I never thought I’d crave Brussels sprouts until I made this Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing. It completely changed my mind about these little green vegetables.
This salad is proof that raw Brussels sprouts can be absolutely delicious when prepared the right way.
The thin shaved sprouts create a tender, almost slaw-like texture that’s nothing like the soggy boiled version you might remember from childhood.
The maple mustard dressing is the real star here. It brings together sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard in a way that makes every bite interesting. The combination transforms the Brussels sprouts from bland to exciting.
I make this salad at least twice a month now. It’s become my go-to for dinner parties and family gatherings because it looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 6 servings |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing
This salad is everything you want in a side dish. It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly filling for something made mostly of vegetables.
The texture is fantastic. Shaving the Brussels sprouts creates these delicate ribbons that are so much more enjoyable to eat than thick, chunky pieces.
Here’s why this salad deserves a spot in your recipe collection:
- Quick to prepare: Most of your time is spent shaving the Brussels sprouts, and even that goes fast with the right tools
- Great for meal prep: The salad actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours as the flavors meld together
- Crowd-pleasing: Even people who claim to hate Brussels sprouts end up loving this version
- Nutrient-packed: Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamins C and K, plus fiber
- Beautiful presentation: The mix of green sprouts, dark cherries, and golden Parmesan looks stunning on any table
- Seasonal versatility: Works perfectly for fall and winter gatherings but light enough for spring and summer too
This pairs beautifully with my Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes for a complete vegetable-forward meal.
Ingredients for Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing
You’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something special. The dried cherries add a pop of sweetness, while the sunflower seeds bring a satisfying crunch.
- 1 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds, toasted
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy equipment for this salad, but having the right tools makes the process much smoother. A sharp knife and a good cutting board are your best friends here.
- Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Vegetable peeler
Recommended Products for This Recipe
I’ve made this salad dozens of times, and these specific products have made the biggest difference in my results. They’re worth the investment if you plan to make this recipe regularly.
1. OXO Good Grips Adjustable Mandoline Slicer
This mandoline makes shaving Brussels sprouts incredibly fast and consistent. The adjustable thickness settings let you get paper-thin slices every time, and the hand guard keeps your fingers safe.
I can prep all the sprouts for this recipe in under five minutes with this tool.
2. Organic Raw Sunflower Seeds
High-quality sunflower seeds make a noticeable difference in this salad. These organic raw seeds toast beautifully and have a fresh, nutty flavor that store-brand seeds sometimes lack. The texture stays crispy even after the salad sits for a while.
3. Maille Old Style Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
This whole grain mustard has the perfect balance of tang and texture for the dressing. The mustard seeds add little bursts of flavor throughout the salad, and the quality really shines through in the final taste.
4. Premium Dried Tart Cherries
Not all dried cherries are created equal. Premium dried cherries are plumper, more flavorful, and less artificially sweet than cheaper versions.
They add the perfect sweet-tart contrast to the savory elements in this salad.
You might also enjoy: Cranberry Pecan Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing
1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
- Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel
- Trim off the tough bottom stem end of each sprout, removing just enough to clean it up without losing too much of the vegetable
- Remove any damaged or discolored outer leaves and discard them
- Using a mandoline slicer set to the thinnest setting, carefully shave each Brussels sprout into thin ribbons, or use a sharp knife to slice them as thinly as possible
- Place the shaved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl and fluff them gently with your hands to separate the layers
2. Toast the Sunflower Seeds
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and let it warm up for about one minute
- Add the sunflower seeds to the pan in a single layer
- Toast the seeds for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and ensure even toasting
- Watch for the seeds to turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma
- Remove from heat immediately when they reach a light golden color and transfer to a plate to cool
3. Make the Maple Mustard Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, whole grain mustard, and apple cider vinegar
- Add the minced garlic to the bowl
- Whisk the ingredients together until they’re well combined
- While whisking continuously, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to create an emulsified dressing
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, starting with about 1/4 teaspoon of each
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed
4. Assemble the Salad
- Add the dried cherries to the bowl with the shaved Brussels sprouts
- Add the cooled toasted sunflower seeds to the bowl
- Pour the maple mustard dressing over the Brussels sprout mixture
- Using your hands or two large spoons, toss the salad thoroughly to ensure every strand of Brussels sprout is coated with dressing
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the Brussels sprouts to soften slightly and absorb the flavors
5. Add Final Touches and Serve
- Just before serving, use a vegetable peeler to shave fresh Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad
- Toss gently one more time to distribute the Parmesan throughout
- Transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates
- Garnish with a few extra shaved Parmesan pieces on top if desired
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving
Another favorite: Fennel Salad with Apples and Radishes
Tips for The Best Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing
Getting this salad just right is all about the details. These tips will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Shave thin: The thinner you slice the Brussels sprouts, the more tender they’ll be and the better they’ll absorb the dressing
- Massage the sprouts: After adding the dressing, massage the Brussels sprouts with your hands for 30 seconds to help break down their tough texture
- Toast with care: Watch your sunflower seeds closely while toasting because they can burn quickly once they start to brown
- Room temperature cheese: Let your Parmesan come to room temperature before shaving for easier, more even slices
- Adjust sweetness: If your maple syrup is particularly sweet, reduce it to 2 tablespoons and add more to taste
- Make it ahead: The salad actually improves after sitting for an hour or two, but add the Parmesan right before serving to keep it from getting soggy
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes a big difference in the dressing compared to pre-minced or powdered versions
Read Also: Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
Serving Suggestions
Serve it with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon for a balanced meal. The salad’s brightness cuts through rich, fatty dishes perfectly.
