Delicious Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw for Fresh Flavors

I still remember the first time I made Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw—it was one of those moments where curiosity met a bit of kitchen panic. I was on a mission to bring something fresh and healthy to our family dinner table, but those little Brussels sprouts looked a bit intimidating. After all, who really thinks of Brussels sprouts as a snack-friendly veggie? But once I started slicing those tiny greens thin and tossed them with a zesty dressing, my whole family gave it a thumbs up. That’s how Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw became an instant favorite in our house.

There’s something special about the way the thinly shaved Brussels sprouts soak up the tangy flavors, creating a crisp, refreshing Brussels sprouts raw salad that feels far from your typical cooked side dish. I love that it’s a healthy Brussels sprouts recipe that even my picky eaters don’t shy away from. I remember how frustrating it used to be to get my family excited about greens until this shredded Brussels sprouts slaw showed up on the menu. It quickly became our go-to Brussels sprouts coleslaw—perfect for busy weeknights when I needed something fast, fresh, and satisfying.

I have to confess, it took a couple tries before I got the slaw texture just right. I didn’t realize how important the “shaving” part was until I got a little gadget that saved my hands from hours of chopping. Since then, making this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw feels like a breeze and a little moment of joy in my hectic kitchen. Whether it’s a casual lunch or a holiday meal side, this slaw fits right in and always brings smiles. If you’ve been wondering how to turn those little Brussels sprouts into something irresistible, grab your knife (or better yet, a mandoline!), and let’s dive into the recipe that changed our family dinners forever. You’re going to love how this simple Brussels sprouts salad brightens up your table.

Oh, and before you go, here’s a fun tip: I discovered this idea from one of my favorite food blogs—they shared their version of shaved Brussels sprouts over crispy cauliflower cakes, which got me thinking about how the slaw could be a star all on its own (Shaved Brussels Sprouts Over Crispy Cauliflower Cakes – Queen of My Kitchen). Also, if you want to check out a no-mayo version of a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with bright, fresh flavors, this one from LiveBest is a gem (Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad (no mayo) – LiveBest). Now, let me share with you all the details on how I prepare this baby!

Ingredients:

Fresh ingredients laid out for making Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw including Brussels sprouts, almonds, cranberries, Parmesan cheese and dressing ingredients

When it comes to this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw, I’m pretty particular about my ingredients — the freshness really makes all the difference. Here’s what I always keep on hand to whip this up without hassle:

  • 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts (look for tight, compact heads with bright green color)
  • 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds (adds a lovely crunch)
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries (for a punch of sweet-tart flavor)
  • 1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese (my secret for that extra savory hit)
  • 1/4 cup good-quality extra virgin olive oil (keeps the slaw nicely coated)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (brightens up the dish)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (adds a little tang and depth)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, balances acidity)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

I always recommend grabbing Brussels sprouts that feel firm, not limp—because when making a Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw, the freshness of the sprouts is what gives you that crisp texture you’re aiming for. When I shop, I usually hit the farmers market first, but well-stocked grocery stores carry them all year round. If you’re looking for tips on ingredient prep, I learned from my mom that trimming the ends and pulling off any yellow leaves early saves so much time later. Also, you don’t have to buy pre-shredded sprouts—though it can be a bit pricey, so I prefer saving money by shaving my own! Using a mandoline slicer is a huge time saver here. For saving extra time, you can even buy a pre-packaged shredded Brussels sprouts coleslaw mix, but there’s something about the homemade freshness that beats them every time.

When it comes to the dressing, feel free to taste and adjust — I like mine a bit more tangy while my husband prefers the hint of sweetness. And if you have leftover almonds or cranberries, store them tightly sealed for a couple of weeks—those ingredients are excellent multipurpose pantry staples. For those of you who want to keep it dairy-free, you can swap the Parmesan for toasted nutritional yeast, which also works wonderfully in shredded Brussels sprouts slaw.

Oh! Before we move to how to make this dish, if you want more ingredient ideas or variations on healthy Brussels sprouts recipes, check out this fun honey sriracha Brussels sprouts recipe (Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts) I sometimes make alongside my slaw for a sweet heat combo.

How to Make – Step-by-Step:

Making this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw is one of those kitchen successes that feel rewarding but not overwhelming. Let me walk you through it, step by step, just like we’re standing side-by-side in the kitchen.

  1. Prep Your Brussels Sprouts: Start by rinsing your Brussels sprouts and patting them dry. Then, trim off the tough ends and peel away any discolored leaves. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, shave the Brussels sprouts into thin ribbons. If you’re new to this, don’t worry if your slices aren’t perfect—your shaved Brussels sprouts slaw will still turn out great.
  2. Toast Your Almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sliced almonds until golden and fragrant. This step only takes about 3-5 minutes, but keep a close eye so they don’t burn. The toasty almonds add a lovely crunch that really contrasts with the tender sprout ribbons.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. The dressing should taste bright and balanced — like a little burst of sunshine for your Brussels sprouts coleslaw.
  4. Combine the Ingredients: Toss the shaved Brussels sprouts with the dressing, making sure every bit is coated. Then fold in the toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Your coleslaw should start looking colorful and inviting.
  5. Let It Rest: I like to let my slaw rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This lets the flavors marry and softens the sprouts just enough while keeping that satisfying crunch. Don’t be tempted to skip this step, as I learned the hard way that serving it immediately doesn’t let the dressing fully infuse.
  6. Final Touches: Just before serving, give your slaw a quick toss. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary—sometimes a little extra salt or more vinegar wakes up that earthy Brussels sprouts flavor.

