Shaved Brussels sprout salad combines shredded Brussels sprouts, kale, apples, pomegranate, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds in creamy, apple cider vinaigrette. Serve with family dinner and holiday meals.

This utterly scrumptious, shaved Brussels sprout salad is how you fall in love with raw Brussels sprouts. When you combine finely shredded Brussels sprouts with kale, apples, dried cranberries, and pomegranate, tossed in tangy apple cider vinaigrette, it's texture and flavor galore! This sweet, savory, crispy, crunchy salad belongs with rotisserie chicken dinner or even the holiday roast turkey dinner.
If you love mouthwatering salads, strawberry salad and Lemony kale salad are also made with leafy greens and healthy ingredients. During winter, fix a citrus salad to quench your thirst for all the vitamin C.
Too many Brussels sprouts? Never! But if you have a lot, make air fryer Brussels sprouts and watch them disappear!
Key ingredients
Ingredient amounts listed in recipe card below.
- raw brussel sprouts - Use fresh, shaved brussel sprouts for this salad. There's no need to cook them because they're finely shredded and easy to eat.
- kale - Any kale variety will work and I especially love the color and texture of dinosaur aka lacinato kale for this salad.
- dried cranberries - These add so much texture and a touch of sweetness to round out the flavor.
- red onion - Any onion variety will work! I love red or green onion for this salad.
- pomegranate arils - These jewels add a pop of color and flavor to any salad!
- sunflower seeds - Feel free to use almonds, walnuts, or pepitas.
- apple - This adds texture, nutrients, and so much flavor to kale salad.
- apple cider vinegar dressing - This adds the right amount of sweet and tart flavors.
How to shave Brussel sprouts (3 Methods)
- Shred with a food processor with the slicing disk attachment. Certain models will allow you to adjust the width of the blade for thicker or thinner shaved Brussels sprouts.
- Use a mandoline slicer. I always recommend a cut resistant glove when pushing Brussels sprouts over the very sharp, singular blade attached to the mandoline slicer.
- A very sharp chef's knife will work wonders, but it takes more time and effort. You can shred the sprouts any thickness you like, but I find them to be better then thinner they are. My favorite knife for this job is this Japanese chef knife.
How to make this salad
Full instructions are included in the printable recipe below.
Step 1: Make the apple cider vinegar dressing. Set aside.
Step 2: Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and shred using your preferred method. I love how fast my food processor does the job.
Step 3: Slice the apples. I like to dip the apples in lemon water to prevent browning. Set aside.
Step 4: Just before serving, combine all ingredients and toss in the dressing until well-combined.
Step 5: To serve, add apple slices and gently toss again. Serve chilled.
Best dressing for Brussel sprout salad
I recommend Raw Apple Cider Vinegar dressing for this Brussels sprout salad! The high quality, raw vinegar gives it a lively flavor that only tastes better after hanging out in the fridge for a day or two.
Easy vegetable side dishes
- Vegetable Quinoa Salad
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Bacon Broccoli Salad
- Savory Sweet Potato Salad
What to serve with this salad
- Oven Baked Chicken Thighs
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Broiled Salmon
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks
- Instant Pot Pulled Pork
- Air Fryer Turkey Breast
During holiday season, shaved Brussels sprout salad is one of my favorite vegan Thanksgiving recipes because it's so versatile. Even non vegans love it! We make it every year for Thanksgiving dinner and it always disappears.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Kale and Apples
INGREDIENTS
For the vinaigrette
- 2 tablespoons Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Maple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon Sea Salt
- Black Pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For the salad
- 1 pound Raw Brussels Sprouts, rinsed, ends cut off
- 4-6 leaves Dino Kale, washed, dried, chopped
- ¼ cup Dried Cranberries
- ¼ cup Red Onion, diced
- ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds, or any nuts or seeds
- 1 medium Apple (any variety), thinly sliced
- 1 cup Pomegranate Seeds
Instructions
- To make the vinaigrette, blend VINEGAR, MAPLE SYRUP, DIJON, SALT, and PEPPER. Drizzle in OLIVE OIL until vinaigrette becomes creamy and emulsified. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
- To make the salad, shred BRUSSEL SPROUTS using your preferred method. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
- When ready to serve, combine BRUSSELS SPROUTS, KALE, CRANBERRIES, ONION, POMEGRANATE, SUNFLOWER SEEDS, and APPLE CIDER VINAIGRETTE. Toss to thoroughly coat.
- Add APPLE SLICES and gently toss again. Serve chilled.
- Store dressed salad in an airtight container up to 2 days.
RECIPE VIDEO
Traci's Recipe Notes
- This salad can be made ahead up to two days. You'll want to store each component separately to maintain optimal texture and color and toss right before serving.
- To prevent sliced apples from browning, dip them in 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice before storing or using in the salad.
Equipment
- immersion blender or wire whisk (for vinaigrette)
- 7-cup food processor fitted with shredding blade
- mandoline slicer optional for shredding
- large mixing bowl
NUTRITION
Nutrition data provided as courtesy estimates using unbranded ingredients from a nutrition database. Please consult preferred resource for precise data.
gael says
On this salad, shaved brussel sprouts and kale etc. do you soak the kale for a while in some oil? I always find it is really tough if I eat it raw. Any suggestions?
The Kitchen Girl says
Hi Gael, I don't think oil soaking will get the results you want. However I find that massaging the kale with a tiny bit of oil using my hands is my favorite way to soften it. Let me know if I can help you further. Thanks!
Katie says
So yummy. I’ve made this before and loved it. But this week I got brussels sprouts tops in my grocery box. They are the greens that grow on top of a stalk of Brussels sprouts. So I sliced them up thinly and used them instead of the sliced sprouts. Just delicious! Thank you for this versatile and healthy recipe!!
