Description
A refreshing salad featuring shaved Brussels sprouts, hickory smoked almonds, and a delightful maple mustard dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) fresh brussels sprouts, shredded
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup (40g – 60g) hickory smoked almonds, chopped
- 1/3 cup (45g) dried cranberries or dried cherries, chopped
- 1/4 cup (35g) sunflower seeds, roasted and salted
- 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, diced
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) oil (grapeseed oil or any neutral oil)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) dijon mustard
- 1 and 1/2 tablespoon (22.5ml) fresh lemon juice or orange juice
- 1/21/2 teaspoon lemon zest or orange zest
- 1/21/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/21/2 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1/41/2 teaspoon salt
- pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Start by shredding the Brussels sprouts into thin pieces. You will notice how they look crisp and vibrant, ready to absorb all those flavors. This step gives the salad that satisfying crunch. Just be careful not to over-process them or they will get mushy!
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. The sweet and tangy aroma will fill the kitchen, and the mixture should look smooth and glossy. This dressing adds a punch, so taste it before you pour it all in—too much mustard can overwhelm the flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the shredded Brussels sprouts with your dressing. You will see them become beautifully coated, enhancing their natural taste. Remember to mix gently; you do not want to bruise those greens.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Add the sliced apples and toasted nuts to the salad. The colors will pop and make it look super inviting. Doing this last keeps the apples crisp and prevents them from turning brown. Do not skip the nuts—they add a lovely crunch!
- Serve Immediately: If you can, serve the salad right away for the freshest taste. You will get that satisfying crunch and bright flavors in every bite. Letting it sit too long can cause it to wilt, so it is best enjoyed fresh!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Will keep covered in the fridge for 2-3 days but is best served freshly made. Keep components separate in the fridge if making ahead of time.
- Expert Tips: Chop the apples and add dressing just before serving to prevent browning. If you prefer a sweeter dressing, try adding an extra half tablespoon of maple syrup for more flavor.
- Reheating Instructions: Not applicable for this salad.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with roasted vegetables for a nutritious meal. Serve alongside grain dishes like quinoa or farro. Top with vegan feta for added flavor.
- Recipe Variations: Replace almonds with walnuts for a different nutty flavor. Add feta cheese for a salty kick. Incorporate additional seasonal fruits like pears.
- Ingredient Notes: Look for firm brussels sprouts with tightly closed leaves; they should feel heavy for their size. If hickory smoked almonds are hard to find, any roasted almonds will do. If dried cranberries are too tough, a quick soak in warm water can revive them. For the best taste, store salad components separately until you are ready to mix them together.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: null
- Sugar: null
- Sodium: null
- Fat: null
- Saturated Fat: null
- Unsaturated Fat: null
- Trans Fat: null
- Carbohydrates: null
- Fiber: null
- Protein: null
- Cholesterol: null