Amazing Shaved Brussels Pear Salad: 15 Min Prep

Shaved Brussels Pear Salad has become my go-to dish whenever I want something incredibly fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly satisfying. I still remember the first time I tried making a raw Brussels sprouts salad; I was a little nervous about the texture, but shaving them transformed everything! It’s like magic – the sprouts go from tough to tender-crisp, perfect for soaking up a bright, zesty dressing. This particular combination, with sweet, juicy pears and a hint of salty cheese, feels like a celebration on a plate. It’s especially wonderful as an Autumn shaved Brussels pear salad, bringing a delightful crunch and sweetness to cooler days. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Shaved Brussels Pear Salad

This salad is a winner for so many reasons! It hits all the right notes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressive gatherings:

• Incredible Taste: The combination of crisp Brussels sprouts, sweet pears, and salty Manchego creates a flavor explosion you won’t forget.
• Super Quick Prep: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish in no time.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this salad is a fantastic way to boost your daily intake of greens and fruit.
• Budget-Friendly: Brussels sprouts and pears are often quite affordable, making this a cost-effective yet elegant meal choice.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: Even picky eaters often enjoy the sweetness of the pear and the satisfying crunch of the shaved sprouts.
• Versatile Vinaigrette: The simple lemon vinaigrette complements the other ingredients beautifully, making this a standout Brussels pear salad with vinaigrette.
• Perfect for Any Season: While especially delightful as an Autumn shaved Brussels pear salad, its fresh taste works year-round.
• Easy to Customize: This Brussels pear salad with vinaigrette serves as a perfect base for adding other nuts, seeds, or proteins.

Ingredients for Shaved Brussels Pear Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant and delicious salad. The beauty of a Shaved raw Brussels salad with pear lies in its fresh, crisp components:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, thinly shaved – This is key for a tender texture, making them perfect for a raw salad.
• 2 ripe pears, cored and sliced – Choose pears that are sweet but still firm so they hold their shape.
• 1 cup Manchego cheese, shaved or grated – Adds a wonderful salty, nutty depth that balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (optional) – For a delightful crunch and earthy flavor. Toasting them first really brings out their aroma!
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a burst of freshness and a lovely green color.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – A good quality extra virgin olive oil forms the base of our bright dressing.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Provides a zesty, acidic counterpoint that brightens all the flavors.
• Salt to taste – Essential for enhancing all the ingredients.
• Pepper to taste – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth.

How to Make Shaved Brussels Pear Salad

This recipe is designed to be incredibly straightforward, proving that a delicious and healthy salad doesn’t need to be complicated. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can assemble this dish, making it perfect for those times when you need a speedy meal.

1. Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts. Start by removing any wilted outer leaves from your Brussels sprouts. Then, using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, thinly shave them. This step is crucial for achieving the tender-crisp texture that makes a Shaved raw Brussels salad with pear so delightful. You want them looking like fine shreds.
2. Step 2: Slice the Pears. Core your ripe pears and then slice them thinly. I like to cut mine into half-moon shapes, but wedges work beautifully too. Make sure they’re not too thick, so they blend well with the shaved sprouts.
3. Step 3: Prep the Cheese. Take your Manchego cheese and either shave it using a vegetable peeler or grate it. The goal is to have small, delicate pieces that distribute evenly throughout the salad.
4. Step 4: Toast the Nuts (Optional). If you’re adding walnuts or pecans, now’s the time to toast them! Place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and slightly darkened. This really enhances their nutty flavor. Let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.
5. Step 5: Mix the Salad Base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly shaved Brussels sprouts, sliced pears, the toasted nuts (if using), and the freshly chopped parsley. This forms the vibrant foundation of your salad.
6. Step 6: Whisk Up the Dressing. In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together the olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing is what ties all the flavors together in this Simple shaved Brussels pear salad.
7. Step 7: Toss Gently. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring all the shaved Brussels sprouts and pear slices are lightly coated in the dressing.
8. Step 8: Fold in the Cheese. Add the shaved or grated Manchego cheese to the bowl. Gently fold it in, being careful not to overmix, so the cheese stays in lovely little pockets. This is the final touch for your Quick shaved Brussels pear salad.
9. Step 9: Serve Immediately. For the best texture and flavor, serve your Shaved Brussels Pear Salad right away. The fresh crunch of the sprouts and pears is unparalleled when it’s just been tossed!

Pro Tips for the Best Shaved Brussels Pear Salad

Elevate your salad game with these simple tricks that guarantee a delicious and impressive dish every time. These tips focus on maximizing flavor and texture for the ultimate experience.

• Use a Mandoline for Uniform Shaving: For perfectly consistent, paper-thin Brussels sprouts, a mandoline slicer is your best friend. This ensures they all have a similar texture and absorb the dressing beautifully.
• Don’t Skip Toasting the Nuts: Toasted nuts add an incredible depth of flavor and crunch that raw nuts just can’t match. It takes only a few minutes and makes a huge difference in the final salad.
• Ripe but Firm Pears are Key: Choose pears that are sweet and fragrant but still have a bit of firmness. Overripe, mushy pears will break down too easily and make the salad soggy.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To keep your Brussels sprouts crisp, toss the salad with the vinaigrette right before you plan to serve it. This preserves that delightful crunch.

