Growing up in a tight-knit Italian family, Sunday dinners were always a big deal. Everyone would gather around the table, sharing stories, laughter, and of course, mouth-watering homemade dishes. One of my favorite memories is when my Nonna would serve her famous Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad. The way the crisp, shredded brussels sprouts mingled with the tangy lemon dressing and salty parmesan always had me going back for seconds (and thirds!).
To this day, the smell of that Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad takes me right back to those cozy family gatherings. It’s the perfect blend of flavors – a little bit sweet, a little bit savory, and a whole lot of comfort. That’s why this recipe has become a staple in my own kitchen. Whenever I need a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious side dish, I know I can count on my Nonna’s Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad to hit the spot.
Why This Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
What makes this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad so special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The shredded brussels sprouts provide a satisfying crunch, while the lemon dressing and parmesan cheese add a bright, tangy punch. But the real secret is in the way the ingredients are prepared. By chopping the brussels sprouts into fine, uniform pieces, you create a salad that’s easy to eat and packed with flavor in every bite. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to boring whole brussels sprouts again.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Brussels Sprouts: The star of the show! Look for fresh, bright green brussels sprouts that are firm and free of blemishes.
– Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the perfect acidic counterpoint to the earthy brussels sprouts.
– Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps emulsify the dressing and brings richness to the salad.
– Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty parmesan cheese adds a savory element and pairs beautifully with the brussels sprouts.
– Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dressing with aromatic flavor.
– Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance all the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad Instructions
Preparing Your Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
This Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick and easy side dish. All you need is a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a large mixing bowl. Let’s get started!
1- Start by thoroughly washing and drying the brussels sprouts. Trim off the tough ends, then thinly slice the sprouts crosswise to create fine, shredded pieces.
2- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
3- Add the shredded brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemon dressing over top and toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated.
4- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the salad and give it one final gentle toss to incorporate.
5- Taste and adjust any seasonings as needed. You want the flavors to be bright, tangy, and perfectly balanced.
6- Transfer the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately while the sprouts are still crisp.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to making the best Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is to chop the brussels sprouts into very fine, uniform pieces. This creates the perfect texture and ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Another pro tip is to use the freshest, highest quality ingredients you can find. Opt for bright, vibrant sprouts and a good extra virgin olive oil for the dressing.
One common mistake to avoid is over-dressing the salad. Start with just a few tablespoons of the lemon dressing and add more to taste. You want the sprouts to be lightly coated, not drowning in liquid. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with mix-ins like toasted nuts, dried cranberries, or sautéed pancetta. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Storing Your Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
Perfect Pairings for Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
This Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad makes a fantastic side dish for all kinds of meals. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted pork tenderloin, or pan-seared salmon. For a vegetarian-friendly meal, serve it alongside crusty bread and a big glass of crisp white wine. And don’t forget, it’s also delicious on its own as a light and refreshing lunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The dressing may cause the sprouts to soften a bit over time, but the salad will still be delicious. For best results, store the dressed salad in an airtight container.
You can also make this salad in advance and assemble it just before serving. Prepare the dressing and chop the brussels sprouts up to 2 days ahead, then toss everything together right before your meal. This makes it a super convenient and time-saving side dish for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
Creative Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad Variations
While the classic Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is hard to beat, there are lots of ways to put your own spin on this versatile dish. Try adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for extra crunch. Dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds can lend a pop of sweetness. You could also experiment with different cheese varieties like crumbled feta or shaved pecorino.
For a heartier main dish, toss in some diced, cooked chicken or chickpeas. And in the fall, shredded apple or roasted squash make delicious seasonal additions. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad.
Making Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad Diet-Friendly
Fortunately, this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is already a pretty healthy and diet-friendly dish. The brussels sprouts provide a wealth of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And the simple lemon dressing is low in calories and fat.
To make this salad gluten-free, just be sure to use a parmesan cheese that’s certified gluten-free. For a vegan version, omit the parmesan and substitute nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based cheese. And for a low-carb adaptation, you can serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or cauliflower rice instead of on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-shredded brussels sprouts to save time?
A: Absolutely! Pre-shredded brussels sprouts are a great time-saving shortcut. Just be sure to give them a quick toss in the dressing to coat them evenly.
Q: How long does it take to chop the brussels sprouts?
A: It usually takes me about 5-7 minutes to finely chop a 1-pound bag of brussels sprouts. Use a sharp knife and work in batches for the best results.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad is perfect for making in advance. Prepare the dressing and chop the sprouts up to 2 days ahead, then toss everything together right before serving.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes enough Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad to serve 4-6 people as a side dish. Feel free to scale it up or down depending on your needs.
Q: Why are my brussels sprouts turning brown?
A: If your chopped brussels sprouts are starting to turn brown, it’s likely because they’ve been exposed to air for too long. Be sure to dress the salad right before serving to keep the sprouts bright green and crisp.
Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Total Time: 10
- Yield: 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our authentic Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad, a healthy and irresistible meal that’s packed with fresh veggies, tangy dressing, and a burst of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
– 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. – In a large bowl, combine the sliced brussels sprouts, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
2. – In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
3. – Pour the dressing over the brussels sprouts mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. – Serve the Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Notes
For a heartier meal, you can add grilled chicken or chickpeas. To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad. It transports me right back to those lively Sunday dinners with my big, boisterous family. And I know it’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen too.
The combination of crisp, shredded brussels sprouts, tangy lemon dressing, and salty parmesan is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and packed with nutrients – what’s not to love? So go ahead and give this Italian Chopped Brussels Sprouts Salad a try. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy it!