Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans

If you’re looking for the perfect salad to brighten up your holiday table or to bring a burst of flavor to a weeknight dinner, you’ve found it! This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s also packed with delightful textures and flavors that everyone will love. It combines the crispness of fresh Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of pomegranate and the crunch of candied pecans, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.

What I adore about this salad is how easy it is to prepare. You can make it ahead of time, which is a lifesaver during busy holiday gatherings or any family meal prep. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive feast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this stunning salad in no time.
• Flavorful Fusion: The combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements makes each bite exciting and delicious.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep! Make it a day in advance and let the flavors meld together.
• Family-Friendly: This salad is sure to impress both kids and adults alike with its fun ingredients.
• Gorgeous Presentation: The vibrant colors make this salad not only tasty but also a beautiful addition to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this salad. Each one adds its own special touch!

For the Salad

• 12 ounces shaved brussels sprouts, stems removed
• 1 1/2 cups pomegranate arils
• 1 1/2 cups honeycrisp apple, diced
• 1 cup pecans, candied (recipe below) or just toasted
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 3/4 cup shaved parmesan

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Candied Pecans (Optional)

• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne (to taste)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp salt
• *1 1/2 tbsp water

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up according to what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add More Crunch: Toss in some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for an extra layer of texture.
• Change the Fruit: Try using diced pears or apples instead of honeycrisp apples for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Vegan: Swap out the parmesan with vegan cheese or simply leave it out altogether.
• Spice It Up: Add some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick that pairs nicely with the sweetness.

How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans

Step 1: Prepare the Candied Pecans (if using)

Start by making those delicious candied pecans! In a skillet over medium heat, combine chopped pecans with brown sugar, cinnamon, cayenne, vanilla extract, salt, and water. Stir frequently until the sugar has melted and coated the nuts evenly. This step not only adds sweetness but also creates an irresistible crunch.

Step 2: Mix Your Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), salt, and black pepper. Mixing your dressing separately allows all those flavors to blend perfectly before coating your salad.

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl, combine shaved Brussels sprouts, pomegranate arils, diced honeycrisp apples, candied pecans (or toasted if you prefer), dried cranberries, and shaved parmesan. Pour in your dressing over the top. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is flavorful.

Step 4: Serve!

Once everything is mixed well, take a moment to admire your beautiful creation before serving. This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans not only tastes amazing but looks gorgeous on any table setting! Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with friends and family.

Pro Tips for Making Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans

Making this salad is a breeze, but a few extra tips will help you elevate it to the next level!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste. Choose bright green brussels sprouts and ripe pomegranates for a vibrant, flavorful salad.
• Make Candied Pecans Ahead: You can prepare candied pecans in advance and store them in an airtight container. This not only saves time on the day of serving but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the sweetness of the vinaigrette by varying the amount of maple syrup or honey. This customization lets you achieve the perfect balance between sweet and tangy.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps all the flavors marry together and enhances the overall taste.
• Add a Crunch Factor: For extra texture, consider adding some crispy chickpeas or sunflower seeds as a topping. They provide an additional crunch that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

How to Serve Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans

This beautiful salad is not just delicious; it’s also visually stunning! Presenting it well can make it even more appealing at your holiday gatherings or family dinners.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint can add a burst of color and freshness.
• Extra pomegranate arils: Adding a few more pomegranate arils on top creates an eye-catching contrast against the greens.
• Lemon zest: A light dusting of lemon zest can elevate your dish with an aromatic touch that enhances its citrus notes.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetable Medley: A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower roasted with olive oil and herbs pairs wonderfully with this salad, adding warmth and heartiness.
• Quinoa Pilaf: Fluffy quinoa cooked with vegetable broth, herbs, and nuts provides a nutritious side that complements the freshness of your salad while adding protein.
• Herbed Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous tossed with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro brings a lovely texture contrast along with subtle flavor hints that enhance your meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy your Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This shaved Brussels sprout salad with pomegranate and candied pecans is perfect for meal prep! It’s not only easy to make ahead of time, but it also holds up beautifully in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together even more. Here’s how to store and enjoy your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Transfer any leftover salad to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing separate if possible, to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and fruits. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

• Since this salad is served cold, there’s no need for reheating. Simply enjoy it straight from the fridge!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious dish.

Can I make Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container, and if possible, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

How do I store leftovers of Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Candied Pecans?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until serving.

What can I substitute for candied pecans in this salad?

If you prefer a healthier option or want to avoid sugar, toasted pecans work wonderfully as a substitute. You can also use chopped walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.

Is it possible to add other ingredients to this salad?

Definitely! This salad is versatile; consider adding ingredients like feta cheese (if desired), sliced cucumbers, or even grilled chicken for added protein.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! To make it vegan-friendly, simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already vegan-friendly!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this shaved Brussels sprout salad with pomegranate and candied pecans as much as I do! It’s not just a feast for your eyes but also a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will surely impress your family and friends during any gathering. Remember, cooking should always be fun and experimental—feel free to try new ingredients or variations. Happy cooking!