This shredded Brussels sprouts salad is one of those recipes I come back to every fall. It has finely shredded Brussels sprouts, crisp green apple, juicy pomegranate, sweet and salty candied pecans and an easy homemade maple dressing. Every bite is crunchy, fresh, a little sweet and SO good.
I especially love serving it alongside all the warm, cozy holiday dishes because it adds something bright and fresh to the table. And unlike a traditional leafy green salad, shredded Brussels sprouts hold up beautifully, which makes this an easy option when you're entertaining.
It's naturally vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free.
Why You'll Love This Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad
The texture is what makes this salad so good. Finely shredded Brussels sprouts are surprisingly light and crunchy, while the apples add crispness, the pomegranate adds little juicy pops and the candied pecans give you that sweet-salty crunch.
It's also gorgeous on a holiday table. All those greens and deep reds make it feel festive without doing anything extra.
And if raw Brussels sprouts aren't usually your thing, don't write this one off! Once they're finely shredded and tossed with dressing, the texture is completely different.
The Secret Is Finely Shredded Brussels Sprouts
For the best texture, you want the Brussels sprouts really finely shredded. I use my food processor because it's quick and gives them that light, almost fluffy texture that's perfect for salad.
You can also thinly slice them by hand or use a mandoline. Either way, avoid leaving them in large, thick pieces (smaller shreds are much more tender and better at soaking up the dressing).
Perfect for Thanksgiving
This has become one of my go-to Thanksgiving salads because it gives you that fresh, crunchy element that a holiday plate needs.
It's also a great recipe for entertaining because you can do most of the prep ahead of time. I like to keep the components separate and toss everything together closer to serving so the apples and pecans stay nice and crisp.
I've also had readers tell me they make this for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving year after year, which makes me so happy. It's simple, beautiful and always feels special enough for a holiday table.
If you make this shredded Brussels sprouts salad, leave a rating and comment below! I love hearing what you think, and if you share it on Instagram, tag me so I can see.
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples and Pomegranates
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Shredded Brussels sprouts salad with crisp apples, pomegranate and candied pecans. An easy vegan fall salad perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
Salad
- 3 cups shredded brussels sprouts* (see notes for how to shred)
- 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
- ½ cup fresh pomegranate arils (or substitute unsweetened dried cranberries)
- 1 cup homemade healthy candied pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 green onions, diced
- optional: ⅓ cup crumbled vegan feta (such as Vio Life brand from Whole Foods or Sprouts)
Dressing
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, pressed through a garlic press
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Add the shredded Brussels sprouts, diced apples, pomegranate arils (or dried cranberries), chopped candied pecans, diced green onion and crumbled vegan feta cheese (if using) to a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a small lidded jar add all the dressing ingredients. Cover with the lid tightly and shake well. Pour overtop the salad. Toss well. Serve.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Best when fresh and served cold or at room temperature.
Notes
*Trim the stem off Brussels sprouts. Halve them and add to a 7-cup food processor and pulse ten times until it is a uniform rice like consistency.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Salad or Side
- Method: food processor
Tara says
Realized I commented but I missed the opportunity to rate it. One of my new go-tos for thanksgiving. Made it last year for the first time and it was a big hit. Already made it for friendsgiving this year and will be making it for thanksgiving coming up. Balances all the right flavors and the candied pecans are perfect little sweetness.
One thing to note: if you want to shred your own Brussel sprouts - I bought over 2.5lbs of whole brussels and it made double the recipe and I didn’t even shave all the brussel sprouts I bought.
Elaine Gordon says
Aw thank you for taking the time to add the five star rating - that helps me so much! Best, Elaine
Tara says
Delicious salad. I made it last year for thanksgiving and it was a huge hit that I already made it for friendsgiving last weekend and will be making it for thanksgiving this year.
One note: I buy my Brussels sprouts whole to shave myself and wasn’t sure how much to buy. I got about 2.5lbs whole and that made double the recipe with still some Brussels left over that I didn’t shred.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Tara! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this last year and this year for Friendsgiving! Yay! Yes, I shred them myself as well typically! Happy early Thanksgiving - I hope they are a hit at your dinner again! 🙂 Best, Elaine
Alene says
Delicious! I love everything included in this salad! Thank you.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Alene! I'm so happy this is a winner for you! Best, Elaine
Jeanne says
Loved everything about this salad. Putting brussels sprouts in the food processor was genius. I only wish there were leftovers.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Jeanne! So happy to hear you loved it! Next time you will have to make a double batch! 🙂
Abby says
OMG! This salad is amazing! It is next level! Those candied pecans are dangerous. When we are finally allowed to have people over this salad will be tops on my list.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Abby! I appreciate you taking the time to comment! I'm so happy you loved it so much. I totally agree that the candied pecans are dangerously addictive. I can never stop with just one handful! The salt... the warm nutty smell... the sugary coating... the crunch... it all balances out the Brussels so well in this salad. I'm so glad you plan to use this salad for future entertaining!