Jump to Recipe Print RecipeImagine stepping into a cozy kitchen filled with the crisp aroma of fresh produce on a brisk autumn day. This Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Dates & Hazelnuts captures that feeling perfectly, combining the sweet tartness of apple slices, the chewy delight of Medjool dates, and the nutty crunch of toasted hazelnuts. Not only is this vibrant salad a quick-to-prepare side dish that brightens up any meal, but it’s also a seasonal gem that showcases the best of fall flavors. Whether you’re looking to elevate your lunch game or add a refreshing option to your holiday table, this Brussels Sprouts Salad checks all the boxes for a healthy and satisfying dish. Are you ready to bring a burst of color and flavor to your plate? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is this salad a must-try? Vibrant Colors: This salad’s bright hues from fresh Brussels sprouts, crisp apples, and toasted hazelnuts make for a stunning presentation that is sure to impress your guests. Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet-tart apples and chewy dates, paired with the nutty crunch of hazelnuts and savory parmesan, creates an irresistible taste sensation! Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful salad in no time, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute gathering. Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side with grilled chicken or fish, or serve it as a fresh centerpiece at your holiday table—either way, it shines! Healthy Indulgence: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this Brussels Sprouts Salad is a nutritious addition to any meal, proving that healthy eating can also be delicious. If you’re in the mood for more refreshing options, consider trying out a Watermelon Cucumber Salad or a Tzatziki Cucumber Salad. Ingredients • Brussels Sprouts Salad Ingredients For the Salad Brussels Sprouts – Shredded or thinly sliced to provide a fresh crunch; prep ahead and store for up to 1 day. Apple – A sweet-tart variety like Honey Crisp adds a fresh contrast; you can substitute with Granny Smith for a more tart flavor. Dates – Medjool dates add natural sweetness and chewy texture; dried cranberries or cherries make a great substitution. Hazelnuts – Toasted for increased crunch and flavor; almonds can be used as a nut substitute. Parmesan Cheese – Adds a savory, salty component; ensure it’s freshly grated for the best taste. For the Dressing Olive Oil – A good quality oil brings richness to the dressing. Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed enhances the brightness of the salad. Maple Syrup – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the dressing. Dijon Mustard – Provides a subtle tang; feel free to adjust for personal preference. Shallots – Minced shallots deliver a mild onion flavor that complements the dressing. Seasonings – Kosher salt, chili flakes, and ground pepper are essential for flavor enhancement. This Brussels Sprouts Salad not only delights the eyes with its vibrant ingredients but also tantalizes the taste buds with a delicious blend of flavors! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Dates & Hazelnuts Step 1: Toast Hazelnuts Begin by toasting the hazelnuts to enhance their flavor. In a medium skillet, place the hazelnuts over medium heat, stirring continuously for about 5–7 minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Alternatively, you can spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Once toasted, let them cool before chopping roughly. Step 2: Make Dressing In a medium bowl, whisk together the dressing for your Brussels Sprouts Salad. Combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, a splash of good quality olive oil, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a teaspoon of dijon mustard. Add the minced shallots along with kosher salt, a pinch of chili flakes, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well-emulsified and set aside for flavors to meld. Step 3: Assemble Salad Take a large mixing bowl and combine the key components of your salad. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts at the bottom, then layer the thinly sliced apples and chopped Medjool dates for sweetness. Sprinkle in the toasted hazelnuts and freshly grated parmesan cheese, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the Brussels Sprouts Salad. Step 4: Toss with Dressing Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad components in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or your hands, making sure all ingredients are well-coated with the tangy dressing. This step is crucial for achieving a harmonious flavor in your Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad. Step 5: Serve or Refrigerate You have the option to enjoy your salad right away or let it chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes. Allowing it to sit enhances the flavors, making it even more delightful. If opting for refrigeration, give it a gentle toss again before serving to ensure the dressing is evenly distributed after chilling. Expert Tips for Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad Perfectly Toast Hazelnuts: Toasting hazelnuts enhances their flavor, but stir frequently to avoid burning. A light golden color means they’re ready! Dress Right Before Serving: For the freshest taste, dress the salad just before serving. This keeps the Brussels sprouts from wilting and maintains their crunch. Prep Ahead: You can shred Brussels sprouts and make the dressing a day in advance. Store both separately in the fridge for easy assembly later when making your delicious Brussels Sprouts Salad. Cheese Matters: Using freshly grated parmesan makes a big difference in flavor compared to pre-grated options. It melts into the salad beautifully for that creamy touch. Taste as You Go: Always taste your dressing before drizzling it on the salad. Adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking for a perfectly balanced Brussels Sprouts Salad! How to Store and Freeze Brussels Sprouts Salad Room Temperature: This salad is best served fresh and should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety. Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it even more delicious! Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to its fresh ingredients, which can become mushy when thawed. Reheating: If you want to enjoy the salad warm, gently toss it in a pan over low heat for a few minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the veggies soggy. Make Ahead Options These Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salads are ideal for meal prep, saving you valuable time during a busy week! You can shred the Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain their freshness and crunch. Additionally, you can chop the apples and toss them with a little lemon juice before storing to prevent browning. The dressing can be prepared up to 2 days ahead—just whisk it again prior to serving. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, combine the prepped components, toss with the dressing, and you’ll have a deliciously vibrant side ready in minutes! What to Serve with Crunchy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Dates & Hazelnuts Elevate your dining experience by pairing this refreshing salad with complementary options that balance flavors and textures perfectly. Grilled Chicken: Juicy, smoky grilled chicken adds a wonderful protein element that harmonizes with the salad’s bright flavors. It’s a fantastic way to create a wholesome meal. Quinoa Pilaf: A hearty quinoa pilaf with herbs brings earthy flavors and a fluffy texture, enhancing the freshness of the salad while keeping it nutritious. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These tender, caramelized bites provide a comforting sweetness that balances the tangy acidity of the salad, creating a perfect contrast. Crispy Sage Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned potatoes drizzled with sage butter offer a crunchy texture that complements the salad’s crisp Brussels sprouts beautifully. Herby Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous with fresh herbs adds a delightful chew and subtle earthiness, pairing wonderfully alongside the nutty hazelnuts. Light White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio offers a crisp acidity that echoes the salad’s brightness, making each sip a refreshing match. These combinations not only create a beautiful spread but also ensure that your meal is bursting with flavor and satisfaction. Enjoy the vibrant mix on your table! Brussels Sprouts Salad Variations Feel free to get creative with this delicious salad and make it uniquely yours with these fun twists! Nut-Free: Replace hazelnuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without the nuts. Cheesy Upgrade: Add crumbled goat cheese or feta for a tangy, creamy element that pairs beautifully with the salad. Fruity Twist: Swap in pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and an added sweetness that pops in your mouth. Sweetener Swap: Use honey instead of maple syrup for the dressing, adding a floral sweetness that complements the other flavors well. Added Greens: Toss in baby spinach or arugula for an extra layer of freshness and some vibrant greens. Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper in the dressing to crank up the heat and excitement! Discover even more vibrant salads like a refreshing Watermelon Cucumber Salad or a flavorful Roasted Carrot Salad. Each recipe can invigorate your meal prep and delight your family’s taste buds! Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Dates & Hazelnuts Recipe FAQs How do I select the best Brussels sprouts? Absolutely! Look for Brussels sprouts that are bright green, compact, and firm without any yellowing or dark spots. The smaller the sprouts, the sweeter they are. If you find any that are loose or have dark spots, they’re past their prime. How should I store the salad if I have leftovers? Very! You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember that the flavors meld beautifully over time, making the salad even tastier after a day in the fridge. Ensure it’s well-sealed to maintain freshness! Can I freeze Brussels sprouts salad? I recommend against freezing this salad. It’s made with fresh ingredients like apples and hazelnuts, which can lose their texture and become mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal flavor and crunch. What if my salad dressing is too tangy? No worries! If your dressing ends up too tangy, you can balance it out by adding a little more maple syrup or a dash of olive oil. Start with small increments and taste as you go until you reach your desired flavor. Are there any dietary considerations for this salad? Absolutely! This Brussels Sprouts Salad is vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese. If you have nut allergies, feel free to swap out hazelnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version. Always ensure the ingredients align with your dietary needs. Can I prepare any ingredients in advance for this salad? Definitely! You can shred the Brussels sprouts and make the dressing up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, just toss everything together for a quick and fresh salad that’s perfect for busy days! Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples for Crunchy Goodness This Brussels Sprouts Salad combines fresh Brussels sprouts, sweet-tart apples, and crunchy hazelnuts, creating a delicious and healthy side dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad4 cups Brussels Sprouts Shredded or thinly sliced1 large Apple Sweet-tart variety like Honey Crisp1 cup Dates Medjool dates, chopped1/2 cup Hazelnuts Toasted and roughly chopped1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly gratedFor the Dressing1/4 cup Olive Oil Good quality2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed2 tablespoons Maple Syrup To taste1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Adjust to personal preference1 small Shallots Mincedto taste Seasonings Kosher salt, chili flakes, and ground pepper Equipment skilletMixing bowlSalad Tongs Method Preparation StepsToast hazelnuts in a medium skillet over medium heat for about 5–7 minutes until lightly browned.Whisk together the dressing: combine lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, dijon mustard, minced shallots, and seasonings.In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced apples, chopped dates, toasted hazelnuts, and grated parmesan.Drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients.Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to enhance flavors. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 5gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesThis salad is best served fresh and dressed right before serving to maintain the crunch of the Brussels sprouts. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
