The first time I made a Warm Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad, the air outside hinted at winter—the kind of crisp chill that makes you crave something earthy and comforting. A pot of lentils simmered gently on the stove while a skillet crackled with a drizzle of olive oil, filling the kitchen with the nutty aroma of caramelizing Brussels sprouts. I remember watching the steam rise and curl in the air while family gathered around, lured by the scent of roasting vegetables and maple vinaigrette.
Moments like these are why I love seasonal cooking. There’s something deeply peaceful about transforming humble ingredients like shaved Brussels sprouts and lentils into something beautiful and sustaining. That first spoonful—warm, tender, with a hint of tart cranberry—was pure comfort. It became one of those dishes that feel like a tradition, a symbol of what makes Vegan Brussels Sprout Recipes so satisfying: simple food made with care.
From then on, this salad became my go-to for cozy dinners and weekend gatherings. The combination of hearty lentils, sweet dried fruit, and crunchy apples gave it balance and life. Whether enjoyed as a Lentil Brussels Sprout Salad in early autumn or served beside roasted squash at a holiday table, it always brings that same feeling—homey, warm, and nourishing.
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Warm Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lentils and Cranberries
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A warm, plant-based salad featuring shaved Brussels sprouts, tender lentils, dried cranberries, and a maple-Dijon vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Rinse lentils and simmer in 3 cups water over medium heat until tender but firm, about 18-20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Trim ends and outer leaves from Brussels sprouts and shave thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté shredded Brussels sprouts for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened, seasoning with salt.
4. In a small bowl whisk together remaining olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
5. Combine warm lentils and sautéed Brussels sprouts in a mixing bowl, pour over the vinaigrette, and toss to coat evenly.
6. Fold in dried cranberries and apple slices, tossing gently to distribute.
7. Serve immediately warm or let cool to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: saute
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: warm shaved brussels sprout salad, lentil brussels sprout salad, vegan brussels sprout recipes, shaved brussels sprouts, maple dijon vinaigrette, fall salad, plant based salad, cranberry lentil salad
Why This Lentil and Cranberry Salad Stands Out
So what makes this Lentil and Cranberry Salad so memorable? It’s the harmony of textures and flavors. The Shaved Brussels Sprouts soften just enough to hold the zest of a maple-Dijon dressing, while the lentils add a hearty, earthy backbone. Then come the bursts of sweetness from dried cranberries and crisp freshness from thinly sliced apples. Together, they create a dish that feels both rustic and refined—perfect for a weekday lunch or as part of a festive meal spread.
This Vegan Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad checks every box: nutritious, easy to make, and full of contrasting sensations—crunchy, chewy, tender, and tangy. It’s also endlessly adaptable, inviting your own seasonal twists. You might add toasted nuts for added crunch or switch up the fruit, but the basic idea never disappoints. Among Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipes, this one stands out not only for its rich combination of lentils and cranberries but also for its warmth—literally and figuratively.
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Served freshly warmed, it complements a comforting soup on a rainy evening; at room temperature, it shines as a refreshing yet hearty salad for picnics or potlucks. Its comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients make it a recipe you’ll want to revisit through every season—a little taste of autumn that lingers well into winter.
Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need for a Warm Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
The Ingredient List for Flavor and Texture
When it comes to building flavor and texture in this Warm Lentil and Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad, the focus is on fresh, wholesome ingredients that create balance in every bite. Earthy lentils offer substance, while lightly shaved Brussels sprouts bring a mellow, nutty crispness. The addition of sweet-tart cranberries and crisp apple slices rounds out the profile beautifully.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts | 1 lb (about 450 g) | Trimmed and thinly shaved |
| Cooked lentils | 1 ½ cups | Green or brown lentils hold shape best |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup | Unsweetened or lightly sweetened |
| Apple | 1 medium | Thinly sliced or julienned |
| Olive oil | 3 tablespoons | For sautéing and dressing |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon | Adds tang and depth |
| Maple syrup | 1 tablespoon | For a natural sweetness |
| Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | Balances flavors and brightens |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Adjust for seasoning |
Each ingredient plays a role in both taste and texture—the citrus punch from the lemon cuts through the hearty lentils, while the maple syrup ties everything together with warmth. Because the entire dish is plant-based, it aligns perfectly with vegan diets, making it a staple for anyone exploring nourishing, flavor-forward cooking.
