Tangy Brussel Sprout Salad

A sweet and tangy brussel sprout salad that’s full of citrus flavors It’s the perfect side dish or salad for Spring and Summer meals! It’s also a delicious heart-healthy recipe, too!

Poor brussel sprouts (fun fact, they’re supposed to be spelled brussels sprouts, but pronounced brussel – weird), they really get a bad rap. In fact, they’ve graced the list of “most hated vegetables.” I’ve had a love/hate relationship with brussel sprouts, but I’ve found that eating them raw, shaved, and in a salad, they’re actually quite tasty. The only way I can handle them cooked is by using my honey caramelized brussel sprout recipe. But this salad recipe is quickly becoming one of my new favorite sweet brussel sprout recipes!

Ingredients needed

• 24 oz. fresh brussel sprouts
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1 cup swiss cheese cubes
• 5-6 mandarin oranges – peeled and divided
• 1/4 cup raw, unsalted sunflower seeds
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil (or orange olive oil)
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 2 Tbsp. orange zest
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt

How to make the citrus viniagrette

The citrus vinaigrette dressing in this salad really helps balance the flavor of the brussel sprouts and combines well with the strong flavors of the red onion and swiss cheese. This citrus vinaigrette also complements the fresh mandarin oranges well, too. If you have access to an orange-infused olive oil, I would suggest using that in place of regular EVOO.

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil (or orange olive oil)
• 1/3 cup orange juice
• 2 Tbsp. orange zest
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt

How to make tangy brussel sprout salad

1. Using a sharp knife, cut the base off of each brussel sprout. Then, slice lengthwise from root to tip and continue slicing until they’re cut down into a “shaved” appearance. You could use a mandolin, however, due to the small size of the brussel sprouts I prefer to chop them this way and save my fingertips. Add shaved brussel sprouts to a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the chopped red onion, swiss cheese cubes, mandarin orange pieces, and sunflower seeds to the bowl and stir to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, and salt and whisk to combine.
4. Pour the dressing over the brussel sprout salad and toss to fully coat.
5. Let chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes, then toss and serve.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Are brussel sprouts good for you?

Yes! Brussel sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This recipe is part of my heart-healthy series. I worked with Joy Bauer and Woman’s Day Magazine for 8 months inside their Live Longer & Stronger Challenge where we learned all about creating a heart healthy lifestyle, including diet. Increasing your vegetable intake is important for your heart health.

Do brussel sprouts cause gas?

Brussel sprouts are in the family of vegetables that can cause excess gas in some individuals.

Do I need to wash brussel sprouts before shaving them?

Yes, I would lightly rinse them and then pat dry before slicing.

Recipe variations

• If preferred, you can purchase already shaved brussel sprouts.
• Use orange-infused olive oil in place of plain EVOO.
• Swap in goat cheese for swiss cheese.
• Add in raw nuts if there are no food allergy concerns.

What makes this recipe heart healthy?

• Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the preferred unsaturated cooking oils for heart health.
• Fats from seeds, like raw sunflower seeds, are healthy fats good for heart health. Choose raw, unsalted seeds to keep sodium levels low, which is also important for heart health.
• Vinegar-based dressings are preferable for heart health compared to creamy alternatives that are higher in saturated fats.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables!!

Recommended kitchen tools for this recipe

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Enjoy these other heart healthy recipes!

• Healthy Mahi Mahi Recipe – a delicious heart-healthy sheet pan dinner!
• Pan-Roasted Vegetables & Sausage with Maple Tahini – another heart-healthy easy sheet pan dinner!
• Chicken Apple Breakfast Sausage – easy make-at-home breakfast sausage with heart-healthy chicken
• Homemade Cinnamon and Raisin Granola – heart-healthy oats in this delciious homemade granola recipe