The BEST Charred Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad!

Charred Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad: The Salad That Will Change Your Mind!

Are you ready to rethink everything you know about Brussels sprouts? This Charred Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Sherry-Honey Dressing isn’t just another salad; it’s a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to create. Imagine crispy, nutty, charred Brussels sprouts tossed in a tangy-sweet dressing, making it a delightful dish you’ll want to make repeatedly. It’s so good, even Brussels sprouts skeptics will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love It

Unbelievable Flavor: The combination of charred Brussels sprouts, the sweetness of honey, and the tanginess of sherry vinegar creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and utterly delicious.
Perfect Texture: Shaving the Brussels sprouts ensures they get wonderfully crispy when charred, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this salad can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and textures of this salad make it a showstopper at any dinner party or potluck. It’s visually appealing as it is tasty.
Naturally Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this salad is a delicious way to nourish your body. You can feel good about eating something so naturally good for you.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your liking with various toppings like toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or crumbled cheese.
A Naturally Delicious Way to Enjoy Brussels Sprouts: Even if you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, this salad might just change your mind. The charring process naturally mellows their bitterness and brings out their sweetness.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this Charred Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad apart is the technique of shaving the Brussels sprouts. Shaving allows them to char quickly and evenly, resulting in a delightful crispy texture that’s hard to resist. The Sherry-Honey Dressing also plays a crucial role, its tangy-sweet notes perfectly complementing the nutty, slightly bitter flavor of the Brussels sprouts. The sherry vinegar gives it a distinct taste that regular vinaigrettes simply can’t match, creating a salad that’s both sophisticated and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredient List

1 pound Brussels sprouts, shaved
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup sherry vinegar (Sherry vinegar brings a unique tang that beautifully complements the roasted Brussels sprouts.)
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil (for the dressing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sprouts are evenly coated.
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. This will help them char evenly.
Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and nicely charred, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the Sherry-Honey Dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the sherry vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Slowly drizzle in the 1/4 cup of olive oil while whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
Once the Brussels sprouts are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly.
In a large bowl, toss the charred Brussels sprouts with the Sherry-Honey Dressing. Make sure every sprout is coated with the naturally delicious dressing.
Serve immediately or at room temperature. Garnish with your favorite toppings (see suggestions below) if desired.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take your Charred Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad to the next level? Here are a few ideas for optional toppings and variations:

Toasted Nuts: Add some crunch with toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown.
Dried Cranberries: The sweetness and chewiness of dried cranberries provide a pleasant contrast to the savory Brussels sprouts.
Crumbled Cheese: Feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan add a creamy and salty element.
Bacon or Pancetta: Cooked and crumbled bacon or pancetta add a smoky, savory flavor.
Apple Slices: Thinly sliced apples offer a crisp, sweet contrast to the other ingredients.

Expert Tips

Shave the Brussels Sprouts Evenly: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to shave the Brussels sprouts as thinly and evenly as possible. This ensures they cook uniformly and get crispy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting, make sure the Brussels sprouts are spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding will steam them instead of charring them.
Adjust the Dressing to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of honey or sherry vinegar in the dressing to suit your preferences. Taste as you go!
Charring is Key: Don’t be afraid to let the Brussels sprouts get nicely charred. This is where most of the flavor comes from. Just watch them closely to prevent burning.
Use Good Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the taste of the salad. Use good quality olive oil, sherry vinegar, and honey for the best results.
Make Ahead Tip: You can shave the Brussels sprouts and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then toss everything together just before serving.
Naturally Enhance the Flavors: A little bit of lemon zest can really brighten up the flavors of this salad, adding a fresh and zesty note.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I substitute another type of vinegar for the sherry vinegar?
While sherry vinegar is the star of the dressing, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar if needed. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
How long will this salad keep?
This salad is best enjoyed immediately, as the Brussels sprouts tend to lose their crispness over time. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may soften the sprouts, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the honey in the dressing with maple syrup or agave nectar to make this salad vegan.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would be great additions to this salad. They’ll make it a more substantial and naturally balanced meal.
Can I use frozen shaved Brussels sprouts?
Freshly shaved Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best texture and flavor. Frozen shaved Brussels sprouts tend to be a bit soggy and may not char as well. If you must use frozen, make sure to thaw and thoroughly dry them before roasting.
How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from burning?
Keep a close eye on the Brussels sprouts while they’re roasting. If they start to burn, lower the oven temperature slightly or move the baking sheet to a lower rack. Flipping them halfway through also helps to ensure even charring.

Variations and Customization Options

The joy of cooking is making a recipe your own! Here are some variations to personalize your Charred Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad:

Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or a drizzle of sriracha over the salad to add a little heat.
Citrus Burst: Add orange or grapefruit segments for a naturally refreshing citrus flavor.
Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired salad.
Fall Harvest: Add roasted butternut squash or sweet potato cubes to celebrate the flavors of autumn.
Asian Fusion: Toss in some sesame seeds, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a splash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist.

Serving Suggestions

This Charred Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It also makes a wonderful addition to holiday meals or potlucks. For a light lunch, top it with a poached egg or some grilled tofu. It can even be served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for any occasion.

A Salad You’ll Naturally Love

This Charred Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Sherry-Honey Dressing is proof that Brussels sprouts can be incredibly delicious. It’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and visually stunning, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, give it a try and prepare to be amazed. And be sure to share photos of your creation – and any variations you come up with! We can’t wait to see what you create.