Introduction
Meet your new favorite Brussels sprouts slaw — fresh, crunchy, and ready in just 10 minutes. Shaved Brussels sprouts mix with crisp apple and tart cranberry for a bright, no-cook salad full of texture. A smooth maple Dijon vinaigrette brings everything together with the right touch of sweet and tangy flavor.
This healthy Brussels sprouts salad works for busy weeknights, weekend potlucks, or the holiday table. You can easily make it dairy-free or gluten-free with simple swaps. It’s quick, colorful, and full of fresh fall flavor.
With a few smart steps and easy ingredients, you’ll get big flavor without much effort. This crunchy Brussels sprouts slaw with apple and cranberry proves that healthy food can be both simple and delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprouts Slaw
This Brussels sprouts slaw with apple and cranberry is light, fresh, and ready in minutes. It’s the kind of side dish that fits anywhere — from a quick weeknight dinner to a festive holiday meal. Here’s why you’ll love making it again and again.
1. Fast & Fuss-Free
You can make this slaw in just 10 minutes. Use a mandoline or food processor to shave the Brussels sprouts quickly and evenly. The simple prep means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
2. Fresh & Crunchy
Every bite is crisp and refreshing. The shaved Brussels sprouts stay crunchy even after tossing with the dressing. The fresh apples add a juicy texture that makes the salad feel light and satisfying.
3. Balanced Flavor
This apple cranberry Brussels sprouts slaw hits all the right notes. Sweet apples, tart cranberries, and tangy maple Dijon vinaigrette come together beautifully. The flavors blend but never overpower one another, giving you a perfect bite every time.
4. Better Than Coleslaw
Skip the heavy mayo and enjoy something lighter. This slaw uses a zesty apple cider vinaigrette instead, so it feels clean and refreshing. It’s a healthier twist that still delivers full flavor and creamy balance.
5. Versatile Side
This crunchy Brussels sprouts salad pairs with almost anything — chicken, turkey, or salmon. Serve it at dinner, pack it for lunch, or bring it to a potluck. It’s colorful, quick, and always a hit.
Ingredients & Easy Swaps
This Brussels sprouts slaw with apple and cranberry comes together with simple, fresh ingredients. Each one adds crunch, color, and flavor. You can easily make swaps based on what you have at home or your dietary needs.
1. Base
Start with shaved Brussels sprouts for crunch and body. Slice them thin with a knife, mandoline, or food processor. Add a crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for sweetness and bite. This combo builds the perfect slaw texture.
2. Punchy Add-Ins
Toss in dried cranberries for a tangy pop of flavor. Add a few thin slices of red onion for sharpness and color. A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the mix and makes every bite fresh and lively.
3. Crunch
Crunch brings this Brussels sprouts salad to life. Use walnuts or pecans for a rich, toasty flavor. If you want a change, swap them for almonds or pumpkin seeds. They keep the texture exciting and the flavor balanced.
4. Cheese (Optional)
Add a little cheese for a creamy touch. Parmesan shavings give saltiness and depth, while feta adds tang. Skip the cheese if you want a dairy-free Brussels sprouts slaw — it’s still full of flavor.
5. Pantry Swaps
No maple syrup? Use honey instead. Out of apple cider vinegar? Try lemon juice for brightness. These quick swaps keep the maple Dijon vinaigrette light and flavorful.
Maple Dijon Apple-Cider Vinaigrette (No Mayo)
This bright maple Dijon apple-cider vinaigrette makes your Brussels sprouts slaw pop. It’s quick, clean, and full of tangy-sweet flavor.
1. Ratio
Mix 3 Tbsp olive oil, 1½ Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, and 1 tsp Dijon. This base tastes balanced and bold.
2. Season
Add ¼ tsp salt, a few grinds of black pepper, and a tiny garlic clove, grated. Stir well. The garlic lifts the flavor without overpowering the slaw.
