Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Red Onion, Lemon and Pecorino
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Author Notes: A few weeks ago while having dinner at one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants, Stone Park Cafe, my husband and I shared one of those rare and wonderful dishes that grabs hold of your taste buds and doesn't let go. It was simplicity itself: delicately shaved raw Brussels sprouts with wisps of red onion, a light, lemony dressing spiked generously with whole grain mustard, and a generous hit of tangy Pecorino. I immediately declared that I would try and replicate it at home, and this was met with great enthusiasm by my husband. I'd serve this as a first course, with a nice, crisp white like Gruner Veltliner. - merrill
Serves 6
- 1/2 small red onion
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups Brussels sprouts (use larger sprouts if possible)
- 1/2 cup finely grated pecorino romano
- Soak the onion slices in a small bowl of cold water for 15 to 20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, mustard and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is emulsified. Set aside.
- Trim all of the Brussels sprouts, cutting off any bruised outer leaves and slicing off a good portion of the hard root end. Using a mandoline, shave the sprouts one at a time. When you're done, use your fingers to gently separate the leaves so that the shredded sprouts resemble a very fine slaw.
- Put the sprouts in a serving bowl and toss gently with the onions (which you've now drained) and the dressing. Fold in the pecorino, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve immediately, before it starts to wilt!
- This recipe is a Community Pick!
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3 months ago lisatozzi
Made this the other night. Terrific recipe. I added shaved almonds to the mix.
3 months ago Tiamia
This is a wonderful recipe; my husband loves it and he hates brussel sprouts. I add Craisins to it for extra flavor and texture.
4 months ago vaughan
thought it needed a bit of something... added some shopped walnuts.
delicious and will make again.
4 months ago Tbird
Making this for Valentine's dinner tonight. Serving with lamb chops (broiled) and a quinoa/brown rice combo. Shrimp cocktail for an app, and cupcakes for dessert (okay, the cupcakes are left over from a work function this afternoon, but it's till counts, right?)
And of course, our romantic dinner won't be complete without out two daughters, who usually love how I make Brussels sprouts. Hope they like these!
5 months ago Cindafuckingrella
Looks Yu-hum!
5 months ago walkie74
hmm, there are huge bags of mixed greens, including brussels sprouts, at Costco...I could toss the poppyseed dressing in the bag and make yours instead. Oh, this looks like a winner!
5 months ago tamater sammich
I'm sorry, but I have to tell the truth: we really didn't like this at all. Looks like we're in the minority. Oh well, everybody can't like everything all the time.
But Merrill, we do like a lot of your recipes, so thanks.
4 months ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Sorry to hear you didn't like it, but thanks for staying open-minded!
5 months ago fayehess
thank you Merrill! This looks so good; I can't wait to try the combination of brussel and romano. I only wish I had a good resource for pec. romano, as most are bitter and dusty from what I can find. (the stuff I have had in Italy is a whooooole other ball game.)
5 months ago bethgardh
can i substitute leek for the onion? much less bite and better flavor
5 months ago suzygregory
I was accidentally in "Features" and saw a different version of your recipe calling for 2 tsp mustard instead of 1 tsp as listed above. Which do you prefer?
5 months ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
I've tried it with both. I'd recommend starting with 1 teaspoon and tasting the dressing, then adding more mustard if you like.
5 months ago cd1600
Found bagged, shredded brussel spouts at Trader Joe's the other day! Can't wait to try this!
5 months ago Emily Louise
Hi Merrill,
They serve this (or very similar) at one of LA's hottest new Downtown restaurants, http://bacomercat.com/
Have been wanting to guestimate the recipe but you've just made it easier! Question - why do you soak the onion??
5 months ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
So happy this was useful! I soak the onion to get rid of some of the bite -- it's an optional step.
5 months ago Christa and Wes
This sounds wonderful! My husband has an allergy to raw onions, but can eat onions that are completely cooked. What could the raw red onions be replaced with?
5 months ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
You could skip them if you like. If he can eat raw garlic, you could whisk half a clove into the dressing.
