Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw

5 from 33 votes

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This creamy Brussels sprouts slaw is crisp, fresh, and tossed with a tangy dressing that brings out the best in shaved sprouts. A perfect make-ahead side for holiday meals, potlucks, and simple weeknight dinners.

Brussels sprouts coleslaw in bowl topped with dried cherries.

If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy side dish that doesn’t ask too much of you, this creamy Brussels sprouts slaw is ready to jump in and save the day.

Shredded Brussels sprouts hold their shape and texture really well, which means this slaw stays crisp even when dressed ahead of time (a miracle when you are juggling multiple dishes!). The creamy tang of the dressing balances the sprouts’ earthiness, making this an easy, dependable side for holiday spreads, potlucks, or any dinner that needs something sprightly and green on the plate.

Here is how to shred Brussels sprouts (3 ways!)! Even though most of us think of Brussels sprouts for the holidays, this would make a fantastic dish for a picnic. It’s a very portable twist on a classic coleslaw. I find it’s great for the days after Thanksgiving when you still might have family to feed but much less energy to cook — try it with Leftover Turkey Hash or Turkey Reuben Sandwiches.

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

Brussels sprouts slaw in white bowl with white serving spoons.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this Brussels sprouts salad recipe may be in your kitchen already.

Shredded Brussel sprouts, cranberries, and other slaw ingredients.
  • Brussels sprouts – Sliced and then roughly chopped. You can also buy thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and then just give them a rough chop with a heavy knife on a cutting board.
  • Mayonnaise – One time, I was making this and was out of mayo (which almost never happens) and used sour cream instead. Differently creamy and yummy.
  • Olive oil – Makes a great base for the salad dressing.
  • Dijon mustard – Adds spiciness that cuts through the creamy dressing.
  • Lime juice – A little acidity is essential to make this salad bright and fresh.
  • Orange juice – Balances out the acidity with a touch of bright sweetness.
  • Honey – Another element of sweetness.
  • Red onion – If raw onion is too abrasive for you, try soaking the diced onion in cold water.
  • Salt and pepper – To taste.
  • Parmesan cheese – Add some extra Parmesan on top for a nice presentation.
  • Dried cranberries or cherries – These are optional, but I find a little bit of sweet dried fruit is always a pleasant surprise!
  • Pumpkin seeds – Also optional, but they add some needed crunch and a nutty flavor, which you don’t want to miss out on.

How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw

  1. Shred the Brussels sprouts: Shred the Brussels sprouts either with a sharp knife, a food processor, or a mandoline and place them into a large bowl.
Shredding Brussels sprouts with a knife and mandoline.
  1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, mustard, lime juice, orange juice, honey, red onion, salt, and pepper. It will combine into a beautifully thick and creamy dressing.
  2. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat. If making ahead, stop here and refrigerate until serving.
Woman tossing shredded Brussels sprouts with creamy dressing in bowl using spoons.
  1. Finish the salad: Add the Parmesan, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds and toss again. Transfer to a serving bowl.
Woman sprinkles pepitas onto brussels sprouts slaw with dried cherries.

FAQs

Can Brussels sprouts be eaten raw?

Yes, you can eat raw Brussels sprouts. They are delicious when raw, but they can also be a little dense and hard to eat unless sliced thinly. Brussels sprouts have a hard core, so when using them raw, try to shred them finely and make sure the core has been cut into small pieces. Enjoy your shredded Brussels sprouts in this slaw or in a salad with pecorino and apple.

Are Brussels sprouts healthier than lettuce?

Brussels sprouts are a great alternative to lettuce in salads. While sprouts have a few more calories, they also contain more vitamins and nutrients. According to Foodstruct.com, they contain significant amounts of vitamins C and B1 and fiber. While both vegetables are healthy in different ways, Brussels sprouts can make a more hearty and nutritious salad.

Make Ahead Brussels Sprouts Slaw

This is a great make-ahead salad recipe since the Brussels sprouts can stand up to the creamy dressing without wilting. You could make this Brussels sprouts coleslaw up to a day ahead of time, in fact. But wait to toss in the dried cherries or cranberries and the pumpkin seeds just before serving so they retain their chew and crunch, respectively.

What to Serve With Creamy Brussels Sprouts Slaw

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It
5 from 33 votes

Brussels Sprouts Slaw

This creamy Brussels sprouts slaw is crisp, fresh, and tossed with a tangy dressing that brings out the best in shaved sprouts. A perfect make-ahead side for holiday meals, potlucks, and simple weeknight dinners.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Save this recipe!
We’ll send it to your email, plus you’ll get new recipes every week!

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts (sliced and then roughly chopped; see Note)
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ cup small diced red onion
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • ½ cup finely grated Parmesan
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or cherries (optional)
  • ½ cup pumpkin seeds (optional)

Instructions 

  • Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl or container, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, mustard, lime juice, orange juice, honey, red onion, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour the dressing over the Brussels sprouts and toss to combine well. Add the Parmesan, dried cranberries and pumpkin seeds and toss again. Transfer to a serving bowl.

Notes

You can easily buy thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and then just give them a rough chop with a heavy knife on a cutting board. I have used the pre-sliced version, but in my more perfect world, I like to start with whole Brussels sprouts, run them into the chute of my food processor, and through the slicing blade. Then, I dump them onto a cutting board and give them a rough chop with a knife.
Other options include slicing whole Brussels sprouts with a knife or using a mandoline.

Nutrition

Calories: 254.89kcal, Carbohydrates: 21.11g, Protein: 7.79g, Fat: 17.15g, Saturated Fat: 3.71g, Cholesterol: 11.25mg, Sodium: 235.51mg, Potassium: 378.44mg, Fiber: 4.08g, Sugar: 12.53g, Vitamin A: 653.43IU, Vitamin C: 68.83mg, Calcium: 129.69mg, Iron: 1.7mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

More Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipes

About Katie Workman

Katie Workman is a cook, a writer, a mother of two, an activist in hunger issues, and an enthusiastic advocate for family meals, which is the inspiration behind her two beloved cookbooks, Dinner Solved! and The Mom 100 Cookbook.

You May Also Like:

5 from 33 votes (29 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




7 Comments

  1. Linda J Parker says:

    Can I thaw out a package of frozen Brussel sprouts and use them for the recipe?

    1. Katie Workman says:

      I don’t think that would work all that well, but in a pinch you could try it! I feel like it might be a little soggy.

  2. Andrea Kayam says:

    Easy & Delicious !
    I accidentally made it without the mayonnaise and I didn’t miss it at all.
    Will definitely make this recipe again.

  3. Chris Snedden says:

    I was.so happy to stumble across this recipe, Thank you Katie. I can never seem to use up a whole cabbage between my wife and I so this Brussels Sprouts Cole Slaw is perfect for us! It is so delicious! I substituted a teaspoon of allple cider.vinegar for tje orange juice, and am planning on serving it (minus the.rasims and pepitas) on a bed of quinoa and some crispy shrimps and scallops on top!

    1. Katie Workman says:

      yum!

  4. Thyra says:

    Love love love, my new favorite!

  5. Karen Robinson says:

    Fantastic recipe! Makes quite a bit, too. Would make a great potluck dish. Thanks for the recipe!