Easy Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with Bold Maple-Dijon Dressing

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something irresistibly fresh about a salad that turns humble Brussels sprouts into the star of the show. One afternoon, craving something vibrant yet simple, I tossed together a shredded Brussels sprout salad drizzled with a tangy maple-Dijon dressing—and it instantly became a kitchen favorite. This salad strikes the perfect balance: the crisp veggies meet a sweet-and-spicy dressing that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering them. Whether you’re tired of the same old greens or looking for a bright side dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers big on flavor and keeps things delightfully easy. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this salad over and over again.

Why choose Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with a Maple-Dijon Dressing?

Crunchy Freshness: The shredded Brussels sprouts offer a satisfying crisp bite that feels light yet hearty. Bold Flavor: The maple-Dijon dressing brings a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that elevate simple greens. Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in minutes, ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Versatile Side: It pairs beautifully with everything from weeknight dinners to fancy holiday spreads. Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique twist on a classic salad keeps both veggie lovers and skeptical eaters coming back for more.

Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad Ingredients

For the Salad

Brussels sprouts – fresh and firm, shredded finely for that irresistible crunch and texture that defines this salad.
Red onion – thinly sliced to add a sharp, zesty kick that balances the greens beautifully.
Dried cranberries – provide a sweet burst and lovely chewy contrast to the crisp sprouts.
Toasted pecans – bring a nutty crunch that enhances texture and adds depth.

For the Maple-Dijon Dressing

Pure maple syrup – gives the dressing its signature gentle sweetness, perfectly complementing the tangy Dijon.
Dijon mustard – adds a sharp, spicy note that wakes up every bite of the shredded Brussels sprout salad with a maple-Dijon dressing.
Apple cider vinegar – introduces a bright acidity that keeps the flavors lively and fresh.
Extra virgin olive oil – smooths and binds the dressing with a rich, fruity finish.
Salt & pepper – adjust these essentials to enhance all the other bold flavors.

How to Make Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad

Prep Brussels Sprouts: Trim ends and core each sprout, then finely shred into thin ribbons using a knife or mandoline, yielding about 4 cups of crisp, pale-green strands ready to dress.
Slice Onion: Peel and thinly slice one medium red onion into slim half-moons until translucent and lightly purple, releasing its sharp aroma to perfectly contrast sweet cranberries and nutty pecans.
Toss Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine shredded sprouts, sliced onion, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans, ensuring even color distribution and an inviting mound of textures before dressing.

For the Maple-Dijon Dressing:

Whisk Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until smooth and emulsified, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Dress Salad: Pour the Maple-Dijon dressing over the greens and gently toss to coat evenly, ensuring every bite of Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with a Maple-Dijon Dressing is bright and crunchy.
Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for about 5 minutes, letting flavors meld and textures soften slightly, creating the perfect harmony of crisp sprouts and tangy-sweet dressing.

Optional: Top with shaved Parmesan for extra savory richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad

Room Temperature: Enjoy the salad right after preparing it for optimal freshness—do not leave it out for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.

Fridge: Store any leftover shredded Brussels sprout salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add dressing only when ready to serve to keep the sprouts crisp.

Freezer: Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the texture of the Brussels sprouts will become mushy upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh just before serving.

Reheating: If you have dressed salad leftovers, toss lightly before consuming; there’s no need to reheat. Enjoy cold for a refreshing, crunchy snack!

What to Serve with Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with a Maple-Dijon Dressing?

Savor the harmony of flavors by pairing this vibrant salad with a few delightful accompaniments that elevate your meal.

Roasted Chicken: Juicy, herb-marinated chicken complements the salad’s crunch and bright dressing perfectly, adding heartiness to your plate.
Garlic Breadsticks: These warm, buttery indulgences offer a comforting contrast to the light salad, making every bite a joyful experience.
Quinoa Pilaf: Light and fluffy, quinoa infused with herbs and veggies balances the salad’s sweetness and provides additional nutritious texture.
Pan-Seared Salmon: The rich, buttery flavor of salmon provides a luscious pairing that contrasts beautifully with the salad’s crispness.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing bowl bursting with seasonal fruits adds a sweet, juicy element that resonates well with the maple-Dijon dressing.
Sparkling Lemonade: This effervescent drink refreshes the palate and harmonizes with the sweet-tangy notes of the dressing, making it a delightful sip.
Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses can bring out the bold flavors in the salad, while offering fun textures for a casual gathering.

Expert Tips for Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with Maple-Dijon Dressing

Choose Fresh Sprouts: Select firm, bright green Brussels sprouts without blemishes to ensure your salad has maximum crunch and freshness.
Shred Thinly: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to shred the sprouts finely; thick pieces can be tough and overpower the delicate dressing.
Toast Nuts Lightly: Warm pecans in a dry pan until fragrant to deepen their flavor and add irresistible crunch to your salad.
Whisk Dressing Well: Emulsify the maple-Dijon dressing thoroughly so it coats the sprouts evenly without separating.
Let Flavors Meld: Allow the salad to rest 5–10 minutes after tossing; this softens the sprouts slightly and intensifies the bold dressing notes.
Balance Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper carefully to avoid masking the bright, sweet-tangy harmony of the shredded Brussels sprout salad with a maple-Dijon dressing.

Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with a Maple-Dijon Dressing Variations

Feel free to get creative with your salad and tailor it to suit your taste!

Vegan: Substitute maple syrup with agave nectar and use a vegan mayonnaise for a creamy dressing twist.
Nut-Free: Replace toasted pecans with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch without the allergens.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty heat that livens up every bite.
Extra Veggies: Toss in some shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for a pop of color and added crunch, enhancing the salad’s texture.
Fruit Fusion: Incorporate diced apples or pears to introduce a refreshing sweetness that beautifully complements the dressing.
Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a burst of freshness that adds a garden-like aroma and flavor.
Cheese Lovers: Crumble in feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy element that enriches the overall flavor profile.
Grain Boost: Serve the salad over a bed of quinoa or brown rice, transforming it into a hearty meal while keeping the same delightful dressing.

Make Ahead Options

These Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with a Maple-Dijon Dressing components are perfect for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy days! You can wash, trim, and shred the Brussels sprouts and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Additionally, prepare the Maple-Dijon dressing in advance and refrigerate it for up to 1 week, keeping the flavors vibrant. Just remember to toss the salad just before serving to maintain the crispness of the sprouts. When ready to enjoy, simply combine the prepped ingredients with the dressing, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes for restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort!

Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with a Maple-Dijon Dressing Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best Brussels sprouts for shredding?
Look for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts without dark spots or blemishes. Freshness is key to getting that crisp, crunchy texture that really makes this salad shine.

What’s the best way to store leftover shredded Brussels sprout salad?
I recommend storing the dry shredded sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate and toss it in just before serving to maintain maximum crunch and freshness.

Can I freeze Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad with a Maple-Dijon Dressing?
Freezing is not ideal for this salad since Brussels sprouts lose their crisp texture when thawed, turning mushy. It’s best to prepare the salad fresh for each serving to enjoy that delightful crunch and bright flavor.

Why does my salad sometimes taste bitter?
If your Brussels sprouts have large or thick shreds, they can taste bitter. Shredding them thinly and combining with the sweet maple-Dijon dressing balances the bitterness beautifully. Also, fresh, firm sprouts help avoid this issue.

Is this salad safe for pets or people with allergies?
This salad contains nuts (pecans) and onions, which can be harmful to pets. If you’re preparing this for family or friends with allergies, consider omitting nuts and using a milder onion or scallion substitute. Always check for individual sensitivities before serving.