Crisp Brussels Slaw

Why You’ll Adore This Bright & Healthy Slaw

Slaws are truly a culinary marvel, offering an incredible range of textures and flavors while being remarkably simple to assemble. This particular Brussels Sprout Slaw has become a consistent favorite on our menu, and for good reason. What makes it stand out is the ingenious swap of traditional cabbage for fresh, raw Brussels sprouts. These miniature cabbages boast a distinctive, slightly nutty flavor and a fantastic crisp texture that pairs exquisitely with the tangy, garlicky lemon dressing. It’s a delightful departure from the norm that will convert even the most skeptical sprout-eaters.

Beyond its unique taste, this slaw shines for its incredible versatility and convenience. You can effortlessly prepare it ahead of time, allowing all the wonderful flavors to meld and deepen in the refrigerator. In fact, like many great slaws, it often tastes even better after a few hours of chilling, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep or for simplifying your hosting duties. Imagine serving this refreshing slaw at a backyard BBQ, adding a burst of fresh flavor to your holiday feasts, or even using it as a vibrant, crunchy topping for tacos or succulent pulled pork sandwiches. Its adaptability makes it a perfect companion for countless dishes and occasions.

If you’re eager to explore more fresh and vibrant slaw recipes, be sure to check out some of our other favorites:

• Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Almonds and Parmesan
• Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad
• Vegan Caribbean Coleslaw
• Easy Broccoli Slaw
• Healthy Coleslaw (Vinegar Based)
• Easy Mexican Coleslaw
• Easy Mango Cabbage Coleslaw

Essential Ingredients for Your Zesty Brussels Sprout Slaw

Crafting this simple yet spectacular slaw relies on a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how such basic components can come together to create such a delightful side dish. It’s truly one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, healthy, and packed with flavor.

The Slaw Base: Fresh & Flavorful Sprouts

• Brussels Sprouts: The star of our show! Instead of typical cabbage, we use raw Brussels sprouts. You’ll want them trimmed and very thinly shaved to achieve that perfect slaw texture. This can be done with a sharp knife, a food processor with a slicing attachment, or a mandoline. For ultimate convenience, many grocery stores now offer pre-shaved Brussels sprouts in their produce section, which is a fantastic time-saver.
• Cranberries: Dried cranberries add a wonderful touch of sweetness and a pleasant chewiness that beautifully complements the slight bitterness of the sprouts and the tang of the dressing. If cranberries aren’t your preference, feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even chopped dried cherries for a different flavor profile.
• Nuts: Sliced almonds are my preferred choice here, providing an excellent crunch and textural contrast. For an even deeper flavor, consider toasting them lightly before adding them to the slaw. However, this recipe is highly adaptable; pecans or walnuts would also work exceptionally well, adding their own distinct richness. For a nut-free option, sunflower or pumpkin seeds can provide a similar satisfying crunch.
• Fresh Parsley: A generous handful of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of vibrant green color, enhancing the overall freshness of the slaw.

The Zesty Lemon-Garlic Dressing

The dressing is the heart of this slaw, tying all the components together with its bright and savory notes:

• Acid (Lemon): The vibrant acidity for this dressing comes from the juice and zest of half a fresh lemon. Lemon zest adds an extra layer of fragrant citrus flavor that you won’t get from juice alone. If you prefer, lime juice can also be used for a slightly different, equally refreshing tang.
• Oil (Extra Virgin Olive Oil): I highly recommend using a good quality extra virgin olive oil. Its rich, slightly fruity, and nutty flavor serves as an excellent base for the dressing, complementing the other ingredients beautifully.
• Garlic: Three cloves of freshly minced garlic infuse the dressing with a pungent, aromatic kick. Fresh garlic is always best for maximum flavor, but in a pinch, a good quality garlic puree can be substituted.
• Sweetness (Honey): A teaspoon of honey balances the acidity and garlic, adding a subtle sweetness that rounds out the dressing. Maple syrup is an excellent vegan alternative if you prefer.
• Mustard (Whole Grain): Whole grain mustard adds a wonderful depth of flavor, a slight tang, and a lovely texture to the dressing. Dijon mustard is a suitable substitute, offering a smoother consistency and sharp flavor. However, I advise against using yellow mustard, as its strong, vinegary flavor can easily overpower the delicate balance of the other ingredients.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors and bringing the dressing to life. Adjust to your taste preferences.

Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Perfect Brussels Sprout Slaw

This recipe is designed to be incredibly straightforward, ensuring a delicious outcome with minimal effort. Follow these simple steps for a perfect Brussels Sprout Slaw every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw Mix

Begin by gathering your prepared Brussels sprouts (trimmed and thinly shaved), dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and freshly chopped parsley. Place all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Using a spoon or your hands, gently toss them together until they are well combined. Ensure an even distribution of all components so every spoonful of slaw offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

Step 2: Prepare the Salad Dressing

In a separate small mixing bowl or, for ultimate convenience, a salad dressing jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the dressing ingredients: fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey, whole grain mustard, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and emulsified. The dressing should look smooth and creamy, with the flavors perfectly integrated.

