Looking for a vibrant, fresh salad that will brighten up your dinner table? Look no further than this Shaved Brussels Sprouts Fennel Apple Salad! With its crunchy texture and a delightful balance of flavors, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a deliciously healthy addition to any meal. Imagine the nutty crunch of walnuts, the crispness of fresh apples, and the subtle licorice notes of fennel, all harmoniously blended with tender Brussels sprouts. Ready to impress your guests and tantalize your taste buds? Dive into this quick and easy recipe that comes together in just 15 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, shaved
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the ends and remove any outer leaves that may be damaged. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, shave the Brussels sprouts into thin slices and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, prepare the fennel bulb. Cut off the fronds and the root end. Slice the fennel bulb in half lengthwise, then thinly slice each half into half-moons. Add the sliced fennel to the bowl with the Brussels sprouts.
- Now, take the apple, core it, and thinly slice it. You can leave the skin on for added color and nutrients. Add the apple slices to the bowl, mixing them gently with the Brussels sprouts and fennel to combine the flavors.
- Chop the walnuts coarsely and toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, add the walnuts to the salad mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more salt or lemon juice as desired.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing. Be careful not to bruise the delicate Brussels sprouts and apple slices.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will also help soften the Brussels sprouts slightly.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Use a Mandoline for Perfect Shavings: If you have a mandoline slicer, use it to shave the Brussels sprouts and fennel. This will ensure even thickness and make your salad look professional.
- Choose the Right Apple: Opt for a crisp apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a refreshing sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the salad.
- Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly!
- Let It Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for about 5 minutes after tossing with the dressing helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing by adding more lemon juice for acidity or honey for sweetness, depending on your preference.
- Add Some Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete dish.
- Serve Fresh: This salad is best served immediately, but you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and toss them together just before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 230kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
