As long as I can remember, I have always been more excited about Christmas than about Thanksgiving. I don’t know if it’s the twinkly lights, all the cookies and treats that get passed around, or the fun parties and occasions to get dressed up, but it’s all sounding pretty good to me right about now. You’ll never hear me gripe that Christmas music comes on the radio too early, but for me, the holiday season really begins the weekend after Thanksgiving, when you’re driving home after the long weekend and begin passing cars with Christmas trees strapped on top.
What does all this have to do with Brussels sprouts? Nothing, except that my love of Christmas is naturally followed by a love of dreaming up recipes for the holiday, and this is one of my new favorites.
I love the contrast between the crunchy Brussels sprouts and the crumbles of creamy blue cheese, and the dried cranberries that add a hint of sweetness to each bite. I know blue cheese is one of those divisive foods, but I use a very mild one in this recipe – you might even be able to win over some blue cheese skeptics! This is such a fresh, colorful salad, and with a bright lemon dressing it’s the perfect accompaniment to a hearty holiday main course. It’s also a totally delicious and satisfying lunch on its own, or with some chicken tossed in.
A lot of grocery stores now carry shredded Brussels sprouts which saves SO much time for this recipe. But if you can’t find them, you can always shred the Brussels sprouts yourself. It isn’t hard but does take a little while- the perfect thing to assign to a unsuspecting friend who offers to help with dinner. Maybe reward that friend with a big glass of wine?
Like kale salads, salads made with raw Brussels sprouts can be a little ‘tough’ when not dressed properly. I like to toss the Brussels sprouts with the dressing at least a half hour before serving the salad so they can marinate and soften slightly.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Walnuts, Cranberries, and Blue Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound shredded Brussels sprouts (see note)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbly mild blue cheese, such as Bleu d’Auvergne or Danish blue
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the walnuts on a sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes, until toasted. Cool, then coarsely chop and set aside.
- In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, honey, salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and pour the dressing over them. Add the dried cranberries, and toss well to combine. Set aside for at least fifteen minutes (or up to several hours.) Just before serving, add the walnuts and blue cheese and toss gently to combine. Serve at room temperature.Note: Many grocery stores carry shredded raw Brussels sprouts. If you can’t find them, you can shred the Brussels sprouts yourself. Buy 1½ pounds whole Brussels sprouts, trim them and cut them in half through the stem. Remove the core, and cut each sprout crosswise into thin shreds.Copyright 2018, Lidey Heuck, All Rights Reserved
This came out so delicious and refreshing!! I swapped bleu cheese for feta and the walnuts for pecans and it still came out amazing.
I don’t usually leave reviews, but this deserves a great one. It was delicious! I will definitely be making this again! Note: I used my food processor to slice the brussel sprouts and it worked beautifully. Also added some crumbled bacon for another flavor dimension. So glad I tried this recipe! Thank you!
Love, love, love this recipe and make it often for myself and potlucks. Always a hit!
I made this for a Hanukkah party last night and many people asked me for the recipe. Even the “ ewww, I don’t like Brussels Sprouts” people tried it and liked it.
I always appreciate a salad that I can prep in advance and will be adding this to future holiday gatherings in the future.
Served at many dinner parties and loved by all.
One of my favorites! Always a crowd-pleaser and so easy to make.
Thanks for sharing such a healthy recipe! Have a great day!
Great salad and you can modify to meet the palate of your guests. The salad has great texture and taste. You can prepare ahead and mix according to the directions. Have made it for family, friends and co-workers and everyone has asked for the recipe. I love the blue cheese but have also served on the side and it still is wonderful.
Love this, my favorite new dish! Think I may try with pecans. We have LOTS of them here in South Alabama.
Thanks Debra!! I think it would be delicious with pecans- you’re lucky to have such good ones in the South!!
Hey, I made this, but did not use any cheese! It was AMAZINGLY delicious. Everyone enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
HI Linda! Thanks for trying the recipe! I’m so glad it was a hit!! Glad to know it’s still good without the cheese!
Any suggestions for a different dressing for my vegan wife? Salad looks so good!
I’m clicking on the recipe but I don’t get it. I get taken to Leave a reply page.
Hi Diane! I will look into why this isn’t working! In the mean time I will email you the recipe.
Best,
Lidey
How man walnuts? Sprinkle or handful
Oops! It’s one cup walnuts. Just added it to the recipe.
What a beautiful salad, it is perfect to have at a buffet!
Wow. Can’t wait to make this ????????. Happy holidays Lidey and Winkie????????????????????.