Brussels sprouts, often misunderstood and relegated to the sidelines, take center stage in this refreshing salad that dances with the jeweled bursts of pomegranates. Imagine crunching into a crisp, green flake of Brussels sprout, just as a pomegranate seed pops in your mouth—like a tiny, sweet firework. It’s like discovering a forgotten song that suddenly tops your playlist, making this salad your new favorite hit for the season.
Steps
- Thinly slice the Brussels sprouts using a mandoline or a sharp knife for even shavings. Place them in a medium-sized bowl.
- Drizzle olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over the shaved Brussels sprouts. Stir in dried cranberries, pine nuts, grated pecorino cheese, and chopped chives.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- After resting, taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add a final drizzle of olive oil before serving, if desired.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
FAQ
- Can I make this Brussels sprout salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. The sturdy nature of Brussels sprouts allows them to maintain their texture, even if dressed in advance, making it an ideal dish for holiday parties or meal prep.
- What equipment do I need to prepare the Brussels sprouts?
- A mandoline is recommended for slicing the Brussels sprouts thinly, although a sharp knife can also be used if a mandoline is not available.
- How long does it take to make this salad?
- The total preparation time for the shaved Brussels sprout salad is approximately 15 minutes, making it a quick and easy dish to whip up.
- What can I use as a substitute for pecorino cheese?
- If pecorino cheese is not available, you can use Parmesan or another hard, salty cheese as a substitute to maintain the flavor profile of the salad.
- Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
- Certainly! While the recipe is delicious as is, feel free to add your favorite nuts, seeds, or fresh herbs to personalize the salad to your taste.
Tips
- Use a mandoline to thinly slice the Brussels sprouts for a more uniform texture and quicker preparation, but be cautious to avoid any accidents while slicing.
- Prepare the salad in advance, as the Brussels sprouts are sturdy enough to maintain their texture and flavor even when dressed ahead of time, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Allow the salad to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes after tossing it with the dressing. This helps the flavors meld together for a more cohesive taste.
- Adjust seasonings and consider adding an extra drizzle of olive oil before serving to enhance the salad’s flavor and richness.
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer – for thinly slicing the Brussels sprouts.
