Asian Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
This easy recipe for Asian Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad is a great way to enjoy raw shaved Brussels sprouts in a crunchy slaw that is great with protein like chicken, shrimp, or fish or served alongside a sandwich. A great summer side dish for BBQ’s and parties!
As a kid, I did not like brussels sprouts, but its probably because they were frozen and boiled with no flavor 🤮! These days I love making Sous Vide Brussels Sprouts, Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts and Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts, one of my favorite copycat recipes!
This Brussels sprouts Asian slaw is made with shaved Brussels sprouts, coconut aminos, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, carrots, cilantro, and more. Tangy, savory, and crunchy in each bite!
What is so great about this salad is you are going to find that you have all different elements of flavor that work so well together. You have a crunch from the vegetables, tang, and sweetness from the dressing, and the Brussels sprouts hold up so well.
This is a great make-ahead salad that can be made for summer picnics, cookouts, potlucks, and more. The perfect light flavors are so refreshing.
🥗Ingredient Notes
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts – Raw Brussels sprouts are going to offer a nutty and slightly bitter flavor. But the other ingredients help balance out the bitterness nicely. You can shave the brussels yourself or use a bag of pre-shredded from your grocery store, or from places like Trader Joe’s.
- Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice – The citrus is going to compliment the bitter but also help offer a tangy and sweet component to the Asian brussels sprout salad. For best results, use fresh juice from an orange instead of the bottled kind that could have extra sugar and preservatives.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – The sesame oil has a nutty flavor that is going to add a bit of an earthy, and nutty flavor to the salad. Make sure it says TOASTED on the bottle as regular sesame oil will not have that classic nutty flavor!
- Avocado or Olive Oil – You can use either of these oils for a very light and creamy texture to the dressing. Just make sure whatever you use has a neutral taste. Once it is whisked, it helps to thicken up the dressing.
- Coconut Aminos – This is a great soy sauce alternative that is soy-free and gluten-free. You will find that the aminos offer an umami flavor.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – You need some acidity to the dressing and that is what you get in this vinegar. It will help brighten up the flavors in the salad.
- Matchstick Carrots – I wanted to add more crunch so I did some matchstick carrots. They are thinly sliced and add color but also a subtle sweetness.
- Chopped Green Onion – While the green onions add a little heat it also helps add a nice color to the salad.
📖How To Make Asian Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
1️⃣ In a medium sized bowl, whisk together avocado oil, sesame oil, coconut aminos, and apple cider vinegar until fully combined. This can also be whizzed up in a blender.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, add shaved brussels sprouts, carrots, cilantro and chopped green onion and toss together until evenly combined.
3️⃣ Pour the dressing onto the salad mixture and toss until everything is coated.
4️⃣ Let sit for 30 minutes in the fridge before tossing again and serving with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top.
🔪3 Ways To Shave Brussels Sprouts
Here are a few different ways you can easily shave your Brussels sprouts with different tools you might have in your kitchen. For all of these methods, wash and prep the sprouts before you begin.
- Using a mandolin: Place the sprout on the mandolin, use the guard, then slice it back and forth on your desired thickness setting.
- Using a sharp knife: Place the flat side down on your cutting board. Then carefully slice the sprouts very thinly, and work your way down to cutting the end.
- Using a food processor: Place your slicing blade on your food processor. Then, you will work in batches of adding some sprouts into the feed tube and allowing them to thinly slice them.
🌶️Customize It
- Adding nuts – If you want to add a nice crunch to the salad, consider picking your favorite nut and adding it in. Use chopped nuts to mix in or place on the top of the salad. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, and more are all fantastic options.
- Adding other veggies – Feel free to mix in any of your favorite vegetables. Shredded cabbage, tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, chopped snap peas, and so much more. Feel free to try out a mix of vegetables if you would like.
- Adding in fruit – Slice up some apples and pears, or even mix in some dried cranberries to the salad. You could even mix in some dried cherries for a sweet and tartness to the salad.
- Creamy dressing – Making the dressing creamy by adding peanut butter or cashew butter is a great mix. It is going to add more nutty flavor, but also it will have a nice creamy texture.
- Cheese – So you have a few different types of cheese that you might enjoy. Feta, blue cheese, or even goat cheese can all be a delicious addition to the salad.
- Fresh Herbs – If you don’t care for cilantro, feel free to swap it out with basil, parsley, or even some fresh mint. Just finely chop and mix in the salad.
🌮Ways To Serve
- Side Dish – Grill up some mushroom steaks, seafood, or protein of your choice. Then, use this salad as a side dish.
- Fish Tacos or Fish Taco Bowl – If you enjoy fish tacos, consider adding this sprout salad on top. Just assemble your taco, and then add your slaw on top. Or if you make a fish bowl with rice or quinoa, then top with fish and other ingredients and finish off with slaw.
- Wrap – Spread on some hummus or favorite condiments and add on some shaved salad, sliced turkey, or shredded chicken, veggies, and cheese. Roll tightly like a burrito and enjoy.
- Buddha Bowl – If you have not tried a Buddha bowl, give it a try. Start with brown rice or cooked quinoa. Then you can roast vegetables, add some meat or beans, and then add your slaw mix on top. You can add more sauce or just let the sauce from the salad be enough.
❔ FAQ
Yes, especially in this salad! Typically, raw veggies are harder to digest but when cut down into smaller sizes and paired with a vinegar (like the apple cider vinegar in this salad) it makes it much gentler on your stomach as it helps break the food down.
Washing your Brussels sprouts is a must. There is dirt and debris on them, and you need to peel off the outer layers of the leaves and rinse them under cool water. Pat the sprouts dry, and then shave and use for the recipe.
To store shaved Brussels sprouts, place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Keep the container or bag in the refrigerator, where the sprouts will stay fresh for up to a week. For best results, avoid washing them until you are ready to use them.
Asian Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz Shaved Brussels Sprouts
- 3 oz Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
- 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 2 tbsp Avocado or Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Coconut Aminos
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ cup Matchstick Carrots
- ¼ cup Green Onion chopped
- ¼ cup Cilantro chopped
- 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together avocado oil, orange juice, sesame oil, coconut aminos, and apple cider vinegar until fully combined. This can also be whizzed up in a blender.
- In a large bowl, add shaved brussels sprouts, carrots, cilantro and chopped green onion and toss together until evenly combined.
- Pour the dressing onto the salad mixture and toss until everything is coated.
- Let sit for 30 minutes in the fridge before tossing again and serving with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top.
The instructions leave out where to put the orange juice. In the dressing I assume?
Yes, exactly! I just fixed it. Thank you! -Krista (Team Thyme & JOY)
Really enjoyed this! I’m on a vegan diet and added a bit of fresh avocado for a nice light dinner.