Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Looking for a fresh, crunchy side dish that feels light yet satisfying? This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad combines crisp Brussels sprouts, juicy apple, and toasty pepitas in a lemony Dijon dressing that brings everything together. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory, making it a great way to upgrade your usual salad.

Why You’ll Love It

There are many reasons this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad deserves a spot in your regular rotation: it’s light, refreshing, and packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that support hormone balance and blood sugar stability.

• Full of flavor: Between the tangy lemon-Dijon dressing, sweet apple, and salty pecorino, every bite is truly delicious. 

• Loaded with fiber: Brussels sprouts, apples, and dried cranberries provide a good amount of fiber to support gut health, satiety, and balanced blood sugar levels.

• Rich in antioxidants: Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, which support hormone metabolism and overall health (1).

• Quick to make: Comes together in under 15 minutes with no cooking required! Simply slice, whisk, and toss everything to combine.

• Perfect for gatherings: A great option for potlucks, meal prep, or as a holiday side that still feels refreshing.

• PCOS-friendly: Balanced with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats to support blood sugar regulation, reduce inflammation, and promote hormone health.

Ingredients

This easy salad recipe comes together with simple, seasonal ingredients. I’ve also included a recipe for the homemade salad dressing that pairs perfectly together!

Salad

• Brussels sprouts: The star of the salad! Shaving them thinly creates a crisp, slaw-like texture that holds up well to the dressing. Raw Brussels sprouts are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support hormone and immune health (2).

• Honeycrisp apple: Adds natural sweetness and crunch. You can also use Fuji, Pink Lady, or another crisp apple variety. Apples provide soluble fiber (pectin), which supports gut health and balanced blood sugar.

• Toasted pepitas: These pumpkin seeds add a nutty flavor, crunch, and a source of plant-based protein, iron, and magnesium. You can swap for other nuts or seeds like slivered almonds, pine nuts, or walnuts.

• Pecorino Romano cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and savory balance. Parmesan or shaved Asiago also work well if that’s what you have on hand.

• Dried cranberries: Offer a hint of tartness and color. Look for unsweetened or no sugar added versions when possible.

• Shallot: Adds mild, aromatic flavor without overpowering the salad. Red onion can work as a substitute in a pinch.

Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil: Forms the base of the dressing and provides heart-healthy fats.

• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the salad and balances the flavors with a tangy, refreshing kick.

• Dijon mustard: Adds creaminess and a slight sharpness that ties the dressing together.

• Honey: Just a touch helps balance the acidity and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and cranberries.

• Salt + black pepper: Season to taste. Start light and adjust after tossing the salad to bring out all the flavors.

How to Make It

Step One: Shave The Brussels Sprouts.

Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and shave them thinly using a mandolin slicer or food processor with a slicing blade. If you’re using pre-shaved Brussels sprouts, check for and remove any tough pieces.

Step Two: Make The Dressing.

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients of olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step Three: Assemble The Salad.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts, sliced apples, pepitas, pecorino cheese, cranberries, and shallot. Pour the dressing over the top and toss well until everything is evenly coated.

Step Four: Serve + Enjoy.

Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Variations, Tips, + Substitutions

• Short on time? Buy pre-shaved Brussels sprouts to save time. Just toss them with dressing 10–15 minutes before serving to help soften the texture.
• Add extra protein by topping your salad with grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or salmon for a more filling main meal.
• For a nut-free version, use only pepitas or sunflower seeds for crunch without any allergens.
• Swap the cheese: Parmesan, Asiago, goat cheese, or even feta cheese all work beautifully in place of pecorino.
• Looking to brighten it up? Pomegranate seeds or shredded carrots add a pop of color and sweetness.
• Dairy-free? Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative.
• If prepping ahead, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How to Store It

Store leftover Brussels sprout salad in a large airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

Because the dressing helps soften the Brussels sprouts, it actually gets more flavorful after a few hours. However, the apples may brown slightly, so a squeeze of lemon before storing helps.

If you’ve kept the dressing separate, toss it in just before serving to keep everything crisp. Avoid freezing this salad, as the fresh ingredients don’t thaw well and can become watery.

How to Serve It

This healthy salad is incredibly versatile; it can be enjoyed as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a festive addition to your holiday table.

• As an easy side dish: Pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, salmon, or any fall-inspired entrée.
• For lunch: Top with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for a quick protein boost.
• On a holiday menu: Its bright flavors and colors make it a refreshing contrast to heavier dishes.
• Over grains: Serve over quinoa or farro for extra texture and fiber.
• Entertaining tip: Assemble just before guests arrive and serve in a wide, shallow bowl for a pretty presentation.

Other Easy Recipes You’ll Love

• Crunchy Asian Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
• Creamy Protein Pesto Pasta
• Lentil and White Bean Soup with Kale
• Fall Kale Salad with Butternut Squash

If you make this Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad, please consider leaving a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and review at the end of this blog post. This is incredibly helpful to me and it helps other readers to know what to expect!