Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad – A Twist on a Classic!

If you’re a fan of the classic Caesar salad, you are going to love this refreshing twist on the traditional recipe! The Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad combines the nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts with the creamy richness of Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and a burst of Parmesan. It’s a salad that’s perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a light lunch, a side dish, or a vibrant addition to your holiday spread! 🌱🥬

This salad is a great way to elevate the humble Brussels sprout and turn it into something truly special. It’s fresh, healthy, and absolutely packed with flavor! Plus, it’s super easy to make and is sure to be a hit with both veggie lovers and those who may not normally be keen on Brussels sprouts. Let’s get into it! 👇

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Salad

✅ Crunchy & Nutty – Shaved Brussels sprouts add a great texture and flavor that’s satisfying and unique.
✅ Easy to Make – With simple ingredients, this salad comes together quickly.
✅ Healthy & Delicious – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and a creamy Caesar dressing.
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re hosting a dinner or looking for a tasty lunch, this salad is a winner!

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🛒 Key Ingredients & Substitutions

To make this vibrant Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad, here are the essential ingredients:

🥬 For the Salad Base:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts – Trimmed and shaved (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup croutons – Store-bought or homemade 🍞
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for the best flavor 🧀
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley – Finely chopped for garnish 🌿

🧴 For the Caesar Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Creamy base for the dressing
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan – Adds richness and depth to the dressing
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed 🍋
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – A little tang to balance the flavors
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced 🧄
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For seasoning
• Salt to taste – Adjust as needed 🧂

🍽️ For Optional Add-ins:

• Grilled chicken – For a protein-packed salad 🍗
• Bacon bits – For extra crunch and smokiness 🥓
• Hard-boiled eggs – For a creamy addition 🍳
• Anchovy fillets – If you want to stay traditional with the Caesar flavor 🐟

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔪 Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

1️⃣ Trim and Shave: Start by trimming the tough ends off the Brussels sprouts. Then, using a sharp knife or a mandoline, thinly shave the Brussels sprouts into ribbons. You want them to be thin enough to soak up the Caesar dressing but still provide that satisfying crunch.

2️⃣ Toss the Brussels Sprouts: Place the shaved Brussels sprouts into a large salad bowl, ensuring they’re evenly distributed and ready to be mixed with the dressing. 🌱

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🥣 Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing

1️⃣ Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and salt.

2️⃣ Adjust the Consistency: If the dressing is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a tablespoon or two of water. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy. 👌

3️⃣ Taste and Adjust: Give your dressing a taste. Feel free to adjust the lemon juice or Worcestershire sauce for more tang or umami if needed! 🍋

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🧑‍🍳 Step 3: Toss the Salad

1️⃣ Combine the Brussels Sprouts and Dressing: Pour the Caesar dressing over the shaved Brussels sprouts and toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

2️⃣ Add the Croutons & Parmesan: Sprinkle the croutons and Parmesan cheese over the salad. Toss again to incorporate. The croutons add a satisfying crunch, and the Parmesan brings a rich, salty flavor. 🧀🍞

3️⃣ Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Finish off the salad with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness. 🌿

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🍴 Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad immediately, or chill it in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving for a cool, crisp bite. This salad can also be made in advance, but it’s best to add the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy! 😋

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💡 Tips for the Perfect Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

• Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts: The freshness of the Brussels sprouts is key to the salad’s flavor. If they’re wilted or old, they can be bitter and less enjoyable.
• Shave Them Thin: The thinner the Brussels sprouts, the better they’ll absorb the dressing and have a nice tender texture.
• Use Homemade Croutons: Homemade croutons are super easy to make! Just cube some day-old bread, drizzle with olive oil, season with garlic powder and herbs, then toast in the oven. 🍞
• Customize Your Toppings: Add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or even hard-boiled eggs to make this salad more substantial and meal-worthy. 🍗🥓🍳

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🥗 Serving Suggestions

This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad can be served in many ways! Here are some of our favorite serving ideas:

• As a Side Dish: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or even salmon. 🥩🐔🐟
• As a Main Course: Add some grilled chicken or bacon bits to make it a filling meal!
• With a Light Soup: Pair it with a warm bowl of tomato or butternut squash soup for a comforting meal. 🍲
• As a Meal Prep Option: This salad keeps well in the fridge (minus the croutons). Make it ahead and enjoy it throughout the week! 🗓️

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💡 Variations & Substitutions

Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun variations you can try:

✔️ Vegan Version: Use a vegan mayonnaise for the dressing, and top with vegan Parmesan and croutons.
✔️ Gluten-Free Version: Swap in gluten-free croutons or skip the croutons entirely for a low-carb option.
✔️ Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing for an extra layer of heat! 🌶️
✔️ Add Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or beets for a hearty and healthy twist. 🍠🥕
✔️ Nuts for Crunch: Instead of croutons, try adding toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a different crunch. 🌰

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing may soften the Brussels sprouts over time, but it will still taste great!

🔥 Reheating:

Although it’s best served fresh, you can reheat the salad if you prefer it warm. However, we recommend enjoying it chilled for the best flavor and texture.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the Brussels sprouts and dressing a day ahead. Just store the dressing separately to keep the croutons crispy until you’re ready to serve. 😋

2️⃣ Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
Frozen Brussels sprouts won’t have the same texture, so it’s best to use fresh Brussels sprouts for this salad. 🥶

3️⃣ Is This Salad Keto-Friendly?
It can be! Skip the croutons and use a keto-friendly Caesar dressing to make this salad low-carb. 🥑

4️⃣ Can I Make the Dressing Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free mayo and skip the Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version. 🌱

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🥗 Conclusion – A Fresh Take on a Classic Salad!

The Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is a creative and delicious way to enjoy a Caesar salad with an extra crunch and a burst of flavor. 🥬 With its creamy dressing, crispy croutons, and a touch of Parmesan, this salad is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a side dish, or something unique to bring to your next gathering, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try it today, and don’t forget to get creative with your toppings!