Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon, Walnuts & Apricots

Growing up, brussels sprouts were never very appealing. They only made an appearance at Thanksgiving or Christmas, and they were often over-steamed and stinky.

Fast forward to today and brussels sprouts are all the rage, showing up on restaurant menus and being prepared in all sorts of delicious ways!

If this is your first time making a salad with brussels sprouts, you're in for a treat. The crunchy texture of raw brussels sprouts is a nice change from leafy lettuce, and makes the salad feel a bit heartier, too.

To make it, we shave the brussels sprouts quite thin, making them easy to chew. Then we add in some salty bacon crumbles, toasty walnuts, and sweet chewy dried apricots. It all gets tossed together in a simple tangy dressing and then sits for a few minutes so it softens.

It's a quick and easy recipe that adds a fresh element to weeknight dinners, holiday dinners, or anytime throughout the winter months. Leftovers keep well in the fridge and taste great for lunch the next day!

Shredded brussels sprouts salad ingredients

Here's everything you need to make this shaved brussels sprouts salad:

• Bacon – we use thick-cut bacon for lots of chewy bacon texture.
• Brussels sprouts – we shred the brussels so they're nice and thin. You can also buy bags of shredded brussels sprouts at most grocery stores in a pinch.
• Walnuts – nuts give this salad a wonderful crunch, and toasting them enhances their nutty flavor. Feel free to use a different nut if you prefer like pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds.
• Dried apricots – look for apricots that are soft and moist, as opposed to dried out and tough. You can also use other dried fruit like dried cranberries if you prefer.

You only need four ingredients for the bright and refreshing dressing:

• Olive oil – any variety of extra virgin olive oil will work.
• Apple cider vinegar – we use apple cider vinegar but you can also use lemon juice instead.
• Honey – we use honey but maple syrup tastes delicious, too.
• Sea salt + black pepper – for seasoning, to taste.

How to shave brussels sprouts for a salad

To shred the brussels sprouts for a salad, use a sharp knife to cut off the tough end of the stem, then slice them in half so you have two identical pieces.

Starting at the round end (or top) thinly slice the brussels sprouts, working your way to the bottom. You can also use a food processor or mandolin (just be sure to use the guard with the mandolin to protect your fingers). You can also often find bags of shredded brussels sprouts at the grocery store.

How to make shredded brussels sprouts salad

This shaved brussels sprout salad recipe is flavorful and full of texture. It's the perfect side dish for the winter months and works wonderfully with holiday dinners. Here's how to make it in a few simple steps:

1. Cook the bacon until it's nice and crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a small jar and shake vigorously.
3. Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl.
4. Drizzle on the dressing, toss well, and then let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Full recipe instructions are in the recipe card below.

FAQS

What to eat with shaved brussels sprouts salad

For a quick and easy weeknight dinner, enjoy this salad with our pistachio crusted salmon or honey mustard chicken.

For a festive feast, pair it with some of our holiday favorites like these pork chops with caramel apples, our best stuffing recipe ever, and sour cream and chive mashed potatoes.