If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant salad that’s bursting with texture and flavor, you’ve got to try this Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples Recipe. It’s that perfect combination of crispy, tangy, and sweet — with a touch of crunch that makes every bite exciting. I love this salad because it’s easy to make ahead, works wonderfully as a side or even a light lunch, and somehow manages to feel both indulgent and healthy at the same time. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my insider tips and tricks to help you nail this recipe without a hitch!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The tangy apple cider vinegar dressing perfectly balances the sweetness of maple syrup and apples.
Crunch Factor: Thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and toasted walnuts deliver an irresistible crispy texture.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Letting the salad chill for 45 minutes intensifies the flavors, making it ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Versatility: This salad fits any occasion – from casual family dinners to holiday feasts.

The image shows a close-up view of a fresh salad with several layers. The base layer consists of thinly shredded bright green lettuce. Scattered on top are thin slices of pale green cucumber, adding a smooth texture. There are pieces of light brown walnuts sprinkled across, giving a rough, chunky look. Interspersed are small dark red dried cranberries providing contrasting color and texture. The final layer is a light dusting of white shredded cheese spread evenly over the top. The salad is on a white plate placed over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Brussels Sprouts apple salad, healthy Brussels Sprouts salad, easy Brussels Sprouts side dish, fruit and vegetable salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples Recipe truly comes from the harmony between fresh, crisp produce and a sweet-tart dressing. When you shop, aim for firm, fresh Brussels sprouts and tart apples like Granny Smith for the best crunch and flavor contrast.

Flat lay of thinly sliced bright green Brussels sprouts, a crisp green Granny Smith apple sliced into matchstick pieces, a small pile of thinly sliced green onion rounds, a handful of plump dried cranberries, chopped toasted walnuts with rich browns and golden hues, a small white ceramic bowl with pale amber apple cider vinegar, a small white ceramic bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with deep amber pure maple syrup, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine grated off-white Pecorino Romano cheese, two whole eggs with clean brown shells, coarse salt and black peppercorns neatly scattered, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a simple white ceramic plate, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Brussels Sprouts apple salad, healthy Brussels Sprouts salad, easy Brussels Sprouts side dish, fruit and vegetable salad

Apple cider vinegar: Adds tanginess and brightness, balancing the sweetness.
Pure maple syrup: Offers a natural sweetness and depth—don’t substitute with lighter syrups!
Extra virgin olive oil: Brings smooth richness and helps marry the dressing ingredients.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to elevate all flavors.
Brussels sprouts: Use fresh and firm ones, sliced very thin for that coveted crispiness.
Granny Smith apple: Tart and firm, perfect for crunch and preventing sogginess.
Green onion: Adds a gentle onion bite without overpowering.
Dried cranberries: A sweet-tart pop that complements the dressing beautifully.
Toasted walnuts: Provide warmth and earthy crunch—toast them lightly for best flavor.
Pecorino Romano cheese: Salty and nutty, it finishes the salad with an umami kick. (Note: you can substitute with Parmesan if needed.)

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this salad depending on what I have on hand or the season. The great thing about the Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples Recipe is that it’s flexible—you can easily swap or add ingredients to match your tastes or dietary needs.

Add protein: For a more substantial meal, I often toss in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or even some chickpeas.
Swap nuts: If walnuts aren’t your thing, pecans or sliced almonds work just as well and add a different crunch.
Switch up the cheese: Try feta or goat cheese instead of Pecorino Romano for a creamier tang.
Seasonal fruit: In warmer months, swapping apples for pears or even grapes gives a fresh twist.

How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by whisking together the apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl. This dressing sets the tone for the salad—it’s sweet, tangy, and light. I like to use a small whisk or a fork to get everything nicely emulsified. Set it aside while you prep the veggies.

