Filled with creamy avocado, sweet bits of clementines and meaty pistachio kernels, this quick and easy Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe is dressed with a light and tangy Grapefruit Vinaigrette. This recipe was created for my client Pompeian but all opinions are my own.
We are swiftly approaching the official start to winter (and already firmly planted in cold-dom), so who wants to eat salad? Refreshing, cool salads harken more toward the balmy days of summer than the bone-chilling days of winter. And this time of year comfort food rules with its hearty stews and roasts …
But why can’t salads — the right salads — almost be perfect for winter?
They can be, for sure, especially if you’re talking about a fabulous citrus-y salad with raw Brussels sprouts, creamy avocados and meaty pistachios. That’s a salad perfect for winter — because those are the flavors that are in season right now.
With a subtle mix of flavors and textures, this salad uses shredded Brussels sprouts raw. They add a nice crunch to the bright flavors and textures. Brussels sprouts are my favorite vegetable, but it wasn’t until the last year (thanks to a crazy popular salad mix sold at Costco) that I realized they are fabulous served raw.
For the dressing for this Brussels sprouts salad, I used fresh grapefruit juice, garlic, salt and pepper with Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I love the flavor of this olive oil, and it pairs so well with the bright flavor of grapefruit (I used ruby red, but you could use a more tart variety, if you prefer) and zesty garlic. You might remember that I have been working with Pompeian this year developing recipes, but I can tell you that even if I wasn’t I would be buying this oil for dressings because it has such a nice olive-y flavor.
And something cool this holiday season? You can go to Facebook.com/Pompeian or Pompeian.com to create your own personalized bottle of Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil — all you have to go is use the tool there to generate and print a customized label to place on a 24 oz. bottle of Pompeian extra virgin olive oil. How fun, right?
Making this Brussels sprouts salad is so quick and simple. Here’s what you do: Mix the ingredients. Whisk together the dressing. Pour over the veggie mix. Toss well. Chill. That’s it. In just a few minutes, it’s all made and just waiting for you to dig in.
And, of course, you could dig in right away. But this is a salad that gets better when it has a few minutes to chill a bit. The flavors meld together into a pleasant, craveworthy thing. And if you want, serve it with something warm like grilled chicken or steak or sauteed shrimp. That makes it all the better.
Are you a Brussels sprouts fan?
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Grapefruit Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded Brussels sprouts (about 9 oz)
- 1 avocado , pitted, peeled and diced
- 2 clementines , peeled, segmented and halved
- 1/4 cup pistachio kernels (shells removed)
- 1/3 cup fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/4 cup Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the Brussels sprouts, avocado, clementines and pistachio kernels.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the grapefruit juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and pepper until it is fully combined. The dressing should look cloudy -- which means it's emulsified and ready to use.
- Pour the dressing over the Brussels sprouts mixture and toss to combine. Taste, and season with additional salt and pepper, as needed.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Disclosure: I was compensated for creating this post but all opinions are my own.
Sarah Walker Caron is a cookbook author, freelance writer and founder of Sarah’s Cucina Bella. Her latest cookbook is The Super Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook, published by Rockridge Press, which focuses on quick, easy, from-scratch cooking for busy people. A single mother to two kids in middle school, Sarah loves nightly family dinners, juicy tomatoes plucked fresh from the vine and lazy days on the beach. She also adores reading and traveling.
Kate
The addition of avocado is inspired.
Cookin Canuck
I want to eat this right now! Between the avocado and the grapefruit vinaigrette, I’m already smitten with this salad.
The Food Hunter
that dressing sounds amazing
Kate @ Diethood
That is incredibly pretty!! I make something similar and I wolf it down in mere seconds. 😀
stephanie @ Back for Seconds
Oh how I wish this was my lunch!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes
Pinning! I was just looking for a brussels sprouts salad earlier today!
Martha@A Family Feast
So many of my favorite foods are in this salad – and I especially love the grapefruit vinaigrette.
Susan
I’ll still have the salad even though it’s cold out. You have some great flavors going on here and love the brussels sprouts!
Ginny McMeans
The fresh grapefruit juice and extra virgin olive oil dressing sounds so fresh and delicious!
Brenda@Sugar-Free Mom
Love that you added pistachios, yummy!
Renee - Kudos Kitchen
What a delicious, fresh and healthy salad. I love the addition of pistachio nuts and avocado. Very tasty. Very good for you! Pinning 🙂
Coleen @ The Redhead Baker
I am NOT a Brussels sprouts person, but my fiance is — I bet he would love this salad!
Nutmeg Nanny
This is the perfect winter salad! Love the addition of grapefruit.
Lauren@HealthyDelicious
That grapefruit vinaigrette looks so bight and flavorful!
Heather / girlichef
I don’t think I would’ve thought to combine avocado and brussels sprouts – but now I won’t be able to stop thinking about it. I love everything in this salad, and the suggestion of topping with a little grilled chicken or shrimp has my belly rumbling!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
This is such an interesting combination of ingredients! Looks great. 🙂 Saving this recipe for my veggie-loving husband!
Bea
We love brussel sprouts in our house but have yet to try them raw instead of oven roasted. Your salad sounds like the perfect way to try them – really sounds and looks amazing. Thank you!
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
I am loving everything about this salad! And the vinaigrette!
Kim Beaulieu
This is so gorgeous, I can’t stop staring at it.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour)
We just discovered Brussels sprouts in our house. And I’ve been searching for ways to make them. this is definitely happening next week (OH! Or maybe tonight! along side my meatloaf!).
Angela {Mind Over Batter}
I love me some brussel sprouts! The textures will keep me eating till I reach the bottom of my bowl and the person next to me. Mmm.
becca
OMG this looks so good. I had to pin for later as I want to try this .
Debbie L.
This salad looks delicious. I love grapefruit and I have never had a grapefruit vinaigrette. I pinned your recipe because I will definitely be making this
Nikki @ NikSnacks
Wow-oh-wow! This is so super simple and easy! And pretty! Thanks for sharing.
Kirsten
I made this for dinner tonight. I didn’t have Clementine’s but I did have a pear. It was light and refreshing, delish!