Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranates

Make This Stunning Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranates in 10 Minutes Flat!

As a longtime food writer and recipe developer, I’ve experimented with countless salad combinations. But nothing has wowed my tastebuds—or my dinner guests—quite like this shaved Brussels sprout salad with pomegranates. It’s crisp, colorful, fresh, and full of texture and flavor. And the best part? You can throw it together in just 10 minutes.

This isn't just another leafy green salad. It's a fall and autumn favorite, perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. Tossed in a warm lemon vinaigrette and topped with candied pecans, it’s sweet, savory, and refreshing all in one bite.

Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just veggie-curious, this salad checks all the boxes: flavor-packed, nutrient-dense, and absolutely gorgeous. And it might just become your go-to side for one pot dinners, too!

Let me walk you through exactly how to make it—from ingredients to prep tips, with a few of my favorite kitchen tools along the way.

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Why This Salad Is a Must-Make

I've been making this salad every fall since I first served it at a Friendsgiving years ago. It was gone before the turkey was even carved!

Here's why I keep coming back to it:

• 10-minute prep – Ideal for busy days and last-minute guests.
• Naturally vegan and vegetarian – No swaps needed.
• Full of fall flavors – Pomegranate, lemon, warm dressing, and candied pecans scream autumn.
• Perfect for meal prep – It actually gets better as it sits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into this bright and balanced dish. All ingredients are easy to find and pack big flavor and texture.

Salad

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, shaved (about 5 cups)
• ½ cup pomegranate arils (seeds)
• ½ cup candied pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion or shallot (optional)

Warm Lemon Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or agave for vegan option)
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

This combo gives you crunch, sweetness, tang, and depth—all in a single bowl. And yes, it’s completely vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free!

How to Make Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranates

1. Shave the Brussels Sprouts

You can do this a few ways:

• Use a mandolin for super-thin slices.
• Use a sharp knife and slice by hand.
• Or the easiest: Buy pre-shaved Brussels sprouts from the store (my go-to for busy weeks).

Place them in a large salad bowl.

Chef’s Tip: Shaving the sprouts makes them tender and gives them more surface area to soak up the warm dressing.

2. Make the Warm Lemon Dressing

In a small saucepan, gently warm the olive oil over low heat—don’t let it sizzle. Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon juice, zest, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.

The warmth from the oil brings out the lemon’s brightness and makes the flavors meld beautifully.

Pro Tip: You can also microwave the olive oil for 15–20 seconds if you’re in a rush.

3. Toss Everything Together

Pour the warm lemon dressing over the shaved Brussels sprouts. Add the pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, and onions if using.

Toss everything until well coated. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice, salt, or maple syrup if needed.

Let it sit for 5 minutes to soften the sprouts just slightly. Then serve and enjoy!

Personal Story: Why I Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this shaved Brussels sprout salad. I was searching for a light side dish to offset the heavy casseroles and mashed potatoes at our fall potluck. I had pomegranates on hand, and Brussels sprouts were in season. I figured—why not?

I tossed it together, took a bite, and instantly knew it was a winner. Since then, I’ve made it dozens of times, sometimes adding goat cheese or apples, sometimes keeping it as-is. It’s one of those vegetable recipes that just feels exciting and nourishing every single time.

3 Must-Have Amazon Products for This Recipe

While this salad is beautifully simple, having the right tools makes all the difference in cutting prep time and boosting presentation.

1. OXO Good Grips Handheld Mandoline Slicer

If you’re shaving your own Brussels sprouts, this mandoline slicer is a lifesaver. It gives you perfect thin slices in seconds, and it has adjustable settings for different cuts.

Check it out on Amazon

Get thin, even slices with ease! A must-have for veggie lovers.

2. Molimoli Premium Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle

This sleek glass bottle keeps your olive oil fresh and makes measuring a breeze. The controlled pour spout means no more greasy messes on your counter or fingers.

Grab it here on Amazon

Level up your salad game with this gorgeous kitchen essential.

3. Yupik Organic Raw Pecans (for DIY Candied Pecans)

Want to make your own candied pecans? These organic raw pecans are perfect. Roast them with a little maple syrup and cinnamon for a homemade touch that takes this salad to the next level.

Order your bag on Amazon

Fresh, buttery pecans = serious salad glow-up.

Customizations & Tips

There’s plenty of room to make this salad your own, depending on what’s in your pantry and your preferences:

Ingredient Swaps:

• No pecans? Use walnuts, slivered almonds, or sunflower seeds.
• Add cheese (if not vegan): Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds creamy contrast.
• Make it heartier: Add roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, or chickpeas.
• Switch the dressing: Balsamic vinaigrette or tahini lemon dressing are great too!

Why It’s Perfect for Fall & Thanksgiving

The seasonal ingredients in this salad make it ideal for cozy weather and festive meals. Brussels sprouts and pomegranates are peak fall produce, and the rich, nutty flavor of candied pecans ties it all together.

It pairs beautifully with:

• Roast turkey or chicken
• Stuffed squash
• Creamy one pot dinners
• Savory veggie casseroles

Whether you’re serving a full Thanksgiving feast or just want something refreshing next to a heavy pasta dish, this salad offers a bright, crunchy counterpoint.

Is It Really Vegan & Vegetarian?

Yes! This salad is naturally vegan and vegetarian, and it doesn’t feel like it’s “missing” anything. The richness of the olive oil, the crunch of the nuts, and the tart-sweet pomegranates give you a complete flavor experience.

Want to add protein? Throw in chickpeas or crispy tofu cubes.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can shred the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days in advance and store them in a sealed container.
• Dressing can be made and stored separately in the fridge.
• Once dressed, the salad keeps well for 2–3 days—it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been stuck in a salad rut or you just want to try something new for fall, give this shaved Brussels sprout salad with pomegranates a try. It’s:

• Easy
• Elegant
• Seasonal
• Delicious

The warm lemon dressing, crunchy candied pecans, and juicy pomegranate seeds transform humble veggies into something truly memorable. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just a curious cook—this one’s for you.