through the chute of the processor with a shredding blade slicing attachment. Alternatively, you can use a mandoline but guard your fingers if you go that route. Finally, you can use a sharp knife and a cutting board and cut the Brussels sprouts into thin slices the original way.

What is the best salad dressing for fresh Brussels sprouts?

A simple apple cider vinaigrette is great for a shredded Brussels sprout recipe. A blend of tangy vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and a little sea salt makes an excellent dressing. You can swap out the apple cider vinegar and use white wine vinegar or even fresh lemon juice. 

Serving Suggestions

There are so many different ways to serve this delightful side dish. Enjoy it as a healthy side salad on your holiday table, along with turkey and mashed potatoes.

Or pair it with a side of roast potatoes and hearty steak like this London Broil recipe.

Need More Easy Salad Recipes to Get You Through The Week?

• Supergreens Salad with Cherries and Feta
• Chopped Salad
• Green Cauliflower Rice Salad
• Cucumber and Tomato Salad
• Arugula and Orange Salad