Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (2024)

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Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (1)

Last Updated on November 5, 2021 by Anne-Marie

This brussel sprouts salad with cranberries recipe is easy to make ahead of time. Make brussels sprout slaw for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.

Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (2)

Why this recipe works

My brussel sprouts salad with cranberries recipe got rave reviews when I brought it to a friend’s house.

I was surprised how many folks told me they never had a Brussel sprout cranberry salad before.

My friends claim to only have tried roasted Brussel sprouts. And only ate those during the holidays.

Well, they don’t know what they’ve been missing!

The wonderful thing about this Brussel sprout coleslaw is that you can make it any time during the year, even though most of us think that Brussel sprouts are only for the fall or winter months.

It’s a terrific salad to serve at barbecues and tailgate get togethers in the summer or fall.

Or serve this easy to make Brussels sprouts salad at your holiday table with turkey or a roast.
Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (3)

Why you’ll love making Brussel sprout and cranberry salad

First, it’s so easy to put together, especially when you’re super busy with work, school, or running the kids around to all their activities.

You can also make this ahead of time when you’re entertaining or need a dish to bring to a potluck.

Salads like this Brussel sprout slaw recipe are a great way to keep on track and fill up on good for you dried fruits and vegetables.

It’s also a nice spin on slaw and a different way to serve up Brussels sprouts.

If you know someone who says, “Ewwwww, Brussels sprouts!” don’t tell them it’s in the slaw until after they try it. They’ll just think it’s a crunchy, sweet slaw with cranberries.

Finally, if you’re serving up leftover turkey or ham sandwiches during the holidays, sneak in a layer of Brussel sprout coleslaw in your sandwich.

It’s sort of like “pig pile Elvis style,” but much better for you! (I also do this with my more traditional Easy Coleslaw Recipe.)

Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (4)

Why are Brussels sprouts so awesome?

According to Medical News Today,

Brussels sprouts are:

high in protein compared to other green vegetables

offer health benefits like eye and bone protection and may lower your risk of cancer

Brussels sprouts provide 75 milligrams per cup of vitamin C along with vitamin A, both of which are crucial for healthy looking skin.

Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (5)

How do I make Brussels sprout slaw?

This salad takes no time at all to make if you have a food processor.

First wash your sprouts in a colander. Then before shredding the sprouts, cut off the root end, which is usually a bit brown and dried out. Then cut each sprout lengthwise.

Use the food processor’s shredding blade to finely cut up your Brussels sprouts into a nice slaw.

You can also use the food processor to slice up the onion and apple, too.

If you don’t have a food processor, your alternatives are to cut the Brussels sprouts, onion and apples thinly, which is a bit of a chore.

Or you can use a mandolin slicer.

I’m not a big fan of mandolin slicers as I find them hard to use and always think I’m going to cut off a couple of finger tips. Eeeek!

Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (6)

Tips for making Brussels sprouts slaw

Some stores sell pre-shredded Brussels sprouts, so check the produce aisle. While this is a bit pricier than buying whole sprouts and shredding them yourself, it does save time and effort. So you decide what works for your money and time budget.

If you do decide to go with the pre-shredded sprouts, all you have to do is finely slice the red onion and apples. This can be done by hand without too much work.

While many shredded Brussel sprouts and apple salad recipes call for homemade dressings, why not use your favorite bottled vinaigrette? This makes things so much easier and saves time without too much extra cost.

Just remember to check the dressing bottle for any no-no ingredients like gluten or dairy if you’re feeding anyone who’s gluten free, dairy free or vegan.

Most vinaigrettes shouldn’t have any gluten or dairy, but you could get one with some Parmesan in it by accident, so double check!

You can make the Brussels sprouts coleslaw a day ahead of time. Don’t worry about dressing the salad early, either. The shredded sprouts won’t wilt like regular salad.

Plus, the slaw will get more flavorful if it’s dressed overnight in the refrigerator.

Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (7)

Optional ingredients for your Brussels Sprout Salad

While this recipe for Brussel sprout slaw has few ingredients to keep it simple, you can add extra ingredients to make it even more delicious.

Here are some suggestions:

Pecans

Walnuts

Toasted Pine Nuts

Sliced Almonds

Diced Pears

Goat Cheese

Blue Cheese

Dried Cherries

Remember, this Brussel sprout slaw recipe is naturally dairy free and vegan unless you add some cheese! (I guess you could add some vegan cheese for your vegan guests.)

It’s also vegetarian, gluten free, and nut free unless you add nuts.

Cranberries: On the allergen front, Brussel sprout slaw with cranberries may be a problem for anyone who has allergies to sunflower oil.

That type of oil is used in processing by many dried cranberry brands. (My daughter is allergic to sunflower seeds, so I have to check for that sort of thing.)

I’m not sure rinsing the cranberries would suffice since the dried cranberries are coated in the oil. (That’s what makes them shiny and pretty looking.)

How to make a keto Brussels sprouts salad

Are you doing keto? Brussels sprouts are super low in carbs making this is a terrific keto salad recipe except for the store bought dried cranberries.

What to do? Well, you can make your own low carb cranberries with your favorite sugar substitute. Make a big batch for snacking or holiday cooking!

Or you can substitute something more keto friendly for the dried cranberries like nuts or cheese.

