Raw Brussels sprouts are underused in salads, and not because they’re difficult but because people forget to shave them thin. Do that right and you get something with good crunch and mild bitterness that holds up to a bold dressing without wilting. This honey-ginger vinaigrette is aggressive: rice vinegar, Sriracha, sesame oil, fresh ginger. It’s not subtle. The avocado is there to soften the whole thing, coating the sprouts and cabbage as it gets tossed. Dried cranberries add a little sweetness that keeps the bitterness in check. This is a salad that improves if it sits for ten minutes before serving, not the kind you need to rush to the table.
How to Make Avocado and Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Honey-Ginger Vinaigrette
Shave the Brussels sprouts thin
A mandoline is fastest, but a sharp knife works. Remove the outer leaves and trim the base before slicing. Thicker cuts stay chewy and take too long to absorb the dressing. Aim for slices around an eighth of an inch.
Dress the avocado first
Half the vinaigrette goes on the diced avocado before anything else gets added. This keeps the avocado from browning and distributes its creaminess throughout the salad as you toss. Use ripe but firm avocado, not overripe, or it turns to mush. 
Let it rest
Ten minutes at room temperature before serving softens the sprouts slightly and lets the ginger in the dressing bloom. Sesame seeds go on last. Add them just before you bring it to the table so they stay crisp.
Avocado and Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Honey-Ginger Vinaigrette
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Asian-inspired salad with creamy avocado, crunchy Brussels sprouts, and a vibrant honey-ginger dressing. A delightful mix of textures and flavors!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cups (118 ml) rice vinegar
- 1/4 cups (59 ml) canola oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- ? cups honey
- 1 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
- 1 tsp Sriracha, a chili sauce available in the Asian section of most larger grocery stores
- 3 cups (710 ml) shaved Brussels sprouts
- 2 cups (473 ml) shredded cabbage
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced on a diagonal
- 1/2 cups (118 ml) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 3 ripe, Fresh California Avocados, seeded, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cups (237 ml) fresh cilantro leaves, optional
- 2 Tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients for vinaigrette in a small glass jar, cover tightly, and shake well.
- Place half of the vinaigrette in a large bowl.
- Add diced avocado to the bowl and gently stir to coat.
- Add the remaining ingredients (except sesame seeds) to the bowl with the avocados and toss gently.
- Drizzle with a bit more dressing and toss again.
- Divide the salad among serving plates and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with extra vinaigrette on the side.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, let the dressing sit for at least 15 minutes after mixing to allow the flavors to meld.
- To prevent browning, add the avocado to the salad just before serving.
- If shaved Brussels sprouts are unavailable, thinly slice them using a mandoline or sharp knife.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 10
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I shave Brussels sprouts for this salad?
Trim the stem end, cut each sprout in half, and use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice them as thin as possible. A food processor with a slicing disc also works well for larger batches.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and dressing a day ahead. Add the avocado, cranberries, and sesame seeds just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent the avocado from browning.
What can I use instead of Sriracha in the vinaigrette?
Sambal oelek, gochujang thinned with a bit of rice vinegar, or a pinch of red pepper flakes all work. Adjust the amount to your heat preference.
