This Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lemon French dressing Steals the Present

I’m personally a brussels sprouts fiend, however even in the event you’re a type of who thinks they “don’t like brussels sprouts,” this might be the dish that converts you. The sprouts are served uncooked and thinly shaved—they don’t even resemble the boiled, barely mushy veg that initially gave sprouts a nasty rap. This salad is crunchy, nutty, and simply candy sufficient with a touch of zestiness from the lemon French dressing—the right strategy to steadiness out these wealthy, hearty dishes all of us love this time of yr. For those who’re seeking to shake issues up in your Thanksgiving menu or want a lightweight, refreshing aspect for vacation gatherings, this shaved Brussels sprout salad goes to be your new go-to.

Why This Salad Deserves a Spot on Your Vacation Desk

There’s one thing so satisfying concerning the texture of shaved Brussels sprouts, particularly after they’re massaged with a bit olive oil and tossed with toasted almonds, candy dates, and tangy Parmesan. The result’s a salad that’s as refined as it’s crave-worthy. Plus it’s tremendous easy to make and may be prepped forward, which makes it a complete lifesaver throughout the vacation hustle.

Make It

1. Toast the almonds – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Unfold almonds on a big baking sheet and toast simply till they begin to flip golden (about 5 minutes, however keep watch over them as a result of they’ll burn quick). Take away from the oven and allow them to cool.
2. Therapeutic massage the Brussels sprouts – In a big serving bowl, add the shaved Brussels sprouts, drizzle with a bit extra-virgin olive oil, and add a pinch of kosher salt. Use your arms to therapeutic massage the oil and salt into the sprouts for a few minute. This helps soften the sprouts and brings out their pure sweetness.
3. Assemble the salad – Add the almonds, chopped dates, and grated Parmesan to the bowl. Drizzle with lemon French dressing, season with salt and pepper, and toss nicely till every part is evenly coated. Add extra dressing in the event you prefer it further zingy!
4. Let it sit – For the most effective taste and texture, let the salad sit at room temperature for about quarter-hour, or pop it within the fridge for an hour (and even in a single day) to let the flavors meld collectively. This additionally makes it good for make-ahead prep!

Ideas for Success

• Massaging the Brussels Sprouts – Don’t skip this step! Massaging the sprouts with a little bit of olive oil and salt helps to interrupt down the fibrous texture, making them tender with out shedding their crunch. It additionally boosts their taste, to allow them to maintain their very own even subsequent to the bolder vacation dishes.
• Get the Excellent Toast on the Almonds – Toasting the almonds provides heat and an additional layer of taste to the salad. Maintain an in depth eye on them within the oven—5 minutes is normally all it takes, however each oven is totally different, and so they can go from golden to burnt in seconds.
• Chop the Dates Finely – The dates add an exquisite sweetness to steadiness the Brussels sprouts and almonds, however you don’t need giant chunks. Be sure to cut them into small, even items, in order that they’re evenly distributed all through the salad.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts barely into the salad, giving it a creamy, nutty end that enhances the brilliant lemon French dressing. Pre-shredded simply doesn’t give the identical creamy impact!
• Don’t Skimp on the French dressing – The lemon French dressing is vital to pulling all these flavors collectively. Its tanginess cuts by way of the richness of the Parmesan and the sweetness of the dates, giving the salad a wonderfully balanced chew.

Make It Forward and Save Time

Top-of-the-line issues about this salad is that it solely will get higher with time. You possibly can prep it the evening earlier than, letting the substances meld collectively within the fridge. On Thanksgiving Day, simply give it a fast toss and add a bit extra French dressing if wanted earlier than serving.

This shaved Brussels sprout salad is a vacation miracle in a bowl: festive, straightforward, and make-ahead pleasant. For those who make it this season, you’ll want to charge, evaluate, and tag me on Instagram so I can see!

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