Step 2: Thinly Slice the Brussels Sprouts

Here’s a trick I discovered: slicing Brussels sprouts ultra-thin is the secret to keeping that crisp texture and making the salad truly shine. I use a food processor with a slicer attachment for speed and safety, but a sharp knife works fine too—just take your time. Toss the thin slices into a large mixing bowl along with the sliced green onions and dried cranberries. This combo starts to build all those lovely flavors and textures.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Cut your Granny Smith apple into matchstick-sized pieces—that crisp bite is heavenly here. Before adding them to the salad, toss the apple sticks with a teaspoon or two of the dressing. This little step keeps the apples from browning and helps them blend with the salad’s flavors. Then add them right in with the Brussels sprouts mix.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Pour the rest of the dressing over the salad and stir everything well so all the ingredients get coated evenly. Refrigerate the salad for at least 45 minutes. Trust me, this makes a world of difference—the flavors meld, and the Brussels sprouts soften just enough without losing that crisp bite you want.

Step 5: Add The Finishing Touches

Right before serving, sprinkle the chopped toasted walnuts and grated Pecorino Romano over the top. The cheese adds a salty, nutty element, and the walnuts offer a warm crunch contrast. This final step makes the salad feel special, perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples Recipe

Use a sharp slicer: A thin, consistent slice of Brussels sprouts keeps the salad crispy and easy to eat—dull knives make it mushy.
Toss apples in dressing right away: This stops browning and integrates flavor for a more polished salad.
Toast your walnuts: It brings out nutty oils and crunch that elevate the texture and taste immensely.
Don’t skip resting time: Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes—it makes the flavors pop and softens the sprouts just perfectly.

How to Serve Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples Recipe

A large clear glass bowl filled with a fresh salad showing three layers: the bottom layer is shredded green Brussels sprouts, the middle layer is thinly sliced green apple slices placed evenly around, and the top layer is scattered walnut pieces, dark red dried cranberries, and small white grated cheese bits, all on a white marbled surface. Around the bowl are small white bowls containing walnuts, grated cheese, and dried cranberries, along with whole and sliced green apples and loose salad leaves scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Brussels Sprouts apple salad, healthy Brussels Sprouts salad, easy Brussels Sprouts side dish, fruit and vegetable salad

Garnishes

I usually finish off this salad with a few more toasted walnut halves and an extra little sprinkle of Pecorino Romano before serving—it adds a nice visual contrast and a flavor boost. Sometimes, if I have fresh herbs like parsley or thyme handy, I chop a little up to sprinkle on, giving the dish a fresh, herbal note that works beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a savory quiche. I’ve also served it alongside warm grain bowls or hearty soups—its brightness and texture bring balance and contrast to heavier main courses.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special guests, I love to serve this salad in individual glass jars or small bowls layered for a pretty presentation. It’s such a conversation starter! You can also pile it on rustic wooden boards alongside slices of crusty bread and cheese for a casual, shareable vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, though the salad is best eaten within 1-2 days. The Brussels sprouts soften a bit over time, but I actually enjoy that mellowed texture the next day. I add the walnuts fresh when serving leftovers so they don’t get soggy.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples Recipe because the raw sprouts and apples lose their crispness and get watery once thawed. Better to make it fresh or enjoy leftovers refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so I don’t typically reheat it. If you want warmth, try serving alongside a hot main dish instead—the contrast between hot and crisp cold is actually delightful!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples work best because of their tartness and firm texture, you can substitute other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady to keep that crunch and add a slightly different sweetness.
How do I slice Brussels sprouts safely and quickly?

I recommend using the slicing blade on a food processor—it’s the safest and fastest way. If you don’t have one, a very sharp chef’s knife works too; just make sure to slice thinly and carefully to avoid any accidents.
Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

Definitely! Preparing it a few hours ahead or even the night before enhances the flavor as the salad marinates in the dressing. Just wait to add the walnuts and cheese until right before serving to maintain their crunch and freshness.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as written this salad is vegetarian-friendly. If you want to make it vegan, just swap the Pecorino Romano cheese for a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely.
What can I substitute for Pecorino Romano cheese?

Parmesan cheese is a great substitute and easier to find. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast or crumbled tofu seasoned with a bit of salt and lemon juice.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Crispy Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels both fresh and comforting, with just the right balance of textures and flavors. I used to struggle to get my family excited about Brussels sprouts, but now this salad always disappears fast at the table. Give it a try — I think you’ll find it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a special occasion.