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The Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to transforming Brussels sprouts into a vibrant, crunchy, and irresistibly flavorful salad. This dish combines the crispness of fresh, chopped sprouts with a luscious, tangy dressing infused with citrus and honey, balanced perfectly by savory Parmesan and the delightful pop of dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side or a standout starter, this recipe will brighten up your table and win over even those who usually shy away from Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple ingredients, this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe comes together quickly while offering an exciting range of flavors and textures. Each element plays a key role, from the crunch of the sprouts and pumpkin seeds to the sweet and tangy notes from the dressing and dried fruit.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, sliced and roughly chopped: The star ingredient providing a fresh, crunchy base for the slaw.
- ½ cup small diced red onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and vibrant color.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy texture that binds the dressing and coats the slaw beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a gentle tang and complexity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brings a zesty brightness that lifts all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Adds a hint of sweetness and citrus aroma.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Provides natural sweetness to harmonize acidic notes.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Enhance and fine-tune every flavor.
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan: Contributes a salty, savory richness that complements the sprouts.
- ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional): Offers chewy, fruity bursts that contrast beautifully with the crunchy elements.
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds (optional): Add a satisfying crunch and a nutty finish perfect for texture lovers.
How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by slicing the Brussels sprouts thinly and then roughly chopping them into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial because you want each piece to be manageable and to maintain a satisfying crunch. Using fresh, crisp sprouts will give your slaw the perfect texture that invites a delicious bite every time.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, honey, diced red onion, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The goal here is to create a smooth and creamy dressing with a beautiful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that will coat the Brussels sprouts perfectly. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and silky.
Step 3: Dress the Slaw
Pour the dressing over the chopped Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Toss the slaw gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is evenly coated. This helps the flavors permeate through the sprouts while preserving their crisp texture. Letting the slaw sit for a few minutes also allows the dressing to meld with the ingredients deliciously.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Combine
Now, sprinkle in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, dried cranberries or cherries if you’re using them, and pumpkin seeds for extra texture. Toss everything one last time so those toppings distribute evenly throughout the salad. These add-ins do wonders to elevate the Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe by introducing bursts of flavor and varied textures that keep every bite interesting and exciting.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer your beautifully dressed slaw to a serving bowl. This salad is delightful served right away for that lively crunch or chilled briefly in the fridge for a refreshing, crisp bite. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser, combining vibrant flavors and a velvety dressing that can complement any meal.
How to Serve Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
Top off your slaw with a few extra toasted pumpkin seeds or an additional sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving to add an enticing texture and a pop of savory flavor. A light drizzle of extra fresh lime juice over the top can also enhance the brightness just before plating.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins like chicken, pork, or fish, adding a fresh and vibrant contrast to hearty dishes. It also shines alongside roasted vegetables or as a refreshing side at your next barbecue or picnic.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the slaw in crispy endive leaves or use it as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. You can also toss this slaw with quinoa or couscous to create a hearty, crunchy salad perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld further over time, but if you notice the sprouts have softened too much, a quick toss before serving will revive some of their texture.
Freezing
This slaw is best enjoyed fresh, so freezing is not recommended as the creamy dressing and crunchy Brussels sprouts do not hold up well after thawing. Instead, make a fresh batch when needed to enjoy the full texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not necessary. If you want the slaw slightly less chilled, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and soften the dressing just a touch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are highly recommended for this slaw to maintain the best crunch and texture. Frozen sprouts often become watery and lose their crispness when thawed, which can affect the overall quality of the dish.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
If you prefer a lighter or vegan version, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a plant-based mayo alternative. Both options will keep the dressing creamy while changing the flavor slightly.
Can I prepare the slaw a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the slaw a few hours ahead or even the day before. Keep it refrigerated and toss the slaw just before serving to refresh the ingredients and distribute the dressing evenly.
Are the dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds mandatory?
Not at all! Both are optional but highly recommended to add layers of texture and flavors. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, feel free to omit them or swap for toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts.
What type of Parmesan cheese works best?
Use finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or any good quality aged Parmesan for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese can work, but fresh-grated cheese adds a more pronounced savory note and better melts into the slaw.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like digging into a bowl of this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe to brighten your meal and satisfy your palate with freshness, creaminess, and crunch. It’s a dish that invites creativity, pairs beautifully with so many meals, and is sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make this your go-to Brussels sprouts salad all along!
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Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy Brussels sprouts slaw combining crisp, chopped Brussels sprouts with a tangy, citrusy dressing, enhanced by Parmesan cheese, dried fruits, and crunchy pumpkin seeds for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Slaw
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, sliced and roughly chopped
- ½ cup small diced red onion
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional)
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
Dressing
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts. Place the sliced and roughly chopped Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl, making sure the pieces are bite-sized to create a pleasant texture for the slaw.
- Make the Dressing. In a small bowl or container, combine mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, honey, diced red onion, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended.
- Dress the Slaw. Pour the dressing over the Brussels sprouts in the large bowl. Toss thoroughly to evenly coat the sprouts with the dressing and allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add Toppings & Combine. Add the finely grated Parmesan cheese, dried cranberries or cherries (if using), and pumpkin seeds (if using) into the bowl. Toss once more to distribute all toppings evenly throughout the slaw.
- Serve. Transfer the Brussels sprouts slaw to a serving bowl. Serve immediately for a fresh, crisp texture or refrigerate until ready to eat for a chilled, refreshing slaw.
Notes
- The dried cranberries or cherries and pumpkin seeds are optional, but they add lovely sweetness and crunch to the slaw.
- If you prefer, substitute mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter dressing.
- This slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or as a light side dish on its own.
- For added flavor, you can toast the pumpkin seeds lightly before adding them to the slaw.
- Make sure to chop Brussels sprouts into bite-sized pieces to ensure an easy-to-eat texture.
