Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad pairs raw Brussels sprouts with sweet apples, candied pecans, and a homemade honey apple cinder vinegar dressing for a simple, easy, and nutritious fall/winter salad.
In the bottom of a large bowl, whisk together the dijon mustard (½ teaspoon), honey (2 teaspoons), apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon), kosher salt (½ teaspoon), and a few turns fresh cracked black pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil (3 tablespoons) while whisking, until dressing is mixed well and emulsified.
Add all of the salad ingredients to the bowl (10 oz. shaved Brussels sprouts, 1 large sliced apple, ½ cup chopped candied pecans, and ½ cup thinly sliced red onion). Toss together well until all ingredients are coated in the dressing (the more you toss the more the dressing will be dispersed and the Brussels sprouts will soften a bit, in a good way). Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Serve immediately (see notes for making ahead).
Notes
You can buy shaved Brussels sprouts already prepared from some stores, such as Trader Joe's (look where the other shredded veggies would be, such as cabbage for coleslaw). Or, you can make them yourself using a mandoline slicer or a food processor shredding attachment, or, if you have the time for a tedious task and are careful of your fingers, just slicing them thinly with a knife.
As an alternative to Brussels Sprouts, you can use another shredded cruciferous vegetable, such as cabbage, kale, or broccoli.
Candied Pecans: you can buy candied pecans at most grocery stores, or you can use another candied nut. You can make your own (such as these candied walnuts or pecans) or if you want to keep things simple (and a little less sweet), just throw any regular nut in there (sliced or slivered almonds, chopped pecans, pistachios, etc.).
If the salad seems dry even after tossing very well, you can add some more olive oil to the mix or make a little more of the dressing.
Make the salad ahead of time by prepping all the ingredients and placing in a large bowl, and mixing the dressing separately. Toss together well just before serving. This salad holds up well for an hour or two, but gets kind of soggy after it sits too long.
To make the salad vegan, use a substitute for the honey such as agave or sugar.