Description
This Brussels Sprout Salad with Pears and Pecans is a refreshing combination of crunchy shaved Brussels sprouts, sweet pears, toasted pecans, and tangy cheese, all tossed in a light honey Dijon vinaigrette. It’s a seasonal salad that’s equal parts crisp, nutty, and elegant — ideal for holiday feasts or everyday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the salad
- 450–500 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shaved
- 2 firm-ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), thinly sliced or cut into matchsticks
- ¾ cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 30–45 g Parmesan or Pecorino (shaved) or 60–80 g goat cheese (crumbled), optional
- Flaky salt and lemon wedges, for serving
- For the Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or white balsamic)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 to 1½ tbsp maple syrup
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp finely minced shallot
- ½ tsp fine sea salt + several grinds black pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing. In a bowl, whisk lemon juice, Dijon, and maple. Stream in oil as you whisk until glossy. Stir in shallot, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust—this is your flavor engine.
- Season the sprouts. In a large bowl, toss the shaved sprouts with half the dressing and a pinch of salt. Let rest 5–10 minutes so they soften slightly.
- Assemble. Add pears and pecans. Drizzle in more dressing to taste and toss very gently.
- Finish. Shower with shaved Parmesan/Pecorino or dot with goat cheese, if using. Add a pinch of flaky salt and a squeeze of lemon at the table.
Notes
- If using dried cranberries or pomegranate arils, fold them in with the pears.
- For a greens blend, add a handful of arugula just before serving.
- For a warm twist, quickly roast ⅓ of the sprouts at high heat and toss with the raw shavings.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT05M
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed / No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup of salad per person
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg