Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

This Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe has perfectly cooked chorizo, boasting a satisfying crunch, mingling with the earthy goodness of shredded Brussels sprouts. Tossed in a Dijon vinaigrette that adds a zingy kick, this salad is a celebration of contrasts - the rich, the crispy, the fresh, and the tangy - all coming together on your plate.

Experience a burst of flavors and textures with our Crispy Chorizo Brussels Sprouts Salad, a delightful symphony of crunchy chorizo, tender shredded Brussels sprouts, and zesty Dijon vinaigrette. This vibrant salad not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers a perfect balance of richness and freshness. The crispy chorizo adds a savory kick, complemented by the earthy notes of Brussels sprouts and the creamy texture of grated hard-boiled eggs.

Check out my Burrata Peach Salad and my Watermelon Feta Salad.

Jump to:

• How to Shave Brussels Sprouts
• Why I Love This Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe
• Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Ingredients
• How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
• What to serve with Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
• Substitutions
• Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How to store Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
• Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Top tips
• Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe
• Food safety

How to Shave Brussels Sprouts

• Select Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Choose firm, fresh Brussels sprouts. Avoid any that are discolored or have wilted leaves.
• Wash and Trim: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts with a sharp knife.
• Remove Outer Leaves: Peel off any outer leaves that are discolored or wilted. This will expose the fresh, crisp inner leaves.
• Halve the Brussels Sprouts: For easier handling, cut the Brussels sprouts in half from top to bottom. This will create a flat surface to place on the cutting board.
• Use a Sharp Knife: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, use a sharp knife to thinly slice the Brussels sprouts. Place the flat side down on the cutting board and make thin, even slices.
• Use a Mandoline Slicer: For precision and consistent thickness, a mandoline slicer is an excellent tool. Adjust the thickness setting according to your preference and slide the Brussels sprouts over the blade to create thin ribbons.

Why I Love This Brussels Sprout Salad Recipe

• Flavorful Fusion: The marriage of crispy chorizo, with its smoky and savory profile, and the freshness of shredded Brussels sprouts creates a flavor explosion that's hard to resist. It's a symphony of contrasting tastes that come together harmoniously.
• Textural Bliss: The combination of crunchy chorizo, crisp Brussels sprouts, and the creamy grated eggs provides a medley of textures. Each bite is a journey of discovery, keeping the palate engaged and satisfied.
• Dijon Vinaigrette Magic: The Dijon mustard and red wine vinegar vinaigrette is the secret weapon here. It adds a zesty and tangy kick, elevating the entire dish. The gradual drizzle of olive oil ensures a perfect emulsion, coating every ingredient with the right amount of dressing.

Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Chorizo
• Dijon mustard
• Red wine Vinegar
• Brussels sprouts
• Scallions
• Eggs

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Hint: After shredding the Brussels sprouts, consider massaging them gently. This helps to break down the cell walls slightly, making the sprouts more tender and palatable.c

What to serve with Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe

• Grilled Chicken or Turkey: The savory and smoky notes of grilled chicken or turkey complement the flavors of the salad. Season the poultry with herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth.
• Seared Salmon or Fish: A light and flaky seared salmon or other fish provide a healthy and flavorful protein source. The salad's zesty vinaigrette can enhance the seafood's natural taste.
• Pork Tenderloin or Pork Chops: Pairing the salad with succulent pork, such as a well-seasoned pork tenderloin or grilled pork chops, adds richness and additional savory elements.

Substitutions

• Chorizo Substitutions:
  • Smoked sausage or kielbasa: These options can provide a smoky flavor similar to chorizo.
  • Crumbled bacon: For a different flavor profile, bacon can add a salty and savory element.
  • Spicy Italian sausage: If you enjoy heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage for a kick.
• Dijon Vinaigrette Substitutions:
  • Honey mustard vinaigrette: If you prefer a sweeter note, a honey mustard vinaigrette can be a good substitute.
  • Balsamic vinaigrette: For a different tang, use balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.
• Brussels Sprouts Substitutions:
  • Kale: If Brussels sprouts are not your favorite, consider using finely chopped or shredded kale.
  • Shredded cabbage: Another cruciferous vegetable, shredded cabbage, can provide a similar texture.
• Scallions Substitutions:
  • Red or white onion: Finely chopped red or white onion can add a sharp flavor.
  • Chives: If you want a milder onion flavor, chives are a good alternative.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs Substitutions:
  • Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado can add creaminess and richness to the salad.
  • Feta or goat cheese: Crumbled cheese can provide a tangy and creamy element.

Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Variations

• Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad: Shaved Brussels sprouts tossed in a classic Caesar dressing with Parmesan cheese, croutons, and optionally topped with grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Asian-Inspired Brussels Sprouts Salad : Shredded Brussels sprouts combined with sliced almonds, mandarin oranges, and a sesame-ginger dressing. Add grilled chicken or tofu for protein.
• Warm Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad: Sautéed or roasted Brussels sprouts mixed with crispy bacon, toasted pine nuts, and a warm honey Dijon dressing.
• Brussels Sprouts and Quinoa Salad: Shredded Brussels sprouts paired with cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, and a light lemon vinaigrette. Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese.
• Brussels Sprouts and Pomegranate Salad: Shaved Brussels sprouts combined with fresh pomegranate arils, toasted walnuts, and a balsamic reduction. The sweet and tart flavors create a delightful combination.

Check out the viral TikTok Green Goddess Salad Recipe.

Equipment

• Cooking Pan: For cooking and crisping up the chorizo.
• Whisk: To combine the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and olive oil for the vinaigrette.
• Small Bowl: To whisk together the Dijon vinaigrette.
• Sharp Knife: For trimming the ends of the Brussels sprouts and chopping the chorizo into bite-sized pieces.
• Cutting Board: To provide a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
• Food Processor (Optional): If you prefer, you can use a food processor with a shredding attachment to quickly shred the Brussels sprouts.
• Grater: For grating the hard-boiled eggs over the salad.
• Large Salad Bowl: To toss and mix the salad ingredients.
• Spatula or Spoon: For pouring the Dijon vinaigrette over the salad and tossing the ingredients.
• Pot (for Hard-Boiled Eggs): If you haven't pre-made hard-boiled eggs, you'll need a pot to boil and cook the eggs. This egg cooker is also amazing for hard boiling eggs!
• Egg Grater or Box Grater: For grating the hard-boiled eggs.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure the Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and other ingredients accurately.

How to store Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

1. Refrigerate Promptly:
   • Place any leftover salad in an airtight container as soon as possible after serving. Refrigerate it promptly to slow down the growth of bacteria.
2. Store in an Airtight Container:
   • Use an airtight container to help preserve the flavors and textures of the salad. This will also prevent the salad from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
3. Keep Dressing Separate:
   • If possible, store the dressing separately from the salad. Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
4. Avoid Adding Delicate Ingredients Early:
   • If your salad includes ingredients like nuts, cheese, or avocado, consider adding them just before serving to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too soft.
5. Consume Within 1-2 Days:
   • While Brussels sprouts are hardy and can withstand refrigeration, it's best to consume the salad within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Top tips

• Fresh Brussels Sprouts:
  • Start with fresh Brussels sprouts. Look for ones that are firm, without wilted leaves. The freshness of the main ingredient contributes significantly to the overall taste.
• Shave or Shred Thinly:
  • Whether you're using a knife or a mandoline slicer, aim to shave or shred the Brussels sprouts thinly. This ensures a delicate texture that absorbs the flavors of the dressing more effectively.
• Massage the Greens:
  • After shredding the Brussels sprouts, consider massaging them gently. This helps to break down the cell walls slightly, making the sprouts more tender and palatable.
• Crispy Chorizo Technique:
  • For the crispy chorizo, cook it until it's truly crispy. Let it cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces. The crispiness adds a satisfying contrast to the salad.
• Emulsify the Vinaigrette:
  • When making the Dijon vinaigrette, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. This emulsification process creates a smooth and well-blended dressing.
• Season Throughout:
  • Season each component of the salad separately before combining. Season the Brussels sprouts, chorizo, and dressing individually to ensure that every bite is well-flavored.
• Dress Just Before Serving:
  • If possible, dress the salad just before serving. This helps to maintain the crispness of the Brussels sprouts and prevents them from becoming too soggy.
• Add Creaminess with Eggs or Cheese:
  • Grating hard-boiled eggs over the salad not only adds a creamy texture but also enhances the richness. Alternatively, consider adding crumbled cheese like feta or goat cheese for added creaminess.
• Texture Variety:
  • Include a variety of textures by adding ingredients like nuts (e.g., toasted almonds or pecans) for crunch or fruits (e.g., apples or pomegranate seeds) for a burst of freshness.
• Balance Flavors:
  • Aim for a well-balanced flavor profile. The savory chorizo, the earthiness of Brussels sprouts, the zesty Dijon vinaigrette, and any additional ingredients should complement each other.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.