The first time I paired Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of apple, it was a revelation. I was simply looking for a way to breathe new life into what I considered a boring side dish, but instead, I stumbled upon a refreshing treasure that brings together crunch, sweetness, and a hint of nuttiness, all in one vibrant salad. Enter the Brussels Sprout Apple Salad—a dish that not only pleases the palate but also turns heads at any gathering.
With simple, wholesome ingredients like shredded Brussels sprouts, juicy red apple, and toasted walnuts, this salad embraces a delightful balance of flavors that just begs to be explored. Perfect for those chilly evenings when you’re craving something warm yet light, or as a dazzling addition to your next potluck, this salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen arsenal. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Why will you love Brussels Sprout Apple Salad?
Fresh, Flavorful Ingredients: The vibrant colors and crisp textures of shredded Brussels sprouts and juicy apples create a salad that’s as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Nutty Crunch: With toasted walnuts integrated throughout, you’ll enjoy a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Versatile Dish: Whether served as a side or main course, this salad shines at dinner parties or family gatherings.
Quick & Easy: Even on busy weeknights, you can whip this up in no time, making it a perfect way to shake off fast food boredom.
Naturally Sweetened: With honey or maple syrup, this dish harnesses nature’s sweetness, making it both delicious and wholesome—perfect for health-conscious eaters.
Elevate your meals with this delightful salad and discover how easy it is to impress friends and family!
Brussels Sprout Apple Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
- Brussels sprouts – 1½ pounds, shredded; the star of the salad, bringing a fresh crunch.
- Red apple – 1 large, cored and chopped; offers a burst of sweetness that beautifully balances the sprouts.
- Shallots – 3 tablespoons, minced; provides a mild onion flavor to enhance the overall taste.
For the Dressing
- Extra-virgin olive oil – ¼ cup; adds richness and a fruity note to the dressing.
- Vegetable oil – ¼ cup; a neutral base that complements the other flavors.
- Apple cider vinegar – ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons; introduces a tangy element that cuts through the richness.
- Honey or maple syrup – 3 tablespoons; use maple syrup for a vegan option, adding a touch of natural sweetness.
- Salt – 1 teaspoon; essential for enhancing and bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Freshly ground black pepper – ¼ teaspoon; lends a subtle spice perfect for lifting the dish.
For the Topping
- Walnuts – ¾ cup, toasted and coarsely chopped; gives a delightful crunch and nutty richness to the salad.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano – ¾ cup, thinly sliced or crumbled; adds a savory depth (substitute with a vegan alternative if needed).
Let your culinary creativity flow as you gather these essential ingredients for a sensational Brussels Sprout Apple Salad!
How to Make Brussels Sprout Apple Salad
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped apple, and minced shallots. Ensure everything is evenly combined for a balanced flavor profile.
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Whisk Dressing: In another bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper. This will be your delicious dressing!
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the Brussels sprouts mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly, so each ingredient is well-coated and embraces the delightful flavors.
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Add Crunch: Stir in the toasted walnuts and Parmigiano-Reggiano (or vegan alternative) until evenly distributed throughout the salad, adding that nutty crunch to every bite.
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Serve: Enjoy immediately or let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste experience!
Optional: Garnish with extra chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Brussels Sprout Apple Salad?
Elevate your meal experience by pairing this vibrant salad with delicious, complementary dishes that enhance its freshness and flavor.
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Roasted Chicken: Tender and savory, the juicy chicken will provide a delightful contrast to the crisp salad, making for a satisfying dinner.
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Wild Rice Pilaf: With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, a warm wild rice pilaf creates a wholesome and heartwarming addition to your plate.
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Quinoa Stuffed Peppers: Bursting with flavor, these stuffed peppers offer a healthy, colorful, and protein-packed side that pairs beautifully with the salad.
Imagine a cozy meal where the Brussels Sprout Apple Salad steals the show, while these sides provide a comforting balance.
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Savory Sweet Potato Hash: Crispy, caramelized sweet potatoes lend a sweet and hearty touch that complements the salad’s flavors, turning every bite into a delightful experience.
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Sparkling Cider: This refreshing beverage enhances the apple notes in the salad, making for a perfect pairing that’s festive and fun.
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Pumpkin Spice Muffins: End your meal on a sweet note with these warm, spiced muffins, which bring seasonal flavors that beautifully contrast with the salad’s brightness.
