Brussels Salad with Spiced Maple Vinaigrette Recipe

If you’re curious about a salad that’s vibrant, flavorful, and packs a little unexpected punch, you’re going to want to try this Brussels Salad with Spiced Maple Vinaigrette Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that surprises people — the perfect marriage of crunchy, sweet, tangy, and spicy all in one bowl. I’ve made it countless times and every single time, my family goes crazy for it. Stick with me and I’ll share all the tips and tricks so you can nail it too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in balancing this salad’s taste and texture. When shopping, I recommend choosing fresh, firm Brussels sprouts and good-quality extra virgin olive oil to really let the flavors shine.

• Pine nuts: These add a lovely buttery crunch; toast them gently to bring out their aroma.
• Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm ones work best—avoid any yellowed or wilted leaves.
• Dried cherries or cranberries: These provide just the right chewy sweetness to offset the bitterness.
• Shaved parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the dressing beautifully.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Apple cider vinegar: Offers a bright acidity to balance the maple syrup’s sweetness.
• Maple syrup: The star sweetener with warmth and depth—real maple syrup makes a difference.
• Garlic: Finely minced or pressed, giving a subtle spicy bite without overpowering.
• Allspice: Brings warmth and complexity with just a hint of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg undertones.
• Freshly ground nutmeg: Adds a delicate, sweet-spicy aroma that’s just right in small amounts.
• Cardamom (pinch): Just enough to elevate the dressing with its floral and citrus notes.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a tiny kick of heat which I absolutely adore here.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use a fruity, high-quality oil to emulsify the vinaigrette and tie all the flavors together.

Variations

I love switching this salad up depending on the season or what I happen to have in the pantry. Feel free to personalize it to your taste or dietary needs — that’s part of the fun!

• Add Crunch: Sometimes I swap pine nuts with toasted walnuts or pecans for an earthier crunch.
• Change the Fruit: Dried apricots or raisins also work beautifully if you want a different sweet note.
• Make it Vegan: Just leave out the parmesan or swap it for a nutty vegan cheese alternative.
• Boost the Heat: If you like spice, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne to the dressing.

How to Make Brussels Salad with Spiced Maple Vinaigrette Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pine Nuts to Perfection

Start by heating your pine nuts in a dry, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Keep a close eye on them — you don’t want them to burn! Stir frequently and cook until they turn golden and release their wonderful aroma, about 6 to 8 minutes. This little step made a huge difference for me; once I started toasting them before adding, the salad had so much more flavor and crunch.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

While the nuts toast, trim the stems off your Brussels sprouts and slice them thinly or use a shredder for that perfect texture. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle with a few tablespoons of the spiced maple vinaigrette you’ll prepare next. Toss gently to coat and let them sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period softens the sprouts just enough without losing that satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Spiced Maple Vinaigrette

In a separate bowl, whisk the apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, garlic, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, a good pinch of salt and pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until everything emulsifies into a dreamy dressing. This vinaigrette is what really makes this Brussels Salad with Spiced Maple Vinaigrette Recipe stand out — sweet, slightly spicy, and so complex.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the toasted pine nuts, dried cherries (or cranberries), and shaved parmesan to the Brussels sprouts bowl. Sprinkle in kosher salt and fresh crack of pepper to taste, then toss it all together until every bite is coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes I add a little more vinaigrette or a pinch more salt depending on mood. That’s it — simple, fresh, and irresistible!

How to Serve Brussels Salad with Spiced Maple Vinaigrette Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top this salad with extra shaved parmesan and a few more toasted pine nuts before serving. Sometimes a handful of fresh chopped parsley adds a bright herbal note. I find these garnishes add that final touch of texture and freshness that really elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or grilled salmon for a wholesome meal. It’s fantastic alongside hearty grain bowls or even as a crunchy complement to creamy soups like butternut squash or mushroom.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this Brussels Salad with Spiced Maple Vinaigrette Recipe layered beautifully in clear glass jars for easy individual portions. The colorful layers of green sprouts, red dried fruit, and golden nuts make a stunning presentation that guests love. It also works well on a rustic wooden platter with whole wedges of fresh parmesan on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Because the Brussels sprouts have the dressing on them, they can soften a bit over time — which I actually enjoy for next-day lunch! Make sure to add extra parmesan or nuts fresh after storing for the best crunch.

Freezing

This recipe isn’t the best candidate for freezing since the fresh texture of Brussels sprouts and the vinaigrette can change after thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh or storing refrigerated for up to 2 days instead.

Reheating

No reheating needed — this salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want it less chilled, let it sit out for 10 minutes before serving, then toss again lightly to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Brussels Salad with Spiced Maple Vinaigrette Recipe manages to be both simple and sophisticated. The first time I made it, I wasn’t sure if my family would take to Brussels sprouts in a salad — but they asked for seconds and I was hooked! It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet easy enough to whip up any time. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch this salad become your new favorite go-to. You’ll thank me later!

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