As the first hints of winter wrap around us, there’s nothing more satisfying than creating a dish that brings the season’s best flavors to the table. That’s precisely what this Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad does—it’s like a crisp, colorful celebration in a bowl! Imagine biting into the crunch of fresh Brussels sprouts, the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, and the delightful tang of dried cranberries, all tossed together with a zesty dressing that ties it beautifully.
After a hectic week of meals that felt all too ordinary, I was on the hunt for something fresh and vibrant. I found myself craving a dish that could effortlessly elevate my holiday gatherings. Whether it’s a festive feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this salad not only impresses with its stunning presentation but also delivers a nutritious punch without any fuss. Trust me—this is a quick and delightful way to incorporate seasonal goodness into your plate. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad a Must-Try?
Freshness: This salad offers a burst of seasonal ingredients that are both vibrant and nutritious, making it an ideal side for any holiday meal.
Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes to prepare, you can whip up this dish without taking too much time away from hosting your gathering.
Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of crunchy Brussels sprouts, sweet apples, and tangy cranberries is a flavor profile that suits all palates, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
Versatile Options: This recipe easily adapts to your preferences, whether you want to change the nuts, or swap out different cheeses, allowing every cook to make it their own.
Visual Delight: Its colorful presentation makes it not just a meal but a beautiful centerpiece on any dining table. Embrace this delicious salad as part of a complete seasonal dining experience!
Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad Ingredients
For the Dressing
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Provides tanginess; can substitute with balsamic vinegar for a sweeter note.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness; use a light olive oil for a milder flavor.
- Small Clove Garlic, Grated – Enhances depth of flavor; garlic powder can be used as an alternative.
- Kosher Salt – Balances flavors; sea salt can be an alternative.
- Dijon Mustard – Adds a hint of spiciness; can substitute with yellow mustard for a milder flavor.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Provides warmth and depth; white pepper can be used for a subtler spice.
- Pure Maple Syrup or Honey – Sweetens the dressing; agave syrup serves as a vegan substitute.
For the Salad
- Brussels Sprouts, Trimmed and Shaved (about 8 cups) – The main ingredient, adding crunch; pre-shredded can be used for convenience.
- Honeycrisp Apple, Cored and Thinly Sliced – Adds sweetness and crunch; other firm, sweet apples like Fuji or Gala are suitable alternatives.
- Mature Aged Cheddar, Shredded – Offers a sharp flavor; can substitute with Parmesan or a vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Dried Cranberries – Provide sweetness and chewiness; dried cherries or raisins are good substitutions.
- Pine Nuts, Toasted – Add a nutty flavor and texture; pecans or walnuts can be used as alternatives.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad
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Whisk Together: In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, grated garlic, kosher salt, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and maple syrup until well blended. This creates a zesty dressing that will elevate the flavors in your salad!
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Toss the Brussels Sprouts: Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss gently to coat with the dressing. Allow them to sit for about 20 minutes to soften and marinate; this helps enhance their flavor and texture.
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Fold in the Goodies: Just before serving, fold in the sliced Honeycrisp apple, shredded cheddar, dried cranberries, and toasted pine nuts. This final mix adds delightful crunch and sweetness to each bite.
Optional: Drizzle a little extra maple syrup for added sweetness if desired.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad
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Marination Matters: Allow the salad to marinate for at least 20 minutes. This enhances the flavors and ensures the Brussels sprouts become tender, making the Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad even more delicious.
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Sharp Tools: For even slicing of Brussels sprouts, use a mandoline or a sharp chef’s knife. Proper technique enhances appearance and texture, but be cautious with sharp blades.
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Adjust Sweetness: Taste the dressing before mixing in all the ingredients. If you prefer a sweeter salad, feel free to add more maple syrup or honey to suit your preference.
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Mix it Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with ingredients! Swap nuts or cheeses based on your taste and what’s available to customize your Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad.
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Fresh is Best: While leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, this salad is best enjoyed fresh to retain the vibrant textures and flavors.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and crunch.
Freezer: This salad is not recommended for freezing. The textures of the Brussels sprouts and apples may become unappetizing once thawed.
Reheating: If you have dressed the salad beforehand, it’s best to serve cold or at room temperature. If it’s unwarmed, simply let it sit at room temperature before serving.