This ingredient list isn’t rigid; that’s the beauty of this Warm Lentil and Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad. You can swap in roasted nuts for crunch, switch cranberries for pomegranate seeds, or even toss in a few fresh herbs to brighten the mix. The foundation remains the same: simple, real food that tastes like comfort in a bowl.
Tools That Make Preparation Easier
Creating the perfect Shaved Brussels Sprouts texture and cooking lentils just right is all about having the right tools handy. Luckily, you don’t need an advanced kitchen setup—just a few dependable basics that make the process smoother and more enjoyable:
- Mandoline slicer – For evenly shaving the Brussels sprouts into thin ribbons. A sharp knife works too, but the mandoline ensures consistent slices.
- Large skillet – Essential for gently warming the shaved Brussels sprouts and bringing out their nutty aroma.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – Ideal for tossing sprouts as they cook to prevent bruising.
- Mixing bowl – Where all components come together beautifully.
- Colander – For rinsing lentils or draining any excess liquid.
A little organization goes a long way. With fresh ingredients and a few trusty tools ready to go, you’re only a few steps away from a comforting bowl of Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad that feels both rustic and refined.
Step-by-Step Method to Make the Perfect Warm Lentil and Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Cooking and Combining the Base Ingredients
Making the perfect Warm Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lentils and Cranberries is all about layering simple techniques that bring out each ingredient’s best qualities. Every step matters, from cooking lentils to lightly warming the sprouts so they stay crisp and tender.
First, rinse lentils thoroughly, removing any debris. Place them in a saucepan with about three cups of water, and bring to a simmer for 18–20 minutes, until tender but firm. Drain and set aside.
Next, trim the Brussels sprouts, remove outer leaves, and shave them thinly using a mandoline or knife. Then heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil and sauté the sprouts for 4–5 minutes, stirring often. Season with salt to taste.
Finally, combine the cooked lentils and warmed sprouts in a large mixing bowl, allowing the residual heat to blend flavors before adding other ingredients. This forms the hearty base of your salad.
Dressing and Final Touches That Bring It Together
Whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a golden, tangy-sweet vinaigrette. Pour it over the warm lentil–sprout base and toss gently so every strand of Brussels sprout is coated. The slight heat from the vegetables helps the vinaigrette bloom in flavor.
Fold in dried cranberries and apple slices; their sweetness and crunch balance the earthiness of the lentils and the mild bitterness of the sprouts. Optional toasted nuts or seeds can add another level of texture.
Serve this Lentil Brussels Sprout Salad warm for comfort or at room temperature for a lighter feel. It pairs beautifully with hearty soups or rustic bread, standing proudly among the most appealing Vegan Brussels Sprout Recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Warm Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
- Can I use canned lentils? Yes. Rinse and drain them well, then warm briefly before tossing in. The texture may be softer but still delicious.
- How long does the salad stay fresh? Store in an airtight container for up to three days. Gently rewarm with a drizzle of olive oil or serve chilled.
- Can I substitute cranberries with pomegranate seeds? Absolutely; the juicy crunch of pomegranates works perfectly in this Lentil Brussels Sprout Salad.
- Is it served better warm or at room temperature? Both ways shine. Warm feels cozy; room temperature is ideal for gatherings or lunchboxes.
- What other vegetables can I shave and mix in? Try kale, purple cabbage, or carrots for color and variation in classic Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad Recipes.
Bringing It All Together – Why You’ll Crave This Salad Again
This dish celebrates the best of plant-based comfort food—a handful of ingredients turned into something beautifully nourishing. The first forkful of Warm Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Lentils and Cranberries offers warmth, texture, and balance all at once.
The tender lentils, crisp sprouts, and tangy-sweet vinaigrette create a comforting symphony of flavors that adapts easily to any season. Whether enjoyed as a dinner highlight or a meal-prep staple, it remains as vibrant and flavorful as the moment it’s mixed.
Embrace creativity: swap fruits, experiment with herbs, or complement it with grains or soup. Once you savor this Vegan Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad, you’ll understand why it stands out among Shaved Brussels Sprout Recipes—a wholesome bowl that feels perfectly like home, any time of year.