For holiday meals, this salad fits right in next to traditional favorites:
You might also enjoy: Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
Variations of Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing
This recipe is incredibly flexible, and you can customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
The base of shaved Brussels sprouts works with so many different flavor combinations.
- Nutty version: Replace sunflower seeds with toasted pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds for a different crunch
- Berry swap: Use dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots instead of cherries
- Cheese options: Try crumbled blue cheese, feta, or aged cheddar instead of Parmesan
- Citrus twist: Add orange zest to the dressing and replace half the vinegar with fresh orange juice
- Protein boost: Top with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or hard-boiled eggs to make it a main course
- Honey version: Substitute honey for maple syrup if that’s what you have
- Extra veggies: Add thinly sliced red cabbage, shredded carrots, or diced apple for more color and texture
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for some heat
Another favorite: Mandarin Orange Salad
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage keeps this salad fresh and delicious for several days. The Brussels sprouts actually benefit from marinating in the dressing overnight.
Store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for 3-4 days. The Brussels sprouts will soften over time but remain tasty.
- Freezer: Not recommended as the texture becomes mushy when thawed
- Make-ahead: Prepare the shaved Brussels sprouts and dressing up to 24 hours ahead, then toss together 1-2 hours before serving
- Leftovers: The salad tastes great cold straight from the fridge the next day, though the sunflower seeds may lose some crunch
- Reviving: If the salad seems dry after storage, add a tablespoon of olive oil and toss to refresh
Read Also: Strawberry Pecan Salad
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 185mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Vitamin C: 95% DV
- Vitamin K: 180% DV
- Folate: 15% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
This salad is packed with nutrients that support your overall health. Every ingredient brings something valuable to the table beyond just great taste.
Brussels sprouts are nutritional powerhouses that deserve more attention in your diet. They’re loaded with antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation in your body.
Here are the major health benefits you get from this salad:
- Brussels sprouts: Rich in vitamin C for immune support and vitamin K for bone health, plus they contain compounds that may help protect against certain diseases
- Sunflower seeds: Provide vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells, along with healthy fats and minerals like magnesium
- Dried cherries: Offer natural sweetness plus anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation
- Apple cider vinegar: May help with blood sugar management and provides beneficial acids for digestion
- Olive oil: Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory compounds
- Parmesan cheese: Supplies calcium for strong bones and protein for muscle maintenance
- Maple syrup: Contains minerals like manganese and zinc, though it should still be used in moderation
You might also enjoy: Christmas Salad with Citrus Champagne Vinaigrette
FAQs About Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing
1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this salad?
Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for this recipe because you need to shave them thinly.
Frozen Brussels sprouts become too soft when thawed and won’t give you the crisp, fresh texture that makes this salad special.
2. How far in advance can I make this salad?
You can make this salad up to 4 hours before serving. The Brussels sprouts actually soften and taste better after sitting in the dressing for a while.
Just wait to add the Parmesan cheese until right before serving so it doesn’t get soggy.
3. Why are my Brussels sprouts bitter?
Brussels sprouts naturally contain compounds that taste bitter, but shaving them thin and massaging them with the dressing helps reduce this.
Make sure you’re removing any damaged outer leaves, as these tend to be the most bitter. The sweet maple syrup in the dressing also helps balance any bitterness.
4. Can I make this salad without a mandoline?
Yes, you can definitely make this without a mandoline. Use a very sharp knife to slice the Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible.
You can also use the slicing blade on a food processor, though the pieces might be slightly less uniform.
5. What can I substitute for whole grain mustard?
Dijon mustard works well as a substitute, though you’ll lose the texture that the mustard seeds provide.
You could also use a combination of Dijon mustard and a small spoonful of mustard seeds to get a similar effect.
Another favorite: Pomegranate Mandarin Salad with Avocado and Feta
Conclusion
This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple Mustard Dressing has earned its place as one of my most reliable recipes. It’s the kind of dish that makes vegetables exciting and turns skeptics into believers.
The combination of textures and flavors keeps every bite interesting. You get crunch from the seeds, chewiness from the cherries, and that perfect sweet-tangy balance from the dressing.
I hope you give this Brussels sprout salad with Maple Mustard Dressing a try. It might just change how you think about these underappreciated vegetables.
Let me know in the comments if you make this recipe. I’d love to hear what you think or any creative variations you try.
Recommended:
- Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Ambrosia Salad
- Hawaiian Style Ambrosia Fruit Salad
- Cranberry Jell O Salad
- Christmas Salad Recipes
