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    Home ยป Recipes ยป Salads

    Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

    Published: Jan 2, 2019 ยท Updated: May 4, 2020 Author: Sharon Rigsby

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    Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette pinterest pin

    Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette is loaded with micro-thin shaved raw Brussels Sprouts, dried tart cranberries, crunchy buttery pecans and well, just because I can’t help myself, bacon. It’s loaded with fresh flavors and different textures and makes a perfect side dish or lunch. 

    Brussel Sprouts Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette topped with bacon and parmesan cheese.

    As if this wasn’t enough deliciousness, even if you aren’t a fan, the addition of my simple Citrus Vinaigrette made with orange marmalade, puts it over the top and will have you coming back for seconds!

    I have to admit, neither my husband nor I am a fan of cooked brussels sprouts. I know what some of you are thinking, but we have tried them prepared lots of different ways, lots of different times, and they are just not our favorite vegetable. 

    That is until we tried them raw in salads. Now that’s a Brussel Sprout of a different color. My husband didn’t even realize he was eating Brussels Sprouts.

    Whether or not you are a fan, I do hope you will try this yummy salad! After all, if you are like the majority of folks, my guess is one of your New Year’s resolutions is probably to eat healthier and maybe even lose a few pounds and, hopefully, this colorful and healthy salad will help with that. Well, maybe without the bacon…

    Susan writes: “Iโ€™m not a big fan of brussels sprouts but was looking for a different kind of salad. I never knew brussels sprouts could taste this good! This salad is amazing! It tastes great and the dressing is an excellent complement to the flavors of the salad. Most salads leave me hungry for about an hour after eating but this salad has staying power. It was kind of time-consuming to slice the brussels sprouts, but it is worth it. Iโ€™ve made this several times and hubby loves it too!”

    More flavorful recipes:

    If you like this salad recipe, you might also be interested in these other healthy salad options: Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad with Cranberries, Southern Cucumber and Tomato Salad, and Healthy Black-Eyed Pea Salad. Need more salad options, check out all of my salad recipes here!

    How to make the citrus vinaigrette 

    Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar, cover and shake well. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    How to make the salad: 

    Use a mandoline and slice the brussels sprouts as thinly as possible. Hold them by their stem and stop about โ…” of the way down to protect your fingers. This is not a job for your children. Since the sprouts are so small, you will not be able to use the cutting guard so be extremely careful.

    Using a mandoline to slice Brussels Sprouts for Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

    Add the dried cranberries and pecans and toss to combine. Drizzle with about two tablespoons of the Citrus Vinaigrette, toss to combine. Top with the crumbled bacon and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

    Brussel Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette in a bowl.

    Sharon’s Tips:

    • Store unwashed brussels sprouts in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator and plan to use them within a few days of purchasing.
    • To prep, the brussels sprouts, remove any discolored or outer leaves which may be loose.  Place them in a bowl or salad spinner, and fill with enough lukewarm water to cover them. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes. Pour the brussels sprouts into a strainer, and rinse again with clean water. Turn out on a clean dish towel or paper towels and allow to dry.
    • This salad is best with razor-thin slices of brussels sprouts. After slicing them, discard the stems and use a fork to fluff the shreds and separate them. I know it’s tempting to buy the presliced brussels sprouts in the grocery store, but they are not nearly as good as the ones you slice yourself.

    โ˜… If you make this dish, please leave a comment and give this recipe a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

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    Brussel Sprouts Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette topped with bacon and parmesan cheese.

    Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette Recipe

    Sharon Rigsby
    Healthy Brussels Sprout Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette is loaded with micro-thin shaved raw Brussels Sprouts, dried tart cranberries, crunchy buttery pecans and well, just because I can't help myself, smokey bacon.
    4.50 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Salad
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 172 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Citrus Vinaigrette Ingredients:

    • 3 tablespoon Orange Marmalade
    • 4 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
    • 4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
    • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
    • ยฝ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ยผ teaspoon ground black pepper

    Brussels Sprout Salad Ingredients:

    • 2 dozen fresh brussels sprouts rinsed and drained, see tips
    • ยฝ cup toasted pecans chopped
    • ยฝ cup dried cranberries I used Craisens
    • 3 slices bacon cooked, drained and crumbled
    • ยฝ cup Parmesan cheese

    Instructions
     

    Citrus Vinaigrette Directions:

    • Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar, cover and shake well. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to use.

    Brussels Sprout Salad Directions:

    • Use a mandoline and slice the brussels sprouts as thinly as possible. Hold them by their stem and stop about โ…” of the way down to protect your fingers. This is not a job for your children, and since the sprouts are so small, you will not be able to use the cutting guard.
    • Add the dried cranberries and pecans and toss to combine. Drizzle with about two tablespoons of the Citrus Vinaigrette, toss to combine. Top with the crumbled bacon and Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Sharon's Tips:
    • Store unwashed brussels sprouts in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator and plan to use them within a few days of purchasing.
    • To prep, the brussels sprouts, remove any discolored or outer leaves which may be loose. Place them in a bowl or salad spinner, and fill with enough lukewarm water to cover them. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes. Pour the brussels sprouts into a strainer, and rinse again with clean water. Turn out on a clean dish towel or paper towels and allow to dry.
    • This salad is best with razor-thin slices of brussels sprouts. After slicing them, discard the stems and use a fork to fluff the shreds and separate them. I know it's tempting to buy the presliced brussels sprouts in the grocery store, but they are not nearly as good as the ones you slice yourself.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 172kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 7gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 261mgPotassium: 487mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 135.3mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 2.3mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      4.50 from 6 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Judy Smith

      August 27, 2023 at 6:04 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious! I made this yesterday for a birthday dinner and got rave reviews. I added pomgranate seeds and an apple and substituted roasted almonds for the pecans and did not use bacon. The dressing made it over the top. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful and healthy salad. Looking forward to making this a regular side dish.

      Reply
    2. Anne

      December 15, 2019 at 11:46 am

      Love this! Can it be made ahead?

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        December 15, 2019 at 12:35 pm

        Yes, but don’t add the dressing until you are ready to serve it.
        All my best,
        Sharon

        Reply
    3. Susan

      June 23, 2019 at 4:36 pm

      I’m not a big fan of brussel sprouts but was looking for different kind of salad. I never knew brussel sprouts could taste this good! This salad is amazing! It tastes great and the dressing is an excellent complement to the flavors of the salad. Most salads leave me hungry about an hour after eating but this salad has staying power. It was kind of time consuming to slice the brussel sprouts, but it is worth it. I’ve made this several times and hubby loves it too!

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        June 23, 2019 at 4:56 pm

        Hi Susan, so glad you and your husband enjoyed the salad. And, thank you too for leaving such a sweet comment!
        All my best,
        Sharon

        Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pineconesยฎ. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me โ†’

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