4 months ago klinda
I've used radishes or fennel as a raw onion substitute with good results.
5 months ago Andge
I make this fairly often, and it's a crowd pleaser. I also use a mandoline. But also I bake some thin slices of prosciutto until they are crisp, then crumble them into the mix. Amazing.
5 months ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Love the idea of a bacon or prosciutto addition!
7 months ago CentralCoastContessa
Wonderful! I made this last night for dinner with my husband and daughter-home-from-college. I added a little sauteed bacon. We all loved it and agreed it belongs in regular rotation! Thanks!
7 months ago estelle
I tried this tonight and enjoyed it. I found the mandoline too difficult since the brussel sprouts are so small. I will try other suggestions that are posted next time. I did not care for the honey in the dressing. I will try to leave it out altogether or use a bit of sugar instead next time.
9 months ago jsk
Looks delicious! Would it work to shred the sprouts in a food processor?
9 months ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
You'll get a different, slightly uneven texture, but if slicing the sprouts by hand is going to keep you from making the recipe, by all means use a food processor!
9 months ago Jaynerly
I made this by shredding the sprouts in my food processor, it worked just fine and tasted great!
10 months ago QueenSashy
I loved it, loved it, loved it! Served with fresh baguette and crisp white, it felt like God's gift to humanity.
11 months ago Jed129
Made this last week to serve alongside the Pastitsio(http://www.food52.com/recipes...) -- a great light compliment to the heavy pasta. Brought it all to a friend's for dinner and everyone went back for seconds and thirds... Will be making again SOON!
6 months ago Patricia Landers Gee
I read Jed's comment and made this with the Pastitsio as well. Delicious! My husband thought the dressing was too acidic, but I did use a rather juicy lemon. My son and I loved it as we like a bit more of a vinegary dressing.
over 1 year ago sirisja
Made this last night to accompany some baked potatoes. It was delicious! Next time I think I might add some toasted hazelnuts to the mix, love the brussels sprout/hazelnut pairing. Thanks for a good recipe!
over 1 year ago Frank Ball
Very nice recipe. Found it easier to shave sprouts on mandoline if I didn't cut out the hard core, but rather used it as a handle to hold onto the sprout. Started shaving from the top, and had a nice, firm, easy-to-grip handle as I shaved the sprout all the way down
7 months ago estelle
This is a good idea. I did not like using the mandoline as I feared slicing my fingers and then it was too hard to use the finger guard to slice them. I will try your method next time or just use a knife or food processor
over 1 year ago maggiesara
Sounds fabulous, very much (with the addition of some toasted hazelnuts) like my favorite salad at Morandi, in Manhattan. However, I think this recipe, as written, is a perfect example of why it's time to switch to using weight rather than volume as a measure: "One cup" of whole sprouts is essentially a meaningless measurement; a cup of small, marble-sized sprouts will provide a lot more lunch than will a cup of large sprouts. One might as well call for a quart of lamb chops.
about 1 year ago judi hendricks
I so agree with addition of hazelnuts. Also with using weight rather than volume for measuring. It makes everything so much easier and faster...and speaking of faster, I use my politically incorrect food processor for shredding the sprouts.
5 months ago tamater sammich
I agree about the "quart of lamb chops" - did it ever make me laugh, as I'm going shoppint soon, and am now combing the comments section here, to see if any body has given a weight measurement...guess I have to keep reading...
over 1 year ago Kreardon
Very refreshing. Used Dijon and parm. No mandoline needed. Perfect accompaniment to a rich meal.
over 1 year ago daisybrain
At the big New Years Day party yesterday this salad was a big hit. I had lots of requests for the recipe and I am sharing readily. I finally got to it hours later and it was still fresh and crisp. The party was a mozzarella smack down so the raw Brussels sprouts were appreciated by all.
over 1 year ago PSW67
This was wonderful to take to my SIL for Christmas Eve! Prepped and kept the
components separate until serving time. Many compliments - I look like a rock star!
over 1 year ago thirschfeld
I think it is time to put this on the Christmas eve menu.
over 1 year ago deepthiw
Just tried it out with parmesan instead of pecorino (for expediency's sake since I didn't have any on hand) and it was perfect -- my favorite preparation of brussels sprouts by far! I might add a little lemon zest in next time to counterbalance the cheese.
