Crisp, colorful, and bursting with flavor, this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad combines the perfect balance of sweet and savory ingredients, making it an irresistible addition to any meal. The mix of crunchy pecans, tangy cranberries, and a zesty maple vinaigrette makes this a crave-worthy salad.

I love making salads in the summer months but to this has fall flavors and is really great any time of year. There is something so satisfying about tossing together a bunch of fresh, vibrant ingredients. This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is one of my go-to's because it's packed with flavor and texture. It's certainly not boring.
The combination of shredded Brussels sprouts, crunchy candied pecans, and sweet dried cranberries is a real treat. Adding honey crisp apple and a bit of red onion gives it a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of sharpness. And let's not forget the bacon! Those savory bits make every bite feel indulgent without being over the top. What really ties it all together is the maple vinaigrette. It's sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of zesty to complement the other ingredients perfectly.
You can serve this salad as a side dish at a barbecue or top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. It's also a great option for meal prep because it holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. And on those hot summer days, it’s a lifesaver because you don’t have to heat up the kitchen. Just a few minutes of prep, and you have a delicious, refreshing salad ready to go!
If you like Brussels sprouts, also try my Warm Brussels Sprout Slaw or my Air Fryer Bang Bang Brussels Sprouts.
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Ingredients
For the Salad:
- Brussels Sprouts – Finely chop the sprouts or shred them in a food processor. Raw sprouts have a crisp and mild flavor similar to cabbage.
- Red Onion – Chopped onion adds a sharp, tangy bite to the salad, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- Bacon – Bacon brings a savory, smoky element that complements the fresh flavors of the vegetables and fruit. Feel free to leave the bacon out. You can also sub turkey bacon, pancetta or Canadian bacon.
- Candied Pecans – These add a delightful crunch and a sweet, nutty flavor, enhancing the texture and taste of the salad. You could also use toasted pecan or substitute your favorite nut.
- Dried Cranberries – Cranberries offer a burst of tart sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients, adding a chewy texture to the mix. Raisins, golden raisins or dried cherries would also be delicious.
- Apple – Chopped apple adds a juicy, sweet-tart flavor that brightens the salad and contrasts nicely with the Brussels sprouts and bacon. Honey crisp is my preferred type of apple.
For the Maple Vinaigrette Dressing:
- Maple Syrup – Use pure maple syrup not pancake syrup. You could also use honey or agave.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a smooth, fruity richness to the dressing. You can use your favorite oil.
- Lemon – Freshly squeeze lemon juice brings a fresh, tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Salt – Kosher salt or sea salt enhances all of the other flavors.
- Black Pepper - Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild spiciness and depth to the vinaigrette.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Shred the Brussels sprouts in a food processor and prepare all of your other ingredients.
Step 2: Combine all of the fruits and vegetables in a large bowl.
Step 3: Add all of the vinaigrette ingredients to a mason jar. Close the lid and shake well to combine.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Alternately, serve and dress individual portions of the salad.
Hint: Bacon really makes this salad special. You can cook up extra bacon with your breakfast and refrigerate it until ready to use. You can also make air fryer bacon which is quick, easy and won't heat up the kitchen.
Variations/ Substitutions
- Add Protein - Make this salad a full meal by adding protein like grilled chicken, shrimp or tofu.
- Swap the Bacon - Use turkey bacon, pancetta or Canadian bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Nut Options - Replace candied pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor and crunch. You can also use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
- Fruit Variations - Dried cherries or raisins are a great swap for the cranberries. You can also use pears in place of the apples.
- Add Cheese – Add a bit of feta cheese, goat cheese or blue cheese for a creamy, tangy element.
Storage
The undressed salad can be stored in an air tight container in the fridge for several days. Store the dressing in a sealed mason jar for up to two weeks. Top the salad with the dressing just before serving so it doesn't become soggy.
Top Tips
- Use a food processor with a shredding attachment to uniformly shred the Brussels sprouts.
- If you don't have a food processor, you can chop the sprouts with a sharp knife.
- Toss the chopped apples with a little bit of lemon juice to keep them from browning.
- Use a lidded mason jar to mix the salad dressing.
- Store the dressing separately from the salad for longer storage.
FAQ
Yes, you can make this salad in advance. The salad ingredients will keep for several days in an air tight container in the fridge. Store the salad dressing in a separate container and dress the salad just before serving.
A food processor is convenient for shredding the Brussels sprouts quickly but you can also use a mandoline or a sharp knife to chop them.
Serving Suggestions
This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. For a hearty and satisfying meal, serve it alongside grilled pork chops and roasted potatoes. If you're looking for a lighter option, top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp. This makes for a perfect light lunch or dinner that's both filling and nutritious without being too heavy.
Additionally, this salad makes a fantastic side dish for a summer barbecue. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, burgers, or even a simple cheese and charcuterie board or charcuterie skewers. The sweet and savory notes of the salad will elevate any meal.
More Salad Recipes
Try these other salad recipes:
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RECIPE
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 lb whole brussel sprouts shredded or Finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion chopped
- 4 slices pre- cooked bacon chopped
- ⅓ cup candied pecans
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
- 1 honey crisp apple chopped
For The Maple Vinaigrette Dressing
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup Olive Oil extra virgin
- 1 lemon juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place brussel sprouts in a food processor and shred.
- Add shredded brussel sprouts, red onion, bacon, pecans, cranberries, and apples to a large bowl.
- In a mason jar add all of the vinaigrette ingredients. Secure with a lid and shake well until combined.
- Toss salad with then dressing when ready to serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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