Shaved Sprout & Parmesan Salad
Crisp, paper-thin shaved brussels sprouts tossed with nutty parmesan, toasted almonds, and a bright lemon dressing. This refreshing salad comes together in minutes and brings a satisfying crunch to any meal — perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Toast the almonds.
Place a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add the slivered almonds and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate immediately to stop the cooking.
TIPWatch closely — nuts go from toasted to burnt in seconds. - prep · ~5 min
Shave the brussels sprouts.
Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any discolored outer leaves. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, shave them as thinly as possible. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and use your fingers to gently separate the shreds.
TIPShave sprouts right before serving for the crispest texture. - prep · ~2 min
Shave the parmesan.
Using a vegetable peeler, shave the block of parmesan into thin, wide flakes. Set aside about a quarter of the shavings for garnish.
TIPUse a room-temperature parmesan block for the best shavings. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the lemon dressing.
1.In a small bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, dijon mustard, and honey.2.Add a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.3.Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified, about 30 seconds. - assemble · ~1 min
Toss the salad.
1.Pour the dressing over the shaved sprouts in the large mixing bowl.2.Add most of the parmesan shavings and all of the toasted almonds.3.Toss gently with your hands or tongs until the sprouts are evenly coated with dressing.TIPMassaging the dressing in with your hands softens the sprouts slightly. - garnish
Top with remaining parmesan and serve.
Transfer the dressed salad to a serving platter or bowl. Scatter the reserved parmesan shavings over the top and finish with an extra crack of black pepper.
TIPServe immediately — the acid in the dressing will wilt the sprouts over time.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mandoline for the thinnest, most even shavings of Brussels sprouts.
- 2Toast almonds in a dry pan until fragrant and golden, then transfer immediately to a plate.
- 3Shave Parmesan from a room-temperature block for the best, flakiest shavings.
- 4Massage the dressing into the sprouts with your hands to soften them slightly.
- 5Serve the salad immediately; the lemon juice will cause the sprouts to wilt over time.
- 6For extra crunch, reserve a few toasted almonds and scatter them on top just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace Parmesan with 3 tablespoons of nutritional yeast and 2 tablespoons of toasted pine nuts for a dairy-free, umami-rich version. Works for plant-based diets.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 1 cup of cooked, cooled chickpeas or shredded grilled chicken breast to turn this side salad into a satisfying main course with more protein.
nut freeNut-free
Skip the almonds and substitute 1/4 cup of toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free crunch that still complements the Parmesan and lemon.
extra herbyExtra-herby
Add a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives, finely chopped, when tossing the salad for a fresh, herbaceous lift.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin K
Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin K, which supports bone health and proper blood clotting.
High in Fiber
This salad provides a good amount of dietary fiber from the Brussels sprouts and almonds, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
Source of Healthy Fats
Almonds and extra virgin olive oil offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, an antioxidant that supports skin health.
Low in Calories
This salad is naturally light and low in calories, making it a great choice for adding volume to a meal without excess energy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but a mandoline yields the thinnest, most uniform shreds. If using a knife, slice the sprouts crosswise as thinly as possible.