This is a terrific side dish for the holidays!Check out the Best Gluten Free Thanksgiving Desserts Recipes and the Best Keto Thanksgiving Recipes for more delicious recipes for your holiday table.

Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (8)

More wholesome coleslaw recipes

If you loved Brussel Sprouts Salad, you’ll like these coleslaw recipes:

Easy Coleslaw Recipe goes great with BBQ recipes like Crockpot BBQ Chicken and Instant Pot Pulled Pork.

Wasabi Cole Slaw

Celery Root Coleslaw

Yield: 10 SERVINGS

Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe

Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (9)

This Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries is easy to make ahead of time. Make Brussels sprout slaw for holiday meals or weeknight dinners.

Prep Time30 minutes

Total Time30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into quarters
  • 1 Fuji apple, cored and cut into quarters
  • 1/2 medium red onion
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup vinaigrette salad dressing

Instructions

  1. Using a food processor, shred the Brussels sprouts, apples, and red onion.
  2. Place the shredded sprouts, apples, and onion in a large bowl. Add the cranberries.
  3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 123Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 159mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 3gSugar: 15gProtein: 2g

Nutritional information is automatically calculated per the ingredients list. Serving size may not be accurate. Please double-check with your preferred nutritional app for the most accurate information.

Originally posted on December 23, 2013. Updated with new pictures and information.

Brussel Sprouts Salad with Cranberries Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What gives brussel sprouts a better taste? ›

In the late 1990s scientists identified specific chemicals, called glucosinolates, that made Brussels sprouts taste bitter. Plant breeders started growing old seeds, previously discarded for producing paltry harvests, to identify tastier versions with lower levels of these compounds.

Why do you soak brussel sprouts in cold water? ›

Not only can soaking make the centers more malleable, but the water that's absorbed into them will create a steaming action, whether you choose to roast, saute, or make your Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. The steam can help to ensure the cooking is even throughout the Brussels sprout.

Can you eat raw brussel sprouts in a salad? ›

Brussels sprouts are a nutritious vegetable in the cruciferous family. While they're often enjoyed cooked using methods like roasting, steaming, or boiling, you can also enjoy Brussels sprouts raw. The most common side effect of eating raw Brussels sprouts is that they may cause gas in some people.

How do you get the bitterness out of brussel sprouts? ›

A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts. Another key ingredient is fat, which helps Brussels sprouts to crisp up.

Why do I feel so good after eating brussel sprouts? ›

The fiber in Brussels sprouts—over 3 grams per cup, according to the USDA—helps regulate blood sugar levels, support digestive health, and feed the beneficial gut bacteria. Gut bacteria are tied to positive mood, immunity, and anti-inflammation, according to Harvard University's School of Public Health.

Should you cut brussel sprouts in half before cooking? ›

One of the most common ways to cut a Brussels sprout is in half or quarters. By doing so, you reduce the size of the sprouts, speeding up cooking.

How long should you soak brussel sprouts in salt water? ›

Contributed by Whole Foods Market, Inc. To prepare, soak Brussels sprouts in a bowl of cold, salted water for 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°F.

Do I need to wash my brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

Rinse under cold running water to remove any dust or dirt. Use a small knife to remove the sprout tip, and then remove any leaves that have bad spots. Raw: Slice thinly and toss with other shredded vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or beets.

When should you not eat brussel sprouts? ›

Throw out fresh brussel sprouts that have a foul odor, yellow or wilted leaves, a mushy or slimy texture, or dark spots. Use fresh brussel sprouts within 1–2 weeks of getting them. Store the brussel sprouts in a plastic bag inside your fridge, and wash them before cooking them.

When not to use brussel sprouts? ›

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

How many brussel sprouts per person? ›

Sprouts on the stalk will stay fresher longer than sprouts that have been picked off and sold loose. Plan on about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of raw brussels sprouts per person.

How many times a week should you eat brussel sprouts? ›

Adding even just one or two servings of Brussels sprouts to your diet a few times a week can help you meet your vitamin C needs. Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that's important for immune health, iron absorption, collagen production, and the growth and repair of tissues.

How many brussel sprouts should you eat a day? ›

A ½ cup of Brussels sprouts is a good source of Vitamin K (137% RDI) and Vitamin C (81% RDI) Kids, Ages 5-12 Teens and Adults, Ages 13 and up Males 2½-5 cups per day 42 - 6½ cups per day Females 2½-5 cups per day 3½-5 cups per day *If you are active, eat the higher number of cups per day.

Did they genetically modify brussel sprouts to taste better? ›

About 30 years ago, a Dutch scientist identified the chemicals that made brussels sprouts bitter. He selected seed varieties with lower levels of the bitter chemicals and bred new high-yielding varieties that tasted less bitter.

Do big or small brussel sprouts taste better? ›

The larger the Brussels sprouts grow, the more they take on the qualities of cabbage. Large pieces will be slightly more bitter, while smaller Brussels sprouts are a little bit sweeter. Save the big ones for roasting, when the combo of high heat and fat coaxes out every drop of sweetness.

Should brussel sprouts be blanched before roasting? ›

To guarantee great texture, do both! Trim and halve your brussels, then blanch and thoroughly dry them, and then roast at a high temperature until the outer leaves are starting to blacken. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Why do my brussel sprouts taste weird? ›

Undercooked sprouts can taste even more bitter than the cooked variety. Overcook them, and they release more sulfur — which amplifies the cabbage smell.

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