Name: Shaved Brussels & Pear Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 3 to 4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts; 1 to 2 ripe pears (thinly sliced); 1/4 cup toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds); 1/4 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional); 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan or crumbled cheese (optional); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Discover a delightfully crisp and refreshing salad that celebrates the natural sweetness of ripe pears paired with the earthy bite of Brussels sprouts. This vibrant combination offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal option for a light lunch or an elegant side dish to elevate any meal.

The crunchy toasted nuts and luscious dried cranberries add warmth and sweetness, all brought together by a zesty, homemade dressing that brightens the palate. Whether you’re seeking a nutritious boost or a sophisticated salad for entertaining, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The salad delivers a harmonious blend of fresh, crunchy, sweet, and tart notes for a truly refreshing experience.
Quick and easy to prepare with simple ingredients you can find year-round.
Versatile enough to serve as a satisfying lunch or as an elegant side for dinner parties.

Ingredients

Shaved Brussels sprouts: Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts provide a crisp and slightly bitter base, offering excellent texture contrast.
Ripe pears: Sweet and juicy pears add natural sweetness and soft juiciness flavor that complements the sprouts.
Toasted nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds toasted to bring out their rich, warm crunchiness.
Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds: Optional bursts of tartness and a pop of color that enhance the salad’s vibrancy.
Shaved Parmesan or crumbled cheese: Adds a salty, savory depth and creamy texture to finish the salad beautifully.
Olive oil: High-quality olive oil forms the rich, smooth foundation of the dressing with fruity undertones.
Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice: Provides bright acidity that balances sweetness and sharpens flavor.
Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that soften the sharpness of vinegar and mustard, rounding out the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Adds gentle heat and complexity to the dressing, helping emulsify the ingredients.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and heightens the freshness of each component.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild warmth and subtle pepperiness to finish the dressing.

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This combination creates a tangy, slightly sweet dressing that perfectly complements the savory and sweet elements of the salad.
Shave the Brussels Sprouts: Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, thinly slice the Brussels sprouts into uniform shreds. This ensures a delicate texture that’s easier to eat and better absorbs the dressing’s flavors.
Slice the Pears: Thinly slice ripe pears to match the Brussels sprouts’ texture. The thin slices infuse the salad with juicy sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.
Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast walnuts, pecans, or almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden. Toasting enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the salad.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the shaved Brussels sprouts, pear slices, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds if using. This step ensures even distribution of textures and flavors throughout the salad.
Add the Dressing and Toss: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Tossing lightly helps maintain the crispness of the sprouts while infusing the salad with zesty flavor.
Top with Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle shaved Parmesan or crumbled cheese over the top for a savory finish. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh, crisp textures at their best.

You Must Know

Shave Brussels sprouts thinly for optimal texture and better dressing absorption.
Dress the salad just before serving to keep the crispness intact.
Optional additions like balsamic glaze can provide extra sweetness and complexity.

Storage Tips

Store the Brussels sprouts and pears separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep the dressing refrigerated separately and toss the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or as part of a light lunch with crusty bread. Garnish with extra nuts or cheese for a more indulgent touch.

Professional Tips

Use a sharp mandoline for evenly shaved Brussels sprouts and pears for texture consistency.
Toast nuts slowly on medium-low heat to bring out their full flavor without burning.
Balance acidity and sweetness in the dressing to suit your palate, making adjustments as needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this salad?: Fresh Brussels sprouts are preferred as freezing alters their texture. If using frozen, thaw completely and dry well before shaving.
What pear varieties work best?: Choose ripe yet firm pears like Bartlett, Bosc, or Anjou for ideal sweetness and slicing consistency.
How long can I store the dressed salad?: It’s best eaten immediately, but leftovers can be stored refrigerated up to 4 hours before it softens.
Can I substitute the nuts?: Yes, use your favorite toasted nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts for crunch and flavor.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?: To keep it vegan, omit the cheese and replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?: Yes, grilled chicken, cooked quinoa, or chickpeas are good options to boost protein content.
What other toppings can I use?: Try adding seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or swap cheese for vegan alternatives for variety.