A Crisp, Creamy Twist on a Classic Caesar
Move over, romaine—there’s a new crunchy green in town. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is everything you love about a Caesar salad: tangy dressing, savory cheese, crunchy toppings—but with a fresh, modern update using finely shaved Brussels sprouts. It’s bold, satisfying, and somehow still feels fancy and cozy at the same time.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh side dish, a lunch salad with personality, or a lighter take on a classic, this one brings flavor and texture in every bite.
🌿 Why Use Shaved Brussels Sprouts?
Brussels sprouts don’t get enough love. Shaved raw and tossed with Caesar dressing, they’re crisp, nutty, and soak up flavor like champs. Bonus: they hold up well in the fridge, making this salad meal-prep friendly too.
Benefits of shaved sprouts over romaine:
- More texture and crunch
- Better nutrition (hello, Vitamin C!)
- Doesn’t wilt as fast
- Adds earthy depth to the dressing
🧾 Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to build this flavorful, sturdy Caesar salad:
🥬 For the Salad:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts (fresh) | 1 lb | Trimmed and finely shaved |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Freshly grated or shaved |
| Croutons or toasted nuts | 1 cup | Store-bought or homemade for crunch |
| Lemon wedges | Optional garnish | For brightness at the end |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly cracked = better flavor |
🥣 For the Caesar Dressing:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Garlic | 1 clove | Finely minced or grated |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp | Adds depth and body |
| Lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Fresh is best |
| Anchovy paste (optional) | 1 tsp | Skip if vegetarian |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tsp | Or tamari for vegan alternative |
| Mayo or Greek yogurt | ⅓ cup | Creamy base of the dressing |
| Parmesan cheese | ¼ cup | Finely grated |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Whisked in for richness |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Adjust as needed |
🧄 Shortcut? Use your favorite Caesar dressing, but homemade always wins!
🔪 How to Shave Brussels Sprouts (Safely!)
Options:
- Mandoline slicer (quick and even, but watch your fingers!)
- Sharp chef’s knife (cut sprouts in half, then slice thinly)
- Food processor with slicing blade (great for big batches)
Once shaved, fluff the slices with your hands to separate the layers.
👩🍳 How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad
1. Make the Dressing
Whisk together garlic, mustard, lemon juice, anchovy paste (if using), Worcestershire, and mayo/yogurt. Stir in Parmesan, then slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Shave the Brussels Sprouts
Use your preferred method to shave. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with a pinch of salt to start softening.
3. Toss and Chill
Add the dressing to the shaved sprouts and toss well. Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors can mingle.
4. Top and Serve
Just before serving, fold in Parmesan, add croutons or nuts, and finish with a sprinkle of pepper and a squeeze of lemon.
🧠 Why This Salad Works
| Element | Role in Salad |
|---|---|
| Shaved Brussels sprouts | Crunch and structure |
| Creamy dressing | Tangy richness, coats every layer |
| Parmesan | Salty umami bite |
| Croutons/nuts | Texture and toasty flavor |
| Lemon | Freshness and balance |
🥄 Each forkful is creamy, crunchy, zesty, and satisfying.
📦 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
This salad actually gets better as it sits (for a bit).
| Storage Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assembled salad | Up to 2 days | Keep croutons or nuts separate until serving |
| Undressed salad | 3–4 days | Add dressing just before serving |
| Dressing only | 5–7 days | Store in a jar in the fridge |
🥡 Great for lunches, dinner sides, or prepping ahead for gatherings.
🥗 Optional Add-Ins & Twists
| Add-In | Why Try It |
|---|---|
| Roasted chickpeas | For extra protein and crunch |
| Sliced apples | Sweetness balances the umami and lemon |
| Avocado | Adds creaminess and healthy fats |
| Toasted almonds | Extra nutty crunch |
| Soft-boiled eggs | Protein + richness |
| Grilled chicken | For a heartier meal |
🔁 Versatile enough to be a side or main dish depending on your toppings.
🧾 Nutritional Perks
Brussels sprouts aren’t just trendy—they’re loaded with nutrients.
| Nutrient | Found In | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Brussels sprouts | Supports immunity |
| Fiber | Sprouts, nuts, croutons | Aids digestion |
| Protein | Parmesan, yogurt, eggs | Keeps you full |
| Healthy fats | Olive oil, nuts | Brain + heart support |
✅ Tasty and nourishing in every bite.
💬 Kitchen Moment
I made this salad on a whim when I ran out of romaine. I had a lonely bag of Brussels sprouts in the fridge, and suddenly thought—“Why not?” Turns out, it was the best decision ever. My partner, a Caesar salad purist, went for seconds and asked, “Why haven’t you made it this way before?”
Since then, it’s been on regular rotation—especially in cooler months when Brussels sprouts are freshest and romaine feels tired.
🧾 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbs | 14g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Based on 4 servings with homemade dressing and croutons.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Absolutely. Use vegan mayo and skip the cheese—or use plant-based Parmesan.
Q: Can I use bagged shredded Brussels sprouts?
A: Totally. Just fluff and separate any large chunks.
Q: Is anchovy paste necessary?
A: Traditional Caesar includes it, but it’s optional. You’ll still get great flavor without it.
Q: Can I use a different dressing?
A: Sure! Lemon vinaigrette or tahini dressing are great alternatives.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
| Occasion | How to Serve |
|---|---|
| Weeknight Dinner | As a light main or side to pasta or fish |
| Holiday Table | A fresh, crunchy addition to rich meals |
| Lunch Meal Prep | Store in jars with dressing on the bottom |
| Potluck Favorite | Doubles easily and holds up better than lettuce |
✅ Final Thoughts
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad is the perfect balance of familiar and fresh. You still get the creamy, tangy, umami-rich Caesar vibes you crave—but with a modern twist that’s crunchy, flavorful, and packed with nutrients.
It’s fast to throw together, easy to prep in advance, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts skeptic or a Caesar salad devotee, give this version a try—you just might be hooked.
🔗 Helpful External Resources
Now grab those sprouts and let Caesar salad surprise you with a crisp, new groove! 🥗