3. Emulsify
Pour everything into a small jar. Shake for 10–15 seconds until the dressing turns glossy. It clings to shaved sprouts and apple slices perfectly.
4. Balance
Taste and adjust. Add a splash of vinegar for more tang. Or whisk in a touch more maple for extra sweetness. Keep it bright, not heavy.
5. Make-Ahead
Prepare the vinaigrette up to 5 days in advance. Store it chilled and shake before using. It’s ready to toss with your apple cranberry Brussels sprouts slaw any night of the week.
How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw (Step-by-Step)
This Brussels sprouts slaw with apple and cranberry comes together fast. Follow these simple steps for fresh crunch and big flavor.
1. Shave
Trim the Brussels sprouts. Use a food processor with the slicing disk, a mandoline, or a sharp knife. Slice them thin for the best texture and even crunch.
2. Crisp Apple
Core the apple and cut it into matchsticks. Toss the slices with a little lemon juice. This stops browning and adds bright flavor to the slaw.
3. Combine
Add shaved sprouts, apple, dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and thin red onion to a large bowl. Sprinkle in parsley. Mix gently so you keep the crisp texture.
4. Dress & Toss
Pour on the maple Dijon apple-cider vinaigrette. Toss until everything looks lightly coated. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if needed. Keep it bright, not heavy.
5. Rest & Serve
Let the slaw sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly. Finish with Parmesan shavings and more parsley. Serve right away for max crunch, or chill for later.
Variations, Serving & Storage
Keep this Brussels sprouts slaw fresh and flexible with these easy tweaks. Mix in seasonal touches, add protein, or change the texture. Then serve it fast or save it for later.
1. Holiday Twist
Add pomegranate arils for sparkle and tart juice. Toss in toasted pecans for warm crunch. This version looks festive and fits any holiday table.
2. Protein Boost
Turn your apple cranberry Brussels sprouts slaw into a full meal. Add grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or chickpeas. The extra protein makes it hearty yet still light.
3. Creamy Version
Want a softer, richer bite? Fold in one spoon of Greek yogurt or a little mayo. It stays bright thanks to the maple Dijon dressing, but gains a silky finish.
4. Make-Ahead
For the best crunch, keep greens and dressing separate. Store the shaved sprouts and add-ins in one container and the vinaigrette in another. Toss right before serving so it stays crisp and glossy.
5. Storage
Dressed slaw keeps 1–2 days in the fridge. It will soften, but still tastes great. Before serving leftovers, refresh with a splash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of salt to wake up the flavors.
Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Apple & Cranberry
Brussels Sprouts Slaw with Apple & Cranberry
Ingredients
Method
- Shave Brussels sprouts using a mandoline, food processor, or knife.
- Slice the apple into thin matchsticks and toss with a splash of lemon juice to keep it fresh.
- In a large bowl, combine Brussels sprouts, apple, cranberries, walnuts, onion, and parsley.
- In a small jar, whisk or shake together olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the slaw and toss well. Let sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly. Serve fresh.
FAQs
1) Can I make this Brussels sprouts slaw ahead?
Yes. Shave sprouts and mix add-ins. Keep the maple Dijon vinaigrette separate. Toss right before serving.
2) How thin should I slice the sprouts?
Very thin. Use a mandoline or food processor. Thin slices keep the slaw crisp and tender.
3) What apple works best?
Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They stay crisp and add sweet-tart flavor.
4) Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, but chop them fine. Or use dried cranberries for an easier, sweeter bite.
5) Is this recipe dairy-free?
It can be. Skip Parmesan or feta. Everything else stays the same.
Conclusion
This Brussels sprouts slaw with apple and cranberry is fast, bright, and flexible. Swap nuts, change the fruit, or add protein for a fresh twist each time. Serve it on weeknights, bring it to potlucks, or plate it for Thanksgiving—it always delivers crunch and color. Save this 10-minute salad and share it with friends who love quick, fresh recipes. Then make it again whenever you want a crisp, maple Dijon side that everyone enjoys.
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