I'm glad to have a way to highlight the sharp bite of brussels sprouts. It's the same quality I love about cabbage and makes me think a brussels sprout slaw might be very complimentary to a Vietnamese style meal. Thanks for a fabulous recipe!
over 1 year ago Heidrun
I made this - despite protests - as a salad for Thanksgiving. Didn't have a mandoline, but a sharp kitchen knife did the trick. My father insists he hates brussel sprouts, and nearly everyone else said they sounded terrible raw. Once they had it, though, everyone grabbed seconds. It couldn't have gone better, and now I feel like a bit of a magician for turning raw brussel sprouts into something everyone loves.
over 1 year ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Wow, a convert! The ultimate compliment.
over 1 year ago rroseperry
Made this for a T-Day side dish. It's lovely and light, but the key is to use a madoline. The sprouts shoul be as lacy as possible.
over 1 year ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Indeed!
over 1 year ago daisybrain
This sounds yummy. I adore Brussels sprouts. Just need to super careful slicing something so very small with my mandoline. I adore Brussels sprouts but I adore my fingers more.
over 1 year ago Alanna Kellogg
I write the "restaurant recipe request" column for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and a recipe very similar to this is the only one for which I've gotten three separate requests. To give the chef credit, it's Steve Komorek from Trattoria Marcella. He says it's one of a handful of dishes that would cause customer revolt if he were to ever take it off the menu!
over 1 year ago enbe
The mandoline got me on this one but I still enjoyed this recipe! It was a nice refreshing change of pace at our otherwise heavy Food52 potluck.
over 1 year ago My Pantry Shelf
We had this for dinner tonight and it was very good. My son loved it and I'm sure my daughter would have too (if only she would have taken the first bite). I think many people are turned off by brussels sprout dishes, because they are often overcooked and an take on an unpleasant texture and smell. These are light and crunchy and very much unlike your typical brussel sprout dish. I will make it again.
over 1 year ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
So glad you liked it!
over 1 year ago vassar82
Why does a recipe about make-ahead dishes end with "Serve immediately, before it starts to wilt"?
over 1 year ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Actually, that was an error in tagging. But Tarragon is right -- you could make the components ahead (keep the shredded sprouts in ice water to maintain their crispness) and combine at the last minute.
over 1 year ago ChefJune
I guess I'm liking the new format, because I didn''t see this recipe before. It's just screaming at me to play with it. We are big Brussels sprouts fans. And just maybe this will make me finally use the mandoline my sister gave me three years ago. ;>D
I'm thinking a hot bacon dressing might add dimension to the salad. What say you?
over 1 year ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
So glad to hear it! I think a hot bacon dressing would be divine! Suspect it would works wonders with the raw red onion.
over 1 year ago mboerner
Trouble with brussels sprouts for guests is that there is always someone at the table who have the gene that makes brussels sprouts taste bitter and acrid. Wouldn't serve to guests. Also, personally, think salad for a first course ruins the taste of what's to come. Should be a taste cleanser, not a taste killer.
almost 2 years ago galsmu
Love this recipe! Made this last night and it was a huge hit. I added some pine nuts to add a bit of sweetness and texture - and also because I love them.
almost 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
So glad you liked it!
almost 2 years ago Brussels Sprouts for Breakfast
Oh I can't wait to make this!
almost 2 years ago em-i-lis
Emily is a trusted source on General Cooking.
Many thanks, Merrill! I didn't know the blanching might have contributed to chewiness. Great tip!
almost 2 years ago RoundLake Cook
I made this recipe for the third time last night and it was so yummy, I ate practically the whole batch myself! Thanks!
about 2 years ago em-i-lis
Emily is a trusted source on General Cooking.
I blanched my b. sprouts as hubby does not love them anyway so I thought this would make them go down easier. :) The pecorino was great with them but overall, I didn't love this. The sprouts were chewy despite being fresh, and the dressing lacked a bit of interest. Something like candied pecans might be a nice addition. A nice recipe but not one I'd make again.
