I’ll be honest. I’m crazy about this salad. And it really wasn’t that long ago that I finally realized salads do not have to be limited to Spring Mix lettuces, spinach or even kale. Collard greens make amazing salads (like this one). And so do brussels sprouts.
What was it about brussels sprouts that made everyone hate on them in the 90s? People would say “brussels sprouts” with such contempt, like would you rather do your homework or eat brussels sprouts?
Well, we’ve gotten over that, because brussels sprouts are practically on every restaurant menu now. Every menu.
And they’re usually roasted at high heat with some oil, balsamic and chunks of meat. It’s delicious, but not really what I’m going for here.
What I want is a way to eat seasonal vegetables in a simple, nutritious, nourishing and absolutely delicious way. We’ve been subscribing to our local CSA (read more), and the cruciferous vegetables have been tumbling in.
Not only is this vegetable group (including brussels sprouts and cabbage) crazy good for you; they actually fill you up. Win.
So this salad? Totally worth all the chopping and mixing. Here’s how it tastes:
Savory-sweet
Crunchy
Refreshing
Satisfying
Like stir-fry, but raw
… And it’s totally packable, vegan-friendly, fridge-friendly and guest-friendly. What’s not to love?
Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Cabbage, Carrots and Peanut Sauce
Ready to give it a go? Here’s what you need:
Tools:
– Sharp knife
– Cutting board
– Salad mixing bowl
– Smaller heatproof bowl for making dressing
Salad Ingredients (makes 4 full-size servings):
– 1/2 head red or purple cabbage
– 1/2 pound brussels sprouts
– 2 large carrots
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup olive oil or sesame oil
– 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
– 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (not vegan)
– 1 tbsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tbsp brown rice vinegar (optional)
Optional salad toppings:
– Sliced clementines or oranges (highly recommended!)
– Edamame
– Shredded chicken
– Chopped almonds or other nuts
– Avocado
Directions:
Prepare the brussels sprouts by chopping off the thick stem. Thinly slice the brussels sprouts vertically, in the same direction as the stem. Each slice should be about 2-3mm thick (very thin).
Thinly slice the purple cabbage so that it falls into thin strips. Chop the strips in half to avoid super long strands. Remove any super thick strips.
Dice the carrots. You can peel them if you want, but carrot peels are super nutritious (arguably as nutritious as the rest of the carrot!).
Add all the chopped vegetables into your large salad bowl.
Make the peanut dressing. In a microwave-proof bowl, heat the peanut butter until soft, about 30 seconds. It doesn’t have to melt completely. Add the remaining ingredients: oil, soy sauce, maple syrup, red pepper flakes and vinegar (if using), and mix well. Adjust the dressing to taste.
Toss the dressing and the salad together until fully incorporated. Top with desired toppings and serve, or save the salad in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
I thought the same way about brussel sprouts growing up. I was so wrong!
OOhhh!! This looks delicious! I love all the pretty colors in this salad. 🙂 I love brussels sprouts, but I was never introduced to them until six or seven years ago when my future mother-in-law mde them one night for dinner. They are one of my favorite vegetables! The peanut dressing sounds simply wonderful as well. Pinning!!
The recipe is over on my blog if you want to peek at it and try another new way to do brussles sprouts. I’m definitely making this!
This sounds absolutely amazing! Just my sort of dish. I might have to convince someone to do all the chopping for me (my arm is still injured) so that I can have this. Thank you so much for sharing, I’m pinning!
Oooh that sounds delicious too! And yes, this slaw is so good, it keeps really well too. Enjoy!
Oh Deniz, you have got to find yourself some brussels sprouts! They’re trending everywhere so I’m sure a NYC restaurant will have them as a side 😉 They’re delicious. And pickled cabbage sounds really good!
Wow! Sounds like a good method. I’ll keep that in mind for the future!
I just discovered Brussels sprouts! (I do mine up roasted with prosciutto, lemon, and some kettle corn.) I don’t know how they got such a bad rap. I have so much red cabbage in the fridge that I don’t know what to do with, so this salad is totally going on my meal plan for next week!! Pinned for later!
We’ve always offered a variety of foods to him. He has to try everything, but he doesn’t have to LIKE everything. And we started that early- now he eats most veggies and all different cuisines. He loves Indian food and Jerk Chicken 🙂
I have never tried brussel sprouts! Seriously! I do love cabbage though – although I eat it picked, it tastes super yummy!
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
Thanks Shaina!! It’s delicious 🙂
I know right!! It’s so good.
Thanks girl! Brussels sprouts are amazing, and crazy good for you!!
Ooooh grilled brussels sprouts would be to die for. Let me know if you make the salad Kiki!
Ooh wow!! Now that’s an accomplishment Laura. My husband and I are already plotting about how (one day) we’re gonna get our kids to eat veggies. 😉 Enjoy!
I know right!?!?! Who started the brussels sprout hate? And slaws with peanut dressing are just amazing. 🙂
Hahaha yes slaws are amazing– they also keep surprisingly well overnight, so you can definitely make your own. I’m obsessed with brussels sprouts and purple cabbage!
They’re amazing! You should totally make this, Chelsea! 🙂
This is the most beautiful slaw ever! Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite veggies. That peanut sauce sounds incredible. Yum!
I just had my first ever brussel spout salad and it was amazing!
I’ve never tried brussel sprouts, but now I’m intrigued! I always love your food pictures. They always look so amazing! 🙂 Thanks for sharing a new yummy recipe.
I happen to LOVE brussel sprouts. My favorite is grilling them in the summer with some spices. I can eat them like candy! (:
Salads can be so boring. Your version adds flavor, texture, and utilizes so many fresh fruits and veggies! Sounds delicious.
http://www.accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com
I love brussels sprouts! I can even get my kid to eat them…sometimes. And I love how colorful with salad is. Saved for later.
Thanks Daisy!
.. Laura ..
I remember when everyone hated brussel sprouts.. but they are SO delicious and I would have never thought to pair them with the other ingredients in this salad but it sounds amazing!
lovejoanna.com
Yum! I have been obsessing over slaw salads lately…which is really racking up my tab at Whole Foods. Definitely need to trying making them at home, starting with this one!
Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
YUMMMM i want to make this! I love brussel sprouts, they are my fav.
XO Chelsea http://www.shesaidhesaidfashion.com