Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts Salad With Candied Walnuts Recipe

Shaved Brussels sprouts salad makes for a delicious salad tossed in a sweet and savory maple Dijon vinaigrette with crunchy and sweet candied walnuts!

If you love Brussels sprouts like me, you’ve come to the right recipe. And if not? You still are in the right place, promise!

Brussels sprouts got a bad reputation from years of being served boiled (ick), which releases a smelly gas from their leaves that is very unappetizing. But Brussels is delicious when roasted (hello, caramelization), fried (what’s not good fried) and of course, au natural — raw. The proper method of preparation is CLUTCH when using Brussels sprouts on your menu, and in our case, we’re skipping the cooking altogether!

Shaved Brussels sprouts have been easier and easier to find in the market pre-prepared, but if you’re unable to locate them, you’ll simply slice whole sprouts thinly with either a sharp knife or mandoline. Whether you’re using pre shredded or slicing yourself, be sure to toss the fibrous cores and pull the leaves apart.

Why Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts Salad?

What Makes This Salad Special?

Let’s talk about these candied walnuts for a second! They deserve a little attention because they’re SO easy to make and add so much pizazz to this recipe — and really ANY salad. Toss raw walnut pieces in some maple syrup, sprinkle on a little kosher salt, and roast for 6-7 minutes. As the walnuts cool, the syrup hardens, creating a crispy, crunchy, irresistible coating.

The maple Dijon vinaigrette salad dressing is my spin on honey mustard—sweet, tangy, sticky and vinegary! I love a salty/sweet combination and I think it adds so much flavor to the raw Brussels sprout leaves.

This fall-inspired salad would be great as an addition to any Thanksgiving or holiday spread, but is easy enough to make on a casual weeknight with your favorite protein.

One final note: if you don’t have a French Silpat yet, I highly recommend it! It’s a silicone mat that acts as a nonstick barrier between your ingredients and your sheet pan. It’s amazing for baking and worked wonders for our candied walnuts.

Can You Make Brussels Sprouts Salad Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it the night before and store it in an airtight container. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making it a great balance of sweet, savory, and tangy by the next day. Just add the cheese and nuts right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Ingredients

Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salad:

For the Salad

• 2 cups shaved Brussels sprouts, cores removed
• 1 small shallot, sliced thinly
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

• 1 tbsp. maple syrup
• 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 4-6 tbsp. avocado or olive oil

For the Candied Walnuts

• 1 cup raw walnut pieces
• 2 tbsp. maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt

Here’s how you’ll make my Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts Salad with Candied Walnuts:

1. Preheat the oven to 375º F.
2. Place walnut pieces on a sheet pan lined with a Silpat or nonstick foil and drizzle with maple syrup. Toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle on salt and roast for 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Meanwhile, place Brussels sprouts and sliced shallot into a serving bowl.
5. In a small bowl, make the vinaigrette by whisking all ingredients together, adding oil last.
6. Pour half of dressing over Brussels sprouts, tossing to coat.
7. Once completely cooled, add in candied walnuts and grated parmesan.
8. Right before serving, toss with remaining dressing!
   

Tips for Success

How to Shave Brussels Sprouts?

The easiest way to shave Brussels sprouts is to use a food processor with a shredding blade. If you don’t have one, a sharp chef’s knife or mandoline slicer works just as well. Just be sure to slice them as thinly as possible for the best texture.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will keep for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep. The flavors only get better the next day, so it’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner during the busy winter months.

What to Pair with this Salad

This salad is versatile enough to be served as a main course or a side dish. Pair it with your favorite protein like grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal. It also works wonderfully as a light starter or side for holiday gatherings, where it can be a refreshing contrast to richer dishes.

Add Extra Toppings

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your toppings. Dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds are great additions that bring extra flavor and texture to the salad. For a more Mediterranean recipe vibe, try adding crumbled feta cheese, pine nuts, red onion and a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy twist.

This Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts Salad with Candied Walnuts is a delicious, nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to enjoy Brussels sprouts in a new and exciting way, and the combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.

Whether you’re looking for a refreshing salad for a holiday meal or a hearty side for a weeknight dinner, this recipe made with simple ingredients is sure to become one of your favorites. Give it a try and discover why this salad is the perfect addition to your meal repertoire!

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