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A bright and crisp celebration of winter produce, this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad transforms the humble sprout into an elegant dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious. Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors - crisp sprouts, sweet apple, creamy feta, and jewel-like pomegranate seeds that burst with tartness.
After bringing this to countless holiday gatherings, I've noticed even the most devoted Brussels sprouts skeptics coming back for seconds. The key was discovering that shaving the sprouts paper-thin transforms their texture completely.
Essential Ingredients Guide
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green heads with tightly packed leaves
- Honeycrisp Apples: Choose firm, unblemished fruit that feels heavy for its size
- Pomegranate Seeds: Fresh seeds offer the best pop of flavor and texture
- Pecans: Toast them just until fragrant to enhance their natural oils
- Feta: Traditional Greek feta provides the perfect salty-tangy notes
- Quality Olive Oil: Use your best extra virgin for the dressing
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sprout Preparation (15 minutes):
- Trim sprout bases and remove any discolored leaves. Use food processor with slicing blade for uniform thickness. Place shaved sprouts in large bowl. Massage gently to break down fibers slightly.
- Dressing Creation (5 minutes):
- Whisk olive oil and vinegar until emulsified. Add honey and Dijon gradually. Season with salt and fresh pepper. Taste and adjust balance.
- Component Preparation (10 minutes):
- Toast pecans until fragrant, watching carefully. Core and dice apple into small cubes. Crumble feta into small pieces. Extract pomegranate seeds gently.
- Assembly Process (10 minutes):
- Toss sprouts with most of dressing. Add apples, nuts, and most of feta. Fold gently to combine. Top with remaining cheese and pomegranate seeds. Drizzle with remaining dressing.
I discovered the magic of this combination while trying to recreate a memorable salad from a winter wedding. The bride later told me this version was even better than the original.
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Final Thoughts: This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad has become my signature holiday dish, proving that winter salads can be just as exciting as summer ones. It's a celebration of seasonal ingredients that manages to be both refreshing and satisfying. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a healthy lunch, it's a reminder that simple ingredients, treated with care, can create something extraordinary.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this salad in advance?
- Yes, this salad actually improves when made ahead. You can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
- → How do I shave brussels sprouts without a food processor?
- You can use a sharp knife to slice them very thinly, or a mandoline with proper safety precautions.
- → What can I substitute for pomegranate seeds?
- Dried cranberries, fresh oranges, or chopped pears work well as alternatives for similar sweet-tart flavor.
- → How long will leftovers keep?
- Leftover salad will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
- → Can I make this salad into a main dish?
- Yes, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform it into a complete meal.