Enjoy a complete dining experience that satisfies your palate and warms your heart!
How to Store and Freeze Brussels Sprout Apple Salad
Fridge: Store leftover Brussels Sprout Apple Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the crunch remains intact.
Walnuts: For optimal freshness, keep walnuts separate until just before serving; this prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain their delightful crunch.
Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so simply chill in the fridge, and serve it fresh without reheating.
Make Ahead: If preparing in advance, mix the Brussels sprouts, apple, and dressing, but hold off on adding nuts and cheese until right before serving for the best texture.
Variations & Substitutions
Embrace your creativity in the kitchen by mixing things up with this delightful salad!
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Nut-Free: Swap walnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similarly satisfying crunch without the allergens.
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Fruity Twist: Experiment with pears instead of apples for a sweet, juicy alternative that harmonizes beautifully with the Brussels sprouts.
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Dairy-Free: Replace Parmigiano-Reggiano with nutritional yeast for a tasty, cheesy flavor without the dairy—perfect for vegan diets.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or slices of jalapeño to the dressing for a zesty heat that will awaken your taste buds.
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Maple Magic: For a unique flavor twist, substitute maple syrup with agave nectar—it brings a smooth, rich sweetness that complements the salad perfectly.
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Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an earthy aroma and extra flavor, elevating your salad game.
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Texture Boost: Include crisped chickpeas for a delightful crunch and an extra hit of protein, making this salad more filling.
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Citrus Splash: Add the zest and juice of a lemon or orange to brighten the flavors and lend a refreshing twist to each bite.
Let your imagination flow and discover new favorites with these inspired variations!
Expert Tips for Brussels Sprout Apple Salad
Freshness Matters: Use fresh, firm Brussels sprouts and crisp apples for the best texture and flavor—avoid any that feel soft or mushy.
Balance Flavors: Taste your dressing before pouring it over the salad; adjust sweetness or acidity to suit your preference and make the Brussels Sprout Apple Salad truly yours.
Toss Gently: When mixing the salad, toss gently to avoid bruising the Brussels sprouts and apples—this maintains their crispness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead: This salad can be prepared in advance; just wait to add the walnuts and cheese until right before serving to retain their crunch.
Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container—but note that the salad is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the textures!
Make Ahead Options
These Brussels Sprout Apple Salad components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dish with minimal effort on busy weeknights! You can shred the Brussels sprouts, chop the apple, and mince the shallots up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. The dressing can also be prepared ahead (refrigerate for up to 3 days), ensuring that all flavors develop beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, toss the prepped ingredients together, add the toasted walnuts and Parmigiano-Reggiano, and enjoy restaurant-quality results in no time. Just remember to dress the salad right before serving to keep those bright flavors intact!
Brussels Sprout Apple Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for firm, bright green, and tightly packed heads with no yellow leaves or dark spots all over. The freshest ones will be at a market near you in the fall and winter months!
What’s the best way to store leftover Brussels Sprout Apple Salad?
You can store leftover Brussels Sprout Apple Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the crunch of the ingredients, keep the toasted walnuts separate until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze Brussels Sprout Apple Salad?
While I don’t recommend freezing the salad as is due to the fresh ingredients, you can freeze the Brussels sprouts separately. To do this, blanch the shredded Brussels sprouts in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, drain, and then cool them quickly in ice water. Pat them dry, then transfer to a freezer bag, and they can be stored for up to 3 months.
What can I do if the dressing is too tangy?
Very! If your dressing turns out too tangy for your taste, try adding a bit more honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity. Start with an extra teaspoon, stir, and taste until you achieve the desired flavor profile.
Are there any dietary considerations for this salad?
Absolutely! If you’re concerned about allergies, this salad is nut-inclusive because of the walnuts, which can be swapped for seeds such as sunflower seeds if you need a nut-free option. For a dairy-free alternative, use a vegan cheese, such as a nut-based cheese, to avoid allergens.
Brussels Sprout Apple Salad with Crunchy Walnuts Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped apple, and minced shallots. Ensure everything is evenly combined for a balanced flavor profile.
- In another bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper. This will be your delicious dressing!
- Pour the prepared dressing over the Brussels sprouts mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly, so each ingredient is well-coated.
- Stir in the toasted walnuts and Parmigiano-Reggiano (or vegan alternative) until evenly distributed throughout the salad.
- Enjoy immediately or let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.