Step 3: Finish and Serve the Slaw

Once you are ready to serve, pour the freshly prepared dressing over the Brussels sprout mixture in the large bowl. Using tongs or salad servers, gently toss the slaw until all the shredded sprouts, cranberries, almonds, and parsley are evenly coated with the dressing. For best results and to allow the flavors to truly meld and the sprouts to slightly soften, I recommend letting the slaw rest for at least 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.

Recipe Tip: For an extra layer of tangy flavor and beautiful color, consider adding a handful of homemade quick pickled red onions to this slaw!

Serve your delightful Brussels Sprout Slaw chilled. For an optional but highly recommended finish, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with a few extra lemon slices on the side. Enjoy!

Expert Tips & Creative Variations for Your Slaw

This Brussels Sprout Slaw recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make it even more special:

• Toast Your Nuts for Extra Flavor: If time permits, lightly toast the sliced almonds (or pecans/walnuts) in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. This simple step significantly deepens their nutty flavor and enhances their crunch, adding another layer of texture to your salad.
• Mix Up the Nuts and Seeds: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different crunchy elements. Aside from almonds, pecans, or walnuts, consider adding pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or sunflower seeds for a different flavor profile and nutritional boost. A mix of several types of nuts and seeds can create an even more dynamic texture.
• Incorporate More Fruits and Vegetables: This slaw is a fantastic canvas for additional fresh produce. Try stirring through some dried cherries for an extra burst of tart-sweetness, finely diced green apple for a crisp, tart counterpoint, vibrant pomegranate seeds for juicy bursts, thinly sliced red onion for a pungent bite (or use pickled red onions!), shredded carrots for color and sweetness, or thinly sliced sugar snap peas for added crunch and a hint of sweetness.
• Combine with Cabbage for a Classic Twist: If you love the traditional coleslaw feel but want the unique flavor of Brussels sprouts, try mixing in some shredded purple cabbage or green cabbage. You can buy pre-shredded cabbage or a ready-made slaw mix to save time on preparation. This adds bulk, color, and a familiar coleslaw texture.
• Brighten with Extra Citrus: For those who love a particularly zesty salad, don’t hesitate to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice or a little more lemon zest directly into the slaw mix before serving. A touch of fresh lime juice can also introduce a different, vibrant citrus note.
• Add a Touch of Cheese: While optional, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese adds a savory, umami depth that complements the sprouts and dressing beautifully. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor.
• Herb Variations: While parsley is classic, consider other fresh herbs like chopped cilantro for a more savory, almost Mexican-inspired twist, or a hint of fresh dill for a brighter, more herbaceous note.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Brussels Sprout Slaw

This versatile Lemon Brussels Sprout Slaw makes an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses. Its fresh, tangy, and crunchy profile offers a refreshing contrast to richer dishes and complements lighter ones beautifully. Here are some fantastic pairing suggestions:

• Grilled & Roasted Proteins: The bright acidity of the slaw cuts through the richness of grilled or roasted meats and poultry. Try it with:
  • Mediterranean Chicken
  • Balsamic Marinated Skirt Steak
  • Greek Chicken with Tzatziki Orzo Salad
• Seafood Delights: Seafood and fresh, citrusy flavors are a match made in heaven. This slaw is particularly good with:
  • Baked Cod with Lemon
  • Baked Mediterranean Salmon
  • Greek Shrimp Recipe
• Hearty Soups: Offer a refreshing textural contrast to warm, comforting soups. Consider serving it alongside:
  • Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup
  • Chicken Lentil Soup
  • Lebanese Lentil Soup
• Sandwiches & Tacos: Use it as a crunchy, flavorful topping for pulled pork sandwiches, fish tacos, or even grilled chicken wraps.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Mains: It’s a fantastic light side for vegetarian burgers, lentil patties, or grilled halloumi.

Storage Solutions for Optimal Freshness

One of the best qualities of this Brussels Sprout Slaw is its ability to be made ahead of time. You can store the prepared slaw (undressed) and the dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply combine them as per the instructions. Once dressed, the slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, please note that over time, the Brussels sprouts will soften slightly and may lose some of their initial crispness and fresh vibrancy. For the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to consume it within 24-48 hours of being dressed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Lemon Brussels Sprout Slaw Recipe

By Julia Jolliff

This delightful Lemon Brussels Sprout Slaw combines shredded Brussels sprouts with dried cranberries, crunchy almonds, and fresh parsley, all tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. It’s a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal.

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Ingredients

For the Slaw:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly shaved (or buy prepackaged shaved Brussels sprouts)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or try dried raisins or chopped dried apricots)
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (or try pecans or walnuts; optional: lightly toast for enhanced flavor)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 of a lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey (use maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1/2 teaspoon whole grain mustard (Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Add the trimmed and shaved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and chopped parsley to a large mixing bowl. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
2. In a small mixing bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, honey (or maple syrup), whole grain mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
3. When ready to serve, pour the dressing over the Brussels sprout mixture. Gently toss the slaw until all ingredients are thoroughly coated.
4. For optimal flavor melding and slightly softened sprouts, allow the slaw to rest in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before serving.
5. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra lemon slices on the side.

Notes

• This Brussels Sprout Slaw can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the texture will soften over time and it won’t be as crunchy as when freshly made.
• To save prep time, look for pre-shaved or pre-cut Brussels sprouts in the produce section of your local grocery store.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.

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