I usually make this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw in about 30 minutes total, and honestly, it’s my little kitchen moment when I put on some music and shuffle between prepping and chatting with the family. If you want additional ideas on how to shave and prep your Brussels sprouts or maybe a different slaw twist, here’s a neat technique I found through this crispy fish taco recipe with cilantro lime slaw—you might like swapping in a similar dressing for your shaved Brussels sprouts salad.

One pro tip I learned is that if your Brussels sprouts taste a bit bitter raw, tossing them with a touch of salt and letting them sit before dressing mellows them out beautifully. Trust me, a little patience here pays off in savor every bite of your shredded Brussels sprouts slaw!

Serving:

Close-up of freshly made Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw in a bowl, ready to serve

There’s truly nothing like the crunch and freshness of this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw to brighten up any meal. My kids, who usually give me sideways glances when I serve greens, love to dig into this Brussels sprouts coleslaw — often asking for more because the sweet dried cranberries and salty Parmesan make it feel like a treat rather than just a salad.

I usually pair this slaw with grilled or roasted meats—think juicy chicken or a pot of slow-cooked stews. It’s such a refreshing foil to heavier mains. One of our go-to meals involves making a ground beef and Brussels sprouts stir-fry, which paired with this bright slaw, creates a balanced and colorful plate. If you want to try that combo, check out this easy recipe for ground beef and Brussels sprouts stir-fry I keep coming back to.

This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw is also a holiday favorite. I love serving it alongside a roast or as a lighter, crisp side at Thanksgiving or Christmas — it’s a nice change from the traditional heavier Brussels sprouts dishes. Presentation-wise, piling it high on a pretty platter and topping with extra shaved Parmesan and almonds always impresses guests. If you happen to have some leftover slaw, no worries! It makes a fantastic sandwich topping or addition to wraps and grain bowls—our family’s secret ways to stretch leftovers without waste.

Seasonally, I’ve played with adding autumn elements like roasted butternut squash cubes or swapping cranberries for golden raisins, depending on what’s in the pantry. I also enjoy trying other healthy Brussels sprouts recipes like roasting with a dash of honey and chili flakes or making a warm Brussels sprouts salad dressed with lemon and garlic (Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad inspiration).

If you’re hosting friends, expect lots of compliments—my guests often want the recipe for this shredded Brussels sprouts slaw because it’s so different from the usual sides but simple enough to make at home.

FAQs:

Q1: Can I make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! I usually prepare it a few hours before serving and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a good toss before serving. The slaw might soften a bit overnight but still tastes amazing. You can also find lots of tips about storing shaved greens for salads in this external guide.

Q2: What if I don’t have a mandoline slicer?
No problem! I’ve done this slaw with a sharp knife too. It takes some patience, but slicing thinly is key to getting that nice texture. Another trick is to quarter the Brussels sprouts and then slice them thinly.

Q3: Can I omit the nuts and dairy for allergies?
Yes, just skip the almonds and Parmesan. I like to add toasted sunflower seeds for crunch and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

Q4: My sprouts taste bitter raw—how can I fix that?
You know what I do when my shaved Brussels sprouts slaw gets too bitter? I toss the shaved sprouts with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry before dressing. It helps mellow out the bitterness a lot.

Q5: What other dressings work well with this slaw?
A lemon-tahini dressing or even a creamy yogurt-based one work beautifully. I sometimes switch it up depending on the mood.

Q6: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! I was surprised myself at how my kids warmed up to the shredded Brussels sprouts slaw, especially when I include sweet elements like dried fruit.

Q7: How long does leftover slaw keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it’s best eaten within 2-3 days for the freshest taste.

If you want more tips on working with Brussels sprouts in creative ways, check out the honey sriracha recipe mentioned earlier—it complements this slaw perfectly and keeps your healthy Brussels sprouts recipes exciting.

My Final Thoughts:

This Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw really has a cozy little corner in my heart. Beyond the deliciousness and health perks, it symbolizes the moment when I found a way to bring my family closer to Brussels sprouts without drama or groans. What started as a trial quickly became a staple in our regular meal rotation.

My Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw Pro Tips:

  • Always shave your Brussels sprouts thinly for the best texture.
  • Let the slaw rest before serving to marry flavors beautifully.
  • Toast nuts separately for a crunch that won’t go soggy.

I’ve tried variations adding apples, pomegranate seeds, or a spicy kick with red pepper flakes, and honestly, each version had a devoted fan at our table—from my juice-loving teenager to my dad who swears by the classic Parmesan version. It’s fun to turn this basic shredded Brussels sprouts slaw into something new each time.

If you try making this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw, I hope it brings you the same joy it’s brought me—simple, family-friendly, and full of fresh flavors. Don’t be afraid to make it your own. And remember, cooking should be fun and forgiving; we’ve all had those kitchen mishaps with Brussels sprouts that turned us off. This slaw gently won over all of us, and I can’t wait for you to share it with your family.

For even more inspiration on Brussels sprouts dishes, check out some of my favorite recipes: the ground beef Brussels sprouts stir-fry or those tasty honey sriracha Brussels sprouts. You’re going to love how versatile this humble veggie can be—starting with your very own Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw!

Give it a whirl, and please drop me a line about how yours turns out! I’m cheering you on from my kitchen.

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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw

Freshly Shaved Brussels Sprouts Slaw Close-up

A fresh and crunchy shaved Brussels sprouts slaw that’s perfect as a light side dish or a healthy salad, bursting with vibrant flavors and textures.

  • Author: Zoubida
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and shaved
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds, chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and shave them thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Add the shaved Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the dressing and toss well to combine.
  4. Mix in the toasted almonds, dried cranberries, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Let the slaw sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

For extra zest, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

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