If you’re looking for a crisp, refreshing salad that comes together in minutes, look no further than the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Feta and Dried Cranberries. This vibrant dish combines tender shaved Brussels sprouts with creamy feta, tart cranberries, and crunchy pine nuts for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

One of the great things about this salad is that it requires minimal cooking and uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. The beauty of raw shaved Brussels sprouts is their delicate crunch, which pairs wonderfully with a bright lemon vinaigrette and the richness of toasted nuts and cheese.

Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some tips to make this salad truly shine!

Ingredients for Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

To create the perfect salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts use a mandoline slicer or food processor for thin, even pieces
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil quality matters here for the dressing
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 large lemons
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or almonds, walnuts, or pecans if preferred
1/3 cup dried cranberries for a tart, slightly sweet contrast
1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles creamy and tangy
Salt and pepper to taste optional but recommended

How to Prepare the Salad

Here’s how to make this fresh and delicious salad:

Shave the Brussels sprouts: Trim the stem end and remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. Using a mandoline slicer or the slicing blade of a food processor, slice the Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible, about 2-3 mm thick. Transfer to a large bowl.
Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. The dressing should be bright and balanced between acid and richness.
Combine and toss: Pour the vinaigrette over the shaved Brussels sprouts and toss gently to coat evenly. Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the Brussels sprouts to soften slightly while remaining crisp.
Add the toppings: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese crumbles over the salad. Toss once more to distribute all ingredients evenly, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Variations and Customizations

One of the great things about this salad is its versatility!

Nut alternatives: Swap pine nuts for toasted almonds, walnuts, or pecans depending on what you have or prefer. Cashews also add a lovely creamy texture.
Cheese options: Try goat cheese, parmesan shavings, or aged cheddar instead of feta for a different flavor profile. Blue cheese works beautifully too.
Fruit swaps: Dried cherries, raisins, or diced fresh apple can replace the cranberries for variety. Fresh pomegranate seeds add a juicy burst.
Protein additions: Add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or crispy bacon to turn this side dish into a complete meal. Hard-boiled eggs are another excellent choice.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Feta & Dried Cranberries

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled fish, or creamy pasta dishes as a lighter, crunchy counterpoint.

For beverages, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with fresh lemon complements the bright, acidic flavors perfectly.

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, you’ve created a vibrant and satisfying salad that is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious side dish fast, or for meal prepping salads that last several days in the refrigerator.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and ingredients. There’s no limit to how you can customize this recipe to match your taste preferences and what you have on hand.

Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!

Recipe FAQ’s

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

You can shave the Brussels sprouts up to 4 hours ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the dressing, nuts, cranberries, and feta just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Can I use pre-shaved Brussels sprouts from the grocery store?

Yes, pre-shaved Brussels sprouts work well and save time. Just check that they’re fresh and not oxidized, and use them immediately after opening the package for the best texture.

Is this salad suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Absolutely. This salad is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients (especially the nuts and feta) don’t contain added gluten. Always check labels if you have severe gluten sensitivity.

Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Feta & Dried Cranberries

This crisp and refreshing salad features tender shaved Brussels sprouts, creamy feta, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pine nuts dressed in a bright lemon vinaigrette. It's perfect for busy weeknights as an elegant side dish or light meal on its own.

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Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Author: Olivia Bennett

Ingredients

4 cups shaved Brussels sprouts use a mandoline slicer or food processor for thin, even pieces
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil quality matters here for the dressing
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 large lemons
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts or almonds, walnuts, or pecans if preferred
1/3 cup dried cranberries for a tart, slightly sweet contrast
1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles creamy and tangy
salt and pepper to taste optional but recommended

Instructions

Shave the Brussels sprouts: Trim the stem end and remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. Using a mandoline slicer or the slicing blade of a food processor, slice the Brussels sprouts as thinly as possible, about 2-3 mm thick. Transfer to a large bowl.
Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. The dressing should be bright and balanced between acid and richness.
Combine and toss: Pour the vinaigrette over the shaved Brussels sprouts and toss gently to coat evenly. Let the salad sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the Brussels sprouts to soften slightly while remaining crisp.
Add the toppings: Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts, dried cranberries, and feta cheese crumbles over the salad. Toss once more to distribute all ingredients evenly, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.