Assembly Tip: If you plan to have leftovers, consider storing the dressing separately to maintain the salad’s freshness and crunch for longer.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salads are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dressing and shave the Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply whisk together the dressing ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, while the Brussels sprouts can remain in a separate bowl, covered. To maintain freshness, avoid adding the apples, cheese, cranberries, and nuts until just before serving. This way, everything stays crisp and delicious! When you’re ready to serve, simply toss in the apple slices, cheese, cranberries, and toasted pine nuts for a vibrant salad that tastes just as fresh as if it were made that day. Enjoy the easy convenience of this prep-ahead option, perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings!
What to Serve with Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad?
This Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad is a delightful centerpiece, and enhancing it with the right accompaniments can create a memorable meal experience.
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Herb-Roasted Turkey: A festive favorite, this savory dish complements the salad’s tart and sweet elements beautifully, making for a wholesome holiday feast.
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Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the ham enhances the salad’s cranberries while providing a savory richness that pairs wonderfully with fresh flavors.
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Savory Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty side offers a hearty base, while its fluffy texture contrasts with the salad’s crunch, creating a delightful bite.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and comforting, mashed potatoes provide a warming contrast to the salad’s crispness, perfect for a cozy dinner setting.
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Buttery Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing, providing a satisfying texture alongside the crunchy salad.
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Sparkling Apple Cider: This refreshing drink echoes the apple in the salad, adding a festive touch that’s perfect for any gathering or celebration.
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Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, this classic sweet treat rounds off the meal wonderfully, balancing the salad’s zest with its warm, spiced flavors.
Elevate your dining experience and watch your guests rave about the vibrant flavors!
Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad Variations
Feel free to make this salad your own by incorporating these fun twists!
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Cabbage Alternative: Replace Brussels sprouts with finely shredded cabbage for a different crunch; it gives a refreshing twist to the classic flavor.
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Nutty Options: Swap pine nuts for sliced almonds or walnuts to add a delightful nutty flavor. Each nut brings a unique richness that complements the salad beautifully.
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Fruit Upgrade: Toss in seasonal fruits like pomegranate seeds or citrus segments to brighten the dish with bursts of color and sweetness; they’ll add an extra seasonal touch.
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Cheese Change: Use crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of cheddar for a creamy, tangy flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the other ingredients.
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Maple-Free Dressing: For a different dressing, try using a tahini-based vinaigrette for a nutty flavor; it’s an excellent option for those avoiding sugars.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick; this will create a delightful balance of heat against the sweetness.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or mint for an aromatic enhancement; their freshness will breathe new life into your salad.
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Vegetarian Protein: Toss in chickpeas or black beans for added protein; this variation transforms the salad into a hearty meal on its own.
Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I know which Brussels sprouts are freshest?
Absolutely! Look for Brussels sprouts that are vibrant green and firm to the touch. Avoid those with yellow leaves or dark spots all over, as that can indicate they’re past their prime. For a dish like this, choosing fresh sprouts can make all the difference in flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftover salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that this Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad is best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and crunch. If you notice the Brussels sprouts becoming soggy after a day, that’s a sign to finish them up!
Can I freeze Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad?
It’s best not to freeze this salad. The textures of the Brussels sprouts and apples can become unappetizing once thawed. However, if you want to save some dressed salad, separate the dressing from the ingredients before freezing to maintain their textures, although I recommend making it fresh whenever possible!
What if the Brussels sprouts are tough?
If you find your Brussels sprouts are tough, it can be helpful to slice them very thinly or even use a mandoline for a finer cut. Also, making sure they marinate in the dressing for at least 20 minutes can help soften their texture. If they still seem hard, consider lightly steaming them for about 2 minutes before incorporating them into the salad.
Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary restrictions?
Very! If you need a dairy-free option, switch the mature aged cheddar for a vegan cheese or simply skip it entirely. You can also use agave syrup instead of maple syrup to accommodate for a vegan dish. For nut allergies, feel free to omit the pine nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
What types of apples work best for this salad?
I highly recommend using Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness and crunch, but Fuji or Gala apples make wonderful alternatives as well. When choosing apples, look for firm, sweet varieties; these will hold up beautifully in the salad without becoming mushy.
Apple Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Salad for a Fresh Holiday Boost
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, grated garlic, kosher salt, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and maple syrup until well blended.
- Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss gently to coat with the dressing. Allow them to sit for about 20 minutes to soften and marinate.
- Just before serving, fold in the sliced Honeycrisp apple, shredded cheddar, dried cranberries, and toasted pine nuts.