If you’re on the lookout for a fresh, vibrant salad that will totally wow your taste buds, then this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brilliantly transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a flavorful, crunchy delight loaded with a luscious creamy dressing, sweet citrus notes, and a wonderful balance of textures from crispy seeds and tangy dried fruit. Perfect as a side or even a light main, this slaw feels bright and indulgent all at once — it’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a favorite to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s adding crunch, creaminess, or that perfect tangy-sweet zing, making this salad burst with layers of flavor and texture.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, sliced and roughly chopped: The star of the show, providing a crisp, slightly nutty base.
- ½ cup small diced red onion: Adds a sharp, pungent bite that wakes up your palate.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise: Gives the dressing its creamy richness and body.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Brings smoothness and a fruity undertone to the dressing.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle spicy depth for complexity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Injects fresh acidity to brighten every bite.
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Offers a gentle natural sweetness that balances the tartness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Ties together the flavors with a mellow, floral note.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all elements into harmony.
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan: Adds savory umami and a subtle nuttiness.
- ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional): For bursts of chewy sweetness that contrast perfectly.
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds (optional): Crunchy little bites that elevate texture and add earthiness.
How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by slicing and roughly chopping your Brussels sprouts into bite-sized pieces. This not only makes them easier to eat but also ensures a satisfying crunch throughout the salad. Using fresh, crisp sprouts is key to that irresistible texture that sets this slaw apart.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lime juice, orange juice, honey, diced red onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl until you achieve a smooth, creamy dressing. This mixture is the heart of the Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe, perfectly balancing tang, sweetness, and rich creaminess to coat every leaf delightfully.
Step 3: Dress the Slaw
Pour the luscious dressing over the chopped Brussels sprouts. Then toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure every piece is evenly coated. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully and softens the sprouts slightly without losing their crisp bite.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Combine
Sprinkle in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, along with dried cranberries or cherries and pumpkin seeds if you’re using them. Toss the salad again so that these lovely toppings are evenly distributed, adding delightful bursts of flavor and contrasting textures that truly elevate the dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your vibrant slaw to a serving dish and either dig in right away or chill it briefly for a cooler, crisp experience. This Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe shines fresh but also keeps beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for last-minute meals or entertaining guests with something special.
How to Serve Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe
Garnishes
To give your slaw a bright finishing touch, scatter a few extra pumpkin seeds on top for crunch, or add a few fresh herb sprigs like parsley or mint to enhance aroma and color. A light drizzle of extra orange juice or a wedge of lime on the side also brightens the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This slaw pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted pork, or simply alongside a hearty sandwich. It also makes for a refreshing contrast to rich comfort foods like macaroni and cheese or fried dishes, cutting through heaviness with its zippy, creamy freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the slaw in individual mason jars or as a vibrant bed under seared salmon or crispy tofu steaks. For picnics, pack it in a tight container to keep everything crisp. This recipe’s colorful nature always adds instant visual appeal wherever it lands.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually develop more depth as it rests, making subsequent servings even tastier.
Freezing
This slaw is best enjoyed fresh or chilled rather than frozen, as freezing can change the texture of the Brussels sprouts and creamy dressing, leading to separation and sogginess once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. However, if you want to let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, it usually tastes even better and the flavors can bloom nicely.
FAQs
Can I use shredded Brussels sprouts instead of chopped?
Absolutely! Shredding the Brussels sprouts with a food processor is a great time-saver and creates a texture similar to traditional coleslaw, which works beautifully in this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, swapping mayonnaise for a vegan mayo and omitting or using a plant-based Parmesan alternative will keep the slaw creamy and delicious while making it suitable for vegan diets.
Can I add other nuts or seeds?
Definitely. Toasted walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds can be fantastic substitutes or additions to pumpkin seeds, adding different flavor notes and crunch levels.
How long does this slaw keep its crunch?
When stored properly in the fridge, it maintains a great crunch for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the sprouts may soften but the flavor remains delightful.
What’s the best way to slice Brussels sprouts?
Remove any outer damaged leaves, trim the stem, then slice the sprouts thinly lengthwise before roughly chopping. This ensures you get the ideal bite-sized pieces for the perfect slaw texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe enough — it’s such a fresh, flavorful, and easy way to enjoy Brussels sprouts in a whole new light. Whether you’re preparing a weekday dinner or a special gathering, this slaw will brighten the table and leave everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and see how this simple recipe turns a humble veggie into something truly spectacular!
Print
Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw is a vibrant, fresh salad perfect for a quick side dish or light lunch. Featuring thinly sliced Brussels sprouts tossed in a tangy, creamy dressing with hints of citrus and Dijon mustard, it’s enhanced by the crunch of pumpkin seeds, the sweetness of dried cranberries or cherries, and the nutty flavor of Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, this slaw is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful vegetable dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, sliced and then roughly chopped
- ½ cup small diced red onion
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Ingredients
- ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Start by slicing and roughly chopping the Brussels sprouts into bite-sized pieces to ensure a pleasant texture for the slaw.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice, honey, diced red onion, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Dress the Slaw: Pour the dressing over the chopped Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pieces evenly so the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Toppings & Combine: Incorporate the finely grated Parmesan cheese, dried cranberries or cherries (if using), and pumpkin seeds (if using) into the bowl. Toss again to distribute the toppings evenly throughout the slaw.
- Serve: Transfer the prepared Brussels sprouts slaw to a serving bowl. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate for a chilled, crisp salad.
Notes
- For a crunchier texture, prepare the slaw shortly before serving.
- Feel free to customize toppings—nuts like walnuts or pecans can be good substitutes for pumpkin seeds.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or dried fruit according to your taste.
- This slaw can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; however, ingredients like pumpkin seeds may lose their crunch.
- Use fresh lime and orange juice for the best bright flavors.