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Sorry this didn't suit your taste. Blanching the sprouts may have had something to do with them being chewy, not crisp. Interesting idea to add candied nuts.
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Just checked out the photo on your blog, and I think it might have made a difference if you had sliced the onion and sprouts a little more thinly (they really should be shaved) -- all the flavors would likely have been better distributed. Just a suggestion in case you do ever decide to try it again!
about 2 years ago MjrScoop
Big hit at dinner tonight, thanks!
about 2 years ago chrisb
Merrill, this looks fantastic! I will have to put it on my list when I actually get into the kitchen to cook dinner for hubby Mr. Ouichefnetwork, since we both love those tiny little cabbages.
about 2 years ago Mollyh
Just made this with blanched sprouts--wow, it's a keeper! My husband said it was "by far" one of the best salads he's ever had. Can't wait to do this one again!
about 2 years ago WishWorks
I made this wonderful salad for my wellness class last week. All were delighted and said it was tasty. They have been sharing it with many and the feedback has been great.
I do not care for cooked sprouts and often look for new ways to prepare healthy greens. This one is tops on my list....Thank you!
over 2 years ago Clover88
Had it for dinner last night and lunch again today. Delicious. Thanks!
over 2 years ago boulangere
Cynthia is a trusted source on Bread/Baking.
Bookmarked!
over 2 years ago Jvp2011
Nice recipe...for another idea on sprouts, check this out too
http://www8.food52.com...
over 2 years ago caitsyates
Great recipe! And you can prep it in advance, just wait to mix the shredded sprouts with the dressing until right before serving.
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Good suggestion.
over 2 years ago Amy Doyle
I think this would be a nice alternative to the heavy side dishes we usually serve for Thanksgiving. But this was my first time making it, here in March, wishing and hoping for spring. It gives brussels sprouts a nice spring-like twist. I love it.
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Glad you enjoyed it!
over 2 years ago Jaynerly
Wow I loved this! I had it without the pecorino. It was delicious! I just chopped the Brussels in my food processor as I have neither a mandoline or patience!
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
It's all about priorities... :)
over 2 years ago flavoristabarr
I made this and LOVED it! I actually added some sumac to my onions after they soaked and it added a nice touch.
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Great idea.
over 1 year ago Betsy Critchfield
what is sumac?
over 2 years ago courtneycarlson
I've made it three times, shredded ahead twice with no problem. Also, had some leftover and soaked in dressing overnight--still delicious, my husband thought even better.
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Interesting! And great to know, thanks.
over 2 years ago cheese1227
Merrill -- is there harm in shredding the sprouts in advance -- I need to make this for 14.
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Sorry, somehow I missed this question -- I would think you could shred them an hour or two in advance, although they'll wilt a little.
over 2 years ago courtneycarlson
This is ridiculously good. I thought we'd try and get our 6 & 4 year olds excited about brussels sprouts with this one, but husband and I polished off all of it before we even sat down to dinner. Can't wait to make it again.
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
So glad it was a success!
over 2 years ago PFossil
This was fantastic, although my mandoline wasn't up to the task -- it just couldn't grab the little bugger tightly enough. Fortunately I had two excellent sous chefs (my daughter and niece) who did a great job shredding the sprouts. I can't praise this dish enough. I wanted to make it again the next day, but reason prevailed.
about 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Thanks so much!
over 2 years ago cookingintheheights
Just made this last night as trial run for Thanksgiving ---delicious! Am thinking am thinking about adding toasted walnuts....
over 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
Great idea!
over 2 years ago stillred51@yahoo.com
Are the brussel sprouts cooked before they are shredded?
over 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
No, they're left raw. You could also blanch them briefly if you prefer.
over 2 years ago adamnsvetcooking
I made the recipe for dinner on Sunday, and it was a big hit at the dinner table. The recipe is going to be making an appearance on Thanksgiving dinner :)
over 2 years ago merrill
Merrill is a co-founder of Food52.
So glad you liked it. Happy Thanksgiving!