The Kitchen Girl says
So awesome, Katie...what a great idea too! Glad you're still enjoying the recipe...this one's a fav, for sure! 🙂
Lisa Benson says
This is the PERFECT fall salad! Everything about it is delicious, especially the dressing!
The Kitchen Girl says
Aww thank you, Lisa 🙂 I love love love hearing that and glad you enjoy it as much as I do
DL says
Wow. Wow wow and wow. What a recipe!
I was dining at a casual Italian deli (I’m in Singapore!) and a variant of this was available. I ordered it, was impressed and wanted to recreate it at home. So I googled, found your recipe.
Just tried it tonight.. and while it’s different from the one I had, it’s better. It’s amazing. It’s genius. And I realized, it’s not just vegan, it’s raw vegan!!
I don’t have pomegranate, so I omitted it.. I used shallot instead of red onions.
This is really amazing. Thank you so much for coming up with this and sharing it.
Traci Antonovich says
THIS makes me SO happy and I'm glad you found my recipe, DL! My day is made and I truly appreciate you stopping by with this feedback 🙂 Thank you...and CHEERS to great food!
JB says
Great salad! Perfect for Holidays, also love it for weekday lunches at work.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, JB! So glad you like this one!
Elaine says
Love this recipe and every time I make it, it gets rave reviews. Using a food processor to shave the sprouts makes this recipe a snap to make!
Traci Antonovich says
Haha, that food processor is EVERYTHING! Thanks, Elaine 🙂 Glad you love it like I do!
Gavin says
It’s that time of year again that I’m looking for some new brussel sprout ideas. Love this - way healthier than the usual fried sprout recipes you see
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks, Gavin! Yep, super healthy...and everyone gobbles it down 🙂
Patty at Spoonabilities says
I've never thought of using Brussels Sprouts for a salad like this! I am soooo excited to try this!
Traci Antonovich says
Thank you...awesome Patty! Get ready for your new favorite salad 🙂
Krissy Allori says
I loved this slaw. The apple goes so well with the slightly bitter taste of the Brussels sprout. I think I'll add it as a side for Thanksgiving dinner.
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome, Krissy! Thanks for letting me know you'll be enjoying this for your holiday dinner too! 🙂
Sylvie says
This looks like such a perfect autumn salad! I love the way you used raw brussels sprouts, and the apple is a great way of bringing some sweetness to the recipe. yum!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much, Sylvie! Yep, never any complaints about the flavors going on in this one 🙂
Anya says
Made a modified version of this awesome slaw for a potluck and received many compliments. I really liked it myself! I skipped the kale (grocery store was out), replaced onions with fennel, and cranberries with pomegranate seeds. I tweaked the dressing to taste. Thank you for an awesome inspirational recipe! will definitely make this again. 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Awesome Anya, I love hearing that! Sounds like you made all the changes I love too! 😉 Thanks so much for following up...Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Kelly says
How far in advance can I make this yummy slaw?
Traci Antonovich says
Hi Kelly, thanks for asking! You can easily make this slaw a few days in advance, but the apple might brown too much, so you could chop and toss the apple in just before serving. I would also keep the almonds separate and sprinkle when ready to serve. Hope that helps!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
I'm going to make a big batch of this on Sunday so I can have it all week! Looks so easy and delicious!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Shadi! Hope you love it!
georgie says
Yes!!! I've been looking for a shredded brussels sprouts slaw recipe for ages! this combines all my favourites!!!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Georgie! Hope you love this one 🙂
Jenn says
This is so my kind of dish! Perfect for anytime in the fall, but would also be great on the Thanksgiving table. Bookmarking this one!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Jenn! Hope you get to try it out 🙂
Annissa says
Great use of recipe! Looks so fresh and tasty!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Annissa! Love hearing it!
Caroline says
I know exactly what you mean - Brussels sprouts are a bit unloved but I think they work really well in some recipes, with slaws like this being right up there. Looks tasty!
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks Caroline!
Girlfriend says
GF, I made this salad today and I am blown away! It is one of the most delicious salads I have ever eaten. Made it exactly as written and wouldn't change a thing. All the ingredients work so well together and I can't stop eating it. Well done Kitchen Girl.
Traci Antonovich says
Omgosh, you can't even believe how much this makes my day! I haven't made it in a while and am sooo overdue...now you got me all wanting it this week 🙂 Thanks GF!
Edyta at Innocent Delight says
I love Brussels sprouts. I need to make this slaw for dinner tonight. I have some beautiful brussels sprouts in a fridge 🙂
Traci Antonovich says
Thank you Edyta...perfect timing! Next time I make this I'm adding pomegranate seeds to it 🙂 Hope you love it like I do!
Saima Zaidi says
What a lovely combo of ingredients for slaw! I love almonds in anything and everything and this sounds so delicious and healthy anyway! Will make this instead of my regular coleslaw next time.
Traci Antonovich says
Thanks so much! I'm with you on the almonds in anything and everything 🙂
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
What a great way to get people eating sprouts! This sounds very tasty.
Traci Antonovich says
Haha yep, it works every time! Thanks so much! 🙂
Sarah says
I have a hard time loving brussels sprouts, but I think with the apples, cranberries, and dressing this sounds DELICIOUS!
Traci Antonovich says
Yay thank you for that! I hear ya...I only love them when the flavors and textures make sense. 🙂
Trang says
This is such a refreshing use of brussel sprouts! It would make a healthy side dish for the holidays.
Traci Antonovich says
Thank you! That's exactly how I like to use it too! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!