What’s the secret to perfect Shaved Brussels Pear Salad?

The real magic lies in why shave Brussels sprouts for salad: it completely transforms their texture from tough to tender-crisp. This allows them to absorb the bright vinaigrette and meld perfectly with the sweet pear and salty cheese.

Can I make Shaved Brussels Pear Salad ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead! Shave the sprouts, slice the pears (toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning), chop nuts, and make the dressing. Store them separately in the fridge and toss everything together just before serving to maintain maximum freshness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Shaved Brussels Pear Salad?

Avoid using tough, old sprouts; opt for fresh, vibrant ones. Don’t over-dress the salad, as it can make the sprouts soggy. Finally, ensure your pears are ripe but firm to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Best Ways to Serve Shaved Brussels Pear Salad

This vibrant salad is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. It’s perfect as a light lunch on its own, or you can make it a star side dish for your next meal. Some of my favorite Brussels pear salad ideas include serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete, healthy dinner. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to roasted pork tenderloin or a hearty lentil soup during the cooler months. For a truly impressive spread, consider adding it to a holiday buffet or a potluck – it’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Nutrition Facts for Shaved Brussels Pear Salad

This salad is not only delicious but also a healthy choice. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving. Remember, the exact values for this Shaved Brussels Pear Salad can vary slightly:

• Calories: 250-300 (This range accounts for the nuts and cheese)
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturated Fat: 5-7g
• Protein: 8-10g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Fiber: 5-7g
• Sugar: 10-15g
• Sodium: 150-200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your Shaved Brussels Pear Salad.

How to Store and Reheat Shaved Brussels Pear Salad

Properly storing your delicious Shaved Brussels Pear Salad ensures you can enjoy its fresh flavors for days. After preparing, let the salad cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the dressed salad into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, freezing is not recommended as the texture of the raw sprouts and pears can become mushy upon thawing. For the best experience with this Shaved Brussels Pear Salad, plan to consume it within a couple of days.

If you’ve made a larger batch of components before tossing, store the shaved Brussels sprouts, sliced pears (tossed with a little lemon juice), and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you can assemble a fresh serving of this delightful Brussels sprout salad with fruit whenever the craving strikes, ensuring maximum crunch and flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions About Shaved Brussels Pear Salad

How do I make a shaved Brussels pear salad that tastes amazing?

The key to an amazing Shaved Brussels Pear Salad is using fresh, high-quality ingredients and preparing them correctly. Shaving the Brussels sprouts thinly is crucial for a tender texture. Pairing them with sweet, ripe pears and a tangy lemon vinaigrette creates a balanced flavor profile that is truly delightful. Don’t forget a good quality cheese and perhaps some toasted nuts for added texture!

What are the best Brussels pear salad ideas for serving?

This Shaved Brussels Pear Salad is incredibly versatile! It makes a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken, pork, or even grilled salmon. For a lighter meal, you can add grilled halloumi cheese or some chickpeas to make it a more substantial vegetarian option. It’s also a wonderful addition to a holiday spread or a backyard barbecue.

Can I use different types of pears in this Shaved Brussels Pear Salad?

Absolutely! While Bosc or Anjou pears are excellent choices because they hold their shape well, you can experiment with other varieties like Bartlett or even Comice if they are firm. The goal is to find a pear that is sweet but not overly soft, ensuring it complements the crispness of the Brussels sprouts in your Best shaved Brussels pear salad.

How do you make shaved Brussels sprouts for salad?

To make shaved Brussels sprouts for salad, simply remove any loose or wilted outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts. Then, use a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer to thinly cut the sprouts crosswise into ribbons. This process, essential for a great Shaved Brussels Pear Salad, breaks down the tough texture and makes them perfect for eating raw.

Variations of Shaved Brussels Pear Salad You Can Try

Looking to switch things up? This versatile salad is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious additions. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next creation:

• Vegan Shaved Brussels Pear Salad: For a completely plant-based option, simply omit the Manchego cheese. You can add a touch of sweetness to the dressing with a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar. Consider adding some roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.
• Shaved Brussels Pear and Nut Salad Plus: While walnuts and pecans are delightful, don’t hesitate to experiment with other nuts or seeds! Toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or even sunflower seeds add wonderful texture. You could also add dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and tartness.
• Warm Brussels Sprout Variation: For a heartier, autumn-inspired dish, lightly sauté the shaved Brussels sprouts in a pan with a little olive oil for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender-crisp. Then, toss with the pears, dressing, and cheese as usual.
• Citrus Kick: Amp up the dressing by adding a tablespoon of orange juice or a bit of orange zest along with the lemon juice. This adds a lovely sweet and tangy dimension that pairs beautifully with the pear.

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